Week 7 – Cakes, Lakes and Mistakes

Washing and reading

The start of the week was quite slow and chilled: we did some planning, a lot of reading, and had Monday afternoon off to do washing which has really built up over the weekend so took even longer than usual (over 3 hours!).

On Tuesday we had a meeting with our project officer to discuss our suggestions for how the ICS programme can be improved (this mainly consisted of requests for volunteers to be given all the relevant information at the start – or even before – placement so that planning is easier and more efficient). My team then had a meeting with the chairperson for Hoima Youth with Disabilities Association (HYWDA) in which we made plans to form a group for youth with disabilities to provide them with training. I’m very excited for this project and look forward to the initial meeting next week.

Buseruka Debate

On Thursday we visited Buseruka secondary school again to lead a debate with the motion ‘This house believes poverty is the fault of the government rather than the individual’. Unfortunately the details of the debate had not been conveyed to the students so they were unprepared for the topic. However, I feel they made a good effort and one of the Ugandan volunteers, called Emmanuel, gave a talk with some information so I hope the students learnt a bit more about the subject.

The group of pupils then elected members for the different positions in a VSO club. The club is a brainchild of two Ugandan volunteers, Winnie and Josephine, and aims to provide pupils from various schools with the opportunity to engage in debates and inter-school activities, learn new skills, and contribute to the community.

VSO-20150723121513527

Our community action day

On Friday the team working with Take A Step women’s association and my team working with the disability association had organised a training session as a community action day. However, we encountered a lot of problems which made it rather a stressful morning: the tents and chairs didn’t arrive until very late, the plan for picking up the PA system had been changed but no-one notified us, and the main driver decided we only needed 2 cars instead of 3 which meant most groups were late and 2 out of the 8 groups invited didn’t come because they had been waiting so long. This is worrying as we fear those groups will no longer wish to work with VSO, but can only hope we will be able to repair and rebuild our relationships. (That’s what we thought at the time, but later discovered they had other reasons for not coming!)

Uganda pictures 350 — Torom in front of our welcome banner

On the bright side, in spite of these mistakes, the event was a great success and all the attendees told us they were delighted with the training. It was great to see all the groups getting involved (especially when members from two almost all-male groups sat together to weave a basket bag) and it was great to hear their positive feedback and plans to embark on liquid soap-making and agricultural enterprises.

I also enjoyed the inevitable dance party at the end (if you put Ugandans and music together the only possible outcome is awesome dancing), especially when the nearby school children flocked to the field to join in.

Untitled — Apologies for the blurriness, it’s a screenshot from an adorable video I can’t get to post!

On top of that, I found some of the methods of transporting goods unconventional and down-right hilarious and the smiles they provoked made the stresses more bearable. All-in-all I’m pleased with how the event went and it seems the groups in attendance are keen for more training and events.

Uganda pictures 505 — How to carry a table on a boda boda!

Lake Albert

On Saturday we had a day off and decided to take a trip to Lake Albert for some much needed rest and relaxation. The taxi ride there was slightly scary, but also exhilarating due to the speed of the driver (his skills were definitely Top Gear worthy) and we were dropped part-way down the steep slope to the lake, which afforded beautiful views of the smooth, deep blue water and dark, imposing mountains on the other side.

We entered the sleepy fishing town of Kibiro and spent several hours lounging on the mini beach, chatting and reading. It was lovely and refreshing to wade in the water’s edge and some of the boys even went swimming. There were lots of different birds including a huge black and white one on tall, spindly, orange legs which was almost as tall as me! We also spoke to some of the villagers and they told us the Congolese often make the long journey over the lake (3 hours by speedboat) to trade and fish.

Uganda pictures 445 — Paddling in the lake

After signing the town’s visitors book the chairperson showed us around the salt mining gardens and hot spring. The area contains volcanic fissures so there is a salty hot spring which will apparently boil an egg in 15 minutes! It was interesting to see the crystalised salt, especially where it has formed into strands, and the piles of salty soil which villagers run water over to then take home and boil to collect salt.

Uganda pictures 469

In order to get back to the taxi we had to trek back up the huge hill, which was no mean feat in the hot Ugandan sun and several members of the team struggled. However, we eventually made it to the top to take a very sweaty group photo (which I’ve been made to swear I won’t share with the world) and hopped back in the taxi for an exceedingly speedy drive home.

Half-cakes

I would now like to spare a paragraph for the humble half cake. The name (I have gathered) comes from the fact its consistency is half-cake, half-doughnut. This chewy, fried dough is (in my opinion) one of the great successes of street food and if you ever find yourself in Uganda I would recommend getting a freshly fried half cake from a friendly street vendor (shout-out to Frank who runs the stall from which I normally buy them!). And thus ends my ode to the humble half-cake.

Sunday, 11th November

Week 6 – School Difficulty, Invitation To Tea, and a Birthday Party

School session beneath the great big sky

On Monday afternoon the team ran a life skills session at Duhaga secondary school which was quite challenging. We arrived and the students brought chairs out to the lawn whilst the entire school gathered on the grass. We were given a microphone, but with over 100 students it was difficult to get them all to listen.

As we have experienced before, the pupils found the voices of the female UK volunteers very funny because they sound high-pitched in comparison with a Ugandan accent. This created another challenge in getting them to focus on the message and not the voice. It was also tricky to engage the students at the back and they began to drift away as rain threatened, but the children at the front were engaged with the session.

Uganda pictures 356 — Josephine owned the mic at Duhaga

It can be hard conducting a school session with all these challenges, but each time we do one I feel we learn about more about how to engage the pupils and keep order whilst transmitting our message (it’s rather fitting that we improve our communication through running sessions about communication and other life skills!)

Cat crashes agriculture debate

On Tuesday we conducted a debate at St Mark’s school, which we haven’t worked with before. The motion was ‘This house believes agriculture is the future for the youth of Uganda’ and I was the chairman. It was interesting to be in charge of the debate (which has a rather complicated format that the Ugandans have taught us) although this group were not as vocal as some of the other schools we have worked with. At first there were no interruptions for the speakers, but participation did increase as the session went on.

One element I really enjoy is the way pupils show their approval of a point made during the debate. It’s called flowers and they shake their hands and make a shushing noise. Whilst explaining some of the rules and keeping order I received some flowers and it made me feel very sassy. However, the show was stolen somewhat by an adorable kitten that wandered into the classroom and prowled around beneath the desks until someone popped it in a cupboard from which it presided over the rest of the debate (flowers for chairman kitty!)

Uganda pictures 371 — Our furry visitor come to oversee the debate!

Hallo-winnie dinner

On Wednesday (Halloween!) the whole team was invited to Mama Winnie’s for dinner. She is one of the host mothers and, as she does catering, loves to host lots of people. Her host daughters (Niamh and Caroline – 2 UK volunteers) were very excited for everyone to meet Mama Winnie and try her delicious food. And she did not disappoint!

With an impressive spread of many different Ugandan foods plus Mama Winnie’s famous juice, we were all stuffed and happily collapsed on the sofas. Then, in an attempt to embrace the spirit of Halloween, we played a game of werewolf (where each person is given a role they must keep secret and the villagers have to guess who the werewolf is) and our own Winnie (one of the Ugandan volunteers) seems to have an unusual knack of always being the werewolf. It was a great night and was lovely for the whole team to eat together.

Training day for the displaced community

On Thursday afternoon we held a training day at Kykaboga for the displaced community. It was a community action day organised in conjunction with Communication for Health Uganda for the people who have been displaced due to the discovery of oil near Lake Albert. Originally from the Buliisa area, thousands of people have been resettled at Kykaboga without adequate facilities or the compensation they were promised: The government promised them either money or the opportunity to be relocated. However, not nearly enough houses were provided, they don’t have proper water or sanitation and the relief food that was promised for 6 months was only delivered for a few days. The situation is appalling and we met two British journalists from Kampala who were reporting on conditions there.

In an attempt to provide them with income-generating skills some members of our team (Holly and Abel) organised training sessions for the members of the community.

It was held in the school which has been built there and the community members could choose two sessions from: liquid soap-making, basket weaving, jewellery making, a talk on agriculture and one on VSLAs (Village Savings and Loan Associations).

After some initial confusion due to language barriers (the displaced community are from a different area so don’t necessarily speak Runyoro) the sessions got underway and were pretty successful. After learning about two activities, rice and condoms were given out to the attendees and Kenneth (from Communication for Health Uganda) informed us that the community found the sessions useful and were happy with what we had done. That’s great news as hopefully it means we can work with them again. Their attitude towards NGOs has been a little skeptical as apparently many have conducted research there, but not taken action.

Rain on a hot tin roof

On Friday afternoon a group of us went to Kitara secondary school to conduct a life skills session. When we entered the huge classroom full of over 150 students rain was pounding on the tin roof so it was impossible to hear anything. We had to wait for it to subside whilst sat with the students staring at us, which didn’t help with feeling intimidated.

Again we had issues with them finding our voices funny and laughing when we speak, but Emmanuel (one of the Ugandan volunteers who is usually a teacher) showed his skills and was great at controlling the class. He helped me manage to lead my section on interview skills and, although there were still issues with people at the back being engaged, they seemed to take on board the information. Also, the pupils seemed very keen to work with us again, asking how they can get involved with VSO and ICS.

Daniel’s (belated) birthday celebrations

A Ugandan volunteer named Daniel turned 25 on Tuesday, but he was away in Kasese as part of his project with the VTIs. So, in order to surprise him, the rest of the team arranged for cake and presents on Friday night as we are all staying at Hoima Resort Hotel this weekend for our mid-phase review.

Uganda pictures 395 — Daniel’s birthday cake

We presented Daniel with the cake (which thankfully he shared with all of us!!) and played a few party games including coming up with adjectives in alphabetical order to describe Daniel and making a sentence saying what we like about Daniel submitting a word each (with a forfeit if you forget the rest of the sentence). We then played some cards and headed to our rooms for the first warm shower in 6 weeks and a comfy double bed (pure luxury!)

Mid-phase review

As part of the ICS programme each team has a mid-phase review when you spend the weekend away from your host family and have sessions to evaluate how the placement has gone so far as well as come up with plans to improve it.

We discussed each of the events we have done in turn, evaluated the successes and challenges and came up with action points for the next month. We then did a session about personal achievements and did the activity where you draw around your hand and then write a positive comment for each person (cheesy I know, but it does make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside).

The afternoon session was a little more tricky as we were discussing cross-cultural working. Everybody wrote down a positive and a challenge and we then discussed them. It was difficult to manoeuvre through differences in work ethic, timekeeping and morals, but it was good to air our grievances and now we have a better picture of what others are sensitive to so we can work on it. We’ve also come up with a plan for the future to have proper meetings every morning, make sure we all share what we’ve been doing, and make extra effort to be inclusive so we can all work together as a team and make the most of our remaining month here.

Bonfire Night

This evening we went to Kontiki hotel for a campfire (partly as an early celebration of bonfire night) and played some games. We taught the Ugandans to play musical chairs (with music provided by a drum) and then all gathered round the fire for Truth or Dare. It was a childish throwback and awkward at times, but it was soothing to sit around the fire as a team and stare into the flames.

Sunday, 4th November

Week 5 – Welcome to the Nile

Hoima Youth With Disabilities Association

On Monday morning my group had a meeting with the Hoima Youth With Disabilities Association who do advocacy in Hoima for representation of youth with disabilities and the enactment of their rights, as well as identifying individuals who have not yet been supported by Sightsavers.

It was very interesting to hear about their work and gave us some more ideas of how to take our project forward. We hope to work with some of the youth they have identified to form groups for training and we were also able to collaborate on the script for a radio talk show which they had as one of their aims for this year.

It was really inspiring to hear that despite the challenges they face because of their disability they have all managed to set up their own businesses, whether that be tailoring, welding, plumbing, or computer services.

Kinogozi

On Tuesday morning our whole team went to Kinogozi to run a session on the National Youth Policy and vocational training institutes (VTIs) for Kinogozi youth group. Held in a colourfully decorated church, the session was a success (despite a few issues with translation).

IMG-20181023-WA0004 — Annie and Caroline leading a quiz on the SDGs below colourful bunting in the church

The ICVs (in-country volunteers) gave a talk about the Ugandan National Youth Policy which addresses various issues faced by the youth. Focusing on gender, unemployment and livelihoods the youth group discussed the causes of problems and brainstormed solutions. Then Annie and Caroline (two UK volunteers) led a quiz about the opportunities available at VTIs. By the end of the session the audience had doubled due to children from the school opposite filtering into the church and we were surprised to find cows with giant horns wandering around in their playing field.

IMG-20181024-WA0001 — The Kinogozi Youth Group

Financial training

On Wednesday afternoon there was a financial training session organised as a joint endeavour for the groups with Take A Step Women’s Association and Kitoba Disability Group held at Hoima Resort Hotel. After some issues with transport, the session got underway with a session by a representative of Equity Bank about savings accounts and loans. This was followed by a talk about Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLAs) by a member of Communications for Health Uganda.

We received some constructive criticism from the attendees and the organisation aspect of the day was slightly stressful, but all the groups said they benefited from the training, enjoyed the opportunity to network and would like us to arrange more training days.

Welcome to the Nile

On Thursday we had our first Community Action Day (an event run by the ICS team for the community). This one was an open day held at the Nile Vocational Training Institue. After a good half hour trying to tie up the banner and then nearly fainting whilst blowing up balloons, representatives from several schools as well as some other groups we have been working with were given the opportunity to look around the institute and ask questions. A group called SAP took photos and film for VSO purposes whilst we found out more about the impressive mechanics students and their work.

IMG-20181026-WA0001 — The team below our welcome banner for the open day

There were then talks from the heads of the various institutes (St Joseph’s and Buhimba had sent representatives) about the great variety of courses and what students gain from vocational training. The district commissioner also gave a speech and a few pupils from the schools asked to perform. Their singing and dancing skills were unexpected and I thought the performers were a lot braver than anyone I knew at school. Then the guests and the team were provided with an excellent lunch from the Nile catering students.

The sports which then ensued were a lot more intense and competitive than I expected. I decided to play football as no other girls were and I thought it would just be a kick-around. However, when I was handed an official jersey and told I was main striker I knew I was well out of my depth. After a pretty feeble attempt at football (although I don’t think I did too much harm) I was swapped for a better player, but was still able to enjoy a game of volleyball.

44907231_913846788803390_3475569715827441664_n — Emmanuel and I in our football jerseys

When we were trying to get everyone to go home, the man with the PA system continued playing music and a fully-fledgd dance party ensued, which we had no choice but to join (not that it was a burden for me!). On the whole it was a very enjoyable day and I hope we’ve shown that vocational training is a viable option for achieving a sustainable income.

Busy bees

Friday was a very productive day. I was part of a group which went to Buseruka SS to give a life skills session. The town is quite far from Hoima, but the drive was very scenic and we saw the beautiful blue of Lake Albert and the imposing mountains on the other side (in the Democratic Republic of Congo!).

The session itself went well, the children were engaged in our activities (including Simon Says and Chinese Whispers) and, although there were about a hundred students so they did get a bit rowdy at times, I think the sessions were useful especially for interview skills.

IMG-20181031-WA0015 — Simon Says in Buseruka

The SAP team showed up again, sadly near the end of the session, but took some photos of us with the pupils. We were then given VSO shirts and had a photoshoot to model the new merchandise, which was a slightly odd experience. Some of us were also interviewed for VSO promotional purposes, which was slightly intimidating, but also exciting.

A group of us then went to the trade fair which was held up on the Booma Grounds. There were lots of stalls selling clothes, jewellery and statues as well as food stalls, a paddling pool for kids, a talking head tent and caged animals (although we didn’t pay to see them as we don’t agree with animals being caged). I then went to an arts and crafts shop that has lots of traditional and hand-made items. The lady who owns the shop is called Margaret and she was very excited that I bought so much. I managed to get almost all my Christmas presents that afternoon and have had the opportunity to speak to Margaret several times as I pop back for bits and bobs (I like to think I’m her most loyal customer!).

On Friday evening the group working with the disability association (me, Niamh and Emmanuel) went to Spice FM along with Godfrey (chairperson for Hoima Youth With Disabilities Association) for a radio show to raise awareness about issues faced by people with disabilities. Even though we had written the script beforehand, I felt nervous before it started. However, once we had entered the recording room, carpeted in blue from floor to ceiling, I forgot that anyone was listening and the show went well.

The presenter was very charismatic and we spoke about attitudes towards disabled people, oportunities for training and sponsorship, and Godfrey was interviewed about his experiences and advocacy as a councillor representing PWDs. It was very sweet as when I returned home my host family told me they had listened to me on the radio and said I spoke well.

IMG-20181027-WA0013 — The Disabilities team at Spice FM

SDGs and National Youth Policy

2018-11-07-18-21-50-722584947 — The U.N. Sustainable Development Goals

On Saturday afternoon some of our group led a session on the National Youth Policy and the UN Sustainable Development Goals at Premier secondary school. The group was relatively small, but they were very engaged in the session run by the Ugandan volunteers on the national youth policy, focusing on issues of gender, vocational training and unemployment. They investigated the causes and brainstormed possible solutions. Then some UK volunteers did a quiz about the sustainable development goals (https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/sdgs) which are a set of 17 goals set by the United Nations for the global community to work towards sustainable development.

Some of the statistics were very shocking, for example the fact that 16,000 children die every day from preventable diseases, and I also learnt more about the goals. The pupils at Premier always impress me when we organise sessions there and I hope they learned something from this one.

Wednesday 31st October

Week 4 – More meetings

Sightsavers

On Monday my team (which is working with Hoima District Union for Persons with Disabilities) had a meeting with Edith Kagoya from Sightsavers International (https://www.sightsavers.org). Sightsavers is a charity that works to support people with disabilities to receive the opportunities for education, training and employment they deserve.

The meeting was useful to learn more about the projects Sightsavers run, especially their Improving Livelihoods programme and to find out more ways we may be able to help with their work. They work through partner organisations so we will continue to work with HUDIP and will hopefully be able to make an impact on young people with disabilities.

Problems

On Tuesday I attended several meetings in which I found out about problems with the ICS programme and with previous cycles of volunteers.

We spoke to a woman who organises youth groups in Hoima District and she told us how the groups are disappointed with the involvement of previous volunteers. Apparently they conducted lots of community dialogues and promised to follow up on them with training and activities, but it never happened.

We also spoke to a man from the Kitara Bunyoro cooperative who provides training sessions on various topics. He explained how volunteers did not properly evaluate after training days and the groups they formed were not sustainable. However, he also offered useful advice about positive ways to fix those issues.

It was disheartening to hear that the ICS programme is not always effective and there are issues with following through on promises. I can see how previous volunteers probably thought they would be able to deliver, but were prevented through constraints of time and finance.

I think the programme is still worthwhile as it allows lots of personal development for volunteers and does help the community, but I have come to realise there are challenges with continuity and that 10 weeks is really not very long. Because of the culture in Uganda (and much of Africa) things seem to take a long time and it has taken the team this long in Hoima to meet all the groups and come up with a plan of action and we are only fully getting into the swing of things now. I think we need to create very detailed hand-over notes for the next group of volunteers so they can pick up where we left off and although hearing about these issues is frustrating it makes me even more determined to make the most of our short time here.

Movie Night

After another meeting with Richard from HUDIP on Wednesday, the team had a movie night in the evening. It was lovely to all sit together and watch a film (the first Western media I’ve seen since I got here) and escape from the world for a bit. We watched the movie ‘Tag’ on an outdoor projector screen at Glory Summit hotel. The film was very funny and I enjoyed the improvised outdoor cinema.

Mparo tombs, Miika and Monkeys

On Friday we had a day off as we worked at the weekend and for a social event we visited Mparo tombs where Omukama (king) Kabarega of Bunyoro is buried. The tomb is beneath a domed, thatched roof, but sadly we weren’t able to see inside as the keeper of the keys (who supposedly comes every day) was not there.

IMG-20181019-WA0005 — Outside King Kabarega’s tomb

However, we were able to see inside the tomb of Omukama Tito Winyi (Kabarega’s son and successor) which was very interesting. We were shown all the different objects around the grave and the animal hide covering it which is held in place by nine traditional hoes. There was a small lizard sat in a bowl amongst clay pipes which we all assumed was dead until it scuttled across the room and frightened the living daylights out of us.

IMG-20181019-WA0008 — Inside Tito Winyi’s tomb

Outside the compound was a monument marking the spot where Kabarega granted an audience to the Emin Pasha in 1877. Within the compound we saw two trees between which Kabarega is said to have teleported (just one of his supernatural powers), the tombs of his wife and his son’s wife (which were small and completely bear) and a small, green hut where his wife lives.

Despite the fact Kabarega died in 1923, his wife is still alive. This is because, whenever the previous one dies, a virgin from the same family as his original wife is chosen to represent Kabarega’s wife and spend her life at the tombs. The current wife is 102!! But was not there as she is ill and away seeking treatment.

In the afternoon we visited Miika Eco Resort, which is a hotel set around a tropical forest and we had drinks and played cards whilst monkeys scampered about in the trees.

Cancellations

On Saturday we were meant to be leading a debate between two secondary schools in the morning, but it was cancelled half an hour before it was due to start. We then spent the morning planning a life skills session with a different school in the afternoon only to turn up and find the deputy head we arranged it with had not informed anyone and we had no group to deliver the session to.

Luckily we were able to reschedule the debate for Sunday afternoon so after church we headed to Premier SS (secondary school) for a debate between them and Strive SS. Both schools sang the national anthem and their school songs, which were very catchy and impressive. The debate that ensued was on the rights of women to the same jobs and salaries as men. Many intelligent points were made and I was very impressed by the confidence and skill of the debaters. In the end Premier won (luckily on the side of equality) and sweets were distributed to the pupils. They also expressed an interest in further interschool events which we hope to facilitate.

Purple Party!!!

On Saturday evening the majority of our group decked out in purple attended Purple Party – a touring concert held in the grounds of Kolping Hotel. Many artists performed and I really enjoyed the music, although most of the crowd didn’t dance and there was quite a lot of MC-ing in between. We mzungus (white people) danced a lot and at one point there were some other mzungus on stage, one of whom spoke Runyoro (the local language).

I really enjoyed the music and there was a great atmosphere. Sadly I didn’t get to see the main act – Dr Jose Chameleon – as he was on too late in the evening, but it was a great event to attend as a group.

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Sunday 21st October

Week 3 – Meetings

HUDIP

On Monday afternoon at 2 o’clock my small team had a meeting (originally scheduled for 10) with Richard, the project officer for the Hoima District Union for Persons with Disabilities (HUDIP).

At first I was worried we wouldn’t get very far as Richard didn’t seem to have much information, but as the meeting progressed he became more talkative and we managed to arrange a community dialogue for a group of PWDs (Persons with Disability) for Friday and to come up with a few ideas for our next steps. This includes meeting with the project officer in charge of social inclusion from Sightsavers International, an organisation which seems to coordinate many of the projects for PWDs in the area.

Independence Day

On Tuesday Uganda celebrated its 56th anniversary of independence from the British, so everyone had a day off work. I didn’t see much to do with independence (apart from extensive TV coverage) but apparently the local secondary schools did a march on the sports ground and there were parties in the evening.

It felt slightly odd to be a Brit celebrating Uganda’s independence from the British Empire, but we spent the afternoon at Kontiki hotel having lunch (most even went for a Western option!) and swimming in the pool.

IMG-20181009-WA0004 — Chilling by the pool at Kontiki

We were also given a sheet to sign up for sports events the hotel had organised to celebrate independence day. Several of us got involved in volleyball on a court marked out in the grass. We lost miserably in the first round but then were challenged by a team of hotel staff and it was a pretty even match. After a long bout of volleyball (and several minor injuries) my team were just pipped at the post, but it was a fun afternoon.

IMG-20181010-WA0007 — Independence Day volleyball

Kassassa Women’s Empowerment Group

On Wednesday afternoon my team were drafted in last minute to attend a meeting along with our women’s association team so that we could conduct a survey about attitudes towards disability at the end.

The Kassassa Women’s Group met under a tree outside their local church to learn and make crafts. Their selection of hand-made bags, bowls and mats was very impressive and the group seemed eager for us to set up training and provide information about attending vocational training institutes.

IMG-20181010-WA0010 — Chatting with a lady from Kassassa’s Women’s Empowerment Group

Then came the time for our survey. I was slightly nervous about it, but our Team Leader Torom translated the questions and most of the ladies gave a response. We then chatted with the women and saw a group practising within the church who were singing, playing instruments and doing the impressive guttural cry which I can’t imagine ever being able to do.

IMG-20181010-WA0017 — The group and some of their crafts

music group.png — A music group practising in the church

Ugandan Timekeeping

One of the elements of Ugandan culture I’m struggling with is the lack of timekeeping. I’m not claiming to always be on time at home, but I get quite stressed out when we have a meeting and still haven’t left by the time it was meant to start.

This was taken to the extreme on Friday when we were meant to be leading a community dialogue with a group of PWDs at 2, but didn’t arrive until 3. My anxiety was made worse when I found out that, in order to get them to arrive on time, the attendees were told the meeting started at 12 and because we were late some of them had already left.

I know it’s deeprooted in the culture and I can’t change the Ugandan attitude towards time, but that doesn’t stop me feeling that we’re wasting time which could be used more productively.

Community dialogue

Once the community dialogue started it was very fruitful. Held in a hall at the sub-county office in Kitoba, we met a group of about 15 PWDs and discussed a variety of topics from employment and training for PWDs to the way they are perceived by society and by themselves. It was a very eye-opening experience and I found it especially shocking when the chairman related how disabled women are chastised and made to pay extra charges if they become pregnant.

IMG-20181012-WA0016 — Facilitating discussion at the community dialogue

The group were very helpful and engaged with the discussion. It was good to speak to the people we’re meant to be working with to find out what they want from us. I’m glad we now have more of a concrete idea of what we’ll be doing and am looking forward to setting up links between different groups and organising events and training to benefit PWDs.

IMG-20181012-WA0023 — Kitoba group for Persons with Disabilities

Mountaineering

On Saturday as a social activity we set off to climb the mountain near Hoima (which is more of a hill). We were driven to one side and told there is no path and we needed to work as a team to reach the top. Also that we’re not allowed to take photos of the phone towers at the summit. We were then left to our own devices and had to make our way up the very steep side of the hill covered in forest. Using trees and plants to pull ourselves up and having to crawl at points, we reached the top all very sweaty and with many scratches.

It was fun and the view from the top was great, but it only took 20 minutes to get up and once we had come down (a proper path this time!) we went back into Hoima and chilled at the Crown hotel again. Not quite as long a hike as I was expecting, but all in all it was very enjoyable.

IMG-20181013-WA0015

IMG-20181013-WA0025 — From the bottom to the top of the hill

Church again

This morning I attended a different church service at St Peter’s cathedral (where my host family normally go to mass). The service started late and lasted for about 2 and a half hours, but I enjoyed the singing (there were even some hymns I recognised!) and it was a special service celebrating people who have graduated university.

Also, I didn’t find this out until later, but it turns out the king of Bunyoro (the kingdom in which Hoima was situated) was sat directly in front of my pew. I had noticed the elderly man with a soldier beside him but hadn’t realised it was the king and his bodyguard!

Sunday 14th October

Week 2 – Hoima, Uganda

Hoima and host homes

After a 5 hour coach ride through the luscious greenery of Uganda we arrived in the city of Hoima, the capital of Hoima District, and were dropped off at our host homes.

IMG-20181002-WA0010 — The team being dropped off

We are staying in pairs with a host family and as more people left the coach (some to be greeted by dogs and pigs!) I was becoming more nervous. When we drew up outside a gated house with proper walls and windows and a big yard I was informed this is where I’ll be staying for the next 2 months. We were greeted by the host mother (Immaculate) and shown to our rooms. Saying goodbye to the team leaders felt slightly like being dropped at your first day of school, but having my own room and a warm shower, I know we’ve got it good.

After the initial nerves I’ve become more comfortable and Daniel (the father who works for the diocese) and Immaculate (a nurse) are very kind and welcoming.
We’ve been shown their wedding photos, taught how to cook on charcoal fires (Immaculate picks up boiling hot pans with her bare hands and laughs that our skin is too soft to do the same!), and Holly and I have fought over who gets to do the chores in a bid to be helpful.

20181007_111726 — The view from the roof where the water tank is kept

20181002_075832 — My bedroom (featuring my lovely pink mosquito net)

Treasure hunt and tasty food

After having the evening to settle in, on Tuesday we split into groups and ran around town doing a treasure hunt to orientate ourselves. Using the very basic map provided, we were given different challenges to score points: finding the VSO office, the market, the sports ground, the health centre, taking a photo with as many MTN mobile money kiosks as possible (of which there are hundreds!), and getting the contact details of a police officer (which led our group to get stuck at the police station for 20 minutes whilst Josephine was interrogated!).

IMG-20181002-WA0023 — (Very basic) map of Hoima

Sadly my team was not the winner, but it did help me find my way around the bustling urban sprawl that is Hoima, with its mixture of huts, shops, roadside stalls, hotels, and residential compounds.

Lunchtime has been a favourite moment for me: finding a restaurant (most of the recommended ones are on the same street) , attempting to decipher the menu (or lack thereof), finding out that half of what is advertised is unavailable, and inevitably ordering beans with a variety of starches (my favourite is posho – a sticky substance made from maize flour – but would not recommend it’s millet flour equivalent – kalo – which is very thick and gelatinous).

Exercise club and expectantly waiting

A group of us live in host homes that are close to each other and have a football pitch in front. We’ve formed an exercise club that meets every morning to do yoga (led by me!) and circuit training. It’s tough in the heat, but is a great way to start the day; and doing it together provides good motivation.

We have also experienced Ugandan timekeeping with the cars that are meant to pick us up. I don’t think I’ve yet had one that was less than 2 hours late and after 2 days we gave up and started walking. The same goes for meetings, the initial time of 12 will be pushed back until 2, then 3, and eventually start at 3:30. It’s a different way of working, but is hard to adapt to for us Brits who are used to punctuality being a priority.

As the week progressed things became a bit clearer and we have managed to plan 3 events for next week. It’s still quite slow-going, which I find very frustrating, and some members of the team have played a lot of games of pool, as there is a table in the hotel bar where we meet.

IMG-20181003-WA0011 — Working hard (and playing cards)

It also doesn’t help that nearly every afternoon there is a sudden downpour of rain. The bar has a roof, but no walls so rain slashes in sideways, which is exciting but tends to put a stop to work.

Church and chilling

In the evenings we have a bit of social time and we’ve played A LOT of card games. Then yesterday after washing clothes (which took 2 hours, several gallons of water, and a lot of effort) the team met at a different hotel for a social and a swim. The pool was refreshing and Caroline and Emily were teaching Emmanuel and Daniel how to swim as they’d never learnt before. We also played more card games!

IMG-20181007-WA0001 — The pool at Crown Hotel

This morning Holly, Immaculate, and I got up at 6 to go to a church service from 6:30 until 8:30 at Premier Secondary School, where Daniel teaches bible studies. After a terrifying motorbike ride to get there, we were introduced as Daniel’s family and enjoyed a service of songs, a performance by the choir (with dance moves), and preaching, led by two students: Junior, the chapel leader, and Trevor, his assistant. This was topped off with an auction of sweets and Daddies (a crunchy, cake-type treat), which I found very confusing.

Hellos and hopes

One of the oddest things to adapt to here is the fact that I’m now in a minority because of my skin colour. It feels strange to have everyone say hello and ask ‘How are you?’ as I walk down the street, often accompanied by calls of ‘mzungu’. Children get especially excited and will often run up to us to clasp at our hand (believed to bring luck because of our white skin). Whilst the children are very sweet and I enjoy seeing them happy, it feels odd because my skin colour isn’t something I have control over and receiving attention because of it is hard to get used to.

In the coming week we have two school debates planned, hopefully we will also be doing a community dialogue, and I should learn more about the work I will be doing with the union for disabilities. I’m hoping that as we do more events we will gain momentum and a clearer understanding of what we can achieve during the placement.

20181002_151625 — A crowd of motor bikes at the police station

Sunday, 7th October

Week 1 – a whole new world

Wilkommen, bienvenue, welcome

After meeting the UK team of volunteers at the airport and taking two long flights (first to Doha, Qatar and then Entebbe, Uganda) we stepped out of the airport into the stifling heat of Uganda.

Throwing our luggage into the back of two vans we made our way to the hotel in Kampala called Graceland (nothing to do with Elvis unfortunately) where we have been training all week.

Getting to know you

That evening the national volunteers treated us to a Ugandan welcome (arguably the most hospitable nation in Africa), with singing, dancing, comedy and a fun little game that forced us into dance battles and sing-offs that were not totally compatible with the typical British stiff upper lip. But by the end of the night everyone was up and dancing and I think we all felt more comfortable and we’ve had lots of opportunity to chat and get to know each other.

Let’s get down to business

The next morning our training started and throughout the week we’ve had various sessions on health, security, the VSO principles, how to be a good facilitator, and more. Everyone struggled a bit to stay awake in the heat of the conference room after a few late nights, but the tea breaks definitely helped and the skills we’ve worked on should be helpful out in the field.

Food glorious food!

The food here is amazing, the hotel provides a buffet of goodies at every meal with plates piled high (although they have reduced the portions for the UK volunteers after we proved unable to finish them!).
A staple in the central region (where Kampala is situated) is matoke – mashed green banana – which serves as a base alongside rice and spaghetti for meat, sauces and vegetables with fruit for dessert and sweet treats served at tea. Last night they even made fish and chips for us, but with meaty grilled fish on the bone.

Big fun

On Wednesday it was the birthday of one of the UK volunteers and in the evening we had a party kindly organised by the Ugandan volunteers. Again there was lots of dancing and many people were called upon to say what they like about the birthday boy. We had also pooled money together to buy a huge birthday cake which was slapped onto everyone’s face and a dance party ensued, continuing long into the night.

On Thursday I took part in an aerobics class in the hotel gym, which was a whole new kind of insane fun. After 15 minutes stretching the instructor (who I don’t believe is quite human) led aerobics for 1 hour and 20 minutes with no breaks! I thought I might die, but his energy was so great that I wanted to keep going and just about managed to stick it out till the end.

Ease on down the road

On top of all the excitement at the hotel we’ve managed to take a few trips to see Kampala:

We’ve visited the nearby shops and seen the market at the side of the road whilst dodging cars and boda bodas (motorcycles which love to weave between the traffic). We also went on a boat cruise on Lake Victoria, which was really beautiful. I was slightly worried when our boat got stuck on a fishing net, but it was worth it for the view of the islands and the stunning sunset.

IMG-20181001-WA0013 — Boat ride on Lake Victoria!

Then today we had a free day to pack and see the city. This morning I went to Matoto church at one of the universities nearby. It was quite an emotional experience with everyone singing together and felt almost like a concert. The preacher was very passionate and I loved seeing everyone arrayed in their colourful finery.

And this afternoon we went to the bustling city centre, which we were told is relatively quiet because it’s a Sunday, although it seemed like rush-hour to us. We wandered round the craft fair where women tried to bring us into their shops to buy clothes and statues with calls of “welcome, sister”. Then wondering through the busy streets we were frequently called mzungu (the word for a white person), which is apparently meant in a positive way but can still feel quite intimidating. We also popped into a huge supermarket to buy detergent and soap (the Ugandans are appalled by our inability to wash clothes by hand).’

Just around the riverbend

Tonight we’re having a culture evening where we’re meant to share performances and aspects of our home country and tomorrow morning we’ll be heading to our separate communities.

We have three groups going to Hoima, Kitgum or Lira and within those we will be split into smaller groups to work on different projects.

I’m going to Hoima, where VSO have partnerships with vocational training institutes, a disabled group and a women’s rights group. We don’t know which project we’ll be working on yet, but yesterday we found out the pairs we will be in for the host home we’re staying in and our counterpart pairs, who form part of a buddy system and will be our partners for the Active Citizenship Days (when we present to the other volunteers on various topics).

I’m excited, but also nervous, for the next step on this journey. I’ve made lots of good friends already and I know we will all support each other to adjust to the new communities where we’ll be working and hopefully we can make a lasting impact as well as learning new skills and experiencing the wonderful culture of Uganda.

Sunday, 30th September

The Journey Begins

Thanks for joining me! My name is Ella, I’m 18 and I have just finished college. I’m about to start my gap year and I’m setting up this blog to be able to share some of my experiences with you.

Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton

The first step

I have been offered a place for the VSO ICS Uganda project based in Hoima. ICS (International Citizens Service) is a volunteering programme for young people aged 18-25 run by the VSO (Voluntary Service Overseas) that gives young people (like me!) the chance to volunteer abroad for 10-12 weeks. As part of this programme I will be a volunteer working in VSO’s livelihood projects, which seek to contribute opportunities for disadvantaged and vulnerable youth in Uganda to find employment.

So far I’ve completed the fundraising and pre-placement part of the programme. ICS is 90% government-funded, but the rest of the funds come from volunteer fundraising. I was tasked with raising £800, which was a challenge, but very worthwhile.

I decided to do a 17km challenge because my project is based partly around the Sustainable Development Goals (https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sustainable-development-goals/) – of which there are 17- and I wanted to raise awareness as well as funds. After a few months of training – and a lot of sweat- I managed to complete the challenge in just over 2 hours and found that running isn’t actually that bad.

My other big event was hosting a quiz night at my local rugby club. It was a lot of hard work (although I did get lots of help) but it was all worth it on the night. There was a lovely atmosphere, everyone was extremely generous and I raised £380 for the VSO.

Adding together my sponsorship for the run, the money raised at the quiz night and a very generous donation from the Union of Catholic Mothers at my church after I gave a talk at their meeting, I have raised £1100 and counting! I’ve learnt a lot from the fundraising and am so pleased I am able to give back to the ICS programme and support the work of the VSO to end poverty and marginalisation.

If you would like to donate, my page is still open (https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/eleanor-palmer10) and I would really appreciate it.

Off we go!

So now I’m off to Uganda! My flight is tonight and I’m all packed, I’ve done the training, done some research, got all my vaccinations, but I don’t think anything can truly prepare me for what’s to come.

I’m very excited to travel to Uganda and experience a different culture. I will be working closely with the Hoima community to help the locals achieve their aims whilst learning from them and gaining new skills and experience. I’ll be staying with a host family who will welcome me and guide me through the culture and look after me. I will be working in a group of other volunteers who are in the same boat as me. It’s exciting! But at the same time I’m quite nervous. It’s the longest time I will have spent away from home to date, I’ll be in a far away country with people I don’t know, doing things I might never have done before. I know I’ll have lots of support and will learn a lot from the experience, but that can’t quite calm the trepidation in the pit of my stomach.

But I’m keeping positive! I know I’ll sob when I have to say goodbye to my family (this week I’ve said a lot of goodbyes already) but I’m off on my first big adventure this year and I know it will be one hell of a ride! I’ll try to blog some of my experiences (internet connection allowing) and if you might be interested in my travels be sure to check back here and follow my journey. Thank you for reading.

Ella xxx