WHAT THIS WEEK HAS MENT TO ME…..
Tia Hodgson
What this week has meant to me…..
Life changing. My perspective on
almost everything has changed from my opinion on school to my family. I’ve
realized how lucky I am to actually go to school which makes me more eager to
go; before I came I didn’t spend much time with my family but being away from
them and hearing stories from victims of the rebels and Kony and how the kids
might not live with their whole family because they are away working or they’ve
died. I also feel so lucky to have the access to a good job, nice clothes,
transport etc. I’ve also had the opportunity to experience the developing world
and the culture here and how much of major difference there is. It’s given me a
passion and drive to make a change because of those kids, John and the I Live Again charity. I think everyone should be able to go on a trip like this and have the chance to change peoples lives and
experience what I’ve experienced. The people I’ve met have changed my life for
the better and I will never forget those children and I hope they never forget
me or what we have taught them.
Victoria Cole
What this week has meant to me…..
This week has meant so much to
me. It has taught me so many new things from African life and culture to
lessons that can be put into place back at home. The impact it has had on how I
view my life, and others, has been massive, I now appreciate so much more than
I previously did and can see that when back in England things will change. Not
only have I learnt lessons that relate to everyone but also ones that are
personal to me and I know will help make my life happier and more positive. The
love and passion each individual we have met has to learn and be educated is
amazing. They are so much more enthusiastic and willing than the students in
England and it has made me realize that my education shouldn’t be taken for
granted and that when I go back to school I will concentrate and listen more
than ever before. I believe that every
student should have the opportunity to go for a trip like this as it is truly
inspirational and eye opening in many ways.
Sam Kirkwood
What this week has meant to me…..
This week, how can you describe in two paragraphs or so how much this week has meant to me? I have stories of culture, society, life lessons and more to tell; and spread the word of these priceless trips. I have discovered a side to myself I never knew existed and I won’t let that perish. The bond I had made with the Acholi children I was teaching will stay with me forever, and there is no amount of work experience or job that can give you the satisfaction, emotion and lessons that one of these trips have. The trips, and Paul are a beacon to our society helping those in greater need than ourselves, and not only does it affect us, the children strive to come to our schools everyday and then go home and teach what they have learnt to the parents, that also don’t have an education.
I challenge everyone to come on these trips to see what, how and why they mean so much to everyone; seeing a picture or a video doesn’t justify the power these trips have, as an 18 year old now leaving college I regret not doing more of these trips when I had the opportunity; to summarize… Priceless, Inspiring and LIFE CHANGING.
As many people as possible must experience these trips, it certainly won’t be my last.
This week, how can you describe in two paragraphs or so how much this week has meant to me? I have stories of culture, society, life lessons and more to tell; and spread the word of these priceless trips. I have discovered a side to myself I never knew existed and I won’t let that perish. The bond I had made with the Acholi children I was teaching will stay with me forever, and there is no amount of work experience or job that can give you the satisfaction, emotion and lessons that one of these trips have. The trips, and Paul are a beacon to our society helping those in greater need than ourselves, and not only does it affect us, the children strive to come to our schools everyday and then go home and teach what they have learnt to the parents, that also don’t have an education.
I challenge everyone to come on these trips to see what, how and why they mean so much to everyone; seeing a picture or a video doesn’t justify the power these trips have, as an 18 year old now leaving college I regret not doing more of these trips when I had the opportunity; to summarize… Priceless, Inspiring and LIFE CHANGING.
As many people as possible must experience these trips, it certainly won’t be my last.
Sharhys Lewis
What this week has meant to me…..
This week we have been surrounded
by children begging and craving for some affection, seeing this has inspired me
to make a change with the way I see life and the way I live life. I had this
crazy image in my head of how I thought the acholi quarters would be but when I
got there that image changed, this trip also taught me to forgive and forget sill things I hold a
grudge at. This week has meant so much to me because I will be leaving Uganda a
different person for the rest of my life.
Bethany de Claire
What this week has meant to me.
This week has made such a difference on my perspective of Africa and its people
and also my outlook on my attitude towards education. I liked to think that I
was grateful for where I live what I have and what I get given but these past
10 days have changed that completely, I need to be a lot more thankful for what
I have. The children have inspired me so much from their eagerness to learn to
how much they appreciate the opportunities they are given whereas I take my
education and opportunities for granted. I have learnt never to hold a grudge
on someone for something petty and never ever take my family, friends and
education for granted. I am so grateful for this trip because I have benefited
more I feel than the kids have because It has completely change my life for the
rest of my life.
Davinia Fielding-Cooke
What this week has meant to me…..
This week has had a massive
impact on the way I see life, it has put into perspective how the third world
countries live and has taught me lessons in life such as forgiveness and to be
grateful for everything I have! I hope to enforce the positive things I’ve seen
this week into things I do in every day life.
Joanna Edwards
What this week has meant to me…..
this week has been indescribable, its been everything I thought and much more
as much as you’ve read and heard about experiences like this through media and
previous trips nothing can prepare you for what you will experience. Coming
into this trip I knew it would be life changing but didn’t realize how much it
would effect the way I act towards things and how I will now go about things in
the future, I recommend a trip like this for anyone as it not only helps you
but helps whatever attitude you have into a more positive version and you feel
better for it, its also I great way to make such great friendships as the whole
team from 3 different schools feels like a family to me.
Temisis Conway
What this week has meant to me…..This
week has been the most emotional and incredible experience I’ve ever had. I
have learnt so many things about the Ugandan culture and have made life long
friends that I hope last forever. The opportunity to come here has been a once
in a life time experience and when I come back home I feel I will be more
grateful for the things I have and more grateful for my education, as the kids
and adults out here would do anything to learn.
Mica Allen
What this week has meant to me…..
This week has been the most eye
opening and life changing experience. Above everything else, seeing the
importance of education to children who have nothing really hit home and made
me realize how lucky we are in England to have free education. The dedication
that they have towards their work showed me how little I appreciated the
schooling that I received and as a result I will do my best to make sure that
others around me understand the importance and privilege of what they are
receiving.
Katy Doolan
What this week has meant to me…..
There aren’t enough words to
convey the meaning of this trip. The pictures and videos don’t justify the
emotion and the connections that you make it such a short amount of time are
lifelong and have a bigger impact than I could have ever imagined. Working with
these children whose education is limited to the weeks that we provide and how
hard they concentrate and value us is astounding. It puts into perspective of
how much we take for granted just how lucky we are to have the amount of
education available to us that we do. Having experienced this not only will it
make me appreciate life more than material things, but working with the Acholi
people who, despite having so little, have such energy will make me look at
life much better and make sure that I use the education I have the to the most.
This will definitely not be my last trip and I encourage as many people as
possible to experience this as there is nothing that could compare.
Jez Farrant
What this week has meant to me…..
Its been an amazing life changing
experience I’m defiantly going to look at things differently now
I’ve seen how bad the conditions
that the Acholi people have to live in and they have
got 100X worse problems than me so
I feel like a changed person and like
to do more of this stuff in the feature .
Jack Siggs
What this week has meant to me…
This week has certainly been a
‘perspective changing’ experience. The respect shown to us has been immense,
and I have noticed the lack of this as a flaw in my own life that I wish to
change.
In relation to school I have
realized how hard a job being a teacher is, especially when behavior/lack of
attention is involved. I now appreciate what I have and I can see why the
preservation of water is so important; being asked for water so often will
stick with me forever….
Also, visiting the church has
revived my belief in the ability of a church being a central pillar of a
community, and the strong faith instilled in young children was encouraging to
see, even in somewhere so desperate.
The people of the Acholi
community and the people of Uganda have shown such resilience, and I aspire to
mirror this in all aspects of my own life.
Niamh Andersson
What this week has meant to me…..
This
week has been such an experience. I have loved every minute. Being given the
opportunity to travel and help children in Uganda was such an amazing time In
my life.
I am so
glad that I had the experience to help such amazing and lovely children,
helping them to become educated and from them to enjoy themselves.
Meeting
all of the team and spending so much time with them has made us so close.
Poppy Jupp
What this week has meant to me…..
This
week has been a life changing experience, I’ve learned to be more grateful for
what I have got and to not judge a book by its cover. Also it has taught me to
appreciate my education and learning more when others out in Uganda would love
to go to school when we just take it for granted.
Toni Harris
What this week has meant to me…..
I know everyone says that when
they go on these trips that it changes their lives , but it really does. I personally am going to make changes to my
lifestyle when I return home, as well as
appreciate what I have rather than what I would like to have. I feel privileged
to have been given this opportunity of working within the Acholi community as
well as with the students from the 2 schools. We should celebrate the students
we have at The Littlehampton Academy as they put their heart and soul into this
week. They were amazing and I have met some incredible people who I will
remember forever. I am sure it will change the way the students think about
their education when they return to school too.
Rob Josephs
What this week has meant to me….
This week has had so much impact
on so many lives not least my own. Having seen the worst kind of poverty face
to face and heard stories which should never be heard, you can’t help but
reflect deeply about your own life and that of others. The community we visited
was absolutely amazing and we could really learn so much in relation to how
they stick together and support each other. Education is a privilege out here,
not a right like with have in the UK. To see so many Ugandan Children given
hope by our own students is so amazing. However, probably the most amazing
thing about these trips is the impact the trip has on our own students. These
trips really are life changing, helping them understand about themselves,
motivating themselves to do better at school and fully appreciating what they
have and the education they are given. Everyone who took part will never forget
this week, I just hope many others have the same opportunity that we have had
so they can be inspired like we have and help make the world a fairer place.
Rose
Amans – This week meant that I got to experience the world as a true geographer
in practice, I feel like the passion for my subject has been revived. It has
been a pleasure to share this experience with inspirational young people, both
the Acholi community and our very own students. I have moved from being a
person who only ever really wanted to experience a trip like this once in their
life, to now wanting to visit this beautiful community again and help in the
longer term. This trip is far more than a “one hit wonder” for everyone
involved.
Samantha
Peach
What this week meant to me…I
have been surprised and over whelmed by the heart-warming welcome that we
received from the Acholi People. The stories that we were told have changed me
forever, the Acholi people have nothing yet they welcomed us into their hearts
and homes. They have been an inspiration of how to be happy in the face of
great pain and poverty. The Acholi children were so thrilled to see us and
thanked us at every opportunity making us all feel very special. It was a
pleasure to work with our young people as a team and a privilege to watch them
grow. I will continue to use the emotional intelligence that I have learnt, to
be mindful in the things that I do and unconditional in my work. We have made a
difference to the Acholi people lives and they have taught us much more.
Bryony
Johnson
What this week meant to me… This
week has meant a lot to me. It is probably the best thing I’ve ever done. It
has opened my eyes and made me realize the important things in life. The first
shock was entering the Acholi quarters, and observing how little everyone has
but how positive, somehow they overcome the poverty they are in, making me
realize I should be happier. Whilst teaching the Acholi children we realized
they want nothing more than to learn. I will definitely work harder at school
as this trip has taught me to value my education more. As-well as improving my
communication and leadership skills this trip has made me an overall happier
person.
Jade
Dikken
This trip has been a whole years
worth. And I have enjoyed it so much. Not only did it open my eyes to what is
out there, it made me realize how important education is and how I should work
harder. These children showed me that they wanted more then anything to learn
and I have the chance too so I shouldn’t waste it. If anyone had the choice to
do this I would defiantly do it, doors opened to me that I wouldn’t expect to
do with careers and plans for my future. I made so many connections with
different children and adults that I will never forget. But most importantly
this showed me the difficulties that people go through and that I will never
take stuff for granted again as they are happy with the little that they have.
Melanie
Zaft
What this week meant to me…
This
week has been the best in my life, my outlook on the world has shifted so much
I know I’ll never look at anything the same way again. The fact that the
children find the idea of school so amazing has made me realize how lucky I am
to have an education and I’ll never take it for granted again. I have met some
of the most amazing people on this trip that I will stay friends with forever,
both in England and Uganda and exchanged emails. The little things are what
matters in life, and I will never take for granted what I’m so lucky to have. This
trip was the kick I needed to become motivated to do the best I can with my
life, and I hope I will be given the chance to continue to help people all over
the world. I am so thankful.
Chynna
Mold
What this week meant to me… This
week has been unforgettable for me I will never forget the experience that has
taken place and I will never forget the children that I taught. I have made
really strong relationships with my team and they have supported me through the
whole thing so thank you all.
Ellie
Simmons
What this week meant to me… This
week has been inspirational for me to be able to help people who compared to us
have nothing is amazing.
This week and a bit has been
incredible. So many kind people I have had conversations with, understand their
point of life has changed my perspective of living. It’s made me appreciate
everything I have back in England and most of all my family. I have missed my
family so much while being here every blog I have cried at and that means
something. I have built so many relationships with everyone on this trip and am
so privileged to of been able to spend this time in Uganda with wonderful
people. The bonds I made with the Acholi people / children was extremely
emotional when it was time to say goodbye. Overall this trip has been a once in
a lifetime adventure which I encourage more people to do.
Danushka
Dooraree
What this week meant to me…
Nothing anyone had said to us
prior to this week could have prepared us for the magic that occurred here.
This week allowed us to lower the shields of which we were raised with and
experience the culture of others. At times it was quite hard hitting but we
learnt to see through a different pair of eyes. During this week my perspective
has changed. All the experiences we have had have fueled a new perspective that
I feel has, and will continue to, make me a better person. This week has only
been a spark; a big spark that I believe will cause everyone on this trip to
make a fire in their own ways. Personally, I have been evaluating how I can
change my ways to help and I can wait to put my plans in action. I have
realized from John, that you do not need to fly out somewhere to help when
there is so much to be done in our own home towns- that is something I will
remember when I’m complaining about the heating or food while there’s a
homeless shelter 10 minutes away from me. I could not be more grateful for
being given this opportunity because it has made the biggest impact on me and
I’m sure the whole group. I would recommend everyone with the opportunity to do
something like this to go for it because the outcome is astonishing.
Jamie
Morland
What this week meant to me…
This
week has meant everything to me. We raised so much money towards it and it was
really worth it; physically and emotionally. The trip has made me a better
person in realizing there are more important things in life then technology and
money, and that being happy is most important. I feel like I was able to bring
happiness to these kids, which made us all smile to see them enjoy the simplest
things. It made it very difficult to say goodbye. This trip enabled me to see
things that a lot of people haven’t which I’m very grateful about. I can’t
express properly, in words, how much this trip has meant to me; that’s how much
it means.
Chaila
Latham
What this week meant to me…
There are no words in the
dictionary to explain how much this meant and how it has affected my life (for
the better of course). When I first found out of my acceptance onto the
once-in-a-lifetime trip, I never knew it would be as powerful and moving as it
was for me personally. My first impressions of the Acholi Quarters themselves
were complete shock as seeing the conditions of the community suddenly became
so real and I immediately regretted every time I’d taken something for granted
or wasted money on things I don’t need when there were human beings – who have
exactly the same rights as me – who are living in houses made of mud which is
the same size as my bathroom. Also, the fact they were still so forgiving and
humble towards people who had chased them from their homes and slaughtered
their loved ones. It really hit home.
This trip to Uganda has taught
me too much to list. Though I will try my best to name a few. It had showed me
how often money is wasted on a daily basis and the other causes it could be put
towards that would not just help someone, but significantly save someone’s
life. A woman who kindly let us visit her home informed us it would cost her
just £10 to be able to revisit her home town. I would spend this money on a top
or chocolate. Another useful lesson is that you don’t always have to do a big
sweeping gesture to be able to make a difference. Just learning a child’s name
or helping them choose the right coloured pencil make them feel valued and
respected, which are things they rarely receive. Honestly, it had taught me so
much and I will never forget the experience. I only hope the trips will carry
on being organized so others can feel the feelings I have and see the things –
horrific and heartwarming - happening and make the differences that need to be
made.
Millie
Cronin
What this week meant to me… This
week is indescribable. I cant put into words how much this 10-day trip can
change my life. The welcome we received every time we drove up the hill to the
Acholi children is breath taking, they ran, they shouted, and screamed with
excitement just for us to teach them subjects that most people don’t like.
These children have little to nothing but they smile more than I have ever seen
anyone smile. The constant emotions change your whole perspective of life and
make you appreciate every little thing we have.
This trip has made me realize all the things I didn’t think about and
just took for granted but now all of that has changed. I look around and
realize how fortunate I am to have everything I do. I now look at life,
education and relationships between others in a total different way. Thank you
for helping me change my life.
Bethany
Loversidge
What this week meant to me… It
was not just this week that has had a huge impact to my life, but the past year
of fundraising, organizing and preparing for the past week as a whole has
helped me. Many people kept asking me if I was nervous to come on this trip and
I would reply saying “a little” but really I’d say I was more like petrified. I
am a very quiet person and as time was getting closer I was starting to wonder
why I had put myself forward to do something that requires so much confidence,
especially when I was not close with anyone and the majority of the other team
members are the complete opposite to me, but I have made friends with people
that I would never picture myself being with and I am very grateful that this
trip ‘forced’ me to make new friends and to mix with other people. I have also
realized that you don’t need to be confident enough to shout at the top of your
lungs in front of a group of children, but confident enough in the ideas that
you have and sharing them with others so that they can support you. Connie has
said to me several times that me and her worked so well together because of our
different personalities, so I feel that firstly this week has made me believe
in myself more.
In terms of what the Ugandan
culture has taught me, I have learnt about how much pain and trauma that the
Acholi people had been through and how blind we all were to it. It confuses me
how people can forgive the rebels for the indescribable things that they did to
their family yet back at home we are all guilty of holding grudges against people
for the silliest of things. My brothers and I have a fairly good relationship
but we do argue from time to time over silly things and seeing so many of the
young children below the age of looking after and caring for their baby
siblings has made me respect my younger brothers even more. In terms of school,
I have been wishing that this year would hurry up so that I could leave but I
now think that I will put all my effort into the last few months that I have
left and make every moment count because I know that there are people in the
world who would give everything just to have an education. The happiness and
smiles between the children when they were learning or even just when they were
given a pencil will always be in my mind.
Connie
Houston
What this week meant to me… This
week has shown me how much we take for granted.
It has shown me that the children in Uganda appreciated us coming so
much because we gave them something that they’ve always wanted but never could
have. Education is something that is so
important, I think everyone needs to think about where they would be without it. I feel that more people should be doing what
I have done so they can understand for themselves what it is really like in
other parts of the world that aren’t as developed. Uganda is such a beautiful
country and the people that live there are full of so much hope, it’s
unbelievable. This trip is going to make a huge impact on my life, such as
school and family. School can be so boring and sometimes I say that the school
I go to is rubbish, but now I realize I am actually lucky enough to have a
school to go to. On out last day of teaching a young girl brought her little
brother to the lesson because her mum was working, she missed out on playing
many activities because she wanted to stay with him and look after him, that
just shows how just because they don’t have much money they will do anything to
look after their family.
This trip has been unforgettable
and one of the best experiences of my life.
If the above words prompt you to make a donation to support the work of the Acholi community, please go to https://www.charitycheckout.co.uk/1072426/AcholiTrip .
All the money raised will go to the education support fund which helps the Acholi children who are currently too poor to go to school.
Thank you, and happy reunions!
If the above words prompt you to make a donation to support the work of the Acholi community, please go to https://www.charitycheckout.co.uk/1072426/AcholiTrip .
All the money raised will go to the education support fund which helps the Acholi children who are currently too poor to go to school.
Thank you, and happy reunions!
15 comments:
I am so glad you have all had an amazing time.Katy I am so proud of you .Have a super birthday and a safe journey home love Mum x
Hi Jo and Boo. What moving testimonies by all the team. I cried! Have a safe journey home, proud of you, love you and miss you.xxxxxx
You are all so eloquent. Thank you for your summaries of the week, it really helps me to picture and experience it with you a little! JimJam -words fail me too sweetie, with what you have achieved. Have a safe journey home all. I am fully loaded with hugs ready for tomorrow Love you x
Very moving to read all your experiences. You have all been amazing. Well done team! Connie, can't wait to see you tomorrow. Get some sleep on the plane please!! Love you xxx
It's crazy Niamh, to think you've been gone for 10 days in that amazing distant land. The daily blog and images have given us a glimpse into the world you've been experiencing. This emotional, rewarding and thought provoking experience will stay with you all your life. We are so proud of you Niamh and can't wait to see you tomorrow. Hoping you and all the team have a safe trip home. Love ya x
It has been very moving reading your experiences. Well done to you all and have a safe journey home. Love you Temisis xxxx
Mum , dad, John and Master Frodo!
Hello Danushka. Cannot wait for you to come home now. Have a safe journey gorgeous. Love you
Hope you all have a safe journey home
Hi Dee, i was great taking to you today on facetime. Missing you loads and looking forward to seeing you tomorrow. I so pleased you all had an amazing time and the experiences you have had. Love you loads, dad, mum and fran. Xxxx
Wow what amazing blogs from you all !! So excited to hear all your stories about this amazing adventure! Can't wait to see you tomorrow Els and hear about what you've been up to and the new friends you have made ! Safe flight and we love you lots xxxx mum xx
Your words are some of the most inspiring I have ever read. You have all written from your hearts and it has filled mine! Thank you. You are a great team for sure. Love to you all and a huge hug to Jack. See you soon. Hooray!
So proud of yourself. Your words have really touched me. I can't wait to see you Millie, you have always been a very special and kind person and am so glad you have got out as much as you have from the trip. Love you. Safe journey home. Thank you too all that have supported you. Xx
So good to hear all your thoughts. What a life changing time. Not long now Pops can't wait to see you .. Safe travels xxxx
Beth it was lovely reading your beautiful words about your experience, I really am so proud of you and you should be SO proud of yourself.
Love You Loads, can't wait to see you tomorrow, safe journey.
Take Care, Love Ya, Love Dad. xXx
Alf and Joe send their love, they can't wait to see you. xx
Great write ups from everyone, sounds like you have all made an amazing difference out there, Well done all, be proud. x
Hi Beth
Cant wait to see u tomorrow and hug u tight I must remember my tissues lol!!
Ur write up was beautify written and i cant wait to hear and see u photos.
Hope u have a good flight home
Stay safe love u lots mum xx
Safe flight home everyone xx
Word can't describe how proud of you I am! You've worked so hard this past year and you've done so well, and I am very happy and proud to call you my girlfriend. Have a safe flight and I'll see you at school tomorrow
Lots of love
Jack xxxx
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