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Welcome to everyone visiting this page that documents our time teaching at the Child Africa International School in Kabale, Uganda.
I would like to take this moment to congratulate Julie Solberg, the founder of Child Africa, for the amazing work she has been doing for many years in Uganda. Her dedication, patience and empathy towards orphaned children cannot be properly captured in words. She is a true inspiration for others and this school is testament to her commitment.
I hope you enjoy the following photos and commentary based on my recent experiences working in Kabale.
Arriving at Child Africa headquarters in Kampala - flowers from Isaac!
Isaac has been sponsored by Julie Solberg since primary school. He now studies Education and Counselling in Kampala. His studies are funded with the help of two sponsors who also, together with Julie, contribute to his university costs. I first met Isaac last year and this boy has a personality that shines!
Professional Development Seminars with the teachers.
Teachers writing hard during our first morning session that ran daily for 3 hours.
The content combined both theoretical and practical teaching elements related to the integration of deaf and non-impaired children within the curriculum.
A discussion concerning some of the issues that arise when teaching in difficult conditions and with limited resources.
Sacha, founder of Cambridge to Africa (left) and Julie Solberg, founder of Child Africa.
Sacha and Julie during the third session that addressed Pronunciation and Writing problems from an African persective.
Group Photo of all the teachers after seminars finished.
Outside the classroom after finishing for the day.
Deaf twins who have just started boarding at Child Africa International School.
Their nick names are Kato (little one) and Kakuru (big one).
Kato and Kakuru have come from extreme poverty and their little lives have taken a huge turn since joining the school. They do not have sponsors.
Learning sign language with the deaf children!
During one of the classes with the deaf kids. We are signing "welcome" and "thank you".
Flavia with her baby teaching the deaf children
Flavia is deaf and played a major role in our professional development seminars as it is her
own experience that can guide the other teachers.
Teaching Primary 1 class - practising pronunciation!
Some very eager children in the classroom.
Winner of the best pronunciation - Primary 4!
This young student received a prize for her hard work.
School's out!
Returning from the Rwandan border and passing on the news to the other
students that Child Africa International School had won the Netball competition.
My present from the teachers and students being presented by Julie Solberg
This was the lovely bag and hand made card I received on my last day.
These photos give a snapshot of the colour and joy that exist at the school. There is something quite amazing about the resilience of children. However, it cannot be forgotten that life is terribly difficult and behind all the beautiful smiles lies much hardship and suffering. Many of the children are malnourished and have no family. Some suffer from HIV and numerous other ailments. Survival is a daily struggle and the poverty surrounding me was at times quite overwhelming. There were electricity cuts nearly every day, internet connection is there but doesn't work and having soap to bathe is often a luxury for the children. Two girls from Primary 6 told me that Child Africa was the only primary school that offered 2 free meals a day and were eternally thankful for this security.
My time teaching at Child Africa International School really made very thankful for what we have in the first world. Our next step is to organize volunteer placements to teach at the school in 2009. If you would like to contribute to this project please feel free to email me at sacha@cambridgetoafrica.org.
Best wishes, |
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