Michele writes: Was it really 9 years ago ...

.. since Phil and I were in Lukomera, at WTA together? It has been 9 years since I moved back to the UK, leaving Phil in Kampala for a little longer. And then, family stuff. Of course, we’ve had independent visits over the years, but now a chance to take time together. 

We were thrilled to join Jerry, Elspeth and the doggy clan, including Zuri, the new puppy (who amused us daily!) We took time to observe and re-connect with staff and students alike, at the school, The Rock Health Centre and Connect Education Centre.

In 2022, Phil spent some time working on urgent drainage re-routing and installation. This time, there were two immediate “building” needs. Heavy rains had undermined the foundations of the old boys’ latrine block, making it too dangerous to use; the concrete slab and walls could give way at any time! The other more positive need was the requirement for a clinical incinerator and ash pit (for disposal), at The Rock. More of that in a separate update. 

Phil in action

Before any of this, we all headed to Gulu, to the joint READ for Life/CEC project. Another first for me. It was a total delight to spend time with the team in their beautiful compound. Gulu Education Office has instructed the roll-out of the RfL phonics reading scheme, to all 200+ government & private schools; this is tremendous news. The centre is also a training base for these teachers. For us, it was interesting to see how innovative the mobile libraries are; basically, fold-out, metal boxes on wheels, distributed to local schools by boda boda (motorbike). We also observed some lessons, met former WTA student, Aber Mercy, (now in charge of the Connect Library) and former WTA Head Prefect, Ejuku Emmanuel, (now in his final year at Gulu Uni). 

Michèle has the great responsibility of ringing 'time' at the end of the session

Back in Lukomera, we focussed on important tasks. Elspeth continued with lesson observation and staff feedback; Jerry worked with Deborah, liaising with the District Education Office in renewing the NGO licence, which was achieved during our visit; Phil got his sledgehammer to the latrine walls, and together with Mohammed, they brought that particular house down. Together, we both designed the construction of the new incinerator, which is now needed, as TRHC has been awarded Health Centre III status, allowing it to serve the community in even better ways. 

 planning the new incinerator

Some readers may not know that I previously worked as a midwife during our time in Uganda. On a personal level, it is super to see how TRHC goes from strength to strength, supporting the community and school, and especially to learn about the safe arrival of new babies. We were able to obtain a new vaccine carrier and approval for an immunisation fridge from the District Health Officer, and TRHC established a new ministry partnership with Mercy for Mamas. This organisation pays for delivery kits and reusable nappies. In Uganda, women must provide all consumables, when they give birth. These wonderful MamaKits are provided free of charge, which saves the mums 50% of the cost of delivery. Although I didn’t get to see any babies born this time, the kits were in use straight after we left!

a recent customer and beneficiary!

There will be more to come.

Michèle Ball