Day 1
We arrived in Uganda! It was hard to believe that after months of prep and planning the trip was finally in full swing! I had to pinch myself.
Day 2
After a good night’s sleep, we made the 7-hour drive from Entebbe to Gulu, it was hot and dusty, but there was so much colour and variety to take in. A real feast for the eyes – not to mention sounds and smells!
Day 3
Today we spent our first day at Goma Central - one of the main schools supported by Edukid.
The welcome was like nothing I've experienced before, and the smiles on the faces of the children, their parents and all our hosts lifted our spirits. Despite the challenges they face, everyone here was so happy to see us.
Day 4
We returned to Goma Central School to spend time with the children in their classrooms before heading outside to play games. The playground game ‘Duck, duck goose’ was translated into Achol (the local language), whilst the parachute activities needed very little explanation!
Day 5
Today we had the privilege of making some home visits – meeting and hearing from families in Gulu in Northern Uganda who are just about surviving. They lack pretty much every basic item that we take for granted.
We were made to feel so welcome and got to look around the three Bandas (mud huts) that they call home.
Two of their children have been given the opportunity to go to school – but need sponsors to secure this long-term. When Mum talked about her ultimate dream, she told us she asks God for the gift of education.
Overnight a list was compiled of items that we felt could make the biggest difference to the family.
Day 6
First thing this morning, we hit the Gulu market to work through our shopping list.
We spent 2 million Ugandan Shillings (about £420) on food, clothes, bedding and mosquito nets. And with the help of Cifod (Edukid in Uganda) volunteers, we also managed to obtain livestock (which are a good source of medium-term income).
We returned to the Gand family to share all our purchases.
But what they really need is a sponsor who can pay for and secure the education of their children. Just £30 a month pays for their school fees, uniforms, pens and books.
Day 7
Today we visited the Pida Community School, a new school that Edukid is now partnering with
The crafts, stickers and hair bands (that they use as bracelets), which we brought with us, went down a treat with the kids! Lots of them are footie fans, so they also loved the balls donated by my son from Liverpool FC.
The most rewarding part of this visit was the decision reached, in consultation with Edukid, to commit a large part of the cash raised through my fundraising in the UK to 50 benches and desks for classrooms here. Without the furniture, children at Pida have no choice but to sit on a muddy floor – and that’s not conducive to learning!
Day 8
A very special day awaited us when we visited the Bonga Girls project, which is a fantastic programme that aims to give young people, who have missed out on school for various reasons, an opportunity to gain vocational skills.
I met Sisla there, the girl that my own family sponsors.
Speeches from the community including 'Super Girl' (their equivalent of Head Girl) were truly inspiring.
Days 9 & 10
Over the next two days, we took time out to enjoy the amazing Murchison National Park, the oldest and largest park in the country.
As the sun rose, we saw so many animals on safari – it was an unforgettable morning.
During an evening river cruise up the Nile, we enjoyed some Crocodile and Hippo spotting!
Day 11
After discovering that Sisla had no proper black shoes for her attendance on her course, we went to the market to buy her a couple of pairs and then headed back to the Bonga project.
Bonga means “Let’s Share”, and on this day they absolutely did! They showed us how to cook, make clothes and build a brick wall!
Day 12
Today was one of the most challenging yet uplifting days of the trip. We had been invited to attend Gulu Primary and Gulu High, and at the High School we spent much of our time with the children of the Blind Annex.
Whilst there were clear disadvantages for this group, the visit allowed us to witness their fantastic talents and understand how they are gifted in so many different ways, including their beautiful and incredibly harmonious singing voices.
Day 13
A change of pace met us today. Instead of the primitive school rooms we had become accustomed to in the villages, in the morning we were given a guided tour of the imposing buildings of Gulu University. It was ghostly quiet due to students being on recess, but we still were able to look around the labs and appreciate the enhanced study facilities there.
In the afternoon, we joined the creative folk of the Tailoring project in the garden of Canon Moses. Here we were given instructions so we could make some of the items for ourselves (or at least give it our best shot!).
Day 14
Today, we said farewell to this beautiful region and travelled back to the Entebbe area, breaking our journey briefly to visit the family home of our wonderful driver Geoffrey, who lives on the outskirts of Kampala. His wife had kindly prepared some snacks for the entire group, and they were just delighted to entertain us.
Day 15
Our final day was spent relaxing in and around the pool at the Lake Victoria hotel. It was an opportunity to gather thoughts and reflect on a truly amazing experience before flying home the next day.
Reflections
This was a totally awesome experience with so many great moments, both high and incredibly low!
Much of what I’ve seen will remain difficult to process. I loved the culture, and I found the people in Uganda to be amazing – they will hold a special place in my heart (until I have the chance to go back).
I was excited before embarking on this adventure, but the trip exceeded all my expectations! It has also altered my view of the world and given me a fresh perspective on my own life.
If you would like the opportunity to experience this trip first-hand, visit the Edukid website.
If you would like to support the people of Uganda, whether that’s mosquito nests, school uniforms, or desks, please donate to this truly inspirational cause.
