Uganda 2010

​

We are on the way to Entebbe, accompanied by our treasurer and four Swiss sponsors of our society. Through heavy cloud we catch glimpses of the wet, green landscape below us. After weeks of drought and ruined crops, East Africa is now plagued by torrential rain and flooding.

​

Finally in Entebbe we get through customs without difficulty inspite of the 200 kilogrammes of material we have taken with us, because we are a charity and non-profit organisation. Our driver, waiting at the airport, helps us to load the two large Toyota vans to transport the essential material we have for both schools.

​

Rush hour in Kampala is nothing for weak nerves. Boda-boda (motorbike taxis) wind in and out of the heavy traffic, their female passengers sitting sidesaddle. The accident rate is very high. Overtaken left and right our driver guides us safely with millimetres separating us from a collision. Our goal is a vocational centre approximately 20 kilometres north of Mukono. The Church of Uganda gave Maria Prean, founder of Vision for Africa, 50 hectares land to build a vocational centre. Young Ugandans have the possibility of learning 14 different trades and crafts. The guesthouse, run by professionals and trainees, will be our home for the coming days.

​

Gilgal Primary School

On the way to Namaliri I think back to our arrival 6 years ago. Two simple rooms, no water or toilets, five school books for 220 orphans and fatherless children. There are now 486 children, three orphanages, classrooms, a kitchen and sanitation. In addition the society bought farmland to supply the school community with a cash crop. As is customary in Uganda and other African countries there is also a teachers’ block on the school campus. 15 state qualified teachers are employed, plus a cook, guard, cleaner and matron for the orphans. 153 children are HIV+ and receive medical treatment to stabilize their condition. We rely greatly on the Ugandan teachers’ inititiative and sense of reponsibility for the operative side of the work.

​

Both Seroma Christian High School and Gilgal Primary School have a daily timetable which many European pupils would have difficulty fulfilling. Woken at 5 o’ clock the students have an orderly day split up into lessons, sport, homework, cleaning and free time. The children wash their clothes themselves, keep their dormitories in order, and are responsible not only for their few belongings but also for their school material. Christian ethics are the guideline for the school organisation. This strenuous working rhythm often surprises Europeans and would certainly be too much for many youngsters in our consumer society.

​

As every year we began our stay by going through the accounts, discussing realised projects, and planning new investments such as uniforms, a new classroom etc. Our sponsors are free to attend all these meetings.

​

Agriculture

Our first harvest failed partly due to drought and we are placing our hopes on the second attempt. A borehole and pump enable the crops to be watered more efficiently, and we have permanent workers living on the land. We expect the primary school to be well supplied with food by 2012. During the past twelve months food prices in Uganda have risen by 50%. Our coffee was planted one year ago as a cash crop. In three to four years it will supply the school with ready money which will cover some of the running costs. Meat is very expensive and reserved for special occasions. There is much to be done, and whenever possible the older orphans help during school holidays.

​

Tiling

Thanks to a generous donation from the firm of Mr. Preisig in Zurich we were able to have toilets and showers built for the orphanages. We began the necessary tiling with the help of two older boys and a teacher. Once the first two rows had been successfully laid, they took the tools out of our hands and completed the rest by themselves. Learning by doing.

Official opening of two orphanage blocks

Thanks to generous donations we were able to have two dormitory blocks built, one each for boys and girls. Complete with bunk beds, blankets and mosquito nets, they supply basic comfort and security for the orphans. The other school buildings, already five years old, have suffered from the heat and heavy rains of the tropical climate. Classroom floors, verandas and walls must be renovated and painted. The renovation is absolutely necessary and the buildings must be kept in good condition.

​

Seoma Christian High School

This international boarding school has 1600 students and 60 teachers. The academic level is high and the students are taught to oppose corruption in all forms. This is not simply an African problem, but common to all poor societies and hinders any healthy development. The industrial nations are often directly involved in this problem, promising money for political support and personal benefits. Corrupt governments cause a considerable amount of this money to „disappear“.

​

Approximately 300 talented but poverty-stricken youngsters study in the school free of charge. Many are orphans or fatherless and come from the crisis areas in the north. They are sponsored by better off Ugandans or charitable organisations. We interviewed and photographed the seven students we support. Their past history was unbelievably hard and they greatly appreciate the new perspectives opening up to them. All of them wish to serve their country loyally and continue their fight against corruption.

​

We left the quiet of the bush and spent our last few days in Kampala city. Thousands of vehicles force their way through the streets accompanied by horning. Our driver remained calm as always. We visited the surrounding churches, and spent time with the family of Robert and Margaret Ssekidde, who founded Seroma Christian High School. We arrived back in Switzerland with many memories of the friendship and hospitality we had received in Uganda.