12 volunteers from Scotland spent time in Luwero during the month of July. We all had a fantastic time joining in with a range of tasks such as teaching, painting and working with the children.
It was really great to see in person all of the amazing things that are happening and to just get alongside and join in with daily life there. Spending time with the staff and children and just getting to know them was the very best part of the trip!
Luke visits Mabel on behalf of her sponsor, Oxgang Primary School, Kirkintilloch.
Four of the twelve were from Kenmure Church in Bishopbriggs. Anne Strong writes a few words about their experiences…
Two groups of young people have visited Luwero from Kenmure Parish Church and I decided that an all age trip was in order so it was that at the end of June four of us set of to visit the project. When asked what we would do when we got there I would reply that we would just need to be ” ready for anything we had no clear idea.” I was right we all volunteered to help in the school and as well as helping with marking and making resources we found ourselves preparing and delivering lessons. I taught the first years in the secondary some microbiology which is my own speciality.
Each morning started with organising games for the nursery and lower primary children as they arrived. A particular favourite was “In and out the dusty bluebells ”
It wasn’t all work – we could only manage the morning due to the heat – afternoons were spent resting and preparing lessons. we also had time to spend with the children playing with them and speaking English.
We were well cared for in Gabriel and Deborah’s lovely home and, despite the basic cooking facilities, we were very well fed. Deborah had taken time off to care for us with her helper, Margaret, and a relative, Bush, who worked tirelessly to feed us.
We were able to attend a wedding and the opening of a Christian radio station attended by, no less, than the first lady! Gabriel also took us to the equator and the source of the Nile which by contrast showed us what a poor area Luwero is.
A highlight for me was to meet the young man whom we sponsor. Nathan, proved to be an exceptional teenager who loves to sing and leads the dance group in school and church. He has definite leadership qualities. Now I can pray for him more intelligently and hopefully my letters will be more relevant.
Also being immersed in the culture was both bewildering at times and fascinating Even a short visit has given me an insight into the work of the project which no amount of hearing could have done. I left with a great respect for Gabriel’s leadership and ministry.
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All dressed up for the grand opening of the 4th Primary block. What a fun day!
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Fiona cuts the ribbon to open the new block.