Out Final Day at Bukeka 11th April
It seems a long time since we wrote our last blog and so much has happened over the last week that kept us busy.
On arrival at Bukeka it was great to see the finished playground in use and the gate was getting very close to completion. The place was buzzing and parents were beginning to show up too.
Prior to our arrival Eric had already spoken to Livy about not having too many long speeches and because he is so good at understanding us Brits he really did keep the speeches few, short and to the point, however they did follow some 3 hours of entertainment given by the children! Each class performed on several occasions and we watched enchanted as they sang and danced and performed some local ritual dances. Many of their songs are made up for the occasion and if you have never experienced it before it really is something to see. Their sense of rhythm with dance and the use of their local drums is quite something, even the youngest children there did their stuff. I guess it is true to say that after a couple of hours some of us were getting a little restless but we really have to understand that this type of entertainment is very much a part of Ugandan culture, they love to perform for people and it is important that we allow them to do so.
After the entertainment one of the parents represented all there by talking about how pleased they were with developments at the school and how much they appreciated and welcomed our presence and our input. Another representative of the locality also spoke, saying pretty much the same and she was followed by a local counsellor who spoke enthusiastically about the schools in his area, both state and private and went on to point out that although a private school, Bukeka is one of the best in the area and has been selected to receive some educational support by way of books etc. That received huge applause and we hope it really does happen. Livy then said a few words and finally invited Eric, who (wait for it) spoke for the longest time.
After the speeches everyone present was fed, following which we did a bit of mingling and soon prepared to leave. It was yet another experience for many on the team and I hope they carry nothing but good memories back to the UK with them but more importantly they have all played such an important part in further increasing the profile of Bukeka which believe me really does make a difference.
Marie Goulding
On arrival at Bukeka it was great to see the finished playground in use and the gate was getting very close to completion. The place was buzzing and parents were beginning to show up too.
Prior to our arrival Eric had already spoken to Livy about not having too many long speeches and because he is so good at understanding us Brits he really did keep the speeches few, short and to the point, however they did follow some 3 hours of entertainment given by the children! Each class performed on several occasions and we watched enchanted as they sang and danced and performed some local ritual dances. Many of their songs are made up for the occasion and if you have never experienced it before it really is something to see. Their sense of rhythm with dance and the use of their local drums is quite something, even the youngest children there did their stuff. I guess it is true to say that after a couple of hours some of us were getting a little restless but we really have to understand that this type of entertainment is very much a part of Ugandan culture, they love to perform for people and it is important that we allow them to do so.
After the entertainment one of the parents represented all there by talking about how pleased they were with developments at the school and how much they appreciated and welcomed our presence and our input. Another representative of the locality also spoke, saying pretty much the same and she was followed by a local counsellor who spoke enthusiastically about the schools in his area, both state and private and went on to point out that although a private school, Bukeka is one of the best in the area and has been selected to receive some educational support by way of books etc. That received huge applause and we hope it really does happen. Livy then said a few words and finally invited Eric, who (wait for it) spoke for the longest time.
After the speeches everyone present was fed, following which we did a bit of mingling and soon prepared to leave. It was yet another experience for many on the team and I hope they carry nothing but good memories back to the UK with them but more importantly they have all played such an important part in further increasing the profile of Bukeka which believe me really does make a difference.
Marie Goulding
