As we issued our October Newsletter news was received that the purchase of 100 acres of land for the farm had failed. The present owner of the land was unable to produce valid title deeds for the land and upon the advice of our lawyers the decision was taken not to proceed. Obviously the need to halt the procurement process was disappointing but necessary. We continue to search for suitable land.
During October four members of staff (including the Head Teacher) and 16 pupils from Duncanrig Secondary School, East Kilbride visited Luwero for two weeks. This was the school’s 5th such visit in the past six years of S6 pupils and it has been good to partner with them.
Duncanrig Team in Ugandan dress
Work undertaken by the team whilst in Luwero included helping in the school and church, playing with the children, carrying out repair and maintenance work at the school, working on the farm and in the local community repairing and maintaining roads and cutting back bushes and hedges. Visits included trips to a safari park, the Equator and the British High Commission in Kampala. The picture is of the Duncanrig team in traditional Ugandan dress. The pupils and their parents arranged for a container of goods to be sent to Luwero. It arrived in mid-December at Luwero.
Work on the construction of the girl’s dormitory block for the secondary school continues. Work has reached 1st floor concrete slab level. Completion of the new school workshop block where pupils will be taught practical skills is due in time for the commencement of the new school year in February 2018.
Gabriel had a successful UK visit between the end of October and 22nd December. He was greatly encouraged by the number of people attending his report meetings and the level of interest shown by both existing and new supporters of the work. Many groups have expressed an interest in visiting Luwero. Any individuals or groups planning to do so should contact the office to ensure their proposed dates to visit are suitable.
The schools are currently closed for the long Christmas and New Year holidays. The new school year begins in February 2018.