This morning we head to town to meet with the Kirimi Community Development program, working in tandem with the Kinkizi Integrated Rural Development Program officials.
These are run by the local Ugandan Anglican Church. (Yes, associated with that one) They have a very strong presence here in the Kanungu District.
I entered with hesitation but, after putting bias aside, would leave with appreciation for the great work they're doing.
(Both photos courtesy of Dr. Richard White)
Their program was established in 2005 and they have currently formed 85 women's groups, comprising 1,270 individuals.
They utilize the self-help approach with goals to increase household income, capacity building, sensitization, and have a specific focus on children.
In addition, they assist the local communities with hygiene, water sanitation, teach trade skills, and helped them start growing shitake mushrooms.
(Photo by Dr. Richard White)
After about a 15-20 minute discussion, we board the van to witness some of their work firsthand.
As soon as we arrive, we are greeted by a large group walking down the hillside and welcoming us by singing and clapping. The welcomes in Uganda are a big deal as each group feels very privileged to have us as guests. This is a very strange feeling.
(Photo by Dr. Richard White)
We have our usual introductions.
(We had alternating designated day leaders, providing us each the opportunity to introduce the group and our reasons for being there)
At the end of each visit we would thank them for their time and offer a small gift. Usually a postcard, signed by all, or a pen from our university.
After our introductions a woman from the group read a lovely prepared speech.
(Above photo sequence courtesy of Dr. Richard White)
Once she was through with her speech, the group performed another song and dance in honor of our visit.
(Above photo by Dr. Richard White)
A few of us joined in - Abdi is in the middle and Bradford to the left.
Afterwards, we walked around and viewed the work that the Kinkizi Program was doing here.
This is an improved kitchen and cook stove.
As far as pit latrines go, this is very posh.
We continue on through the matoke trees.
These are the trees that cover the landscape and are far more gigantic when put into perspective!
(Above photo sequence courtesy of Dr. Richard White)
Here we check out their goat operation.
This priceless photo was captured by Jessica
Afterwards, we head back to check out some of the produce they brought in for us.
If I've said it once, I'll say it again - the produce in Uganda is superb. I have yet to taste a rival.
I purchased this pumpkin!
Watch your toes!! (He's chopping sugar cane)
After our purchases we were ready to pack it up and head to our next destination.
On the road again...
Our next stop was the small Kanungu Hospital where Sheila was born.
Some of the posters on the wall:
They mainly focus on child birth and pregnancy. Let me be honest and say that I would never want to give birth here. They are in desperate need of funds. Plus, if a labor complication arises the female must get transport to the larger hospital which is a 45 minute drive away on a very, very bad road. One we travelled with difficulty, while in good health!
Despite their main focus, they have recently constructed an HIV/AIDs clinic.
Following this tour, we head to the main hospital - the one reached via the long bad road.
No pictures were taken here, of our own prerogative, due to nature and privacy. There are minimal private rooms. About 96% of the patients are housed in one giant room, some without a hospital bed.
A few stats:
Staff = 40 midwives, 28 registered nurses & 1 radiographer/dispenser
On average, they treat 200 patients per day
100 beds in hospital (usually at 80% capacity)
Families bring their own food
The conditions were bad and we felt intrusive walking around.
We head to a rice processing factory after our hospital stint. We arrived just a little too late in the afternoon to watch processing. But we were given a tour of the factory as it was.
(Photo by Dr. Richard White)
It is very late in the afternoon now and we head back to our guesthouse to freshen up for dinner. Tonight, Josephine, George, and Sheila will be hosting us at their house. They prepare a nice meal and we stay here for a while talking and end up watching a bit of t.v. This was a nice distraction and allowed our brains to rest a little bit. Ironically, they were watching "America's Got Talent." From what we saw of the show, I would highly question that statement...
Post dinner, we head back to our guesthouse with torches in hand. George and Josephine's house is only about a 5 minute walk from the Joy Guesthouse.
After we arrive we have an abbreviated version of our nightly student meeting and so congregate outside.
This turns into a much needed heart-to-heart and realistic evaluation of how much we have yet to accomplish. The end is getting closer and we still need to write our group paper -- which we haven't started. We get closer to a final project path and head off in our assigned directions, feeling much better and a little less stressed. We head back to our rooms and promptly collapse for tomorrow is another big day.
What is tomorrow you ask? A visit to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest & our home-stays - which we are anxiously anticipating...
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