Thought of the day - a new perspective

As a first time visitor to Uganda and on the Ugandaid team as a newbe I wanted to share a few words. It is an absolute privilege to be sharing space with beautiful people both on the team and in the country. I am bold over by the love and appreciation that flows both ways and have enjoyed all the stories I am hearing about past and present students. The one that touched me to date is Yunusu’s story ( see previous blog posts………. ) It was an absolute pleasure to meet him and his wife in their shoe making shop. He is such a  smiley friendly warm person who openly invited us into his incredible shop. It reminded me of Timpsons in England but with a much more personal touch. His expertise was reflected in the variety of objects he created from leather. He should be so proud of the way in which he has used his skills to produce such amazing goods. I am hoping he will make me a pair of my own personal sandals for me to take home. It is incredibly inspiring to see someone overcome such difficult challengers and it is something that we can all learn from. When I return to England I will share his incredible story as a way of hopefully motivating others to strive in the face of their own adversity.

Day 3 - 10/2/2024

Today was another wonderful day of decorating at NVI. We worked really well as a team and managed to accomplish so much, although working with the paint rollers on the end of very long sticks (see pictures) meant we were all accidentally splodged and prodded!! It was so lovely getting to know everyone on the team better while we decorated. Due to it being a Saturday the students had the day off. The site was a little bit quieter than usual however we were lucky enough to enlist the help of James and Brian, two students studying to become electricians. Getting to work alongside them and chat with them was so wonderful. James is sponsored by Ugandaid and getting to hear his story and how grateful he was for our support was so inspiring. The head of the textiles department, Deo, also helped us and spent time with us over the snack breaks. The team had lunch at Java and I think it’s safe to say that between us all we ate enough ice cream to last us a very long time (or maybe until tomorrow). After lunch we continued with the decorating. One of the best things about NVI is no matter where you go and what you are doing you share so many magical moments with others. Lucy and Isabelle bumped into Edith, the nurse at the medical centre we decorated last year. Edith remembered them both and told them how grateful she was for all our hard work. Edith said two things that particularly stuck with the team; ‘you don’t know us but you are still so willing to help, its amazing’ and ‘I wish I could tell you in English how grateful I am but I don’t know how’ she then showed the girls how she thanks someone in her culture by shouting and dancing in the most joyful way. After cleaning the equipment at the water harvester’s (Isabelle funded these last year, you can read all about this in last years blog), we enjoyed one final snack break. James and Brian enjoyed the snacks with us. This was so wonderful as it’s not something they’d usually get the opportunity to do. Seeing their faces when they were invited to join us was something we will never forget.

Some of the team then decided to walk home from NVI. There were so many beautiful views and it was wonderful to see the monkeys running across the bridge over the Nile. After a quick shower to wash off all the paint the team then went for their evening meal at a local restaurant, enjoying great conversation and food.

'Just pray and get on with it' - A day 2 account

It was great to get to NVI today and to begin work. 

We were greeted by Edison (the school's Director) and some of the leadership team. Edison shared NVI's philosophy and their passion for empowering young people from the most challenging backgrounds to learn skills which will enable them to gain employment, bringing themselves and their families out of poverty. He also spoke about their commitment to educating the students to be effective members of society through devevoping characteristics which will enable them to relate well to others, be the best they can be as employees or employers and gave back to socitiety in anyway they can.

Edison and his team truly believe that through changing the lives of the young people they work with they can create a better future for them and their country. 

Work started in the textiles department and what was originally going to be a project in one large room has turned into two! It was all hands on deck to wash the walls of years of red dust, fill the many holes and begin to apply undercoat round the edges. Everyone worked tirelessly but there was lots of laughter too and the team used the time to get to know each other better. There were lots of spiders and at one point an experienced member of the team said to another, 'I'm not going under that sink there are lots of spiders', the response was ' oh just pray and get on with it!'..... more laughter ensued.

NVI are always incredibly hospitable and it was lovely to be given delicious food, prepared by the students in the fantastic food tech facilities renovated by team UgandAid 2023 and served in the Oasis Cafe, the hospitality training base renovated by the 2023 team too. 

A long but very satisfying day. We will all sleep well tonight ready for full a day of painting tomorrow!

Thought of the day - Returning to Uganda

“Following a long, tiring journey the team began day one of this year’s project. I was unprepared for the feelings this would evoke and felt at home straight away; it hardly seemed a whole year since we had been there! What I found really special was seeing the work again that we had completed the year before - the medical centre. It brought a tear to my eye. The staff had been so inspired by what we had done on the inside that they had painted the whole of the outside of the building which looked fantastic. We were able to have a peep inside and I was delighted to see that not only was the medical centre kept clean and tidy, the new equipment that we gifted to them was as shiny and clean as the day it was bought.”

Team visit February 7-20th 2024

On Wednesday 7th February, a team of 13 people leave Manchester for a visit to Jinja, Uganda.

We will be focused on Nile Vocational Institute , where UgandAid supports young people through sponsorship to learn life changing vocational skills. We will attempt to update daily on our activities, experiences and the stories of the people we meet.

Day 10 - Wednesday 8 March 2023 - Organised chaos and international sports

Today was the day the team got to meet the new first year UgandAid sponsored students.

With the mini buses full and one with the previously purchased metal trunks piled high on top, we arrived at NVI. We proceeded to the large hall where all the final, second and first year students were patiently waiting. Mr Kaninga and Christine from the UgandAid team made speeches to the students of how proud UgandAid are of them and how they are all part of the UgandAid family.

After the final and second year students were dismissed, there were 45 first year students and it was time for those on the trip who has chosen to personally sponsor a student to meet them. There was excitement and nerves but lots of smiles as each student and their sponsor was called and got to meet eachother.

After photos were taken and introductions were made it was time for the new students to receive their gifts from UgandAid - metal boxes with padlocks for those that didn’t have and a thermos flask, tea and a cup for those that did. Each student was called and their respective gift provided. Those with the trunks got to decorate them with stencils, paints and stickers, it was a really lovely sight with the team helping all of the students choose their paint colours and swapping letter stencils so each could have their name on their trunk. The students gifted the flasks were able to paint and decorate their flasks so each knew the owner! It was a great sight, with the whole team working together helping the new students.

In the afternoon was the football and netball matches. Chris, Kiran and Ashley from the UgandAid team joined the first year team playing against the second years and Danni joined the netball team as Centre position! The rest of the team helped continue with some of the catering room renovations and provided much encouragement and support from the sidelines! Some of the team spent time with their sponsored student, getting to know each other more, whilst cheering for the UgandAid team! After a very hot first half the UgandAid players were swapped out, but received a round of applause for their efforts! The football ended in a 1 all draw, whilst the netball match was very close!

A fantastic introduction to the new UgandAid students and everyone on the team said what a wonderful day it was spending time with them and getting to know their stories!

Day 8 - Monday 6 March 2023 - An active day off

Monday was a day for leisure and activities, and many of Team 2 decided to spend a bit of time on (and in!) the River Nile. We bundled into the minibus and made our way to the watersports area, suitably covered in factor 50 suncream and DEET. On arrival we were given life jackets and a lesson in kayaking, ie sit in a kayak and paddle. In groups of 2 we followed the tour guide and set off for a few leisurely hours paddling upstream, and then drifting back down again with the current. Our local guide provided refreshments and anecdotes along the way, and we had plenty of time to stop and watch various kingfishers, herons and other native birds hovering patiently above the water before suddenly diving headfirst into the water for a spot of lunch. Inspired, a number of us followed suit and threw ourselves headfirst into the Nile…via bungee rope! While absolutely exhilerating none managed to bounce back up fish in mouth. Those who didn’t take the plunge cheered on from the sidelines. The minibus back to the hotel was full of an adrenaline buzz, after a fabulous day enjoying the sights, sounds and splashes of the River Nile.

Day 7 Sunday 5 March 2023 NVI service and afternoon cocktail party

Sunday morning saw an early start for some of Team 2 as they headed to NVI for the morning service in the chapel at the new start time of 8am! The singing could be heard on the walk to the chapel and was a wonderful start to the day. The students sang with such gusto and enthusiasm, dancing away on stage and even some of the small children of the teachers joined in with a performance on the stage. It was interesting to see the “machine men” at work looking after the technology for the music - speakers, cables, keyboard etc and it was lovely to see the new guitar still in use. After the service we were treated to the now very familiar NVI catering which included cake, filling any tummies that missed breakfast.

15mins after our return to the hotel we swiftly headed for lunch out that included the most amazing ice creams and sundaes you could imagine, a welcome treat after a hot week. We have certainly learnt that Ugandan hospitality is something else!

A “cocktail party” had been arranged for the afternoon in the garden of Hotel Paradise which brought together many past UgandAid students of NVI and the UgandAid team over sodas and (more!) cake - baked by a previous catering student from NVI. Each of the alumni had their own stories to tell from where they had come from to their current life and business ventures. Three of the former students spoke to the group about their stories, their fond memories of their time at NVI, their appreciation and ongoing love of UgandAid and their future plans. Hearing the individuals speak so eloquently and passionately was a moment that won’t soon be forgotten and left us in no doubt that whatever they put their minds to they will achieve, not just in their businesses but in their plans to give back to their communities by providing opportunities inspired by their experiences of UgandAid and NVI.

This was a very special day enjoyed by all with many laughs shared between the alumni and the team, special thanks go to the organisers including Joseph from NVI and particularly former student Isaac for his work in contacting and organising other alumni and coordinating the speakers, including giving a very rousing and heartfelt speech of his own.

Kiran's Tale

When you are of a very young age and find out your father was born in another country like Uganda, you tend not to pay too much attention. In your head it is a way of life exactly like yours but just in a warmer climate. He gets the bus to school, hangs out with friends, visits local cafes and restaurants, an identical upbringing to you but just without the latest gadgets. You are blind to how different each corner of this place we call earth is. However as the years go on and you start to expand your knowledge of the world, you realise not everybody’s upbringings are the same. While I feel that I could say I had a very fortunate upbringing compared to my father in terms of accessibility and availability to technology and resources, he undoubtedly had a childhood that that you now could only dream of. To live in a country with such diverse landscapes from snow capped mountains to the giant that is Lake Victoria. Where we would cycle to the park and play on the monkey bars, my father would walk into the forests near Mbale and play with actual monkeys. Fruit was picked fresh from its source and vegetables were picked straight from the ground. A sense of freedom in wildlife some of us can only imagine.

In the early 1960’s my grandfather moved his family from Mbale in eastern Uganda to Jinja, right at the source of the Nile. This was in order to take charge of a cinema purchased by one of his relatives. Here, my father spent a large portion of his childhood, living in a flat adjacent to the cinema. I have heard stories of him and my aunt sneaking into the projector room to watch movies their father wouldn’t allow and eating the restaurant’s kebabs until they were too full to move.

However, in the early ‘70’s Uganda went through a torrid time under dictator Idi Amin and my grandfather emigrated with his family to the UK. 20 odd years later and sadly after the passing of my grandfather, I was born. So when the opportunity with UgandAid arose, I didn’t have much choice. I wanted, nay, needed, to walk the footsteps of my forefathers, little did I know this would be literal. After a few phone calls and emails I was all booked, I was going to have the chance to see where my father grew up.

Prior to the trip I had a discussion with my father about if there is anything he would like me to go and see and his eyes lit up; “The Odeon Cinema” he said, “You have to try and find it”. After a bit of research we found the location but would this building still be standing? After all it has been 50 years since my father was last in the country.

Fast forward to Saturday March 4th, a few of us were having lunch at a local spot called The Deli and Laurie informed me the location of the cinema was a short walk away. Well now was a better time than any, so myself, Chris and Laurie take the short walk down and much to my amazement there it is. In all its glory the cinema still stands. It is beaten, rundown and in fact now a church, but for me that didn’t matter. I was able to walk around a building my father spent years of his life in. Tread the exact path he took almost 60 years ago. Walk the aisles he used to run up and down chasing his siblings. Sit in the still existing seats Ugandans sat in to watch the latest Alfred Hitchcock or Clint Eastwood movie. For a second I felt like I had gone back in time.

At this moment I realised going on this trip was not about me, it was not even about my relationship with my father. I have fond memories of time spent with him and hopefully many more to come. This trip was about my Grandfather, the patriarch of our family who had to survive through torrid times, being forced to have his family flee their home and relocating to an unfamiliar country. Where he was challenged to rebuild a business and support a family off almost nothing. This was the closest I have ever felt to him. If you are someone who believes that your loved ones do look down on you when they pass, I would like to think my grandfather was looking down on me then. As I walked through that cinema I felt my life had come full circle.

Day 6 - Saturday 4th March - Jinja Market Experience!

After a very hot and sweaty morning at NVI, the floor was painted and the first room was complete. Florence, the leader of the catering department, was initially a bit apprehensive about having the floor painted in the main kitchen areas. However, after seeing how great the floor paint looked in the dining area, she was thrilled to bits with the difference it had made and decided to go ahead with it, much to our relief!

Danni and Ashley had the fantastic idea of using stencils to paint on numbers to identify the cooking areas and cupboards, which really made a difference in adding a personal touch.

After a busy morning the team then headed in to Jinja, and were able to experience the hustle and bustle of the town for the first time. We experienced the mayhem of the market, which seemed to sell everything you could ever need! Down one alley there are stacks upon stacks of Tupperware; and down the next alley, there are piles upon piled of clothes and shoes. We were even able to purchase some material, which we are hoping the Textile department at NVI will be able to transform in to some table cloths as a final touch in the catering department! Before heading back to the hotel, we visited the tranquil garden of The Deli where we enjoyed a nice cold milkshake.

Story of the day definitely belonged to Kiran; who along with Laurie and Chris went to explore the old Odeon Theatre in Jinja,…More on that to come!

Days 4 and 5 - Thursday 2nd and Friday 3rd March - Good progress made!

Having had limited sleep due to a huge storm overnight, there were a few bleary eyes over the next few days. Despite this, the team of twenty split themselves across the two rooms which were being refurbished, the dining room and the kitchen area, and did not hesitate to get stuck in with the various tasks, predominantly painting. Of course, this was not before refreshments were provided!

Climbing on tables and hanging precariously from window frames, the team succeeded in painting and refreshing every inch of the two rooms! Although it was hot and sweaty work, the team did it with smiles on their faces knowing what a difference it will make to the hundreds of students using these facilities over the years. The transition, even on day one, was astonishing - and we are all excited to see the final “after” shot at the end of next week.

Many students at NVI congratulated us on the work we had completed over the course of the two days, and a few Electrical Engineering students were even keen to offer their skills in helping rewire the light fittings!

In the evening, after a few hours of well earned rest, we visited The Yellow Chilli restaurant for a really lovely Indian meal. The atmosphere round the table was full of happiness, as the newly made friends discussed achievements of the past few days, as well as exchanging stories and sharing experiences from their lives back in the UK.

Day 3 Wednesday 1st March - Tour and Destruction

Storms came and went in the night with a bang and a flash.

Today was our first visit to the Nile Vocational Institute, a truly amazing place. Following a warm greeting from Joseph, Robert, Reverend Issac, Ruth and Ambrose and some food and drink (which we are promised will be a regular occurrence during our work here) we were given a tour of the site, visiting all of the departments and meeting both students and faculty staff. All the department staff gave small talks about their areas with all of them showing great passion for their chosen field and students, keen to point of out the inclusivity of both boys and girls within their courses with a girl top of the class in woodwork and boys represented in both hairdressing and textiles.

On visiting the mechanical department we were meet by a Japanese gentleman who is volunteering at the institute keen to point out his missing pick up engine, only for Antonio to burst into a full conversation in fluent Japanese much to everyone’s surprise.

The catering department fed us very well to fuel an afternoon of work ahead of us.

The afternoon saw us all change into our work clothes and embark on the start of the project to refurbish the catering department. Arriving to find almost everything still in place, after a brief um-ing and ah-ing, many hands made light work and the rooms were cleaned of furniture and most of the ovens, pots and pans in no time at all. What followed must have looked like a chaotic whirlwind to anyone watching as destruction reigned. The old tiles were ripped from the walls the old steel sheets and vinyl covering the worktops were stripped off and even a kitchen sink was removed. You can’t make an omelette without breaking a few eggs as they say!

Things not being removed were either covered, masking taped over or cleaned to within an inch of their life, we even manage to start some painting! After a manic few hours Steve spoilt the fun and dragged us all away back to the hotel for showers and more food. Not to mention the possibility of a well earned Nile (other drinks available of course)…

Day 2 Tuesday 28th Feb - Jewel on the Nile

After a much needed rest and a good breakfast, apparently much improved from previous visits, the journey to our base for the next two weeks began. It was a 4 hour journey experiencing almost every type of road Uganda has to offer; starting with the busy outskirts of Kampala, through the sugar cane and tea fields and onwards towards Jinja with no end of things to see, making it a difficult decision between catching up on our beauty sleep or watching the world go by. Four people straddling one Boda Boda bike as well as someone carrying metal sheeting, police road blocks made from tree trucks and wooden spikes and multiple sofas and beds for sale, proudly displayed at the very dusty side of the road, are just a few of the sights that greeted us on our interesting and enlightening journey to Jinja.

A warm welcome awaited us from our reception committee of Christine, Geoff, Julie and Phil on our arrival at Hotel Paradise on the Nile. We had made it!

The team dropped their bags in their new accommodation before being whisked away to a lovely bar overlooking the Nile, with one lucky pair who will remain anonymous (Antonio and Kiran!) getting the room that comes complete with air-con! Here we were entertained not only by the stunning scenery but also by some brave soul bungee jumping (we joined in with the celebratory applause), fishermen in the river below and a troop of monkeys jumping in the trees and coming to steal our leftover lunch. The day has been a success, such that Amber won the quote of the day with “If I had to go home now I’d be happy!” and with so much more to come too….

Team 2 Day 1 - 27 February 2023 - Safe Arrival

With only one diverted plane, one lost bag and very little sleep for most, Team 2 all arrived safely in Uganda. Steve met the “fresh” team members of Team 2 at Entebbe Airport and was a very welcome friendly face after such a long journey. After a short but sweaty minibus ride we arrived at our hotel in the small hours of Tuesday morning, all eager to climb straight into bed for a much needed first night’s sleep in Uganda!

Reflections (by Team 1)

As Team 1 return to the UK it is time to reflect on the experience of living for two weeks in country that challenges, in so many ways, our western understanding of the world. At first glance Uganda appears to be so poor in every context yet this was not our experience. If you look behind the obvious poverty you find a people who have a joy and zest for life that is largely unmatched in our country. Uganda is a lush, green, beautiful country (apart from the red dust which we will be washing out of our clothes and hair for weeks!) where the vast majority of people have so little, we have met with Street Children, patients with severe illness, schools, families and communities living at a level we only see in the media. It has been shocking and upsetting as this is day to day life for millions of people. However, whatever the circumstances, we have been met with genuine happiness, smiles, joy and love that would not be found in the same situations in the west. We have seen people with virtually nothing willing to share with those who have less, supporting their families and communities at their own expense. For the majority of the population, whatever they have, or extra they gain, is shared with others, there is no greed or desire to improve their own situation, just to ensure the wellbeing of those around them. This is real love in action. We have so much to learn.

Whether it was our first, second, fourth or twentieth visit to this beguiling African nation, each and every one of has been deeply impacted by the experience of living and working alongside the wonderful Ugandan people for the last couple of weeks. It is now time to process all we have learnt, heard and seen and evaluate what it means for us. How will our lives be changed? What might we do differently? How can we make a positive difference to the lives of others as a result? For many of us, Uganda is under our skin and we will return. After the experiences of the last 2 weeks, how could we not?

Some personal reflections from members of the team;

This has been the best experience I’ve ever had. I couldn’t have asked for a better team. I’ve made memories and friends that’ll last a lifetime. I’ve never felt so much love in one place.

15 life changing days that I will never forget. I have come back with new friendships and a completely different outlook on things. Realising how important that the things that we take for granted can literally change a person’s day in Uganda - watching their smiles and gratitude has been the absolute highlight of my trip…

We can’t change the world, but we can bring happiness to a person’s day… and that’s what it was all about.

It’s Life changing … for them, and us! My 8th trip but it could have been my first

I have had the most incredible and life changing 2 weeks. Each and every one of you has made such an impact on me for your love and kindness to each other and everyone we met. Uganda is firmly in my heart.

2 weeks of the most eye opening experiences, with the warmest welcomes, from the most thankful Ugandan people, in the hottest weather, with the best team! What more can you ask for?

Never experienced so many God moments; will be looking round for more. Thanks all those who showed me the way.

It’s all about relationships - building new and strengthening existing ones - and evidence of the power of love.

Precious memories made with amazing people in an amazing country, whose people can teach us a lesson in gratefulness, gratitude and generosity.

An amazing 2 weeks, my heart and head are full of images, faces and songs that I’ll hold on to forever. Thank you Team 1, you are kind generous people with big hearts and I’ll never forget you all.

Shoe Shine John!

Eddie met ‘Shoe Shine John’ on his first visit to Uganda in 2013. Every year since, Eddie always pops over to see John at his place of work on the streets of Jinja. Eddie is known for dishing out his lollipops to them and always catch up and put the world to rights with John and his family and friends.

Boda Boda

Boda Boda is the way to travel when in Jinja! The riders are dotted about the city and are always available to transport you to your destination. The cost is approx 80p per journey! A few of us ventured out on them after telling the riders to go “mpola” and we all thoroughly enjoyed our experience!

Fun in the Park

On Sunday afternoon we set off to a beautiful park local to NVI to set up a games afternoon expertly organised by Jayne, Hazel and Eddie. There were 6 activity stations supervised by 2 team members. We had: skipping rope races, balloon over and under, skittles, egg and spoon race, parachute games and an obstacle course. 

Everyone played very fairly and sensibly to begin with until Phil, with his cheating and general silliness, broke the ice. After that the students were totally relaxed as they enjoyed some cake, a drink and an ice cream. 

It was lovely to be able to mingle with all the UgandAid students and to watch them interact with each other. 

We all found it hard to say goodbye to friends new and old but will make every effort to keep in touch!

Rays of Hope Hospice Jinja by Gill

Today (Friday) Gill delivered a teaching session to the hospice team about assessing patients for depression. Following this she with other members of the team travelled to see patients in their villages.

One lady she saw was in pain from advanced cancer and complaining of vomiting. She was extremely emaciated. She lay on a grass mat inside her sparse brick home. She had no pillow and ants were crawling over her. Her husband looked on with much sadness in his eyes. After examining her the team provided appropriate medication for her in an attempt to control her vomiting and pain. They plan to visit again and hope to provide her with a foam mattress. This is just one of the many patients who benefit from the work the hospice does in supporting people living with a terminal disease. To find out more check out their website:

www.raysofhopehopsicejinja.org

Team One leading NVI Sunday Service

Today was the day for us to take the NVI Sunday morning service. We have been diligently attending choir practice patiently led by David every day at 6pm and were as ready as we would ever be!  Much to our delight, Isaac and Joshua (Julie and Geoff’s former sponsored student and Joshua of cake baking fame respectively) joined us to boost the male section of the choir. 

Sandra had prepared a short talk using her own personal experiences about the equal importance of every member of the church. Alvin’s address reinforced this message from 1st Corinthians 12 -26. He highlighted the different skills learnt at NVI as a student body similar to the body of Christ. The ethos of NVI like the church is about working together to serve Christ as the Head. It depends on Co-operation by all parts of the body and communication which was illustrated by a short skit to the amusement and delight of the congregation. 

A call was given for people to come forward for prayer and 6 came forward. 

At the end the student choir joined us on stage to sing the final song. 

The service went really well and the students were particularly delighted to hear us sing part of The Blessing song in Lugandan.