A Virtual Visit to Uganda!
Thanks to everyone who was able to join us for a LIVE video visit from Kamuli, Uganda! We had people from New York, North Carolina, Vermont, and Ireland!
Singing and Dancing from Butende Primary School. What it looked like on our side!
This was something we had been wanting to do for you all, our donors and supporters, for some time. It wasn't perfect, but we made a plan and went for it!
Our team was so excited and proud to share some of their culture with you as well as show you some of what your donations make possible. They ambitiously chose five locations to give you a slice of daily life in rural Uganda.
Luckily the rains held off and for the most part, the Internet and phone connections worked. It really is amazing that we are able to visit in real-time from a rural Ugandan village!
Our first stop was our Buwudha Girl's Vocational Center where Derrick showed the girls in their tailoring class. We have 20 girls enrolled in the center for this year.
Next, Aminsi took us into the local market which was buzzing with activity. This is where fruits and vegetables are sold along with rice, beans, and other goods.
The excitement was off the charts at Butende Primary School where Prossy organized the students who demonstrated traditional drumming, singing, and dancing. This was the first time this school has participated in a virtual visit and they were thrilled to see an iPad.
We met one of the teachers who explained the purpose of the dances, and that students were communicating the challenges at the school. Many kids don't have desks and sit on the cement or dirt floor. They also don't have much in the way of school supplies.
As a former teacher, I always feel such a connection to these teachers who are trying to teach with so little. (If you'd like to help Butende School get desks and supplies you can donate right here. I know they would be incredibly grateful.)
The next stop was at a home where Lawrence showed a traditional cooking hut and what it looks like around a living compound. In rural Uganda, the cooking hut is separate from the rest of the living area.
Hilda couldn't get a signal to connect with us, but she did send me pictures. Shamim demonstrated daily tasks that women do which is cooking over the clay stove, gathering water, feeding livestock, cleaning around the compound, and planting, weeding, and harvesting crops. Yes, pretty much everything!
We'll plan more of these virtual visits in the future and we know the connection will be even better. (And I'll remember to record it!)
It's a great way to experience a little bit of Ugandan culture, see the impact of your donations, and connect with others.
Thank you all so much for your support and for all you do to help make life better for the children!
With Gratitude,
Mary
P.S. I'm going to host a live group virtual "coffee chat" for donors soon where we can meet each other and talk about our interests, and you can ask questions about the work of the foundation.
