Questions Answered...

New well. Some staff and students

What a privilege it was to travel to the same primary school we visited one year ago. Last year, the needs all related to no water for over 800 students and staff. Yesterday, the headmaster said, "I hesitate to ask any questions as so many have been answered by getting this well." He described plenty of clean safe water, enough for 1200 students using about 10 buckets of 20 litres each day. He also said the community is helping to maintain the well, and they have hired a guard to keep the well safe." Our well drilling team was able to drill 150 feet, he said. They have performed one maintenance and repair so far.

Staff and students shared that the entire school day is changed. They described how students would sometimes leave their classes without permission and run someplace quite far to get water... but now they just go and get a drink. They also said, "We can clean our toilets and our classrooms and wash our hands."

With a heart brimming over with gratitude, I say congratulations to our team who completed a very deep well using small rig... as well as to the donors who made it possible, and to the school and community who keep it safe and carefully maintained. Once again, we see that when we work together, big challenges can be met and difficult questions can be answered... on we go.

Congratulations... as the headmaster and I agree on amazing changes happening due to the new well.

Mask and Reusable Pads

In headmasters office with district education officer and headmaster.

When I visited last fall, both the medical director at the hospital and the secondary school headmaster request this training. We were delighted to see excellent results. Mary worked hard to prepare. About twenty secondary school girls and two hospital representatives, plus two teachers spent the day with us. The students, were  attentive and worked tirelessly to complete assignments. At the end of the day, each had two kinds of reusable masks as well as two samples of pads to take home.

As they worked to complete the projects, much discussion occurred, such as how masks can be used for protection from illness, but also to help with dusty roads, or other environmental issues. Other discussion was the importance of keeping pads and masks clean to prevent the spread of illness. It was a privilege to watch as the students paid careful attention and followed Mary's directions for this new project. Also, it was a joy seeing them assist each other, and watching their delight as they finished the projects, and how excited they were for lunch. At the end of the day, there was just enough time for small craft of making bracelets. Each student agreed to making an additional bracelet to share, as well as teaching others how to make them.

This project was only made possible by much collaboration with previous and present ward administration, hospital administration and staff, along with Family Education Unlimited volunteers. A special thank you to Mary who prepared and taught the lessons, as well as two teachers who assisted. Thank you to all  to the students, who made the day such a success.

Mask demonstration

Disability Seminar Number Two

Our second seminar with disability team is at Buziko church community. About 80 people are waiting for us when we arrive, including community members and families affected by disability.

All four members of the disability team share their stories, their challenges and perseverance. One is a mom, with 7 children who says “An illness as a child left me with missing parts of my limbs, but I have a good brain and my eyes work and I hear well. So I planned what to do and how to care for my children when my husband left, and now I have a hair salon.”  The other three share their stories and they each reflect a very positive, hopeful attitude. The main focusing is on strengths and gifts, and encouraging parents to help their children grow up to be friends with those people with disabilities.

The afternoon is learning about Persons With Disabilities Act, 2010. At the end of the day, the message is on the power of community and on finding your gifts.  

Arrival to Geita and Disability Seminar One

Izumacheri Ward (Island). We arrive at the beach to board an ambulance boat for transport. There is no dock so everyone must be carried to the boat. Two motorcycles are all we have for transport on the island, driving up steep hills on rough roads. It is a short trip across Lake Victoria.  When we got there, we learned of a change of venue for the disability seminar.

The first Disability Awareness Seminar of this trip began with the disability team. We arrive to more than 70 people, including families affected by disability, government leaders, and church leaders.

Our message: that persons with disability are the same as others... same rights, same hopes, same dreams and strengths. The obstacles are the only differences, and communities can work together to address those issues.

Riding a motorcycle was the only means of transport on Izumacheri Ward.