Happy Belated Earth Day

One of the biggest problems facing the world, especially developing countries, is the abuse of the natural environment. BULA recognizes that successful development begins with the protection of the Earth and is committed to using environmentally friendly building techniques in all of its construction projects. Recently we were recognized for our efforts.

A representative from the United Nations Human Settlements Programme, UN-HABITAT, came to visit St. Kizito Primary School. UN-Habitat "is the United Nations agency for human settlements. It is mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities with the goal of providing adequate shelter for all" (http://www.unhabitat.org/). They were in Uganda studying the use of Interlocking Soil Stabilized Blocks (ISSB) in East Africa and through our connection with The Good Earth Trust (http://www.goodearthtrust.org.uk/) and Makerere University heard about our school.

ISSB is a way of making bricks that deviates from the traditional methods which are very harmful to the environment because of deforestation, the burning of firewood, and the large amounts of carbons released into the air. ISSB are made from a mixture of soil, water, and cement. This composition is then compressed with a hand press machine. The blocks don't require any firewood and they dry in a matter of days. All the soil used to make the blocks came from digging the underground water tank at the school. The interlocking feature on the blocks makes them more structurally sound than traditional bricks and they require less mortar between the blocks. Using less cement decreases carbon output and makes construction more cost effective.

The representative from UN Habitat was extremely pleased with our school and stated that it was the best project he had seen on his travels. He was also impressed with the overall design of the school, the water filters that were installed, the solar power, our commitment to quality education, and the underground water tank which promotes good health and gives back to the community. What will come of his visit is yet to be seen, but St. Kizito Primary School could be used as model project for the UN to promote this technology throughout Sub-Saharan Africa. We will have to wait and see.

I have also posted a link to an article in the New York Times on April 16th expressing concerns about developing countries connection to global warming. This link is a slide show to accompany that article http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2009/04/16/world/20090416INDIA_index.html

Please know that BULA is continuing its commitment to preserve and protect the earth and is now looking into environmentally friendly cooking technologies for future projects. Visit The Good Earth Trust website or that for UN-Habitat to learn more.

"I Say Goodbye and You Say Hello"

It is always amazing to be completely submerged into a different culture. After living in Uganda for over a year I have come to realize one difference that unfolds with every interaction - I say goodbye and they say hello.

In Buganda culture, greetings are paramount. The typical greeting seems to go on indefinetely.

"Oli otya"
"Gendi, Oli otya"
"Belungi, Jeebale"
"Kale, Jaabale Ko"
"Kale"

etc. etc. etc. This literally means, "Hello, how are you?" "Fine, How are you?" "Fine." "Thank you for the good work." "OK." "Thank you for the work." "OK."

After this continues on for a while, you can finally say, "Do you have mineral water?" or address whatever is needed.

Coming from the fast paced western world, I would just walk into the store and ask for water bypassing all the formalities that consume so much time. But I have quickly learned how rude this behavior is, have changed my evil ways, and despite the rush I may be in I politely greet every one and ask about the day.

However, at the same time, goodbyes hold little importance. People will just hang up the phone without saying "goodbye." Often, I will be in the middle of a two part conversation and they will hang up and I'll still have things to say. If I drop some one off, they will usually just get out of the car and walk away. If I leave a location, no one seems to notice...

I often stand there dismayed by what has happend. Are they mad at me? Did I do something wrong? Why didn't they say "goodbye?" You see, for me, it can often take 5 or 6 sentences to complete my fairwells (if not more) and when some one cuts me off without offering me this opportunity I feel as though the conversation is not completed or as though something is missing.

As I have learned to politely greet others, I have learned not to take offense when I feel as if my parting routine was ended prematurely and have adjusted to this cultural difference along with countless others.

Ensonya wa

This simply means "forgive me" in Luganda. A phrase I hope you will take to heart as I ask for your forgiveness in my lack of posts to my blog since I have returned to Uganda. I promise to do better, but as they say in Uganda, "A promise is a debt," so I am not foolish enough to promise daily posts (mostly because of my unreliable internet connections because I certainly have lots to tell). But I can promise to try harder, I hope you understand. I also apologize because there will rarely be photos as my connection is too slow to upload pictures.

Things have been very hectic since my return to Uganda. What was supposed to be a six week trip to finish St. Kizito Primary School and begin plans for the next school construction project turned into a 9 month (at least) journey through the establishment of a new children's home. I am proud to say, that despite the many setbacks that we have endured, the children who were once neglected and abused are now safe, healthy and happy at BULA Children's Home.

My goal in the next few posts is to update you on everything that has occured over the last few months in regards to the school construction, the children's home, and life in Uganda. Please keep checking the blog and I will not let you down!!!

Boxes

Over the last few months we have been collecting supplies to take to Uganda. With the help of a few amazing people and schools I am proud to say that we will be stocking St. Kizito Primary School and the next school that we build with the following:

Books - 139 boxes - mostly text books
Music - 1 box
Toys - 12 boxes
Educational tools/supplies - 28 boxes
Reading rods - 9 boxes
Clothing - 27 boxes
Personal care - 1 box
Medication - 3 boxes

Thank you to every one who has contributed and who is helping with the transportation of these materials. These will be the first text books these children ever had; our children will truly have brighter futures thanks to your efforts!!!

Luganda

Wasuze otya. - Good morning, but literally, how was your night?

Connecting Classrooms through Creativity

I am very happy to say that our "Connecting Classrooms through Creativity" fundraiser is proving to be successful. A third grade class on Long Island has sent in 81 original pieces of artwork to display in our classrooms in Uganda along with a $1.00 donation each. The art varies from under the sea themed pieces to drawings of children holding hands around the world. My personal favorite is the drawing of a lion at a black board teaching a group of students.

This teacher also sent letters from the students stating why they wanted to participate in this fundraiser and how they raised the money. One letter read, "I was very excited about earning this $1.00. I wanted to be part of raising enough funds for a new school in Uganda. I earned a $1.00 by helping my dad rake the leaves in front of our house. I really hope that my $1.00 helps BULA." Or, "I want to help all people in need. I hope the money I am sending will help you get medicine, food, and clean water or anything your community needs."

What a wonderful opportunity for children in America to develop cross-cultural relationships, help provide brighter futures for African children, and acquire a better understanding of life in developing countries.

And think, children in Uganda are receiving improved educational facilities, programs, and materials, decorations for their classrooms, and an opportunity to learn more about life in America.

If you are interested in participating in our "Connecting Classrooms through Creativity" fundraiser please contact BULA at bulainc@gmail.com.

And thank you to all those students and teachers who are already participating!!!

Luganda

Embeera y'obudde eri etya? - What's the weather like?