Monday in school

The morning began at 6:30 to leave and take supplies to the school. The day was to be spent teaching new sports -dodgeball and bench ball,  teaching science teachers how to do practical experiments, teaching phonics to the nursery add primary 1 teachers and producing and directing plays in the afternoon,  some with scripts and some inventing their own. First challenge -dodgeball. It took a few minutes to explain the instructions and demonstrate the techniques of the game. Although we had a slight barrier when it came to speaking to the kids we spoke slowly yet some of the teachers had to translate the instructions, one teacher said " We're African, you need to speak slowly!!". But when we actually got into the games the kids were full of energy and enthusiasm but in the end some of the smaller children still didn't get the hang of the rules. Even when we would tell them they are out in the next second they are running straight into the match!~faith



We taught the science teachers including the Head teacher soever simple science experiments using everyday items or items that can be bought from the local market. The teachers were so happy to learn about the experiments, they were like the children in the classroom! They wanted to learn the science behind the experiments and what it could be used for later on in life. We hope to see that the teachers will be able to inspire the children to practice science and enjoy it even more and aspire to become future scientists who could make ground breaking discoveries to change the world.~faith

Well after a 7am start, the determination of the children of Bright Future and their enthusiasm in the games of dodgeball and bench ball definitely lifted our spirits! Although it took a few minutes to explain the rules of both sports, it's clear that there are future athletes amongst the school that will be appearing on our television in the next 10 years.(even though they didn't get the idea of standing still when they've received the ball) Unfortunately, I didn't get the chance to coach the dodgeball but bench ball was very exciting; there were very impressive throwing skills-especially when there was only one left on a team. Competition began to grow when "We are the winners and you are the losers" was yelled our their mouths... let's just say there won't be smiling faces of adoration towards the opposite team tomorrow. Perhaps aggression and looks of triumph! ~Prianka

The morning at Bright Future School was filled with theories and science experiments as well as teaching.  In the beginning the idea of having to teach experiments to teachers as well as the science behind the experiments was very daunting and out of my comfort zone; but it wasn't until we began to do the experiments that the fear left and that we all started to enjoy ourselves. The teachers had almost became the students and we interacting and learning and most importantly enjoying even the simplest baking soda and vinegar experiment; it was one of the most interesting experiences I've had so far... especially being left to teach an experiment by myself. I think that the best part was the fun that we had during the experiments... the best one had to be the lung capacity experiment where the teachers had to blow into a straw that was inside a bottle filled with water and had to breathe into the straw. The competitiveness especially with the headteacher William is something I won't be forgetting. But the experiments with felt tips and Chromatography or showing that a lime without the rind will float or even releasing balloons with air on starts on a line to see which shaped balloon would move the fastest; not only were they great to do but also made me realise how even the most basic things that we may show can have a massive impact. I'm hopeful and excited for tomorrow when the teachers will be teaching the students the experiments and hope they have just as much fun.

Navneet

This afternoon we all split into pairs and had a group of kids each. We wanted to give the kids an opportunity to be creative in a different way then they are used to so we created plays with them. At first I thought that creating a story and acting it out would be difficult for them but I was amazed at home quick they got involved. There enthusiasm was contagious.  Their ideas and Input were so detailed I barely had to help them. My group created a play about a royal family that invited the whole village to a party except for one man who had bad manners and how he changes himself for the better. I was glad that whilst being creative we could also instill in the kids morals and the importance of respect for other people, although they don't really need it as they are all so lovely. I was shocked at how little time it took them to remember their lines and was so proud at how in just a few short hours their English pronunciation improved.  Seeing the light in their eyes when they made it through a scene was so rewarding. I felt honoured to introduce them to something new and see their confidence and personalities shine. I can't wait to continue adding to the play and see them perform in front of the school and their parents so their talent and hard work can be shared.
Casey

The day started at 9 with a group breakfast on the balcony which we all throughly enjoyed (especially Charlie). After that we headed to Bright Future school to begin our eventful day. Once we arrived we were greeted with a warm welcome and open arms once again. The students of Bright Future presented their dances to us to show us how to dance after our compromising attempt at the macarena without music. Their outstanding performances left us in awe made us tired just from watching them! Once the performances were over the students proceeded to teach the team how to do their traditional Ugandan dances. This involved Mr James, Lewis, Emily, Navneet, Faith, Venni and Prianka wearing traditional dress and shaking their stuff for all their worth! Videos to follow!!
After that we went to visit the Kosovo slums with Ronald from CEFOVID. Within our time there, we got a sense of what the typical lifestyle in the Ugandan slums are. All of us had to overcome a man made wooden bridge to continue our journey, in which we had to had have our hand held in order to make our way across. We also saw variety of wild animals walking around the slums. This included "leg licking goats." The poverty was eye-opening, it made us realise what we take for granted. There was a big difference between driving past it in the minibus and living amongst it. The smells, the drainage ditches with filthy water, the lack of basic amenities and the poor quality housing stood out. This swamp area will be bulldozed in 3 years and these people will be displaced to other areas of the city with no compensation. Their lives are in the balance.  Education for many is the only way out. This puts into perspective the things back home ,that most of us take for granted, making us more aware of the daily struggles people have to go to in order to live on a daily basis.
As for, Betty, the cook,she over fed us with delicious food, the hospitality at the school brings tears to our eyes. Although these people have little money to spare they value our time and efforts to improve the education and resources at the school and will go above and beyond to ensure that we are part of the Bright Future Family.

Trisha, Tara and Charlie

Photos

We have finally reached Uganda after 2 long and tiring flights and have began our once in a lifetime experience. We had came off our flight and came into the mini bus at around 15:00 and we're given the opportunity to see the scenery; we were all left shocked and surprised of the scenery that we saw. Entebbe airport that was much more modern than rural than green Uganda which then compared to the Cassia Lodge; it was almost crazy to see how different the areas were. The luxury of the hotel and modernised airport against the bricks and busy streets of Kampala itself and being greater by goats and chickens.

Today we visited bright future school. All of the teachers and children were so welcoming and made us feel at home. I was amazed at what they have managed to achieve with what little resources they have. It was inspiring  to see the kids enthusiasm for school and learning and the sense of community that the teachers have created. The children were so interested in me as was I in them and I loved conversing with them. They are so ambitious and confident which I admire and hope that throughout the week I can learn from them and hopefully they can learn from me. I am excited for the days to come.
Casey

It has been an amazing day! I was slightly nervous about going to Bright Future School, as I really didn't know what to expect! But my nerves have been calmed due to the warm welcome we received and the amazing smiles and joy of the students. I can't believe our arrival has had such a big impact already! I am now really excited about the rest of out time here and can't wait to go back to Bright Future School!
Mr James

A great first day at Bright Future School. Everyone was so welcoming. The pupils and staff are amazing. The school is really well organised. There are lots of polite pupils all eager to show you the school and get you playing games. I'm looking forward to going back to the school tomorrow.
Mrs Duffy

The trip to Uganda was an experience in itself. Mainly because it was a opportunity to tackle many first time experiences, the most scary being the plane journey. Due to many of my friends and family providing their insight,  I had already,made some assumptions: The food would be tasteless you're hassled by immigration and the plane journey was painful. But all in all, I found it very enjoyable; the movie selection was decent as well as the food. It was definitely better than i thought it'd be  .
Venciane

Passport, check. Visa, check, malaria tablets, check, yellow fever record, check, toothbrush, check. All sorted for our trip to Uganda. A massive thank you to Miss McDonald and the team of staff and students who put on the most amazing Fashion Show this week. Over £1000 raised towards the minibus for Bright Future School.  I don't think some people realise how much of a difference their efforts have, I can tell you that they change lives. Thank you to all of the staff and students who performed.

See you on the other side of the Equator!( just..for those Geographers amongst you!)

4 days to go!

4 days to go!
The team have had a day at Good Shepherd Primary School with Mr James and Karen Vince spending time with very small children doing sporting activities and artwork in preparation to be surrounded by 400 young children at Bright Future School in Uganda. The team are prepared, fully vaccinated and packing their bags for the journey of a lifetime.
This is the time we must say a massive thank you to all of the people who have donated fancy dress costumes, tshirts and stationery-thank you SEN team! And a massive shout out to Mr Jamal and Mr Murphy and the science department for donating the out of date revision guides and workbooks, old science practical equipment and for helping me to decide which science experiments to do with the children in Uganda- your support has been incredible, Mr Murphy you are a star! Thank you to Mr Jambor for the dvds and Mrs Jessop for the drama workshop work. Our students are going to have a phenomenal time working at Bright Future School. Keep following the blog for a student update of their experiences.
For the students on the adventure - don't forget to take your malarone on Wednesday morning with breakfast!
Miss Kirk