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.
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
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