It has become exceedingly clear that time is something that will not be rushed, and the more one does the more difficult life will become. We’ve also realized that ‘need’ is never simple. Lisa and I knew there was a need: shoes and soccer equipment. That need was met (thanks again to those that donated). Of course we didn’t assume bringing this equipment would magically fill a void for the youth in this community, but we didn’t realize the intricacies and obstacles that greatly surpass having shoes on children’s feet. We have laptops that will be donated and then resold for desktops for the Youth Center so that students at the HOPE Primary School can learn how to type and in general use a computer. Seems crazy that that is such a big deal as we learn that at a very young age at school (and whine about doing it too – I did at least), but around here it is a gift if a child has touched a computer let alone is able to use one. In fact, I just helped a senior in High School (they call it Secondary School) set up an email account so he can start emailing Universities abroad about scholarships. As Lisa and I come with smiles for miles knowing that we can now help change that for the HOPE School, we are told that getting electricity for the Youth Center will cost around $400. This is also frustrating because Lisa and I are trying to set up the Center as a hangout for youth after school or in the evenings. One of Jacques goals is to have someone living in the room connected to the Center in order to act as caretaker, as well as ensure the programs we are hoping to set up are sustainable. This is all quite difficult to do without electricity.
Nevertheless, we see it as a hiccup and are more concerned with instilling desperately needed program structure, so that every child benefits and every P-Level (1st grade = P1, 2nd grade = P2, etc.) is able to participate. As mentioned, the problem of children not having equipment to play has been solved. But then we come to find out that the field HOPE School pays to rent might not be feasible at the moment. Jacques explained that most of the property in Uganda is private, which makes land very expensive to buy here; and even if schools are funded by the Government (like the one we pay fees to) it is still technically the school’s property and not the State. Also, this soccer pitch HOPE pays “upkeep” fees to is comical. Already after a week of playing on this field I’ve sprained my ankle twice and tore off my entire right shin’s first layer of skin. There is no upkeep possible for a field with three cascading levels, made up of dirt and gravel with potholes and anthills riddled throughout. Also, with many other schools having the funding to pay to play on the field, I don’t foresee anyone at the school jumping at the chance to help us out. But here’s to hoping. To our utter delight we were shown a great plot of land perfect for small-sided soccer and other games, it is a bit smaller but is very level and extremely close to the school (the rented field is across a deep valley and takes the little ones quite awhile to get there). But then to our utter dismay we were told that this field is owned privately and our usage is at the grace of the owner. We were told that the owner is willing to sell (yes!), but the price tag is $5,000 (yikes!). Then Jacques was thinking to simply pay to fix the field. Below, I’ve attached a photo of the aforementioned plot of land, and as you’ll notice it would ensure better use of time, safety and equipment if there was some sort of wall built to prevent rainfall from washing away the soil (which is what destroys soccer pitches here due to the hilly terrain they are “built” on) as well as netting put in to prevent children (or Lisa and I!) from having to retrieve balls from the thick ravine filled what in my mind are the worst possible animals, snakes and bugs imaginable (I am a baby about snakes, I admit). The cost of only fixing up the field would be $2,300. After talking about it more we all agreed it was a bit risky to simply “fix it up” and would be more logical to save money to buy the land. It’s a hefty price tag, but would solve so many problems and obstacles. I mentioned another couple is here helping on the micro-finance side. After spending time at HOPE School they were astounded that two grades spent their days learning in makeshift-barely standing rooms due to lack of resources to build the necessary school rooms. Over Christmas they raised the $9,000 needed to build the necessary school rooms (look at before and after pictures below) as well as a canteen for children since most don’t eat lunch at school for one reason or another…mostly because they don’t have the means to. They ended up selling homemade Christmas ornaments made by families in Ndejje, which were obviously a great success at home. Lisa and I are already trying to think of a similar approach for raising the necessary monies to purchase this field, which would eliminate so many costs, power struggles between schools and logistical difficulties with the growing number of children we are working with at HOPE. We are hopeful for that positive ‘A-Ha!’ moment to come. To our loyal blog followers, please do not be shy in emailing or commenting below on anything you’ve read about. If there is one thing we’ve learned here it’s that the more help the better. Less is never more with what lies before us, so lay any suggestions on us.
(before / after)
-----> piece of land perfect for HOPE School
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