Tools of trade help in class (From Stroud News and Journal)

Tools of trade help in class

When Joe Lauzier, a carpenter from Brimscombe was offered the chance to teach in a school in Uganda this year all that stood in the way of his dream was lack of tools. So Joe 24, appealed through the SNJ for anyone with disused hand tools to consider donating them.

Offers poured in and Joe is currently in Uganda realising his dream. In his last report from Africa bureaucratic red tape meant the tools were embargoed at the airport but here in his latest report he decribes the excitement among the children now that the tools have finally arrived and how even the most basic accommodation can begin to feel like a luxury

Dear All,

Well finally, as promised here is some photographic evidence that I am indeed in Uganda. Of course I could have hired some actors and really might be in a village outside your own, but no, I promise I am in Uganda. The pictures are of the work being done.

Eight tables and two desks with drawers have been finished to 'paint-ready'. The work is progressing quickly helped by the power tools and the fact that Chris and James both quick to learn how to handle them. Their original estimates are being truly smashed and we hope the work to be completed in no more than a few weeks.

The pupils all crowd around the workbench during their breaks. They would be on top of the bench to get a better view if not for the teacher looming in the background reminding them every two minutes that the area is out of bounds. They are obviously eager to do some themselves.

I have found myself increasingly busy since the tools finally arrived. On top of the carpentry and computer work, I have recently found myself marking homework It's not exactly fun, but a change from the norm.

I am unsure at the moment how long I will be staying here in Uganda. I was not aware,but it appears that the coming school holiday here is the same as the summer one in the UK. This has been done so that the families can have use of their children during the harvest. Because of this, the school will be empty from the first week of December until the first week of February.

With no pupils or teachers around I'm not sure what I will do. I promise to let you know as soon as I do. For now I am enjoying the work I have, and the freedom to make what I want of my time here.

Internet is soon to be coming to Ibanda. Two Indian gentlemen in the town have taken the first steps to 'connection' and with any luck I soon won't have to travel so far to send my messages. This time I am in Kampala again where I have had to come to extend my VISA.

I have been to the Immigration Office this morning but it will take a day or so to sort out. I have also been to PC World (not part of the chain in the UK) to see about getting some power stabilisers for the computers, these are necessary if we don't want them to blow up. The electricity, apart from being sporadic in it's supply is also inconsistent in 'flow' when it does come.

I am staying again at a friend's house in an area called 'Bakuli'. She jokingly calls it a slum but with a shower (even a cold one) and a proper toilet, to me it is luxury. Here in Kampala the mix is much like any European City. I found myself in a bar on Saturday night with three Ugandans, two Indians, two Kenyans and a Danish man.

On top of that, the mix of religions was even more diverse (Muslim, Hindu, Anglican, Catholic and CofE). We passed from that bar to a Karaoke Bar with a bowling lane where I showed myself up completely with the most dismal bowling effort.

I have been welcomed here by everyone I meet. That is the most apparent aspect of the Ugandan/African culture is their hospitality. Due to the fact that most families have five or more children (I have found as many as 14), they are always used to large numbers and are always willing to accept more. I am asked to dinner with most families I am introduced to. If I accepted all of the offers I'm afraid I would burst.

I am enjoying the local food - there are about seven different types of banana. This weekend I have cooked Spaghetti Bolognese for the gang and I'm glad that they all seemed to like it. I found Asaf (Angela's brother) eating the leftovers for breakfast this morning.

Is hasn't rained properly for a few days now, so it's very humid and I'm looking forward to a good downpour.

Joe