It is a nearby (to Heritage and Kampala) mission-run elementary school with more than 260 students from nursery at 3 years old through 16 year olds in grade 6. Why such old students in this elementary (or any) school? Because sometimes school fees or family finance/health hinder students to continue their educations and they need to stay out of school for a few years at a time. Until students pass a grade 6 "leaving" exam, they cannot continue, no matter their age, into secondary school.
All of our kids in grades 7-9 went, plus on that Friday, we were joined by a few of my older students (Lubega, Solomon, Logan and Bertha) and they contributed quite a lot. Thank you to all my students and to the adults who joined us in this venture of ministry and outreach.
Donatella (Ugandan/Italian) and Bec (Australian) sandbagging. It is what is sounds like- bagging sand to reinforce a foundation where rain water would run too close to the wall.
All of us joined in at various capacities as we painted a bathrooms building, the kitchen, and the primary/nursery building "spiffing" up the property nicely.
Towards the end of Friday, a hot and sunny day, the kids had to get cleaned up to head back to school. A water fight at the well on the school property took place, so they went back paint-free, but pretty wet (and much cooler!).
Leo (Congolese/Greek) and Marc (Indian/Canadian) took a minute to run around the property having fun in one of the wheelbarrows.
Each day at the school, the children receive a bowl of porridge (watery oatmeal with a bit of sweet flavor) for a mid-morning break, and a lunch of typical African fare including beans, rice and cooked bananas.
Most of our group got to pose for us first thing Friday. Absent are me (I was taking photos), Miss Holly and the Stevenson's, the ones who have helped me coordinate both our mission trips this semester.
Typical Ugandan classrooms are often overcrowded and with few supplies. This one is extra crowded because kids had gathered from several classes to hear the Bible lessons.
Colleen and three girls (Kayla, Kezza and Erica) take a break.
Painting the kitchen; this building also received a door and windows to close the building properly, as a result of our donated funds from HIS and the kids who participated.
The children colored sheets after the Bible lesson was taught each day. One story was Jonah and the Whale and the other was the Prodigal Son. We left several day's worth of Bible stories/coloring sheets with the school, that they can use them at other times. We also left crayons, other Bible lesson supplies, and numerous donated items.
Bec has a great ability to connect with children. Within 5 minutes of arriving, she had a whole fan club following her around, playing with her, wanting to hold her hand. Sweet.
Except at HIS, I've not seen a playground at a school here. This one had tire swings, ropes to climb, and other items. The kids really enjoy their time in the play area.