Friday’s blog comes from Lewis and John

Firstly from Lewis,

Following on the from Thursdays blog, we had an amazing talk from our host, John Njendahayo. His story was truly remarkable to listen to and we thoroughly enjoyed it. He has done so much for the communities that he has gone to but is so modest and takes no credit which is what I think epitomises the spirit that we have seen. Everyone is so positive and grateful for what they have and I wish more people were like that and it is one thing I will take away from the trip.

Anyway, today was the final day of teaching in the Acholi Quarters and we got up for breakfast and got on the bus. The day started brightly with Sayley dancing to music from the speaker. We were greeted, as usual, with cheers and screams from the children. The big church started by educating the children on the solar system and made a giant collage. The small church taught the children about time, clocks and they wrote a story about themselves and drew a picture to go with it. With the lessons flying by before the porridge break, the madness erupted afterwards with both groups coming together for games, singing and dancing. However, we were all shown up by the Acholi ladies dancing. 

After the first emotional goodbyes, many selfies and lots of fun, we left the morning group and the day progressed on. The afternoon was a highlight for me as I taught Dan- one of the afternoon group, who spent all week running round- how to count from 1 to 10. Seeing his cheeky little face light up when he got to 10 was the highlight of my week. Another chaotic session of dancing and singing went by way too fast and we had to say our goodbyes to the afternoon group.

Following on from leaving the afternoon group, the whole team went down to play more sports with the whole Acholi community, and I mean ALL the children. We were completely swamped but it was amazing. Sweat, blood and tears were high as we left the Acholi community for the final time, particularly for Mackenzie who was fretting about ‘losing her phone’ until realising it was on her knee. 

We went on the drive home and got showered ready for the drive to Café Java, a restaurant in Kampala, where we ate with the Acholi ladies. Once again, after the ginormous portions, there were emotional goodbyes as we exchanged hugs with the ladies. 

The night was spectacular and it was great to see the ladies outside of their professional side that we have seen all week. 

The week could not have run as it did without them and they were a great addition to the AfriDACA team. As the final day comes to a close, we are looking forward to tomorrow’s trip to Jinja, where we will go on a boat ride and craft shopping.

Lots of love from the AfriDACA team xxx

This final bit is from John- I should start my own column if these little bits at the end carry on. Just wanted to write a little bit since I had the chance. Today being the last day of teaching I assumed it would be a bit emotional. In the morning I taught at the front with groups of 3 children at a time how to tell the time. Teaching for me is a real career path I am looking down even more than before after this experience. Teaching a child a new method or anything at all and watching them do it and their little faces light up when you tell them it’s right and give them a fist pump its brilliant. 

In English we let the children write what they had learnt, enjoyed and how they felt about us as a team and then for a little child to come running up to you telling you that you are their favourite was heart-warming. 

The last day consisted of getting photos and when we all said goodbye to both morning and afternoon groups I found it too hard and had to let out my emotions, but much to my delight support from the team and the little children’s faces gleaming it really helped me suck it up and carry on. Best go now and get the routine game of cards in before I hit the pillow night.

PS from Helen - just so you don't get totally confused, for some weird reason that is beyond me to fathom, the photos aren't in chronological order today! Hope you still enjoy them though:-)