Reflections on Uganda

The weather here has been great. Shorts and T-shirts by day and maybe a sheet at night. Some heavy rainfalls but we haven't been caught in any.

Uganda is definitely Africa, but it is very different to some neighbouring countries. Don't make the mistake of thinking they are all the same.

Security is a big industry here and you have to be careful. However, we feel very safe. This is no-doubt influenced by the fact that people are so friendly. People will go out of their way to help us. We are a bit of a novelty but not too much. Eg. kids may say "hello" in the street but don't
follow us around. People in shops are extremely helpful - they all speak English which certainly makes it easy for us.

We are impressed with people making the best of their situation even though they have little by our standards.

We've met a number of Western people who come to Uganda and then return several times. Like us, they fall in love with the place.

Unfortunately we only have a week left!

 Kathy at breakfast

More of safari

Beside seeing lots of big things on the safari, there were some at our camp site eg baboons and warthogs. The many of the birds seen have been colourful with distinctive calls.

Our Safari

We spent the weekend (and a day) on a "back-packer's safari" to Murchison Falls National Park. It as FANTASTIC.
All that we wanted and more. A highlight was 5am when Kathy woke me and said there's a Hippo beside our tent. It was literally 30 cm away! We had the big tent window open and watched it chomping away at the grass for ages.

Saw lots of animals.

It's baby time here for the creatures here, excluding us! The giraffe and elephant care for their young. The lioness is awaiting the arrival of her brood!

Library staff

The library has to be a clean place where people feel safe. The resources have to be attractive, clean and relevant. However, most important is the staff. We have been really impressed with the dedication and skills of the staff. When I see them working with children I am almost moved to tears (Brian). Megan said they are improving all the time.

Staff members (left to Right) are Victor who cleans, gardens and helps with translation to Luganda from English. Megan started the library and is working to pass on the reins to the staff. Teddy works full time as a librarian. Dennis does the cooking (excellent), and helping in the library when there are many children here. Maria works here as a librarian 3 days a week. Osillo also helps but is not in the photo.

Each day, lunch is prepared by Dennis for the staff. He has prepared some typical Ugandan fare today (see photos). Matoke ( plantain mash), Posho (a cooked maize flour and water dough) and beans. The dried beans are soaked then cooked over a charcoal fire. Vegetables are added to make a tasty sauce. We loved it. Brian and I are going to get fat!

Market day

Tuesday is market day in Namuwongo. It's held along an old railway line. People bring their goods for the day, then pack up and go to the next community for the next day. Amazing. Some guys were carrying huge bundles!
(one picture won't rotate for me!)

Back to teaching.

Mm! Thought I'd never have to do another lesson plan in my life.
After spending a few days in the library gaining an understanding of how it operates, the users and their needs, staff needs and collection scope it's time to roll the sleeves up and get to work.

The fun part was checking out the bookshops to see what is available here.

Brian has been busy organizing the catalogue onto an Excel Spreadsheet based on what had already been done. As well, he has been working on helping the lads prepare a business plan for the chicken run they would like to have. The aim will be to generate income.

I've been organizing a session on organization of the library, teaching about the Dewey system. As a practical exercise, The librarians spent time determining where they would place the donated resources. We were all ready for a break, ready to open up the library to continue on Thursday.

All the time I can't help but think how unappreciative I have been of access to resources, services, materials and assistance in my former life in the library.
Well, it's time to follow up on today's session and get ready for collection development.

Settling in

Saturday was very hectic at the library with 150 coming. WOW

Sunday and Monday the library is closed so staff have a well deserved break and a catch-up.

We did some exploring including going to the main taxi (mini bus) depot in Kampala (see photo). We had to find the correct taxi to get home. Great challenge and experience. I expect we were lucky it wasn't too busy.

We are feeling quite at home now and enjoying that. We feel very safe and the people are really helpful. It really feels like Africa and we are making the most of that. We looked at another guest house as this one is very basic. However, the other one is way up the hill and we are very comfortable and secure where we are so we extended our stay here. We feel we are close to the library and community here. It's very easy to pop down to the market (see photos),

etc.

First day

We arrived yesterday and settled in. It's great to be here at last.

The Community Library is everything we've heard. It is a very pleasant place, well laid out and appealing. While resources are limited the people who come, mainly children, appreciate them greatly.

We have enjoyed meeting the staff and watching the children. This morning they had "story time" - about 55 turned up so full house!.

The picture is the goodies that we brought. Hopefully they will help but it's really the people that make a lace like this.

On our way

We are at my sister, Max's, house waiting for our next flight - to Perth.

Another sister, Rose, met us and has given us more books including some BIG BOOKS. They will be great for some group reading.

Along with other generous gifts, these will make a real contribution.

Not long now.