2010 Volunteer Trip Blog

August 29th, Planning For The Year Ahead

Wed, 30 Mar 2011 23:53:00 GMT

It seems like a long time since I have had a chance to sit down and write about what has been happening here. The internet connection has been almost non existent in Masaka so there was little point in attempting to post a blog, but now I am in Kampala I am hoping it will co-operate more. Fingers crossed!

The last couple of weeks has been a busy time since Browny and the boys have left Uganda. Much of the time has been spent with David and I discussing and preparing for the direction Suubi will take over the next 12 months. So many great things have been achieved in such a short amount of time here and we really want to keep the momentum rolling.

We have been busy researching the procedures we have to follow to set up a Community Health Clinic at Suubi. We both believe that this is the next logical step to take. The various projects and programs which are available at Suubi Education and Community Centre have been embraced by the local community. We feel sure that we can now build on this strong relationship we have developed, and by providing a clinic at the centre, we can further improve people lives. Basic medical issues will be handled at the clinic, but it will also give us an avenue to provide education, information and support programs relating to a variety of issues. Malaria and HIV awareness will be a focus and educating people about reproductive health, family planning, motherhood and child development will also be tackled.

It is an exciting and challenging time ahead. We hope that all you HUGgers out there will get behind setting up the clinic! A variety of fund-raising events have been planned when I return to Australia and the sale of 2011 HUG calendars will go into full swing. So please support any HUG events in your area, and if 100 of you out there can sell just 10 copies each of the calendar we will able to start building!!!

In amongst all of our planning we have still had time to to do other things though. After David recently returned from his week in Germany the Suubi ladies decided to give him a welcome home party. In true Ugandan style much matooke was prepared, the music was played loud and everyone danced the night away. It was so lovely to see everyone having such a great time; a far cry from when I first came here in 2007!

The ladies laughed a lot at me sitting in the plantation peeling matooke with them!

Then matooke was then bundle into banana leaves and steamed for about 2-3 hours.

All of the ladies, including Benidicta, used this time to make paper beads.

Once cooked the matooke was then mashed by hand in the banana leaves and shared amongst everyone in the training hall.

I have also spent much of the last couple of weeks working with the Suubi ladies. While we had been away traveling to Gulu and Bujagali they had been busy practicing their paper bead making. It is a new skill we have introduce to them relatively recently so when I returned they were keen to make necklaces like the ones I had bought to show them from other areas. Every day they would come to Suubi to collect the materials required (fishing line, connectors and small beads) so they could go home and produce their necklaces in the evening. Once at the centre they would sit and make beads together and help each other learn new ways to roll or thread them. While all that was happening there was always lots of chatting and laughing; another thing I am so glad to see at Suubi now days! I now have close to 700 necklaces, bracelets and other craft items, safely packed in my bag to bring home to sell for them. Hopefully we can sell them ALL so that people in Australia can get a beautiful handmade craft item and the ladies in Uganda can earn an income to support their families.

Haawa with some of the paper bead necklaces she has been busy making.

David and I recorded each of the ladies necklaces and other craft items into the computer.

Other projects have also been moving on well. A new crop of mushrooms have just started to be harvested over the last week or so.The ladies learnt much from their first crop and many of them have now increased the number of sachets of spore they have planted. This means they are now harvesting larger quantities of mushroom each, which will of course means an increase their income!

Betty was very happy with the amount of mushrooms she was placing in the solar drier.

The knitting project has also gone ahead in leaps and bounds. Just a few short weeks ago when Jan Heap was here helping the ladies with their sewing and knitting skills they were still struggling to produce a school vest. Jan should be extraordinarily proud of them now because Namirembe Sarah has not only mastered making a complete jumper herself, but she is also teaching other ladies as well! In-fact while we were visiting St Theresa (one of our partner schools) yesterday the director of the school said he would place the next order for their school jumpers through the Suubi ladies. Very exciting!!

Namirembe Sarah was very proud of the jumper she had been able to produce.

Wednesday was a very exciting day at Suubi. It rained!!!!!!! Yipppppppppppeeeeee!!!!! This is the first 'real rain' we have had since I have been here so everyone was very excited. The tanks had been almost completely dry so it was great to see the gutters pouring over and the liquid gold running into the tank. It also means that people can now plant their next seasons crops which they had been unable to do before. The demonstration garden at Suubi has also been pretty bare since we harvested the maize a few weeks back so David took the opportunity on Thursday show John exactly how we wanted the double dug garden beds prepared. I'm sure John will busy right now planting the new seedlings. I can't wait to see the new crop!!!

David expertly showed John (the new Suubi gardener) exactly how he wanted the demonstration garden beds prepared.

John prepared the double dug beds so seedling from the nursery bed to be planted.

Friday was, once again, the really tough part of the trip. Saying goodbye to everyone at Suubi is never easy. Everyone there is like my second family now. It is getting easier though because I know I will always be back next year! David and I will spend the next week in Kampala doing some further planning and will hopefully get a chance to celebrate all the great things that have been achieved since May.

Betty, Madelena, Maria and Samatico say good bye.

David and I farewell Suubi for the last time together this year.

It has been an amazing trip. Thanks to everyone that has been following the blog and hopefully you will continue to keep up to date with everything that is happening at Suubi through the Suubi update blog from now on. I sure am looking forward to getting home and seeing all of my Aussie family!!! Four months is a long time to be away and I can't wait to give everyone back home a huge HUG!

Love to you all.

HUGs from Helen

August 15th, Time to Relax

Wed, 30 Mar 2011 23:52:00 GMT

The last six weeks has been absolutely amazing as we have lived the family holiday of my dreams! To have Browny and all four of our grown up sons here in Uganda has far, far exceed all my expectations. I feel unbelievably lucky that we were able to pull it off and will treasure the memories from this trip forever!

The first few weeks was all about showing Browny and the boys everything that has been achieved at Suubi. They had heard so much about it all, and had been such an important part of making it all happen, so when it came time to showing them in real life, it really was a buzz for all of us. Then we went on tour around Uganda to learn from other successful projects so that we could incorporate the best of what they are doing into Suubi. We had a fabulous time doing all that HUGging, but the last week has been lovely for us just to chill out and have some fun together.

We headed to Bujagali on August 6th so that we could be there for Dustyn's 28th birthday. The plan had been that the boys would bungee jump into the Nile to celebrate the occasion but we got a little side tracked when Ruby (our van) decided to stop in her tracks for a couple of hours. Something had rattled around during our trip back from Gulu and part of the four wheel drive mechanism had become wedged in the front tyre. It took us a few hours to get a mechanic out to fix it but that didn't stop us from having some laughs on the side of the road. Brenton pulled out a deck of cards to pass the time and the boys laughed their heads off as they realised I could do things they never dreamed I would!!!

Anyone for a game of cards while we wait?

No pit latrine in sight...........not a problem for 'boys'!!!

Once we finally reached Bujagali and had been there for a couple of days the boys decided that they would rather go white water rafting instead of bungeeing. They had jumped from the tallest bungee tower in the world while they had been in South Africa for the world cup, so a new adrenaline rush seemed the way to go. A mix up on the first day of trying to organise rafting found all six of us spending the day doing some more leisurely 'tubing' down the river. We had lots of laughs tipping each other out of the tubes but it meant us oldies didn't have to face the really big grade five rapids. Browny and I had done it in 2007 so when it came time for actual rafting we opted for the gentler option of taking the photos!

Running late.......Brenton, Chad, Dustyn and Ryley chowed down on breakfast in the back of the rafting truck.

They were lucky to keep it down as they went through Bujagali Falls!

Also during the last week we have had a chance to catch up with many of our friends from past trips to Uganda. It is a lovely feeling to be welcomed back with such enthusiasm and great to be able to introduce Dustyn and Ryley to the many people they have only heard about and spoken to on the phone in the past.

Joseph is one of the many kids I have watched grow up during my visits to Uganda over the last 4 years.

Harriet served up a feast when we had dinner with her and Dora, Joy, Hope and Dennis.

We also got a chance to spend a fair bit of time with O4no, Silagi, Fred and Simon who are all great friends from our past trips to Bujagali. Browny had taught O4no how to hand sign write when he was here in 2007. Sign writing is usually done with a stencil in Uganda so he was very proud to show Browny signs he had made around the village. O4 has also started screen printing over the last couple of years so he designed us a new HUG shirt and printed them during our stay.

O4no and Browny checked out his hand written work. Well done!

O4no screened our new HUG shirts .

Don't we all look at treat!

Later in the week Ryley and I took the opportunity to go for a village walk with Asha. This is quite a expedition around three of the local villages. We stopped off at the river so she could wash some of Chad's shoes and then we visited one of her family friends homes where Ida (the Mum) roasted us up some G nuts and casava. Last of all we stopped into her home to visit with her Grandfather and other family members. The whole journey took us more than four hours and boy were we hot and tired by the end of the trip, but it was a fantastic way to get a glimpse into real village life. Thanks Asha!

Asha showed off her bendable body to Ryley as she washed in the river.

Ida and her family welcomed us into their home.

Having had Browny and Dustyn head back to Australia on Wednesday, yesterday it was our turn to farewell everyone in Bujagali. We spent the morning assuring everyone that we be back. It is too hard to say goodbye so 'tunalabagana' (see you again) was much easier.

O4 and Silagi were happy to hear that we will be coming back again.

Our six week Brown family adventure all together in Uganda finally came to an end today as I farewelled Chad, Ryely and Brenton at the airport. It was tough to realise that it will be a long time before we are all back together again, but it helps to know that no matter where we all are in the world we will always be together in our hearts. Thanks to all of my amazing boys you for being you!

One for the family album - Us six Brown's together in front of the Nile

HUGs from me!

August 9th, On The Road

Wed, 30 Mar 2011 23:52:00 GMT

Hey everyone! It's Chad here.

First of all, we apologise for how long it has taken to get this blog up. With all six Browns in Uganda at the same time, it is tough to find time to sit down and write about everything that is happening.

Since the blog was last updated, we have travelled hundreds of kilometres around this beautiful country, but first of all...

Our last week at Suubi...

After such a brilliant experience in 2008, Brenton and I asked if it would be ok to spend a couple of nights at the family home, before leaving the centre. Madalena and the children welcomed us back with open arms, as we shared some delicious local dinners, and spent two nights laughing and playing with the delightful kids from in and around the house.

After our first night at the house, Madalena presented Bren and I with a chicken to thank us for coming to stay in 2010...

...the very next night, all the Browns came to enjoy that chicken for dinner, with our Ugandan family.

Before we knew it, our time at the Suubi Centre had come to an end for 2010. During our two weeks there, we had the opportunity to get to know some of the amazing people who make this project so effective, and see first-hand the benefits that it is having on thousands of students and families within the community. We thank each and every person who has supported the development of this inspiring initiative, because without the amazing work of many, many people, in both Australia and Uganda, the Suubi Community Education Centre may never have had the chance to impact the lives of so many thankful Ugandan families in Lubanda Village. From the driving force behind the entire concept - Ssewogerere David, to the smallest contributor at one of HUGs many fundraising events, your support of this project will be forever appreciated.

Our final day with the Suubi staff, participating craft ladies and the smiling students from Sharon Primary School.

After departing Suubi, we travelled north-west to visit another community project which is run by an organisation called U.R.D.T (Ugandan Rural Development Training). U.R.D.T has been operating in the Kibaale District for the past 23 years, and they now have an huge number of projects which are operating incredibly efficiently under their vast umbrella. Our visit to the project was originally organised so that Mum (Helen) could deliver nine laptops which were donated by 'NAB / Telstra Helping Hand Program' in Australia. However, after spending just a short amount of time with a few of the U.R.D.T. staff, we soon realised that we had as much to gain from our visit there as they did from the delivery of their new computers.

Helen hands over the laptops to John Tusiime.

Through a full-day tour, we learned that there are literally thousands of people are participating at U.R.D.T. everyday, in programs ranging from agriculture, cooking, metalwork and carpentry, to computer classes, farming, radio broadcasting and private education. The vision of the project is as clear as I have seen from any organisation that I have ever visited or been involved with, and the philosophies of U.R.D.T., HUG and the Suubi Education Centre are extremely well aligned. It was, therefore, a great opportunity for us to visit such a well-established project and learn from some of their successes and mistakes over the past two decades.

One of U.R.D.T.'s impressive demonstration gardens...

Students from one of U.R.D.T.'s independently funded girls schools.

And Browny asks questions of one of the U.R.D.T. graduates, trying to learn more about his amazing success story.

After our visit to U.R.D.T., we drove north to Murchison Falls National Park, for the second Suubi Safari of 2010. While camping on our first night, just metres from the banks of the mighty Nile River, we were treated to one of the most enormous thunderstorms that any of us have ever experienced. And after waking up to soaking grounds and muddy roads, we made our way down to the river to begin a 2-hour cruise past some of Africa's fantastic wildlife, to Murchison Falls.

A family of elephants at the water's edge.

The Suubi Safari crew, with Murchison Falls in the background.

On Day 2 of the safari, we found ourselves a local guide and headed out for an afternoon game drive. Throughout the 3-hour journey we came within metres of some of the most powerful and fascinating creatures on the planet, and saw some of the most beautiful landscapes in all of Uganda.

'Top of the food-chain!' Not a care in the world.

The strangely beautiful east-african giraffes...

And a spectacular sunset to end our safari.

After finishing up at Murchison Falls and spending a couple of days in Gulu to catch up with a friend of David's, we headed back to Kampala for one more night. Ssewogerere has since flown out to Germany to attend a climate change conference over the next week, so it was our last opportunity to spend a night in his company and thank him for all of the brilliant work and amazing help that he has given us over the last three weeks. He truly is an inspirational man, and the whole Brown family now looks forward to many more years of great friendship with him. Webale Nyo, Ssemwogerere.

Our final morning with David before he flew out to Germany.

So, that is the latest news from our part of the world. We are now into our last week together in Uganda for 2010, so we will certainly be making the most of the time we've got over the next 7 days or so. Helen has another month here before flying back to Australia, so I'm sure that you can look forward to another blog update or two before she leaves.

Until then, we hope that all is well in your corner of the world.

HUGs from everyone.

July 25th, News from the Brown Boys

Wed, 30 Mar 2011 23:51:00 GMT

WOW, Uganda :-)

For us four boys it has been a long time coming - over 2 years for Chad and Brenton - but for Ryley and I it is our very first time in Uganda, and that has been around 4 years in the making! All the stories all the photos and some broken up phone calls over time could not prepare us for the real thing & the excitement to finally arrive.

Being the first Brown boy out of the doors in Entebbe, the look on Mum's face was priceless, dripping wet from trying to cool herself down during a bout of malaria, tears running down her eyes she just couldn't stop smiling as one by one we came into a place she considers her second home. It literally was HUGS all round as Dad waited his turn and then we finally got to meet the inspirational person that is Mr. David Ssemwogerere.

Arriving on dusk to the Suubi centre was a bit of a blur, it was nothing like we had expected, again we had seen the photos and heard the stories but the work that has been done and the organisation of the entire project is just beyond belief. The next morning was a tour showing us all around Suubi and explaining how everything works, from the computer classes, to the reading classes, to the demonstration garden, to the mushroom house. The work that has been done is just truly amazing!

The boys continue work on the path around Suubi.

So, down to business! Mum explained some things that needed to be done & then basically said “do whatever you like to help out wherever you can”. Manual labour comes part & parcel with volunteering at Suubi, and we've all enjoyed getting our hands dirty over the past week & a half. There have been Bandas to paint, paths to build and gardens to hoe... all of which are completed in a very different style to how we would do it in Oz due to the basic tools & DIY nature of the work. For example, laying a gravel path in Australia would involve collecting a trailer-load of stones from the local landscaping business and transporting them to site on the back of a car. Here, large rocks need to be collected from surrounding areas in a wheelbarrow, and then brought back to the site to be smashed into gravel with a sledgehammer! Yes, in instances like this it means a much slower process... but it also means a greater sense of satisfaction; not to mention an appreciation for how much more difficult the things we take for granted can be in other parts of the world.

(I might add that unlike in Oz, no one here is complaining about working conditions. When shit needs to be done, they just do it... with a smile!

Speaking of shit, the construction of a brand new pit latrine is well underway here at Suubi. Local digger 'Peter' (along with some able assistants) has been toiling away with the hoe for days, aiming for a depth of 100 FEET to accommodate the excretions of future volunteers. To watch a man dig a hole this big with his bare hands is really quite something, and you can look forward to seeing it in video form here on the website at a later date.

Peter enjoys a rest while his assistant continues the hard work.

The pit is shoulder width wide and there is still more than 80 ft to dig!

Prior to our arrival, David had been letting the local Suubi Soccer team know that a fitness trainer was on the way, and going down to training on the first night blew us away. Ryley and I arrived with our replica "Jabulani" soccer ball from our recent trip to South Africa, and the sight of two Mazungu's on the soccer field led to over 150 school kids running out onto the oval for a kick and to say hello. After a while the teachers called the kids back to finish the school day and we got down to training some of the team. Although they have excellent skills here in Africa, fitness is not something they practice, and they were very very keen to learn some new skills to help them last out a full 90 minutes of a game (again something different to Australia where nobody likes the fitness training side of sport). There was plenty of laughter, as I don't speak Lugandan & they don't speak English, so it became a lesson with hand signals and demonstrations. It was a tough session even for me, due to a big 5 weeks and no exercise in South Africa! All in all though it was an amazing experience, one that Ryley and I both enjoyed… and by the look on their faces, I think the team enjoyed it too.

Dustyn explaining new skills to the locals with his new found sign language.

Our welcoming party on our First Sunday here turned out to be a fantastic afternoon/evening. A local businessman had donated a goat for all the business HUG had given him, so we decided to invite the craft ladies and some of the local community along for the feast. After seeing our dinner running around in the morning and then watching it be slaughtered in traditional style, it was good to have a few hours to get our stomachs back together before we enjoyed our first bit of meat for the trip.
After eating the goat on probably the biggest kebab stick you will ever see, local icon DJ Mike rocked the house with some traditional music, as the ladies showed us how to dance Ugandan style while we showed them a thing or two on how NOT to dance. With some hysterical laughter and even more smiles it was a fabulous evening with all of our new friends.

A local Muslim is required to slaughter the animal so that other Muslims can enjoy the festivities.

The Suubi ladies enjoying the feast.

Dustyn tucks into a king size kebab!

With enough camera equipment to shoot a feature film, it didn't take long for David to request that we put our video skills to good use. There's 7 key components to the work that HUG is undertaking at the moment, all of which need to be documented for an upcoming Suubi Centre DVD. These components are: 1) The mushroom project. 2) The piggery project. 3) School gardens. 4) Computer training. 5) Library & book reading. 6) Crafts. 7) Sport/Music/Drama.

It's been quite fascinating to get an overview of all these things firsthand, and it's especially pleasing to see how little the staff are involved after the necessary skills are imparted onto the locals. It's plain to see that this is where the power of the Suubi Centre lies. When given a chance, the Ugandan people discover talents that they themselves didn't know that they had, and it gives them the confidence to take their destiny into their own hands. The centre itself purely serves as a support network; guiding & assisting when necessary, but ultimately empowering the locals to manage themselves. It's hoped that one day the centre could function without any Mazungu involvement whatsoever, and a solid foundation has clearly already been laid for that. These short videos will appear online over the coming months, so stay tuned!

Ryley filming Salah harvesting her latest batch of mushrooms.

A few days in we visited two of the schools that HUG is currently working with. First it was Bright Light Primary, which HUG has provided with a water tank & the skills to build their very own organic garden. This was quite interesting to see how the gardens can be put to use, to teach children farming so that they in turn can teach their parents at home. Another point that I found very interesting was that Vincent, the school principal, is actually funding all of the extensions and new classrooms out of his own pocket. As he saves more money, he buys more bricks and piece-by-piece adds to the school in hope that his dream of a bigger and better school with more education for the community can be realized. What an inspirational person!

Dustyn and Browny hand over avocado trees to the inspirational principal Vincent and the agricultural teacher.

We then moved on to Sharon Primary, and again were greeted with huge smiles & felt like celebrities getting out of our van, with every child so keen to say hello & shake our hands before running away giggling! Sharon are just starting their farming project, but already you can see the great impact it is having. After demonstrating their skills with the garden tools the kids treated us to an hour of singing & dancing, which bought huge smiles, laughter and a very big sense of appreciation from both the school kids and the Brown family. I can't describe in words what you feel when a small Ugandan child looks up you with such a huge smile and says thank you for your help.

Sharon students pull their weight in their brand new garden.

Helen, Chad, David and Ryley are surrounded by children enjoying the performance.

A message of thanks from the students.

Finally, the maize in the demonstration garden here at Suubi was harvested just yesterday by Bren & Ishmael. We were all impressed with the yield, which will be dried over the coming days and then crushed into flour to be eaten as porridge. The 'double-dug' technique on show here is proving to be a huge success, and it’s great to see it being implemented in the wider community.

Brenton uncovers some Suubi grown gold!

Ryley and Brenton work in tandem to harvest the crop.

Ishmael displays what quality maize looks like.

Well, that’s it from us. Hopefully we have put into words the feelings & experiences we have had. It has truly been an amazing experience so far, and something we are all very proud to be a part of.

Hope all is well,

HUG's from Dustyn & Ryley

July 18th, Six Browns at Suubi!!

Wed, 30 Mar 2011 23:51:00 GMT

WOW!!! I don't know where to begin to write this blog. It is an indescribable feeling to finally have our whole Brown family back together again. We have all waited so long to be together at Suubi and now there is NO more sleeps to count............ We are all here!!! Yipppppppppeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!

After a three hour delay the boys finally come through the door at Entebbe airport at about 5pm on Wednesday night. Lots of tears of happiness, many hugs and constant chattering flowed as we made our way out of the airport. There is so much to catch up on and four days later we still haven't even scratched the surface.

We spent Wednesday night in Kampala at David's house and then set off for Suubi after lunch on Thursday. When we finally pulled in, just on dusk, it was a sheer joy to watch as the boys toured around the centre with amazed looks on their faces. They are going to write a blog in a few days time so I won't even try to explain the feeling from their prospective.

Being all back together again after such a long time apart was definitely a yipppeee moment!

After a good nights rest Friday found us checking out everything again properly in the daylight. We chatted lots more over lunch about what we had all been up to and then we got one of the really important first jobs done..............cutting B's hair!!! Dustyn, Chad and Ryley had had theirs done at a barbers in Kampala the previous night but Brenton had been too attached to his. He hadn't had it cut for more than a year but he soon realised the heat in Uganda would be too much. It was a hilarious event and it really made me even more thankful that we were all back together again and laughing so hard. We have some fabulous photos.............none of which are appropriate to post but all are going straight to the Brown family album!!!! hahahaha!

Enjoying lunch together in the training hall at Suubi.

Josheph helped out with Brenton's haircut.

Saturday saw the serious work begin. A new path to the demonstration mushroom house began and scrapping, sanding and painting of the outside of the kitchen/storeroom got underway.

Ryley showed off his hot 'muzungu' body!

Brenton swung a mean a pick while Dustyn ventured higher up the ladder.

And higher!

It was lovely just to be able to sit back and relax and watch the boys hard at work!

B may be less hairy now but he sure is lot dirtier!

As well as the physical work that has been going on Chad has helped out Ishmael and Joseph with some of the finer points of excel. This will help keep records of the mushroom project and other things happening at Suubi much easier. They were thrilled to have a patient teacher to teach them new skills.

Ishmael and Joseph were thrilled to learn more about excel from Chad.

And while the boys have been busy with all that, Browny has moved on to making new signs that will help make finding Suubi much easier for everyone.

Browny's fabulous new signs in progress.

Six Browns at Suubi - yipppppppppppppeeeeeeeeeee!

I realise this has been a very brief overview of what has happened over the last few days.............hopefully the pictures will tell the story! I don't want to be stuck in front of the computer while we're all here together. Lots will be achieved while we are at Suubi together but best of all we plan to have lots of fun and laughs along the way!

Look out for the next blog which will be coming from one of the boys.
HUGs from Helen

July 9th, Settling In to Life at Suubi

Wed, 30 Mar 2011 23:50:00 GMT

The last week has been has moved at a slower and more relaxed pace compared to the first six weeks of this trip. After the initial shock of seeing things in 'real life' Browny has settled in well. Having only seen the centres development via photos David had been sending to Australia over the last couple of years he found it quite surreal to be actually standing amongst the structures, and more importantly the people at Suubi. It is wonderfully to finally be able to share it all with him!

Browny soon got to know Shamira and many other people at Suubi.

On Sunday we were thrilled to have Jackie Pithie and her friend Naomi arrive. Jackie was a cast member in HUGfest 2008, which was one of the major fundraising events that helped to kick start the building of Suubi. Coincidently their arrival was timed perfectly as we had scheduled a visit to Regional College for the schools open day. Similarly to Australia, the school uses these days to showcase the students talent to parents. This meant we had the opportunity to watch a mime, drama and traditional dancing competition which had been organised for the day - right up Jackie's ally!!

Ritah and her friends performed beautifully in the traditional dance section of the competition.

We were also treated to lunch at the school. This gave Jackie and Naomi a real introduction to traditional Ugandan life style as they 'tried' to eat rice, matooke and meat with the fingers!! I think they were pretty cool with everything until their trip back through the school court yard from the pit latrine. The whole squatting thing and the over whelming smell was an experience on it's own, but seeing the cows head they had just eaten leaning against a tree almost tipped them over the edge!! Welcome to Africa girls!!!!

"Check out what we just had for lunch!"

After a good nights rest, Monday morning found us touring some of the ladies mushroom house and the local Lubanda Primary School. Both Jackie and Naomi are teachers back home so they were blown away by what they saw at the school. They were stunned at the class sizes, lack of teaching resources, pitiful teacher wages, but mostly by the children's enthusiasm to want to learn.

The Lubanda school children and teachers were thrilled to show Jackie and Naomi around.

Back at Suubi in the afternoon the girls put their painting skill to work as they figured out the best way to vanish the locally made chairs which had just been bought for the bandas. Then after an impromptu sing along from Jackie during the sewing session we were all treated to a fabulous performance by the Suubl ladies group. It absolutely amazes me each time I watch the ladies perform as I can see their confidence growing in leaps and bounds. When I think of how shy they were when we first started coming here, and I can now see them filled with confidence and happily enjoying each others company it makes me soooooooooooooo proud of them all.

Jackie convinced Naomi that a systematic way of painting the chairs was better than the slap it on approach!

The Suubi Ladies encouraged Jackie, Browny, Naomi and myself to join in with their singing and dancing.

On Tuesday we set off to visit two of Suubi's partner schools to check on their gardens. We also wanted to inform them about the various trainings which are now available at the centre and how their schools can be more actively involved in the opportunities we are offering. At Kysonko Primary School Jackie and Naomi took the chance to chat with the entire school staff while David and I conducted a school assembly to tell students about the new computer courses. The girls found this very enlightening and loved the tour around the classrooms. They even both got the chance to sit in on a class; Jackie with the primary 1 kids, just like hers, and Naomi in a maths class.

Amazingly David and I found that not one child out of over 500 at the school had 'ever' used a computer before. Hopefully that is about to change soon!

All of these students at Kysonko in primary 5 and 6 showed an interest in taking the computer class at Suubi.

Next it was onto Busuubi Primary School. This school is very actively involved at Suubi. They are already sending both their teachers and students to participate in computer classes and they always keen to take part in our various events, such as World Environment Day. While we were there we toured the school gardens, shared lunch and were lucky enough to see the students perform.

We were surrounded by students and teachers as we watched the children perform.

By lunch time on Wednesday it was time for Jackie and Naomi to set off back to Kampala. They had a flight to Kenya early the next so after just three short days they were waving us goodbye. I'm sure they will long remember their time hear though and Jackie is very keen to tell other HUGfest members about all the amazing things that have been achieved at Suubi in such a short amount of time. Hopefully more of them will come and check it out for themselves soon!!

Not long after they had left the students from Sharon Primary School arrived for their computer class. As I have told you in an earlier blog they walk three hours each way from their school so they can take part in these classes.(yes that's six hours in total!!) Having seen their enormous commitment before they left Terry and Sue offered to pay to have maize prepared for the children each week. Of course this will help them to concentrate better during their time in class and give them the energy to walk home at the end of the day. So Terry and Sue these photos are for you to enjoy, they speak for themselves...............the children say a huge thank you!

Joseph watched over the lunches being served.

After a rest in the training hall and something in their belly in children were ready to learn lots.

That smile says it all!

And while all that has been happening Browny has already put his mark on the place. New signs have gone up on the training hall, resource centre, toilets and the community project board.

Browny in action Ugandan style.

By the next blog we will have all six Browns here at Suubi so look out for some real action!

Until then, beera bulungi.

HUGs from Helen

July 2nd, Saying Goodbye Is Not Easy!

Wed, 30 Mar 2011 23:50:00 GMT

The last week or so has been filled to brimming point with activity as the current group of volunteers wound up their time at Suubi. After just ten short days at the centre the Tomaino family reluctantly waved goodbye to the community. Their offer to completely fund the building of the 2nd banda at the centre will definitely have a positive impact on Suubi well in to the future. Webale nnyo nnyo nnyo guys for your unbelievable generosity! Now sharing their experiences in Uganda with family and friends is something they are all looking forward to doing. They are all set to spread the HUG word. Nevine is already busy planning for a fund raising event later in the year and Lucynda promised to return to Suubi after she finishes school. So watch out for the Tomaino's...........they are a changed family and they are on a mission!

The Tomaino family said goodbye to David at the airport before flying on to Italy to visit with family.

After returning from the airport new craft lessons for the Suubi ladies got under way. We had bought small glass beads, thread and connectors while we were in Kampala to add to the large supply of decorative beads which had been donated to the centre. This means that the ladies will now be able to produce necklaces and bracelet which will be sold both at Suubi and in Australia. Sue has taken many of the first items produced back with her, so if you are looking for a authentically hand made african piece of jewellery you can find her at the Tatong and Violet town markets over the coming months.

Jane, Rose and Sarah enjoyed each others company as they participated in the new jewellery making classes.

Helen was excited to show David some of the finished items the ladies had made.

Last Friday we returned to Sharon Primary School to install the guttering and pipes leading to the tank which had been carefully been put in place since we had last visited. This was a very exciting time for everyone but especially for Terry and Sue who had worked so hard back in Australia to raise the money through their church community at St Joseph's in Benalla. They were both very happy to officially hand over the tank and a brand new set of garden tools to Frank, the director of the school.

Terry and Sue proudly handed over garden tools and the new tank to the school director.

But it was the brand new garden beds that the school had taken the initiative to build that David and I were very excited about. They had copied what they had seen at the Suubi demonstration garden when they had been there for computer classes. Frank explained that the children had been so keen to get started, and even though the water was not yet available they had insisted to make a small start. We will visit Sharon again in the not to distant future to help them correctly develop 'all of' the large area they have set aside for their organic garden but it wonderful to see them so motivated already! We really want to help people who want to help themselves and Sharon Primary school definitely fits into that criteria.

Sharon Primary School had developed new garden beds.

The students were very happy to receive new garden tools.

While we were at Sharon we also planted five of the avocado trees which the environmental officer had give to us during the world environment day event we recently held. We will continue to hand these out to each of our partner schools as we visit them and hopefully in years to come we will return to see the school communities enjoying the fruit.

Jan and Helen planted one of the avocado trees in the school compound.

Then on Saturday Helen and Jan were lucky enough to be invited to attend an introduction party for one David's friend cousins. This is similar to an engagement party back home but it follows a very traditional way of introducing the boys family to the girls. More than 400 or 500 people attended and the whole event was filled with colour and excitement. We both felt privileged to witness this special event and it is something we will remember for a long time to come.

The tradition and colour of the introduction ceremony was quite a spectacle.

The last goodbyes to everyone at the centre was not easy for Jan and the O'Briens. Having been at the Suubi for six weeks they had really built up fabulous friendships with different members of the community. All three of them have left a positive long term imprint on Suubi and they will long be remember by everyone around the centre and within the village. I think all of this years volunteers have been touched with 'Ugandaitis' as I call it; they all are planning to come back to Suubi again in the future and we will welcome them with open arms!

Sue & Terry and Jan farewelled the Suubi ladies.

Wednesday found us at the airport again to drop everyone off for their return flights home and to collect Browny (my husband) for his six week stay in Uganda. We stopped in at Lido Beach again for a beautiful lunch of freshly caught Talapia fish and to enjoy the last sights of Uganda. While we were there David performed one of his unofficial duties..... removing jiggers from Sues feet!

The jigger doctor at work!

With lunch completed, I counted down the minutes as Browny's arrival got closer. I soon persuaded David that it was time to set off as I didn't want to be late! It was sad to have to wave Jan and Terry & Sue goodbye but I am now so, so, soooooooooooooooo excited to have my family here to see all the amazing things that couldn't possibly have been achieved at Suubi without their continued and unwavering support.

Helen was very excited to have Browny arrive!

I am very sure that the next six weeks is going to be an incredible Brown family experience that we will all treasure forever. Bring it on!!!

Stay tune for the updates.
HUGs from Helen

June 25th, World Environment Day Celebrations a Huge Success

Wed, 30 Mar 2011 23:49:00 GMT

Last Saturday proved to be yet another huge success when over 3000 people from all over Kisekka sub-county and beyond gathered at Lubanda play ground to conclude a series of activities Suubi Centre had organised to mark World Environment day 2010.

Six weeks earlier we had launched the event when over 1000 trees were planted and the opening rounds of the sporting activities began. We were keen to get the wider community involved in a number of different ways so that we could spread the word about the importance of caring for the environment and also to promote the many programs which are now available at the centre. By incorporating a variety of sporting activities over a full six week period we were able to mobilise, involve and educate the masses.

Over 1000 trees were planted at peoples homes and along roadsides in the village.

The days activities began on Saturday morning with the bicycle racing competition. This created huge excitement and almost the whole of Lubanda village gathered to watch the riders set off on a 20 km ride through a number of the surrounding villages. While the boys fought it out on the road everyone headed to the playground to watch performances by a number of different schools and community groups. Each one of them presented messages about the environment or the activities they have been involved in at Suubi. This was a fabulous way of passing on important messages to many people in a fun and entertaining way.

The bike riders took off to the cheers of everyone in the village.

Busuubi Primary school sang songs about caring for the environment.

Bright Light children performed a poem.

Pivot Primary School put on a spectacular performance of singing, dancing and drumming which passed on a wonderful environmental message to the huge crowd.

Suubi Ladies Group were a big hit when they sang about the activities they have learnt about at the centre like mushroom growing, tailoring and craft making.

Other activities were also held throughout the course of the day. A tug of war event for both men and women was held and the matooke peeling competition created lots of interest for everyone. Horns were blown and lots of cheering could be heard as everyone barracked for the person or team they wanted to win.

The crowd cheered on the ladies as they peeled their matooke.

At lunch time we headed back to Suubi with the head teachers from all the schools where they all enjoyed lunch with the district environmental officer. During this time we took the opportunity to show off the Suubi demonstration garden, mushroom house, energy efficient stove and also to explain about the many programs now running at the centre.

The district environmental officer delivered fruit trees that will be distributed to all our partner schools.

By mid afternoon the culmination of the event began as the netball and football finals got under way. Thousands of people surrounded the fields and it was a amazing sight to witness so many people having such a wonderful time. Smiling faces and happy people could be seen in every direction we looked.

The netball court was surrounded by people as they watched Nakawanga netball club defeat Pelido team.

Suubi FC boys discussed their tactics before the final.

Suubi came back to equal from 2 love down only to be defeated 3-2 in the dying minutes of the match.

The entire field was surrounded with enthusiastic supporters as they watched Ngereko FC snatch victory.

At the end of the day Nakawanga netball club and Ngereko FC took home a goat and a cow for being the winning teams but everyone who was there went home having learnt something throughout the day. What a fabulous way to get everyone talking about the environment and Suubi!!!!

HUG's from Helen and David

June 21st, Tomaino's Hard at Work

Wed, 30 Mar 2011 23:48:00 GMT

After arriving at Suubi just a little over a week ago the Tomaino family have well and truly settled in. It has definitely been a challenge for them but they are now adapting beautifully. Things that they never would have dreamed they would be able to cope with are now being taken in their stride. In the beginning Christian was scared of the bugs, Rob couldn't survive on the matooke for every meal, Lucynda hated going to the pit latrine and Nevine didn't want to get dirty!!!!! Now after seeing for themselves what the local people have to cope with on a day to day basis they really have realised that there are more important things in life to worry about.

At the same time they have really got stuck into to some tough physical work while they have been here. Without a doubt they will have left their positive imprint on Suubi and hopefully Suubi will have left a positive imprint on their whole family as well!

Sanding the storeroom walls meant Nevine had to cope with dust and spiders!

Rob and Terry built shelving for the storeroom and kitchen with only local bushpoles, a shared hand saw and hammer!

Rob and Terry were very proud of the finished product!

Lucynda and Christian worked hard carrying bricks and breaking rocks to help complete the path around the centre.

Nevine expertly categorised the library books.

Just yesterday we visited Mary and Mohammed's home, one of the local families who participates in lots of activities at the centre. Nevine could hardly believe her eyes as we looked through their tiny home. "How could nine people live in a house that has mud floors, two or three children sharing the same bed, clothes strung on a single line across the room and the whole family still be beautifully clean and sooooooooooo happy?" she asked. Check out the video of Mary's home and see what you think!

And when Mary and Mohammed presented us with a chicken as a gift for visiting their home, when they obviously have so little, Nevine and her family suddenly came to the realisation that visiting Uganda has changed their perspective on life for good!

Mohammed and Mary were happy to have visitors at their home.

Nevine was terrified but she still held the chicken that Maria and Mohammed had so generously given as a gift.

HUG sure is living up to its name of helping 'everyone' to grow!

HUGs from the team!

June 18th, A Documentary Crew at Suubi

Wed, 30 Mar 2011 23:48:00 GMT

There was much excitement at Suubi last Sunday night as we arrived back at Suubi with the 2nd wave of this years volunteers. We had picked the Tomaino family up from the airport the day before and they had spent the previous night acclimatising and recovering from the long flight at a backpackers in Kampala. That was definitely to be a bit of a culture shock for them so they were relieved to finally pull into Suubi and see the brand new 2nd banda they had supported ready and waiting for them.

The second banda now stands at Suubi thank to funds provide by the Tomaino Family.

We had just finished unpacking the now fully repaired van when Kate Leeming called to say that she had arrived at the nearby centre of Kinoni. Kate is an absolutely inspirational Australian lady who is on a cycling expedition from the eastern most point in Africa to the western most point. She started this amazing journey in October last year with the hope of learning more about the cause and consequences of extreme poverty in Africa. Along the way she is visiting projects that are making a real difference to this problem and our very own Suubi Centre is one of only two places she had chosen to visit while passing through Uganda. Very, very exciting!

Throughout her journey everything is being recorded for a documentary. Kate hopes this will educate and inspire others to become involved in projects which offer a sustainable answer to the seeming endless issue of poverty. "It's about offering a leg up, not a hand out" as she so eloquently puts it on her Breaking the Cycle website.

David and Helen explained to the Suubi ladies about Kate's journey across Africa.

The next morning, after a well deserved nights rest, we set off with Kate and the Tomaino family to checkout some of our projects in the village. Kate was excited to hear about, and see for her self, what a positive impact our mushroom growing and piggery project are having on all those involved. Both of these concepts require very little to set up and over a relatively short space of time allow the participants to create a sustainable income for themselves.

David explained the simplicity of setting up a mushroom house to Kate.

Babirye proudly showed off her pig.

Next it was off to Bright Light Primary school visit one of our s chool garden projects. Again Kate and her crew were impressed with the simple concept of teaching schools throughout the area how to develop organic gardens where children can learn a productive and sustainable way to farm the land.

David explained how school children pass on newly learnt farming skills to their families.

Nevine and Lucynda quickly got to know some of the local children along the way.

After the mornings tour of the village Kate spent the rest of the day checking out the facilities at Suubi and some of programs that are currently running at the centre. Ladies came for sewing, craft making and music and dance practise, while business people attended computer classes. By the end of the day Kate had very quickly realised that Suubi fitted right into her criteria of projects that are making a sustainable and long term difference to communities. So hopefully some time in the not to distant future we will sitting watching the TV in Australia and see the familiar faces of Suubi people flashing across the screen!!!

Kate chatted with the Tomaino family while the Suubi ladies rehearsed for an upcoming performance.

David, Helen, Ishmael and Joseph farewelled Kate and her crew.

Amazingly that isn't all that we have to tell you about!

During last week while David and I were in Kampala having Ruby repaired classes at the centre really got into full swing. School children began arriving for reading and computer classes. Some of the schools are very far away from the centre. Children from Busubi PS were transported in the back of a pick up to get there, a far quicker option than the three hours walk that the Sharon PS kids had to make to participate in the classes!

Terry reading with some of the children who come to visit the Suubi library.

Busubi children arrived in the back of a pick up truck.

Sharon Primary School kids are just happy to have the opportunity to be reading.

Joseph is doing a wonderful job of introducing school children to computers.

But it is not only the school children who want to learn from the newly arrived computers which were so generously donated by the National Australia Bank. Local business people and school teachers are also lining up to take classes. One of the teachers said a few nights ago, "I am 47 years old but I am still very excited to lay my hands on the computer for the first time!"

Computer classes for local business people and teachers have begun.

So as you can see amazing things are going on here at Suubi. 'Everyday' something new and exciting is happening................In fact we can hardly believe it. Yip yip yippppeeeeee!

A huge HUG from Helen and the team!

June 10th, Adventures in Western Uganda

Wed, 30 Mar 2011 23:47:00 GMT

After leaving Suubi last Wednesday we drove to Queen Elizabeth National Park in Wester Uganda. The roads had improved slightly since last year but it was still a long and bumpy ride.

As we pulled into Mweya Hostel to book into our accommodation we were greeted by Eddie, the very same game guide who had taken us into the park last year! He excitedly greeted as and told us that he had just returned from seeing many lions and did we want to see them. Although we were all very tired we all agreed that Eddie knowing exactly where the lions were such a short time ago would be advantage. So we set off straight away on an evening game drive. Along the way we saw many elephants, warthog, waterbuck, cob and abundance of bird life which Jan, in particular, was thrilled with. After about an hour or more of driving Eddie directed David to a place in the grassland where we saw a pride of 'nine' lions - a definite highlight for everyone!

That's close enough you people! You can see me from there!

"I have a beautiful smile don't I?"

This enourmous Sea Eagle is deciding what to have for lunch.

The next day, after a good nights sleep, we set off on a boat cruise down the Kizinga Chanel which separates Lake George and Lake Albert. It was a lovely peaceful way to spend the morning and the birdlife here was even more prolific. Jan was certainly in her element! The afternoon was spent in the information centre as we waited for a big storm to pass and the day was finished off with a little excitement. On our way home from dinner at the hostel restaurant, about 100metres from our cottage, a huge hippo greeted us as we turned the path to go home!!!!! He slowly and casually strolled around the corner without even taking any notice of us but it definitely made our hearts jump a little!

Friday morning we left Queen Elizabeth behind us as we made our way towards Kihihi in Kunungu district where the national Ugandan World Environment Day celebrations would be held. When we arrived we found a hot and dusty town where almost all the accommodation had been booked out by the people who were attending the event. Luckily we were able to find a room even if David did almost bargain us out of it! After checking the first lot of rooms he said we should leave and look for something better and cheaper. Only thing was there was 'nothing' else available - A big slice of humble pie for him as we returned to tell them that we would love to take the rooms!

AAAHHH, time to relax!

Saturday was a huge day at World Environment Day. We set off early to set up our stall amongst other organisations and business that were there to display their various ways they are helping to conserve the environment. People gathered from throughout Uganda and schools from the district and a variety of community groups came to perform music, dance and drama activities associated with the environment. This was a spectacular sight and to see 5000 or more Ugandans all actively wanting to learn about the best way to save the world environment was truly inspiring. The Ugandan Ministers for the Environment and Water were both there to support the nation function and they visited all stall holders to here about what suggestions people had to offer. Considering the very small carbon footprint Africans countries are leaving, we in the west could certainly learn much from their enthusiasm and commitment to conserve the environment!

Ugandan World Environment Day Site.

Setting up the HUG / D+ display at World Environment Day

Uganda's Minister for the Environment (at left) meets with David & Helen

The drive between Kunungu and Lake Bonyonyi was absolutely spectacular with mountain after mountain of terraced farm land. The road however was horrendous and it took us more than five hours to travel the 92kms! Once there we took advantage of the 'hot' showers in our rooms and we fell into bed.

Mountainside terraced farmland

After a good nights rest we set off the next morning for a ride in the dug out canoes to one of the islands on the lake. It was so relaxing and tranquil gliding along on the almost glass like lake. When we reached the island we had a lovely time buying material and craft from the ladies and enjoying a cuppa. The trip back was a bit of an adventure though as the storm clouds began to gather in the distance. We all started paddling faster, but olympic rowers we are not, so we had to make an unscheduled stop over at one of the guide relatives to shelter from the storm. Luckily we made it there just before the downpour and we were only slightly damp when we eventually arrived back at the resort.

Ah, feel the serenity!!! - Whoops, see the storm!!!!!!!!!!!!! Paddle!!!!!!!!

During the afternoon we decided that we would drive back into Kabaale to the mushroom training centre. Only problem was that Ruby (our van) had other plans. The drive the day before had been so hard on her that she simple refused to start! Even our usual method of push starting her would not work because the roads were so wet from all the rain.

Just a bit further - PUSH!

Yippeeeee, we're off!!!!!

After much discussion it was decided that we would wait until the next morning and hope that the road had dried out. Amongst these discussions Jan amazingly offered to donate the money required to have a new motor put in the van!!!! We have been strugglingly along with it for months now but in the short time she has been here Jan has realised how import the van is to operations back at Suubi. She feels a new motor will make things so much easier for everyone in the future and it is her way of supporting Suubi for many years to come! On hearing that, Terry and Sue chipped in and said " we would love to put new tyres on Ruby as well." To David and I this was more than a little overwhelming and we can't thank Jan and Terry & Sue enough for their amazing generosity! This of course will mean that 'ALL' money donated to HUG can continue to be used for projects that are making a real difference in peoples lives rather than being chewed up in car repairs. So thank you, thank you, thank you guys from the bottom of our hearts!

As we write now David and I are back in Kampala having all the repairs done on the van and gathering a list of items needed back at Suubi. The volunteers are busy back at Suubi under the guidance of Ishmael and Joseph and I'm sure next blog will be filled with everything they are achieving right now.

Until then, beera bulungi!

HUGs from Helen and David

June 3rd 2010 - A New Tank goes in at Sharon Primary School

Wed, 30 Mar 2011 23:46:00 GMT

June 2nd was an exciting day as we set off to begin installing a water tank at one of the local primary schools. Sue and Terry had raised money for this prior to leaving Australia and they were thrilled that the day had finally arrived to get to work on it.

As we travelled the windy road up to Sharon Primary School we could see the countryside changing around us. Even though Lubanda Village, where Suubi is situated, is in a remote area, we were moving deeper into rural country. There were very few trading centres or roadside market stands along the way and it was almost like the school appeared out of nowhere when we finally reached there.

As we climbed out of the van excited children ran from everywhere to see the 'muzungus'. It was quite an overwhelming feeling and our volunteers will remember it for a long time to come. For the first half an hour or so we were surrounded by children, all of who wanted to have their photo taken!

Then as the excitement started to die down, we spent time casually chatting with parents and teachers and heard lots about their children and Sharon PS.

Jan surrounded by children.

The volunteers mingled with the parents and teachers.

By late morning many more parents were starting to arrive and it was time for the more formal part of the day. The head teacher spoke to the parents, teachers and students about the opportunity the school had been given and explained that everyone needed to capitalise on in. Next David spoke about the partnership between Sharon PS and Suubi and the many ways the school could become involved at the centre. And finally Helen and each of the volunteers spoke about why they were in Uganda and what they hoped would be achieved during their visit.

Many parents came to participate in the days activities.

Terry and Sue spoke to the school community about how the money had been raised to purchase the tank.

At different times throughout the talks the school choir, drummers and dancers performed beautifully as a way of showing their appreciation. It was an amazing sight to see children and teachers dancing in full flight, and there is nothing quite like the rhythm of an African drum!

The children performed by singing, dancing and drumming.

With the formalities out of the way it was time to get to work on actually constructing the base of the tank. The whole school community was part of this. Mothers with small babies worked along side teachers, students and the volunteers to carry bricks, stones and sand to the tank site. Here fathers and grandfathers actually built the base for the new tank.

Parents, teachers, students and volunteers worked side by side.

Even the very young children helped to carry bricks.

Stones were loaded into containers to be carried.

The tank base soon started to take shape.

It is a very conscious decision to do things this way. Instead of the volunteers walking in, doing all the work and then walking away, it is very much about having everyone involved from the beginning. We believe that that this will encourage the whole school community to take ownership of the project and therefore feel part of the partnership between the school and Suubi.

So although we were there to help, we mostly spent the day simply enjoying time with the kids and soaking up the Ugandan hospitality. It was a fabulous day! We will return to the school in a week or so when the tank has been fully installed to check it out and also to hand over garden tools.

There was plenty of time to enjoy interacting with the children.

Back at Suubi during the week, Terry has definitely been leaving his mark. He has been hard at work building a new path in front of the bandas and also a display inside the training hall so that the women will have a place to show off their craft work. Samatiko is now his right hand man and they are both learning from each other!

Terry took Samatiko for a ride in the wheelbarrow.

The new path that Terry had built.

Over the weekend Jan and Helen happened to be out walking with Ishmael where they passed one of the local families killing off a pig. Jan decided that it would be a good idea to buy some of the meat for our evening meal. It really was quite surreal as we sat down to eat it knowing that we had seen it killed in the morning, hang up for sale under a tree in the afternoon and been prepared by Madelana in the evening. No food miles in that meal!

The hair was burnt from the pig after it was killed.

People came to purchase the meat from under a tree in the village.

Our portion of meat was weighed out.

Madelena prepared our pork meal.

And while all that was happening with the pork, Helen spent SIX HOURS on Saturday afternoon having her hair braided. It almost killed her to sit still for that long! She did it just for you Sue - Oh Yeah!

Helen's new Ugandan hair style.

Margaret and Flavia worked on Helen's hair

We will now be travelling to Queen Elizabeth National Park and Western Uganda for the next week.

Hopefully we will get some great wildlife photos to post next time.

Beera bulungi (stay well)

HUG'S from the team.

Beera bulungi (stay well)

May 28th, Excitement as New Machines Arrive at Suubi

Wed, 30 Mar 2011 23:46:00 GMT

The first full week at Suubi has been filled with a variety of activities. Everyone has settled in amazingly well and we have enjoyed a great mixture of working and getting to know the local people.

While walking through the village we are often surrounded by many children who are thrilled to see us. There is almost a constant sound of "Hello muzungu, how are you?" And as the kids slowly get more confident they are venturing closer to look at photos of themselves.

Sue and Jan showed the excited kids their photos.

At Suubi, Samatiko , one of the kids that is around all the time, played clapping games with Sue.

Many wonderful things have also been happening at the centre since we arrived. On Monday afternoon all of the ladies involved in the mushroom project came to have their second harvest of mushrooms weighed and sent off for sale. Over four kilograms of dried mushrooms had been produced in just a little over two weeks and this will now be sold for more than 120,000 Ugandan shillings. Very exciting!

Ishmael helped Nakafeero Sarah to weigh her mushrooms.

On Tuesday we set off back into Masaka Town to get extra supplies. We only expected to be a few hours but because we had a long list of things to collect it turned into a full day excursion! We visited fabric shops to buy material to cover equipment at Suubi, the hardware store for extra paint and tools, and the haberdashery shop for mattresses, sheet and blankets for the new banda. But the most exciting thing we bought during the day was two brand new sewing machines that Jan and Sue & Terry so generously offered to buy for the Suubi Ladies Sewing Group! When we finally arrived back at Suubi we were lucky to find the ladies were in the middle of a meeting at the centre. They were all very excited and appreciative when we told them of the gift this years volunteers had bought for them.

Every spare inch in Ruby was filled with the new things for Suubi.

Terry and Jan put the new machines together.

By Wednesday afternoon the new machines were put into full swing. Seven of the sewing ladies came to the centre and Jan set about teaching them how to make a bag for themselves. They were all very eager and listened carefully to all of the instructions she gave. Within each of the three different sewing groups, which come to the centre on different days of the week, each has a teacher. They have proven to be invaluable to the classes we have conducted as they are quicker to pick up the new techniques and they can in turn pass this information on to the rest of the group.

Jan and Sue helped the ladies to cut out their bags.

Jan watched on as Nakjubi Robinah practised her straight sewing.

One of the teachers, Namirebe Sarah, was pleased to learn new skills that she can pass on.

The first group of Suubi sewing ladies proudly showed off the bags they had made.

Also on one night during the week we had a lovely evening meal with Nayiga and her husband. They had given us a chicken when we visited their home on the first day and it was fabulous to have them come to the centre and share food with us. Rice and vegetables from the Suubi garden were added to the chicken and this all made for a delicious dinner which was prepared by one of the local ladies.

Nayiga and her husband loved sharing a meal with us at the centre.

Sue and Jan have gotten used to washing dishes outside.

And while all that has been happening the painting of the second banda has continued. Both rooms have now been completed inside and the exterior front walls are all that remain. They are sure to be fully completed before the next group of volunteers arrive in the middle of June.

David wore his supervises uniform as he watched over the painting job.

Joseph thought it was very funny to see the 'white face' David had gotten from sanding the walls.

So I'm sure you can see from the photos, everyone is having a wonderful time here at Suubi. We will keep you posted as we move onto computer and reading classes next week.

Until then HUGs from team!

May 24th, David Welcomes the New Volunteers

Wed, 30 Mar 2011 23:45:00 GMT

It’s really another exciting moment since last year, 2009, to have another group of Australian Volunteers here at Suubi and we would like to welcome them. With lots of activities going around, every one is trying to find his /her areas of interests. Choosing between sewing and knitting classes, bracelets making, conducting computer training classes and book reading for Suubi literacy project gives the volunteers opportunities to help in many different ways. Or sometimes they may just like to get out in the demonstration garden or help with the mushroom project.

On Thursday, before seriously getting stuck into classes at the centre, Ishmael took Helen, Sue, Terry and Jan for a walk around the village. They visited many of the ladies homes who have been involved in the mushroom project. The ladies were all very excited to see them and proudly showed the off their mushrooms, and their homes.

Nakafeero Sarah very proudly shows the mushrooms she has grown.

Unlike other areas where Muzungu visit, the Suubi community is keen to explore opportunities that come along with muzungu, rather than expecting hand outs from them. Many people around Suubi are making inquiries if items like eggs, cabbages and irish potatoes would be loved by the muzungu for their meals so they can supply. Others, especially Suubi ladies are generously donating food and fruits. Even ‘a chicken’ was given to volunteers during their tour of the village.

Nayiga and her husband show Sue around their home.

Ishmael carried the chicken which Nyiga gave as a gift for visiting her home.

Here in Africa, and Uganda in particular, it is a sign of happiness, and one can feel really bad if refused to accept what ever he or she gives, so please volunteers, warmly accept these donations.

After the warm greeting from everyone in the village it was back to the centre to begin work. Painting the new 2nd banda, which has just been built at Suubi, has been the initial activity for this group. After the hard work of first sanding, it was on with the undercoat before the top coat of colour cream was added. We are very sure that many volunteers in the future will enjoy staying in the bandas that this group has helped to paint.

Sue and Terry hard at work putting on the undercoat in the banda.

Jan and Helen apply the top coat of painting.

As well as painting Jan has started passing on her fabulous sewing skills to the Suubi ladies. Over the past few months twenty ladies have been undertaking basic tailoring lessons at Suubi from Wednesday to Friday every week. Jan will now help teach the ladies how to cut and join pieces so they can create a finished article. Our hope is that in the future the ladies will be able to get contracts for school uniforms, especially from the schools we are partnering and working with.

Jan helps the Suubi ladies with their sewing class.

The obvious help that the volunteers are giving by working and passing on their skills, is not the only benefits to the local community. In the few days since they have arrived at Suubi already over ten (10) ladies have been given other opportunities. Some are preparing meals and doing hand washing while others are cleaning at Suubi. As the name Suubi (Hope) sounds, the community is really feeling real hope (Suubi) as they interact, share skills and knowledge with the Mzungu volunteers.

Over the next week other classes will get into full swing at Suubi too. Helen and Terry will assist Joseph, one of the local volunteers, to conduct computer training classes. And all four volunteers will help us with the book reading program at Suubi. Besides all of these activities they will be involved in giving a hand for preparations for the 6 weeks grand environment activities planned and running in the sub-county by Suubi.

So all of you out there, keep an eye on this page for timely updates. Hopefully soon you too will take on from where this team will stop!!!!

Nice time, from David

May 21st, A Hectic First Few Days

Wed, 30 Mar 2011 23:45:00 GMT

After a hectic first week in beautiful Uganda we are now all settling in well at Suubi!

The power and internet has not been co-operating well, so I am hoping by the time I finish writing, everything is still working and I can get this blog post out. Fingers crossed!!!

After traveling for close to forty hours, the excitement of being greeted by David at the airport, then a long drive to Bujagali late on Sunday night, we were all extremely glad to fall into our beds at Eden Rock.

But Monday morning found us waking up to the roosters crowing and the sound of the Nile rushing past out the front. We were all refreshed and keen to check out the mighty Nile and to reconnect with friends in the village.

Helen, Jan, Sue and Terry in front of the mighty Nile River

We set off through the village towards the education centre with lots of children following along, making us feel like pied pipers. Everywhere we looked there was beautiful smiling Ugandan faces!

Helen was reunited with many children from her previous visits.

Jan,Terry and Sue quickly made friends with the local kids.

Next we set off to check out the actual Bujagali Falls. This is quite an attraction in Uganda and one of the areas with grade five rapids that white water rafters and kayakers flock to.

On the way there we met up up Emma and Janet who are two of the kids that Helen has had a lot to do with during past visits. Through knowing so many of the local people it now gives us access to many things that other tourists would not have the opportunity to do. Janet and Emma took us to an area in the river where the local people do their washing, bathing and collect water from. This gave Sue, Terry and Jan a real insight into what local life is really like.

Helen helps Janet to do her washing.

Emma and his friend show Sue and Jan Bujagali Falls

After a quick trip to Jinja town to go to the bank the day was rounded out with a visit to HUGs Kybiriwa piggery and then onto a Bayuala Bar to sample the local brew. So by the end of our first full day in Uganda the volunteers had certainly got a taste for what Uganda is all about.

Tuesday morning found us waking up bright an early to set off back to Kampala. We had arranged to visit the clinic and hospital that Judy Steel has helped establish in the slum areas of the capital city. Judy is a retired Australian nurse who has been working in Uganda for the past ten years. Helen, Sue and Terry had all read her book 'Mamma Judy' and watched the 'Talking Heads' special which she had featured in a few days before we left Australia. It was very exciting to actually visit and see with our own eyes what had been achieved there. And as HUG is looking to establish a clinic at Suubi it was an wonderful chance to learn from their experiences and make great connection.

Helen chats with Judy Steel and her fabulous Ugandan counterpart Persis.

Wednesday morning David collected us early from Kampala Back Packers so we could head off to Suubi. It was an exciting day for everyone; for Helen she would being seeing old friends and for the volunteers, they would be seeing the centre which they had read and heard so much about for the first time.

Firstly we headed to the supermarket in Kampala to collect our supplies for the coming week. Then it was off to the material shop to buy fabric which Jan will use to teach the Suubi Sewing Ladies with. This created lots excitement amongst the material traders; it is not very often that a bunch of muzungus (white people) walk into their shop and spend that much money!

Jan selects material which was purchased from money she had been given to use prior to leaving Australia.

After making our way though the crazy Kampala traffic jams it was afternoon before we were on the road again. In Masaka town we stopped into buy paint and fruit and vegetables so it was getting dark by the time we were finally pulled into Suubi. But what an amazing surprise was waiting.........all of the ladies from the centre had gathered to welcome us!! After lots of HUGging, yipppeeeing and a river of happy tears, they all sang, danced and played the drums. For Helen it was like coming home to family and friends and for the volunteers this was a wonderful way to meet the Suubi community for the very first time.

Suubi Ladies preforming their welcome.

Although it was very late and dark many of the Suubi community were there to welcome us.

So I'm sure this is just the beginning of a fabulous six weeks in Uganda for this years HUG volunteers. Hopefully the internet and the power will behave a little better over the coming weeks and we can keep you all updated on everything we are doing while we are here.

HUGs from the team.