Following the church service at Watoto Central I met up with 6 members of the Watoto Education team and we drove to Gulu.
We drove north via the 'cattle corridor', a flatter landscape with relatively poor soil in comparison to the rest of Uganda (but as its name suggests, lots of cattle).
As we drove north it became increasingly hotter and drier. I understand the north of Uganda enjoys longer dry seasons and shorter wet seasons. The sun certainly had more heat in it the further north we travelled.
I also noticed a decreasing number of Ugandan taxis and an increasing number of buses as we headed north. I understand that many of these buses are actually converted trucks (with an extension at both the front and rear). This is a cheaper option for bus companies, but the converted truck isn't as safe as a purpose-built bus. Isn't it amazing how profits come before safety!
Increasingly the settlements become poorer the further north one travels. Semi-permanent round huts are cheaper to build than conventional brick homes. These huts have a grass roof and are constructed from either mud bricks (upmarket) or stones covered in mud (cheaper). They are also covered with cow manure mixed with cement and painted for decoration. The floor is also made of mud with a cow manure and cement covering, which I'm told is cooler and cheaper than concrete and keeps away the insects (including Jiggers).
In the northern part of Uganda families often build a larger open-style hut (with bigger windows) at the front of their sleeping and cooking huts (which often have no windows and only a door), which acts as a meeting area and communal lounge room.
Interestingly, unlike most of the people of Uganda, Northern Ugandans bury their deceased in the front yard. For the record, families in Kyampisi bury their loved ones in the back yard amongst the fruit trees and coffee trees.
About an hour south of Gulu we came across Karina Falls and Rapids - an amazing feature of the Nile River. Many monkeys and baboons walk along the roadside looking for tourists willing to share their food.
About the same place there is a turnoff to Chobe Lodge, another resort owned by the same people who operate Paraa Resort.
An interesting aside came when Ivan (currently Head Teacher of Bbira Secondary but recently appointed as Head Teacher of Gulu Secondary) told me about the war between the LRA rebels and the Government between 1987-2007.
Apparently when driving up to Gulu during this period one would need to join an army convoy (with army guards at the front, back and middle of the convoy) for security. Further to this, when walking one needed to watch out for land mines scattered throughout the District up until early late 2009 when they were systematically cleared by the Government.
When arriving in Gulu one can't miss the Muvule trees - apparently one of the world's hardest timbers - slow germinating and slow growing. Interestingly, one can't miss the Eucalyptus plantations either - planted because they are fast growing and the government wants to maintain the native Muvule trees.
On arrival in Gulu (a little under 6 hours drive) we settled into the Watoto Guest House. Following a short walk we enjoyed dinner - rice, spaghetti, mince and coleslaw.
Not long after dinner a building team from Immanuel College on the Sunshine Coast arrived at the guest house. They are building a house at the Watoto Children's Village near Gulu, Laminadera.
Interestingly one of the leaders was Lyndal Meyer (nee Seawright), classmate of my older brother John.
Given that I was quite tired, I opted for an early evening.
After a good night's sleep and a hearty breakfast the Education Team departed for Laminadera Children's village - about 40km from Gulu town. We had a delay of about an hour due to there being no petrol at the petrol station - it was sitting in a fuel tanker parked at the petrol station.
On arrival at Laminadera Children's village we sat through the Primary Awards Ceremony. This included many class presentations - each amazingly creative and well rehearsed. Following speeches from the Head Teacher (Sylvester), the Acting Director of Education (Winnie) and the Senior Pastor of the Watoto church in Gulu (Ivan) we enjoyed the awarding of gifts and certificates to the prize winning students. Following lunch (rice, matoke and meat) we went for a walk to the Secondary campus currently under construction. I enjoyed looking over the Master Plan and discussing with Ivan which blocks would be used for which purpose.
We drove back to the Gulu guest house to have a break before the staff dinner. Ivan decided to take me to Baby Watoto, but as we didn't have an appointment, we were refused a tour. We walked home instead.
While walking home I was thrilled to come across an outdoor choir rehearsal at the local Catholic Church. The choir master was playing an adungu (like a guitar harp).
The staff dinner was good. I had ordered fresh vegetables which proved to be coleslaw, tomato and onion. Following a few speeches (including one from me) we drove back to the guest house.
Tuesday morning saw us drop into Watoto church in Gulu for staff devotions. We then drove to Baby Watoto for a quick look followed by Living Hope. We then drove home to Kampala.
When driving through Nwoya and Kiryadongo Districts Murchison Falls National Park runs up to the roadside on the western side while the eastern side is used for farming.
As we drove to Kampala it became increasingly closer settled. It was also much greener and noticeably cooler as we drove south.
Wednesday, 5 December 2012
Enrolment in International School
Monday saw Sonia and the children catch a lift with Henry, Peter's landlord (and Business Manager of the International School of Kampala) to the International School of Kampala.
Sonia and I both feel it will be a good experience for the girls to be enrolled in the school for a week or two.
To cut a long story short, Hannah will spend the week at the school while Lydia will spend two days.
Hannah will actually spend two evenings at the home of her Chemistry teacher, Lynda Schuurs, sister in law of Mark Schuurs, classmate of mine from my Secondary school days in Brisbane.
Henry will take Lydia and I to the school on Thursday morning. I have also organised to meet with the Head of Campus, Head of Primary and Head of Secondary on Thursday morning.
Lydia and Hannah will return to the Jesus House with Henry on Thursday afternoon and will travel with him again on Friday.
We are planning to attend the Christmas Concert at the school on Friday evening.
Sonia and I both feel it will be a good experience for the girls to be enrolled in the school for a week or two.
To cut a long story short, Hannah will spend the week at the school while Lydia will spend two days.
Hannah will actually spend two evenings at the home of her Chemistry teacher, Lynda Schuurs, sister in law of Mark Schuurs, classmate of mine from my Secondary school days in Brisbane.
Henry will take Lydia and I to the school on Thursday morning. I have also organised to meet with the Head of Campus, Head of Primary and Head of Secondary on Thursday morning.
Lydia and Hannah will return to the Jesus House with Henry on Thursday afternoon and will travel with him again on Friday.
We are planning to attend the Christmas Concert at the school on Friday evening.
Worship at Watoto Central
Sunday saw us drive with Vincent (KCM Board member) to the centre of Kampala to Watoto Central church.
The service commenced with singing at 9am sharp.
I understand the final song of the 7am service becomes the first song of the 9am service. Similarly, the final song of the 9am service becomes the first song of the 11am service. This pattern continues for the 5 services each Sunday.
After a bracket of 4 songs, the worship leader introduced the Senior Pastor who led us through communion and a time of self examination (the elements were passed down each aisle respectively).
After the announcements (in the form of a high-tech presentation on the 20+ metre screen) 3 ladies sang a song
while the collection was taken for the tithes and gifts of the people.
As Sunday was World AIDS Day, the Senior Pastor spoke about the ABC of AIDS prevention:
A - Abstain from sex until married
B - Be faithful with your partner within marriage
C - Christ is the answer.
The pastor gave some interesting statistics:
1. Uganda used to have the highest percentage of people with AIDS in the world - over 20% of the population.
2. This percentage dropped until it reached a little over 5% (due to the adoption of ABC).
3. The percentage has started to rise again (due to a lack of support for the ABC of AIDS prevention).
4. As a Christian community we need to actively promote the ABC of AIDS prevention and befriend individuals who we know are HIV AIDS+ and share with them the message of salvation.
Following an opportunity to respond to the call of Christ, the service finished with a song.
After walking outside I met up with Winnie, one of the 7 passengers on my trip to Gulu.
Sonia and the children returned to the Jesus House with Vincent while I travelled to Gulu.
The service commenced with singing at 9am sharp.
I understand the final song of the 7am service becomes the first song of the 9am service. Similarly, the final song of the 9am service becomes the first song of the 11am service. This pattern continues for the 5 services each Sunday.
After a bracket of 4 songs, the worship leader introduced the Senior Pastor who led us through communion and a time of self examination (the elements were passed down each aisle respectively).
After the announcements (in the form of a high-tech presentation on the 20+ metre screen) 3 ladies sang a song
while the collection was taken for the tithes and gifts of the people.
As Sunday was World AIDS Day, the Senior Pastor spoke about the ABC of AIDS prevention:
A - Abstain from sex until married
B - Be faithful with your partner within marriage
C - Christ is the answer.
The pastor gave some interesting statistics:
1. Uganda used to have the highest percentage of people with AIDS in the world - over 20% of the population.
2. This percentage dropped until it reached a little over 5% (due to the adoption of ABC).
3. The percentage has started to rise again (due to a lack of support for the ABC of AIDS prevention).
4. As a Christian community we need to actively promote the ABC of AIDS prevention and befriend individuals who we know are HIV AIDS+ and share with them the message of salvation.
Following an opportunity to respond to the call of Christ, the service finished with a song.
After walking outside I met up with Winnie, one of the 7 passengers on my trip to Gulu.
Sonia and the children returned to the Jesus House with Vincent while I travelled to Gulu.
Teacher PD at Kyampisi
Saturday saw Edwin and I drive to Kyampisi to undertake a session of Professional Development with about 20 local Kyampisi teachers from 5 of the local schools.
The session commenced with prayer and a devotion at 10am and concluded with prayer at 4pm. I used the same material that I had previously used at Bbira but I was able to expand on it and give more time for discussion and clarification.
The teachers were extremely grateful for the material as it was highly practical. I was also pleased with their responses.
The teachers are keen for a follow-up session and some ongoing mentoring and coaching - I'm not sure how it will work, but I'm sure we'll manage something!
Three of the Head Teachers present suggested they form a Christian Teachers' Association of Kyampisi. I suggested they investigate into whether there is already a Christian Teachers' Association of Uganda. We'll need to watch this space to see what develops here.
I also suggested the next meeting of the group be held at one of the other schools in the cluster.
The session commenced with prayer and a devotion at 10am and concluded with prayer at 4pm. I used the same material that I had previously used at Bbira but I was able to expand on it and give more time for discussion and clarification.
The teachers were extremely grateful for the material as it was highly practical. I was also pleased with their responses.
The teachers are keen for a follow-up session and some ongoing mentoring and coaching - I'm not sure how it will work, but I'm sure we'll manage something!
Three of the Head Teachers present suggested they form a Christian Teachers' Association of Kyampisi. I suggested they investigate into whether there is already a Christian Teachers' Association of Uganda. We'll need to watch this space to see what develops here.
I also suggested the next meeting of the group be held at one of the other schools in the cluster.
Bbira Awards and Graduation
Friday saw the whole family drive to Bbira for their Annual Awards Presentation and Senior 6 Graduation Ceremony.
The drive along the northern bypass proved slow. What took about 30 minutes on Thursday morning took nearly 2 hours on Friday - courtesy of a traffic jam caused by an increased number of vehicles on the road due to heavy rain on Friday morning.
On arrival we were met by Hafusa. She must have remembered that we were coming as a family and she wanted to be the first to meet us.
The Awards ceremony commenced with the corporate singing of the Ugandan National Anthem and the corporate reciting of the Watoto Prayer and Watoto Vision Statement.
After a short welcome from the Master of Ceremonies, 5 senior students led us in corporate worship.
Following a short (sharp and shiny) message from Ivan, the Head Teacher of Hope Secondary the official awards presentation began.
Following speeches from the Principal of the two Bbira schools (Maureen) and the Acting Education Team Leader (Winnie) the awards presentation continued.
Other highlights included performances from the students. One performance, a contemporary dance routine, really stole the show!
Following an opportunity to mingle around the Watoto grounds viewing the various displays (Art class, Cooking class, Sewing class and the Environmental club) we enjoyed lunch - matoke, rice and beans - in the Secondary staffroom.
Following lunch we were invited back to the big tent for the Senior 6 Graduation. It was very obvious that the full school community were looking forward to this important event with much enthusiasm.
The 90 graduating seniors (a combined group from Bbira and Suubi villages) were dressed in formal attire, which included a graduation gown and mortar board. They assembled outside the Administration Block and once given the OK, walked into the ceremony led by traditional dancers.
The service had a similar structure and feel to the Awards ceremony held in the morning with the exception that the official speeches included reference to life beyond school and included speeches from the Head Boy and Head Girl.
A particular feature of the service was when each graduate received their Certificate. Not only did the Head Teacher and Principal give each a hug (or a very sincere handshake) but the respective Watoto Mama joined their 'son' or 'daughter' in the moment for another hug and official photo. It was obvious that the Mama's are active in the life of their 'child' and extremely proud of their achievements. Their contribution was spoken about in each of the official speeches where the concept that it takes a village to raise a child (and a leader) was stressed.
The service finished with the cutting of Graduation cakes. Award winners distributed pieces of cake to the approving crowd (consisting of Watoto Mama's, Special Guests, Staff and Students).
Following the formalities, the MC asked seniors and their family and friends to move to an area to the side of the big tent for more casual photos.
At this point we walked down with Hafusa to enjoy a light dinner with her family. Mama Freda had cooked rice, matoke, goats meat, g-nut sauce, greens, cabbage and yams.
After a prayer time as an extended family we drove back to the Jesus House.
The drive along the northern bypass proved slow. What took about 30 minutes on Thursday morning took nearly 2 hours on Friday - courtesy of a traffic jam caused by an increased number of vehicles on the road due to heavy rain on Friday morning.
On arrival we were met by Hafusa. She must have remembered that we were coming as a family and she wanted to be the first to meet us.
The Awards ceremony commenced with the corporate singing of the Ugandan National Anthem and the corporate reciting of the Watoto Prayer and Watoto Vision Statement.
After a short welcome from the Master of Ceremonies, 5 senior students led us in corporate worship.
Following a short (sharp and shiny) message from Ivan, the Head Teacher of Hope Secondary the official awards presentation began.
Following speeches from the Principal of the two Bbira schools (Maureen) and the Acting Education Team Leader (Winnie) the awards presentation continued.
Other highlights included performances from the students. One performance, a contemporary dance routine, really stole the show!
Following an opportunity to mingle around the Watoto grounds viewing the various displays (Art class, Cooking class, Sewing class and the Environmental club) we enjoyed lunch - matoke, rice and beans - in the Secondary staffroom.
Following lunch we were invited back to the big tent for the Senior 6 Graduation. It was very obvious that the full school community were looking forward to this important event with much enthusiasm.
The 90 graduating seniors (a combined group from Bbira and Suubi villages) were dressed in formal attire, which included a graduation gown and mortar board. They assembled outside the Administration Block and once given the OK, walked into the ceremony led by traditional dancers.
The service had a similar structure and feel to the Awards ceremony held in the morning with the exception that the official speeches included reference to life beyond school and included speeches from the Head Boy and Head Girl.
A particular feature of the service was when each graduate received their Certificate. Not only did the Head Teacher and Principal give each a hug (or a very sincere handshake) but the respective Watoto Mama joined their 'son' or 'daughter' in the moment for another hug and official photo. It was obvious that the Mama's are active in the life of their 'child' and extremely proud of their achievements. Their contribution was spoken about in each of the official speeches where the concept that it takes a village to raise a child (and a leader) was stressed.
The service finished with the cutting of Graduation cakes. Award winners distributed pieces of cake to the approving crowd (consisting of Watoto Mama's, Special Guests, Staff and Students).
Following the formalities, the MC asked seniors and their family and friends to move to an area to the side of the big tent for more casual photos.
At this point we walked down with Hafusa to enjoy a light dinner with her family. Mama Freda had cooked rice, matoke, goats meat, g-nut sauce, greens, cabbage and yams.
After a prayer time as an extended family we drove back to the Jesus House.
Photocopying for Teacher PD
After preparing for the planned Professional Development exercises at Bbira and Kyampisi, we drove to Oasis and watched the feature film 'Brave'.
After the movie, we decided to have an early dinner at a nearby coffee shop. Following this I drove to Watoto Central to photocopy the required copies of my handouts while Sonia and the children went shopping at Oasis and Garden City.
What I though would take a little over an hour ended up taking closer to 3 hours. I had forgotten how s-l-o-w the older photocopiers can be, especially when copying back-to-back. Thankfully there was no cost for the service.
To be honest, I was pleased to be able to copy all that was needed for both the Bbira and Kyampisi exercises. Praise the Lord!
After the movie, we decided to have an early dinner at a nearby coffee shop. Following this I drove to Watoto Central to photocopy the required copies of my handouts while Sonia and the children went shopping at Oasis and Garden City.
What I though would take a little over an hour ended up taking closer to 3 hours. I had forgotten how s-l-o-w the older photocopiers can be, especially when copying back-to-back. Thankfully there was no cost for the service.
To be honest, I was pleased to be able to copy all that was needed for both the Bbira and Kyampisi exercises. Praise the Lord!
Teacher PD at Bbira (Watoto)
Thursday saw me drive to Bbira, the Watoto village where our Bundaberg Christian College team built a classroom late last year, to run a Professional Development exercise for about 60 teachers from the I D Raymer Primary School and Hope Secondary School. The focus of the PD was to unpack a rubric outlining the essential skills and competencies required for a teacher in a Christian School. The rubric was jointly developed by Ray Tiller and Bundaberg Christian College.
The session ran for about 2 1/2 hours and was very well received by those present. I tried to mix up the presentation by using lecture-style and group work opportunities.
Following the PD session I walked down to Hafusa (our Watoto sponsor child) and enjoyed a short afternoon with her family before returning to the Jesus House for dinner.
The session ran for about 2 1/2 hours and was very well received by those present. I tried to mix up the presentation by using lecture-style and group work opportunities.
Following the PD session I walked down to Hafusa (our Watoto sponsor child) and enjoyed a short afternoon with her family before returning to the Jesus House for dinner.
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