Monday 16 February 2015

AfriDACA Monday

Monday’s blog is written by Jodie, Toby and john

Since the last blog we have had our first day teaching in the Acholi community the group was split into two teams some at big church and some at small church. Everyone was up and getting ready around 7ish! The breakfast was great again this morning with a lot on offer, as always, and everyone was in high spirits as the day before when we visited Acholi the atmosphere was amazing.

We all got on our team bus at 8:20 and set off to Acholi, which is around 15 mins away.  When the bus pulled up it was very quiet however when we all walked up the main church  the greeting that we received was amazing; all the children cheering and run up to us hugging  and hold our hands. That was a surreal moment that none of us will forget.

The teams soon split into their separate areas and began teaching. The first lesson was numeracy, in both teaching spaces. We all found it difficult to restrict the children who did not have the bands on but we could not allow everyone in, especially at big church as there were two doors that the children ran between.  Both numeracy lessons went extremely well and we were all shocked at how much the children knew already. The second lesson of the day was literacy; again these lessons went really well and everyone enjoyed this lesson including the team. After this the children had porridge whilst the team had a snack and drink. Then it was straight back into the teaching crafts which was the last lesson for the morning group of children; this is the time in the day where everyone can have fun and play games and sing songs.

Then the children go home and the team have lunch which we made this morning, cheese or jam butties. We all met back at big church to eat together and see how both groups got on. Once we finished lunch the small church group went back up and we repeated the lesson all again with a second group of children which again went well, there are a few things that we have looked at and had to change due to the space and the abilities just to make sure that the children are learning new things. At the end of the day at Acholi we all met back at big church, collected all our resources and headed for the bus however this time it was not so quiet as children were everywhere  hugging and high fiving all the team and shouting to us. When everyone finally got on the bus we set of back to johns and we can honestly say that the majority of us are really tired.

Hello John here just wanted to add some extra information to what we collectively wrote so here goes. The Acholi community is surreal; it is amazing in lots of different ways children using bottle caps to collect water, odd shoes and boys with girls’ clothing all of which are things that have come as a major shock to the whole team. One of the hardest things so far for me personally is seeing the gap of poverty and children asking you for water, food and anything they can get their hands on. Would be much appreciated if anyone could update me on the Liverpool scores thank you. NOTE to Toby’s dad the paper planes went fantastic and it wasn’t a waste of your time for printing them all off - thank you for that


Cannot wait to hear all you lovely comments love from all the AfriDACA team xxxx























27 comments:

Unknown said...

Fab photos again! Makes you appreciate what we take for granted. You're all doing amazing and we're very proud of all the DACA team. Jack we're off to see Phoenix Nights tonight - we'll let you know what it was like tomorrow. Lots of love Mum, Dad, Lewis and Rocky xxxx

Unknown said...

Loving the photos, Lewis glad to see you're not ducking out of sight, keep it up. Sounds like they really love having the team around, reading the blog, brought a tear to my eye to hear you have to turn some away though. Great work guys, what ever you manage to teach them, makes you realize how lucky we are!
Looking forward to seeing the rest.
Lots of Love Lewis P
Mum xxx

Unknown said...

I am sat here crying you lot are fantastic those children you are supporting are also wonderful. Toby it really will not come as no surprise your mother is in tears again lovely pictures. Carry on daca and cred so proud x x x

Unknown said...

Wow...absolutely amazing photo`s and blog!! We are very proud of you Joe and all of the Daca team....to spend time with these children and communities is such an honour...you all should be very proud!!

Missing you lots
Love mum,Stuart,Millie,Harry and the rest of the family xxxx
P.s
Football scores
Liverpool beat Crystal palace 2-1
Arsenal beat Middlesbrough 2-0
Blackburn beat stoke 4-1

Unknown said...

Hi Nathan,
We looked for updates all day yesterday and today we get 2. It looks like a brilliant experience for you all and something you won't ever forget. We play lets spot Nathan as we know you don't like having your photo taken. The photo's are eyeopening. I hope your taking loads of photo's.
I've gutted your room today so all nice and tidy for when you get home. Feels weird not having "brew" text's at 10pm every night & quiet here without you.
Your Dad sends his love and says he will talk to you when your home.
Looking forward to tomorrows blog.
Love & Hugs Mum ,Andrew & Lincoln. xox

Unknown said...

And who doesn't love a paper plane! X x x

Unknown said...

Amazing listening from you all each day,keep the up dates coming.love to you all.
Xxx

Unknown said...

Loving reading your blogs and looking at the pictures, you all sould be proud of what you are helping to achieve.
Tom, found a fab carribean restaurant/bar in Preston, you will love it! Took your nan today, I was going to let her comment but didn't want everyone to laugh at you! :-D
Cj and I have become bff's since you have been gone!
I hope you are coping with the heat.
Love mum x

nicola maher said...

Jodie we are following the blogs each day, hope your ok? the pic of you & Drew is great today you look like your having a bad hair day darling,all well at home, very cold love you mum dad Luke & Karl xxx

Unknown said...

hi everyone, look's like you are all having a good time.its hard to see kid's that have nothing make's you realize were so lucky . well. john you realy need a good hair cut i didn't realize it was you.ha ha .everyone send's there love take care love you hi john ste here will let you no the draw later its on before united v preston game.love ste speak to you later.

Unknown said...

Hi everyone! Missing you as per usual Jaden. Hope you realise that you've been taking things for granted. You'll learn a lot from this trip. Miss hearing your bellowing voice Sayley! Hope you're all having a lovely time! Hopefully next time I will be going? :D love you lots Jaden.
Katie xx

Unknown said...

Oh and Jaden, you're in trouble when you get home! You've been using your phone! Tut tut! Xx

Unknown said...

Loved looking at the photos again and trying to spot ' Where's Wally's windows?' The children in the photos looked excited to be with you all and enjoying the activities. You are all doing a great job!
Hope you are having a good time in Uganda? I really miss you, Daddy.
Love you loads
from Isaac x x x

Unknown said...

Hi all
Wow those photos are thought provoking & amazing. John's comments about the poverty gap moved me to tears.
Thanks DACA and CRED for giving our kids this life changing experience.
Mackenzie-your mum is keeping up with you & trying to post but it won't let her so she's still at it. Ha ha

Jaden stop using your phone to text your girlfriends!! Your bill has gone over its limit!!
Xx

Unknown said...

Ps-rovers have just drawn Liverpool away in FA cup x

Unknown said...

Hey Mackenzie!!!
Hope you are doing ok x I've been trying to comment since day 1 and it's just not coming through!! It's frustrating!! Miss you so much. It looks amazing. No pups yet. She's waiting for you to play midwife again xxxx

Unknown said...

Oh it's working!!!!
Mackenzie you know me and technology do not get on too well but I've been keeping up with the blog.
Keep up the good work team.
Love you babe xxx

Lynda Brown said...

Hi Carly and everyone. Great Photos and Blog. You all look like you are having an amazing time and seeing what you are doing with the children brings a tear to our eyes. Enjoy each day and love to you all. Love Mum and Dad xx

Unknown said...

Hi Lorna! All the girls are missing you already and can't wait to hear about your adventures! I know you will be making sure the young people are have an amazing time and the best experience of their lives. Looking at the photos makes me want to be back there so say hi to Sophie, John and the rest of the team for me. And remember, when you are all really tired and feel you have nothing left to give, imagine the children's faces waiting for you to arrive in the bus and how you all make their day! Love you Lorna! xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Unknown said...

Hi guys x so very proud of 'MY' school babies xx keep up the fantastic work & know that you are amazing ambassadors for DACA, Darwen & young people xxx from Mrs Haworth in student services (auntie Denise to Nathan!)

Unknown said...

Sounds like you all had a super first day teaching and sounds like the children enjoyed it. Keep up the good work everybody and enjoy and make the most of each new experience. Drew hope your enjoying yourself
Love mum n vics xxx

Louise England said...

Fantastic photos and wonderful to see and read about your wonderful experience. You are all making an incredible difference to so many young lives.
Keep up the good work and look after Mr. Earnshaw!!
Lots of love and God Bless,
Big sis, Philip, Molly, Ben and Heidi xxxxx

Unknown said...

To all you United fans out there as I'm sure you must nearly all be United fans we've beaten Preston 3 1

Johnny said...

Hi Amy, and all the team. Your all doing us proud back Ere in Blighty!!! Keep up the good work and keep the pictures coming.hope your feeling better!! Love Dadxx

Unknown said...

Every time I read your blog and see yours pics I end up teary...but in a good way:))Molls everyone here keeps asking how your doing and all family and friends send you loads of love btw having hell of a time keeping maisie out your makeup and clothes lol but I'm doing you proud on that score just like you are to us,love you loads and loads love mum and dad xxx

Unknown said...

Hey team affidaca,don't you be getting used to the celeb status you seem to have acquired-especially you Mr Sayle! Lol- some days are gonna b tougher than others but stay strong & keep smiling-I know everyone of us reading your blogs just swell with pride at what your doing- luv to you all,especially our girl Molls xxxxxxx lMum&dad xx

Zak Brown said...

Hi Carly, hope you and the rest of the team are having a great time and enjoying the challenge! It's good to see you all getting stuck in and making the most of this amazing opportunity!
Hello to Mr Sayle and Mr Earnshaw too, I hope you guys are well!