End of The Girls’ first year at school
Having got off the dreaded bus in one piece it was a case of hitting the ground running. We had a team meeting in preparation for the Christmas party at the school as we as the mosquito net distribution the following day.
Mike and Ian the two male volunteers from Vancouver and Nottingham England had spent the best part of the afternoon painting the new classes, Tracey and Tracie two friends from Shepperton Middlesex had seen to the Christmas decorations.
I had the job of chairing the Water project sub-committee and meeting with the Head Teacher to discuss the direction of the school in the year ahead.
With all that sorted we settled in front of the fire and waited for the big day, which kicked off with the mosquito net distrubution
Mike, Ann and Ian kicking off the mosquito net distribution
With that out of the way we headed to the school. The children put on a song and dance for the parents and it was heart warming to see. We had drinks and bites courtesy of Hastoe Housing Association staff who selected this community as their overseas project
Princess and her classmates enjoying the Xmas party
I sneaked off and had a meeting with the Head Teacher to see how he was settling (only been with us for 3 weeks) and also met the Girls’ teacher. She gave me a sneak preview of their end of year class reports. Although they are only 5 they had to do exams, Perfect was 5th out of 80 and Princess was 12th, whilst their older sister Cycline was 5th out of 30. Their best subjects are English and Maths. I can’t tell you how proud that made me feel. I also learned that our contributions were enough to cover Cycline’s fees last year so we have have sponsoring all 3 girls!
Princess, Cycline and Perfect
A pleasant surprise for me that day was meeting the girls’ mother for the first time, she invited me back to their home but sadly time wasn’t on my side. She asked me to let you know how grateful she is that you all have given her girls an opportunity for a decent education. I was touched by this and I can’t tell you what it feels like to see the difference you are making in someone’s life by a simple act of kindness. A big thank you to all of you ladies/BIRDS for supporting me and my efforts to make things better for others.
My colleagues had a surprise for me too! I was to be guest of honour at the event only no one told me until the event was actually under way! As you can see from these photos http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=333387&id=113251815619 all the parents were very well dressed and I turned out in a St Patrick’s Day T-shirt given to me by my local pub back in England and Jeans! I have never so wished that the ground could swallow me as I did that day!
So there you are ladies, the girls are doing well they are now on our equivalent of a summer break, the new term starts on 7th Feb 2011.
One thing I did notice amongst the school children and the twins included, they suffer from a fungal infection that affects the scalp. If you are a doctor and are reading this and can help please drop me a note.
Merry Christmas from Me and the Girls, in Uganda
About IdaHornerFounder of Ethnic Supplies a social enterprise working to alleviate poverty amongst East African women involved in textile and handicraft production. Managing Editor of Africa on the blog
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13 Responses to End of The Girls’ first year at school
Revenge: A dish best served cold?
I’m not a nasty person. I’ve never in my life deliberately set out to hurt someone, or cause them pain. But right now, and for the past three or four years, on and off, my thoughts have been filled with fantasies of revenge. Now I have the opportunity, and I can’t decide what to do. [...]
I notice that none of the girls has any hair in the photographs. Please excuse my ignorance, but is this because heads are shaved to minimise infection risks or simply a tradition?
Most primary schools do not allow long hair- and short hair is easier to manage
Thanks for this lovely update, Ida. It’s fantastic that there’s enough from Birds to sponsor all three sisters
Twitter: StudyingOnline
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Thank you so much for this news, Ida, and for all the photographs, It’s very good to know the girls are doing so well
I’m glad the ground didn’t swallow you! but I am all too familiar with that feeling xxx
How lovely to see that the girls are making the most of their education – and that we are helping all three sisters. Thank you Ida for making this possible!
Twitter: evenbreak
Sounds like ringworm Ida. I believe it’s easily treated with an anti fungal cream but spreads easily.
wonderful that you could meet them and bring back their news to us. What clever little ones they are and how fab to know we have helped Cycline too
If it spreads easily then the whole school will need treatment- The girls are such a joy
How fantastic! Glad we’re making a difference and all 3 girls look so happy
Twitter: nikkipilkington
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It never ceases to amaze me how much the world changes merely because someone bothers to educate women. Bravo to the Birds and their girls, for working so hard and doing so well.
What a lovely update, Ida – thank you
Thanks for the update Ida, lovely to hear their progress.
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