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.
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.
Sharon Primary School had developed new garden beds.
The students were very happy to receive new garden tools.
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.
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.
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 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.
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!
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!
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
Stay tune for the updates.
HUGs from Helen
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