It’s hard to believe but I left North Carolina two months ago today, for this incredible adventure! In the past two months, I have seen and done things that I never thought I would get the chance to do. Most importantly, I have gotten to experience how much of the world lives. The following is what I have learned in my first two months:
1.Ugandan’s are the hardest working people- I live in a rural part of Uganda where most people are subsistent farmers. They wake up at dawn and start toiling in their gardens. People here grow nearly everything they eat with the exception of meat. Meat is usually purchased on Saturdays in the trading center after a cow has just been slaughtered. Most people live on less than $1 a day so growing everything they eat is a must for survival. It is not uncommon to see women with babies strapped to their backs working under the hot sun all day.
2.Childhood is not universal- While Universal Primary Education was introduced about eight years ago requiring every Ugandan child to attend school though P7 (7th grade), many children are not in school. Some families choose to keep their children at home because they need help in the home or garden. For the majority of children who do go to primary school about half of them drop out by P6. While American children are watching cartoons before school, Ugandan children do about hour and a half of chores before school; these may include working in the garden, sweeping the compound, cleaning the house, helping with meal preparations etc. After school children continue with chores often having little time for homework or studies.
3.While the above is true, young children have a wonderful life- Because most of the families are farmers; children are with their parents and other extended relatives all day. Leon, the 1 and a half year old who I adore has attention from any number of people everyday. He has a huge area to run and play in; one of his favorite pastimes is to chase the chickens around the compound! Since he has grown up around nature, he has a keen eye, he can spot a new bird before the rest of us even see it!
4.The first month was the hardest- There were times during the first month were I thought I’m not sure I can do this, it wasn’t the living without electricity or modern conveniences that was so challenging. In fact at times I relish in the simple life. No, rather it was being so far away from anything that was familiar and getting used the conditions that people live in. At the end of two months, I can truly say that I am glad that I took this opportunity and chance.
5.Every email, phone call, letter, and care package brightens my day- Throughout this entire process; I have been blessed by amazing and supportive friends and family. This week, I got my first care package!! I had been so desperate for non work books that I devoured the 660 page book in two days!
6.Education in Uganda- The teachers here especially in the rural schools have all of my respect. Every day, they go to buildings that are falling down many with dirt floors to teach over 100 students with no text books or other learning resources. I have seen teachers that give their best every day in a very challenging situation. I have also seen teachers who don’t come to school because they have lost hope or they have side business to attend to.
7.Training teachers- In the last week, I have trained 96 teachers!!! This past weekend alone, I had 41, P5-P7 teachers. Teachers here have very few opportunities for professional development so I am thrilled to be able to offer trainings.
8.Chances are worth taking- This time last year, if someone told me I would be in Africa within the year, I would have thought they were nuts! I am thrilled that I took this chance.
9. I have met the amazing people- From the teachers who work tirelessly in challenging situations to development workers trying to help to tourist from all around the world- I have met incredible people in the last two months.
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