There are various trading centres James uses for any shopping needs and he suggested we caught bodas, motorbike taxies to Namaira, a trading centre about 2km away. But I desperately needed some exercises so made a deal to walk there and ride back. I must admit that walking along that Jinja to Kamuli road is hair-raising and often I stepped down into the ditch to give more space between me and traffic hurtling past swerving in and out. There are so many really manic drivers in Uganda, especially working for the public transport, and the sugar cane trucks piled high with cane and men free-riding on the top!!

The new school sign made of concrete

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The wonderful news I promised I would give you in a previous update is that solar power has now been installed into Hambridge Hall, the block of four classrooms that opens up into a hall. And I am sat just outside on the veranda of the hall writing this newsletter using the power from the solar! This solar will give light for evening studies for the older pupils, a must in Uganda, and also enable us to hire out the hall in the evenings. In addition to the lighting we have had an inverter fitted which means we can play music, use computers, recharge mobile phones and endless other things. It will definitely make the hall more attractive to people looking for venues for various meetings or celebrations.

Also if I use up too much of the power from the library solar panel, I can nip down here to the classrooms as I have done this morning, to communicate to you!!

Once again I can only emphasise my appreciation to all of you who have contributed in one way or another over this past year. YOU ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE!

The almost complete hall now with solar power!

Sitting outside Hambridge Hall writing to you using solar power

We have resolved the difficulties Gerry was having attaching documents and pictures to her emails to me. She has sent the first batch of new photos, which I have now put in her blog, so please revisit olde updates to see them. More to come – Norman.

This morning James needed to visit the secretary of another of the VSLA groups he belongs to as he won’t be attending tomorrow. He is taking me out, and does not want to risk a fine of not informing them! He was surprised when I asked if I could accompany him as it was already after ten and the sun was high but I needed the exercise and love meeting the locals. I covered myself with sun cream, placed my water and camera in a bag which I was sure James would offer to carry and put on my late mums sun hat which has a wide rim. It was the first time James had seen this hat and he couldn’t believe how old it is – probably over forty years old! He is fascinated how old many of my belongs are – my big rucksack and walking sandals are over 15 years old, have been used and used but will probably outlive me, many of my clothes I use out here were second hand to begin with and I have been using them over and over again since I first came to Uganda in 2002! I don’t believe in waste, my mum had a saying look after the pennies and the pounds look after themselves! Its true! I do remember a few years back when one flowery dress just wore out from over wear and the harsh washing the clothes get here. I put it with the rubbish only to find one of the orphans proudly wearing it a few days later tied around her waist with a belt made from dried banana fibre! Most things in Uganda are so cheaply made, but realistically they cost more as they have to be replaced constantly. Continue reading →

This afternoon James told me he had to go to a meeting of the local VSLA, Village Savings and Loans Association. My ears pricked up? It sounded very interesting. VSLA groups are organised by a well known charity called Plan Uganda who do lots of good work to improve the lives of the poorest communities like that of Nakakabala. Each group has to have at least thirty members and it has to follow strict guideline laid down by Plan. There has to be weekly meetings where everyone is encouraged to attend. In fact if you miss a meeting and you have not informed them prior then you are fined and any fines are shared out amongst all the members at the end of the saving period. Continue reading →