Summer 2011, Group 2 Blog: Week 6

“The last week of teaching in schools was really emotional. The 5 weeks just flew by and it really didn’t feel right to be leaving so soon. I have built up such a great rapport with my class and saying goodbye to them all was so hard.”- Tom Lewis

“My highlight was today, our last day of school. My kids did a final assembly where they all did different dances and different songs just to say thank you and to show how much they appreciated us being there, it was amazing.”- Charlotte Bea

“It’s the best thing I have ever done. The feeling and the experience you get is amazing and I would advise everyone to come!”- Vikesh Patel

“I have gained so much confidence by coming out here and it has been such a great experience. I feel inspired to go and do and teach more children somewhere else, or even come back here and do it all again”- Joe Wayte

“My self confidence has increased massively. Before coming out to Uganda I had never really done any public speaking and I had never taught in schools before so it was quite daunting at first. The staff at VU give you training to equip you with the skills to teach in the schools and it has given me so many new skills to take on to my next jobs”- Marco Tranchina

“It really doesn’t feel right to be leaving. The lodge has become our home from home and all the staff are like family to us now, I think the only way I can cope with leaving Kanungu is by telling myself, I’m coming back next year”- Alan Pooley

“On our last night in Kanungu, we had an amazing leaving party at the lodge. It was a perfect way to celebrate a fantastic 6 weeks. The next day we had to say goodbye to all the VU staff and make the long drive back to Kampala, which no one was looking forward to.”- Tom Lewis

“In Kampala we stayed at Backpackers Hostel. We all got chance to go to a craft market to buy presents for our friends and family back home, which was really cool.”- Grace Seller

“On our very last night we went to a restaurant called ‘Open House’ where we split up into teams and had one big cook off. It was a really nice thing to do on our last night as a group.”- Dave Judge

“The restaurant also had a TV so we could all watch the big football match. I would eight-two have been an Arsenal fan that night.” Anon

“Backpackers is such a great base whilst in Kampala. It’s so nice to have a few home comforts, especially the hot showers”- Joe Turnbull

“And that wraps up an incredible 6 weeks. There is so much crammed into 6 weeks that inevitably, regrettably there are probably lots of things that haven’t been mentioned in the blog that are no doubt blog worthy! However, I hope there is enough here to give readers a taste of what 6 weeks in the life of a volunteer is like.”- Tom Lewis

Summer 2011, Group 2 Blog: Week 5

“During week 5, our attentions turned to the 3-day Safari trip to Queen Elizabeth National Park. This was the big trip that everyone was so excited for, and it didn’t disappoint.”- Tom Lewis

“Safari was incredible. We saw elephants, lions, gazelle, monkeys, birds, everything. It was just amazing to see them in their natural environment, and the sunrise… The most amazing sunrise I have ever seen! It goes over the top of the savannah, you see the long grass, the dusty ground, the hazy horizon, and then the sun raises just above it and it’s unbelievable. The best thing I have seen on the trip.”- Alan Pooley

“Safari is really good. Nicholas, our driver, is always able to spot animals with his eagle eyes.”- Leo Maliphant

“One other extra excursion volunteers have chance to do is Chimpanzee trekking in Kambura Gorge, whilst on Safari.”- Sarah Morton

“My highlight was the chimp trekking, it’s a little extra money but it was definitely worth it. It was really magical seeing the chimps so close-up.”- Joe Turnbull

Summer 2011 Group 2 Blog: Week 4

“Volunteer Uganda have set up a partnership with a local charity called ‘Mend the Broken Hearts’. They work in the district to try and reduce the prevalence of HIV and Aids. Part of their work involves testing for HIV in schools and colleges. The volunteers role is to a talk to students and give them lots of information about HIV, in the hope that this will help to dispel myths and empower young people of Uganda.”- Sarah Morton

“During our stay in Kanungu we had the opportunity to do a HIV awareness talk to 250 students at Great Lakes High School. The students then had the chance to get tested on-site. 52 children did, and all 52 tests came back negative, which gives all those children peace of mind and it allows them to walk away from the talk with a clean bill of health.”- Graeme Littlejohn

“One of my personal highlights of the six weeks was taking part in the HIV talk. It is such a great feeling to know that our presentation had inspired so many young people to get tested. Seeing all the students lining up for a test was quite overwhelming. It’s a moment that will stay with me.”- Tom Lewis

“Week four was the start of summer schools. This meant that we, the volunteers, had complete control of the running of the schools. With 32 volunteers we were able to run two summers schools, at Kirima Parents Primary School and Mothercare Primary School.”- Alan Pooley

“Summer school was so much fun. We taught English, Maths and Science in the mornings and in the afternoons we organised activities in 3 areas; team building, arts, and sport & games”- Leo Maliphant

“Because we didn’t have to stick to the National Curriculum we had so much freedom to teach what we wanted. As a group we devised projects in each subject that would really get the kids thinking. We tried to put a real emphasis on creativity, group work and higher order thinking in our lesson plans, and the children responded fantastically”- Tom Lewis

“In the afternoons we ran activities in sports, arts and team building. This programme was tailored to build up to a sports tournament between all the classes at the end of the week. We organised a sports day at our school and we ran a netball and football competition, both of which were a huge success.”- Charlotte Bea

“At our summer school we devised a house system. Students were awarded points for their house, both in the classroom and on the sports field! We split the children up into four houses: Gorillas, Crocodiles, Elephants and Lions. It really took off and all the kids got into the new system and all tried so hard to win points for their team.”- Joe Wayte

“As a manager of the Gorillas, in the end, I think it’s fair to say, in my totally unbiased opinion, the best team won… GORILLAS!!!!”- Phil Ridd

Summer 2011 Group 2 Blog: Week 3

Week 3

“During the third week some of the volunteers went Gorilla tracking. This is one of the excursions that is a little extra, but definitely worth it. At the lodge we overlook Bwindi impenetrable forest which is home to over half of the population of Gorillas left in the wild in the world, so it really is the best place to do it. Those volunteers who were privileged enough to do it have said that it is one of the best things they’ve ever done.”- Will Harte

“Gorilla tracking was absolutely amazing! The gorillas were so close you felt like you could reach out and touch them.”- Rhiannon Hick

“We got so close to a whole family of Gorillas and were able to spend a really long time in their presence. One of the best bits for me was seeing the baby gorillas climbing and swinging on the sugar canes. I got so many great photos”- Lewis Vincent

“Having stayed at the lodge for over two weeks, it has really started to feel like home. There is always so much going on and there is always a really good atmosphere around the place, it’s amazing.”- Tom Lewis

“At the lodge we get such good food cooked for us every night by Dennis and Mackie. A lot of the volunteers have started helping with the washing up after dinner as a way of saying thank you for all their hard work.”- Dhrena Mistry

“I was fortunate to have one night where I was able to cook for the whole group. I really really enjoyed it. It was really nice to be able to give something back and show our appreciation.”- Sam Cuthbert

“At the lodge, the people are great, the foods great, the culture is great, the animals, landscape, everything, it’s all absolutely amazing.”- Dave Judge

“The group of thirty that we have got at the lodge are really diverse, there are lots of different age ranges from all over and everyone just gets on really well, there is a really good dynamic.”- Graeme Littlejohn

“Every day when you wake up and you step out your room, you get to look out over Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, and the views are incredible. On a clear evening you get to see the most amazing sunsets, we are so lucky to be in such an amazing location.”

“For me, it took a bit of time to really get into the swing of teaching. Now I have a few weeks of teaching under my belt I am beginning to relax and enjoy being in schools and being with the kids so much more.”- Tom Lewis

“The reaction of the children when you turn up to teach them at the classrooms couldn’t be better, they’re so enthusiastic and energetic. If you’re feeling a bit tired or down, going to school just lifts you immediately, it’s so much fun.”- Graeme Littlejohn

“They children are such fun to be around, they really just want to learn. When you walk into the playground and you hear your name being shouted or they come up to you and say something you’ve taught them, it gives you such a buzz.”- Joe Wayte

Summer 2011, Group 2 Blog: Week 2

Week 2

After the Adrenalin rush in Jinje, the partying in Kampala, and a weeks training at the Lodge, all the volunteers were desperate to get into their schools and start teaching. For most of us, the teaching aspect of Volunteer Uganda was most definitely the highlight of the six weeks”- Tom Lewis

“My Highlight was going to the schools every day. You come in everyday and people are waving and gathering around the bus to great you. That enthusiasm every day is amazing.”- Vikesh Patel

“I am a teacher back home and it has been so refreshing teaching kids who have that real desire to learn. In some ways it gives a really nice break to the teaching in our classroom back in the UK. Being able to come out and teach in this new environment has been really enjoyable. They pay their school fees and therefore they realise it’s a privilege to be in school and it makes a massive difference.”- Sam Butterfield

“If the children don’t understand something one lesson and you go back the next lesson and they get it, you just feel so proud of them because it’s you that’s helped them.”- Rhiannon Hick

“We split one of the schools off into girls and boys and did a ‘Growing up’ talk concerning puberty, which was one of the most worthwhile things I have done.”- Charlie Wood

“All the songs and the dancing they do every lesson! My P3 would come in and sing me a welcome song and a goodbye song and dance around the class. They have so much energy, they’re really happy.” Lily Ingledew

“Lake Bunyonyi is the first really big chill out weekend, we go away to one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been to and really relax after some intensive teaching.”- Graeme Littlejohn

“My personal highlight was probably the excursion to Lake Bunyonyi. It was the best chance for us to really make friends and really bond as a group. It’s a place where you can relax after you have done a week of teaching. It’s the most amazing setting.”- Marco Tranchina

“The drive is ridiculously beautiful, some of the scenery you pass along the way is breathe taking. At Lake Bunyonyi there are lots of different activities like a high jump and a rope swing into the lake. We also went on a boat trip, during which we saw Rwanda and the Congo.”- Charlie

“It’s such a perfect spot to camp out, we are right next to the lake and there is so much going on. One of my highlights from the weekend was canoeing across to an island bar that serves fresh cocktails and great food. One activity that a few of us decided to do was hire out a jet ski for the afternoon, that was really fun.”- Laurence West

Summer 2011, Group 2 Blog: Week 1

Week 1

“When we landed in Entebbe Airport, we were met by the Volunteer Uganda Team who immediately whisked us off to Jinje, where we were did a night bungee jump into the river Nile”- Tom Lewis

“Just off a long haul flight to Uganda, a little bit tired, what better way to wake yourself up than jump 80ft into the river Nile on the first night? The Bungee jump is the best way to start your trip, definitely do that if you come out.” Graeme Littlejohn

“It was such a good opportunity to meet everyone. It gave a really good start to the six weeks and the actual jump was incredible.”- Sam Cuthbert

“You feel scared beforehand but then once you jump you don’t regret it, you’ll love it. It’s amazing.”- Marco Tranchina

“Our first night was spent at NRE Rafting Centre where we had a great night socialising and getting to know each other. The next day we had a whole day White Water Rafting down the river Nile”- Dave Judge

“The day of rafting was such a great way to get to know everyone and bond as a team. I have to admit, it is probably one of the scariest things I have ever done, but it is amazing. You get such an adrenalin rush” – Alan Pooley

“In Kampala we stayed at a hostel called ‘Backpackers’. It is such a lively place and the staff there are really friendly. We got the chance to go out and experience the nightlife in Kampala, we went to a club called Cayenne. It was another really good way of getting to know each other”- Grace Seller

“The journey down to Kanungu from Kampala is one that really mesmerizes most volunteers. From the minibus you see so much of Uganda’s landscape, people, animals and culture.”- Laurence West

“When we first arrived at the lodge it was dark and we didn’t really know where we were but we got the most incredible welcome from the staff. There was music playing and food served, it was so lovely. We all take it for granted that there is such a big team of Ugandan staff giving us the support we need. They become part of our family and we are all so close.”- Jess Quiney

During the first week at the Lodge we spent most of the time completing our Teacher Training. This was something that I actually really enjoyed. It was so useful to get advice about Ugandan Education and lesson planning. I found that the training really helped me when it came to being in the classroom”- Tom Lewis

“One of my highlights has to be the welcome assembly we went to in the first week at Kirima Parents Primary School. All the children gave us such an amazing welcome, they sang songs, they danced for us, it was so nice and it made me really excited about teaching” – Grace Seller

Summer 2011, Group 1 Blog: Week 6

Despite last night’s antics at Pineapple Club it was another early morning to set off for the much anticipated safari weekend. Cursing in the name of waragi we rolled out of bed and quickly packed our weekend bags full of safari goods ready to camp out in the wilderness. After a few hours of bus banter and a short stop in *** to pick up much missed treats like crisps and chocolates (and a few panga’s for good measure) we were on the dusty dirt track leading us to queen Elizabeth safari park. Now that we were officially off road we popped up the roof of the VU vans and scrambled on top, three at the front and back and others hanging out the windows. The dry season had finally arrived and with the sun in the sky and the wind in our faces we cruised casually towards the entrance to the national park VU style (music blasting), it was an epic start to our safari weekend.

As soon as we entered the perimeters to the park (which covered about 2,000 square kilometres) it was eyes peeled with beers awarded for the best animal spots. Animals aside we were simply in awe of the remote African land, with every tree looking like the home of Rafiki however almost immediately we spotted groups of cobs, waterbucks, antelopes and buffalo’s. Tension arose when a group of antelopes were spotted ears pricked and alert, signs that only meant one thing, a predator was lurking. Feeling exposed we were looking left to right eagerly searching for whatever was lurking in the grass. Our vulnerability added to the excitement as we gripped our cameras whilst hanging out the van ready to get the best shot of whatever predator was around. The antelopes began to relax we knew it was time to move on but we were soon to learn that disappointment was not going to frequent as we embarked on what is said to have been one of the most successful safaris yet.

A sudden stand still from the van in front about an hour or so later spread silence amongst our van, Nicolas the driver in front had spotted something and this time there was no waiting about. In a tree about 20 meters away two lionesses were settled up a tree a sight which can only be spotted in Uganda. Tree climbing is a skill that these lions learned from years of evolution, a development that appears only to have flourished in lions in Uganda. We were over whelmed, not only had we managed to see the lions (something that we were warned was a rarity) but we also were seeing them up close and climbing in tree’s. The situation was just too tempting and Nicolas caught in the moment made the somewhat dangerous but equally genius decision to ditch the track and take a cheeky de-tour into the forbidden grass to get a closer look. Both vans managed to get close enough to take some great pictures of the exiting cats before swiftly returning to the track with smug smiles we casually continued our journey.

We arrived at a river it must have only ben ten meters wide, on one side the VU camping spot, on the other side; the Democratic Republic of Congo. We ran to the river bank filled with a feeling of awe of the beauty of the sun set over the river and the group of hippos that were basking up stream. However the picturesque image was slightly tainted by the revelation that hippos are the most dangerous threat to mammals and we were about to set up camp next to a whole group of them. Some volunteers walked down the bank to get a closer look but came running back almost immediately as one of the hippos had decided to reveal its full body size whilst standing up in the river, these were not creatures we wanted to annoy. We set up our tents and then it was back to the vans for an evening drive. The sun was setting and we were once again treated by fortune to a sighting of some African elephants, this time there was no need to go off road because the elephants were right in front of us just feet away, posing for our pictures with trunks in the air. Warthogs were another favourite of mine breaking into a chorus of ‘Hakuna Matata’ on sighting one that reminded me of Pumba. Everyone was impressed. I didn’t know it at the time but warthogs would have a starring role in our safari weekend, providing both comedy entertainment and terrifying night trauma but more of that later. For now it was back to the camp for dinner and then bed. I still stand by my statement that the snoring heard from my tent was in fact the hippos.

It was the second day of safari and there is something terribly unnatural about waking up before sun rise. With minimal resistance we got up grabbed breakfast and climbed back onto the vans ready to cruise through the wilderness once more. Watching the sunrise over the Ugandan plain was a highlight complimented by the array of beautiful coloured birds flying past the sun. Once again we were not disappointed we had just caught of a lion stalking a group of cobs. Woking as a tag team the lioness and her male companion were creeping up on a bunch of grazing cobs. Once again it was a calling for an off road adventure and at the risk of a big fine the vans ditched the track and moved in for a closer look at the two lions skilfully stalking the ignorant cobs. We managed to get particularly close to the male lion, which conveniently sat down and allowed us to picture him before we had to move on swiftly. Being so close to these giant cats whilst hanging exposed from the vu vans sent something of a chill down our spines but the sheer novelty of seeing these animals in the wild was enough to encourage us to push on closer. After yet another successful trip we headed back to camp to drop off Tilly and Harriet for their added excursion of chimp trekking. The rest of the gang packed up our tents ready to move on to the next campsite on the other side of the national park. We piled on the sun cream and lounged on the vans catching the best of the sun whilst chilling to summer playlists hoping the animals were fans of Rihanna). We arrived at the base camp for night number two, a night we now look back on as the ‘animal attack’ on Tariq. Ignorant to the trauma to come we set up our tents and took in the fantastic view of the channel between Lake Edward and Lake George.

The afternoon had many treats in store, not only did we have the boat trip down the channel but we were also going to be dining at the famous Mweya Lodge a restaurant which returning volunteers had been raving about for weeks. The boat trip was fantastic and despite nearly missing it due to a late return from the chimp trekkers we all made it on board with minutes to spare. At a pleasant pace we managed to catch close up sighting of hippo’s, crocodiles and buffalos basking in the evening sun, not to mention the 623 different breeds of birds situated in the area. We were informed that there are more species of bird in the queen Elizabeth national part than in the whole of Great Britain. By now there was only one thing on our minds and that was the buffet, stomachs growling we headed back to camp for a quick change and then on to the restaurant for some fine dining. The moment we walked into Mweya Lodge we understood the raving reviews. The hotel was beautifully decorated with a warm African feel. The food was amazing as expected and the cocktails went bad either and unlike the previous trips no one was sick from either of the previous.

It was about 3a.m that we heard it, the familiar voice of Tariq (a friend of Paul the director), who was joining us for the safari weekend. He was shouting in a manner that caused the entire group bar boy Alex to wake up. ‘Eliab’ he called in panic ‘there is something in my tent man’. Separated by our individual group tents we could only listen to the continuing shouts of poor Tariq who was becoming increasingly vocal about an animal that was supposedly trying to get into his tent. His cries were met by a hesitant Eliab who moved to the rescue (at an African pace) by which point Tariq was shouting ‘Eliab man where are you’ over and over met by a mixed response of concern and laughter from the other volunteers. Eliab drove the van in front of his tent to get some light on the situation and then encouraged Tariq by telling him that whatever was by his tent was very close and very big.

Whatever had been lurking had now gone and everyone was trying to tone down the giggling and get back to sleep. However I had a disturbance of my own when I became aware that there was something resting against the back of my tent. My first thought was to call for Eliab also but intuition told me he might not prove that useful. Instead sally and I tried to stop our fellow camper Emma from snoring because we were convinced that the sounds she was making were surely attracting the creature, which we had established was a warthog. We got to sleep somehow with our new addition to the tent chilling gracefully next to our heads. We woke up at six once again ready to hit the road for our last safari session (after some necessary banter aimed at Tariq and his famous ‘Night Attack’). A chilled out drive around the park brought about some successful sighting including a leopard, which was lying leisurely in a tree. Another safari truck was pulled over by the track immediately alerting us that something had been spotted and spotted it was. The cat commanded silence and we sat there and watched her climb the tree and reflected on how fortunate we had been to see such exotic creatures so close in the wild. We headed home completely satisfied with everything we had seen. Exhausted we collapsed in the van and headed back to Kazuru by the time we arrived our stomachs were empty and our memory cards full and we were ready to sit down for dinner and brag about our luck. This post is dedicated to Tariq who is currently in care for the wart hog trauma he experienced.