In July 2014 I went to Kanyike with a group of students from St Francis' College in Letchworth. The trip was a great success and very much enjoyed by us all. In spite of the anxieties caused by the reports of a terrorist threat just prior to our departure, the journey went really well. We arrived very late but were all excited to be greeted by Fr. Kakuba at the airport in Entebbe.
After spending the first night in a convent in Kampala, we set off for the village. It was a long, hot and exhausting journey but our spirits lifted when we turned off the main road onto the bumpy, dusty, red-earth road leading through the Kanyike villages. We felt like celebrities as all the locals waved and the children cried out ‘Mzungu, mzungu’ as we passed.
We arrived at the centre, were warmly welcomed by the staff and settled into our home for the next two weeks. We had been thoroughly prepared for the basic facilities; pit-latrines, open-air shower cubicles, buckets of cold water and very basic sleeping accommodation, and yet the reality seemed a little disconcerting. The girls adapted brilliantly to the facilities, although the toilets proved to be perhaps the biggest difficulty for them during our stay. They were incredibly supportive of each other, however, and I was amazed at the good humour with which they faced every challenge.
The students we took with us were really amazing and we were extremely proud of every one of them. They rose to each challenge they were presented with; dealt with whatever situations they found themselves in and showed warmth and friendship towards everyone they met. They sang and played with the local children for hours; sang for classes at the school in English and Luganda; taught really challenging lessons in English grammar; played netball in the baking heat and stood up and addressed the congregation in the church. At the out-reach clinic, they assisted the staff throughout a very long hot day, helping to put up and take down the tents, weighing babies, dispensing drugs and filling in child health records. They politely ate every thing they were offered and never complained on long, hot and uncomfortable bus journeys.
Everyday we faced new experiences; some joyous, some heart-breaking, occasionally exhausting, even exhilarating but certainly never dull. During our evening meals, the girls introduced a tradition of taking turns to share our highs and lows of the day. It was a really great way to reflect on our experiences. Here are some that were particularly significant.
Everyday we faced new experiences; some joyous, some heart-breaking, occasionally exhausting, even exhilarating but certainly never dull. During our evening meals, the girls introduced a tradition of taking turns to share our highs and lows of the day. It was a really great way to reflect on our experiences. Here are some that were particularly significant.
Some of our favourite moments included:
- Meeting the local children, who would come to the centre every evening to play.
- Our first visit to the school when all the children were lined up outside to sing songs of welcome as we approached.
- The fantastic singing and dancing which the school children performed for us on our final visit there.
- The kindness and the gratitude shown to us by all the people we met in the villages and at the church.
- Getting to know the wonderful staff at the Kanyike Project, especially Dan, Aidah and Ajiri whom we really grew to love.
- The brilliant party on our final night at the centre.
This is just a snapshot and overall, the highs far outweighed the lows. I came back with a journal filled with amazing adventures, incredible experiences and wonderful people. Although we had our ups and downs along the way, it was really sad to say good-bye to the girls when we arrived back at school. I know that they have come back inspired by their experiences and with a real determination to encourage even greater support for the Kanyike Project in the future.
Lesley Hetherington