9th March – I’m writing this post as usual, two days after the event, sat under the shadiest tree in the compound at the start of my four days with the family and no work! All the time ladies are passing on their way back from the fields carrying hoes and big loads on their heads followed by children some very young doing their bit! Even on a Saturday there’s no break from the backbreaking work to survive.

Thursday, mid morning and the sun was already hot! I wasn’t scheduled to return to Good Luck PS again though I always had a feeling I would! You can’t leave Uganda that easily! Innocent received a message that they wanted to say their farewell and, I was pleased they had invited Judith too. And little Gerry came as well🤗!
Actually I’d already sorted out my part in the occasion with all the new books, the teaching charts and various other gifts to give them including all the trees though for obvious reasons Innocent had informed Ibra about this particular gift. I’d also sorted my big metal trunks of education bits that I was gifting the school. Even though many had been chewed by a couple of rats 🐀 over the years!
All was quiet when we arrived, but then each class burst out of their rooms in great excitement to stand outside the only classroom that provided a slither of shade. They were thinking of my comfort again. I noticed a line of holes where the shade giving trees were to be planted. The boys carried all my ‘luggage’ into the classroom and the ceremony began.
The Ugandan 🇺🇬 National Anthem was followed by the head girl leading the Lord’s Prayer. Ibra the head teacher then addressed the children. By my turn I was really feeling the heat so was short but hopefully sweet! Little Gerry stood beside me for moral support!🤗

Tap on photos for full size.

As I write children keep appearing, thinking I need entertainment! At this moment I have two bows and arrows aiming at me through the hedge! They make all their own toys!

As I have done in many I schools over the years and in both countries, including several schools in Poynton, and Marton School in Macclesfield who are presently doing great work for Uganda, I finished with the Jambo Song. Looking back at the video Peter took I was definitely flagging! Unfortunately he cut it just short of the fun verse at the end which I assure you was hilarious, having all the children and adults clapping, stamping, jumping and ‘swinging on a tree’! 🤣
I showed the school some of the educational charts and books which got applause but the biggest cheer came when Ibrahim opened the parcel containing their national flag! One of the male teachers started dancing round with it!
We also announced your achievement of providing 3000 mosquito nets to this part of Uganda, though the following day another 100 were given out!

More of farewell in next post!