Vivacious Vital Volunteers at Home and Abroad - Uganda part 2

Yesterday I started a series of blogs honoring the important work of the amazing volunteers who have dedicated their time and their lives to support the children in Uganda through BULA's many projects.


Today I would like to talk about the directors of the children's home - Uncle Steven, Uncle John and Uncle Dan. These three men have truly made the ultimate sacrifices to protect and honor the rights of the children who were abused and neglected. This was no easy task for the men, as they persevered despite cultural norms that look away from such abuses and misunderstandings that complicated the efforts to secure the well-being of the children.

But persevere these men did and because of their hard work we were able to place the children in a safe environment, register with the necessary legal authorities, reunite the children with their families, and begin to plan for the futures of the children in our care.

Because of their constant sacrifices and hard work we are proud to say that BULA Children's Home is a happy, healthy environment for the children. And we thank them endlessly for all they have done to make it the wonderful place that it is.

Vivacious Vital Volunteers at Home and Abroad - part 1 - Uganda

Dear Readers,

Wow, it has been awhile and once again I apologize for my lackadaisical blogging - and by that I mean my lack of blog entries. I would like to use this time to talk about the people who work behind the scenes and often go unnoticed but are an essential part of the BULA team and without them BULA would not achieveing their amazing accomplishments in Uganda.

I would like to talk about one of those who are on the ground in Uganda, working tirelessly for the protection of children's rights to education and security.

Mackenzie Brown is the 2009 Elrod Fellowship Winner. She came to Uganda a few months back and spent her first 3 months living at BULA children's home. She came with 3 flourescent pink suitcases and the drive to design and implement after school programs at St. Kizito Primary School. She began her lessons on September 7th, when the new term started and despite the difficulties that she endured moving to a totally foreign country Mackenzie has persevered and things have been amazing for her.

The teachers are involved in the daily activities, learning new and insightful ways to educate children. And the children are learning through practical applications to improve their English skills and also to reinforce the lessons learned throughout the day. We are so proud and excited about Mackenzie's efforts!!! This is just one way volunteers are making BULA the amazing organization that is changing people's lives and securing brighter futures for children.

Stay tuned as there will be a new vivacious vital volunteer in the spotlight each day!!!

St. Kizito Primary School - Namungoona

Well, now that things are settling down at BULA Children's Home, it is time for BULA to focus on its original mission of improving educational facilities, materials and programs in Uganda. Our next project is in the preliminary stages.

St. Kizito Primary School in Namungoona is a primary school a few kilometers from the first St. Kizito. It may seem slightly odd that the schools have the same name, but St. Kizito was a child martyr and hence the namesake for countless primary schools in Uganda. The school is home to 120 students from nursery to P7. The students study in a scrap wood, dirt floor, leaky tin roof structure and are completely exposed to the elements such as wind and rain. There are no desks for the students, who sit on benches and kneel on the floor to participate in lessons.

I have recently met with local officials who are ecstatic about the project. They are all familiar with our work and are eager to get things started. The process in the beginning is slow and involves making plans, getting approval, meeting with officials, etc. But things are progressing very well. Tom Harrison, our architect from England will be joining me in Uganda at the end of August to begin the building plans.

Stay tuned for more information as plans unfold and finalize. As well as for information on upcoming fundraisers to support our projects.

Shipment from America

I almost forgot to write about the huge shipment that arrived in Uganda a few months ago. I wrote about the 200+ boxes of donated clothing, books, school supplies, etc. and after I posted that blog about 50 more boxes were added to the cargo.

When the children shifted homes, they lost a lot of their clothing and belongings. But thanks to the donations of countless people, the children hardly missed their things. In addition to that, nearly every classroom at St. Kizito Primary School is now stocked with Health, Math, Science, Literature, and Writing text books and the Nursery class has toys and musical instruments.

So many text books were donated that we have enough to stock our next school construction project which we are currently in the process of planning. BULA's schools are probably the only one's in the area with the resources necessary for educational growth and overall development; providing the opportunity to be successful students and therefore helping to secure brighter futures for these children.

These photos show the huge truck we used to transport the massive shipment from Entebbe airport to Gganda and the Nursery School children playing with the musical instruments.

Connecting Classrooms Through Creativity Update

I am very excited to tell every one that our Connecting Classrooms Through Creativity Fundraiser is proving to be a complete success. Melissa has just returned to Uganda with a suitcase filled with artwork. One art teacher had a wonderful idea to create murals; massive posters were sent over and hung on the walls. The funds from this fundraiser are used to continue our support of St. Kizito Primary School, namely to update the solar power at the school and to create shutters for a few classrooms and the teachers' offices.

Teachers tell us that the students in America have a wonderful time creating this artwork, but most importantly they learn about life in Africa and increase their global awareness. Not to mention, they are helping those in need.

Students in Uganda are thrilled to see the new artwork arrive. Their classrooms are bright, colorful and decorated just as American classrooms would be. They also enjoy the rare opportunity to create artwork of their own, which Melissa brings back to America with her when she returns.

The end of the American school year is quickly approaching, but please keep this fundraiser in mind over the summer. It will continue next year as well. There is more information about this fundraiser to the right as well as a link to our video to inspire and educate children.

Kisoboka!!

It is possible!! I found a great internet location that will allow me to upload photos. I inserted some photos into the blogs that I wrote over the last few months, please feel free to go back and enjoy!!

Luganda

obulamu bulungi!! - Life is good!!