High Emotions

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No words could describe what I saw and felt today, I could barely hold back tears. I visited two schools I will be coaching basketball in or assisting teachers begining Monday. The Nabawanuka all girls school and the Beupa School in the Katanga Slum in Kampala. I will let the photos speak to you.

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Photos

Katanga
Beupa School

Katanga
Beupa School

Katanga
Beupa School

Katanga
Beupa School

Katanga
Beupa School

Katanga
Beupa School

Katanga
Beupa School courtyard and homes

Katanga
Neighborhood

Katanga
Neighborhood

Nabawanuka School
student walking past burning trash. There is no public sanitation in Kampala.

Nabawanuka School
Classroom

Nabawanuka School
Geography teacher and my supervisor.

Nabawanuka School
Outside entrance

Comments

[Daniella]

So beautiful
Daddy, it's just like the video we were watching...everyone is so beautiful and their faces tell a story. Wow; the pics blew me away!!!

[Kev Murphy]

Hi Charlie. I hope that the culture shock has not affected you too badly. When you get to work with the kids, things will be easier for you! Their smiling faces and laughter can raise any spirit beyond any boundary... I am coming to Uganda on 10th August so we may even get a chance to speak. Conditions in Gulu may be more difficult for you to accept. Only telling you so that you can prepare your mind. Just remember that, by your actions, YOU are having a positive impact on their lives.. Stay safe man. Kev

[clare]

here...take some enery :)
Hey Charlie... I cannot imagine even thru the pix how displaced I would feel!!! What an experience you are having! I feel lucky to work with you!! You have so much to offer in Philadelphia...the children are fortunate to have you! I love the pix...they capture so much! Cant wait to see more. I'm sending super well-wishes to you so you can maintain your positive energy high...they are feeding off of it!! :)

[kasango Shaban]

question
1. What attitude do children have towards education? 2. which obstacles prevent children from going to school? 3. What challenges do parents face in taking their children to school?

[bmore]

education
Very good questions. Education is a high priority in Uganda and is considered a precious privilege. I found this attitude from the youngest child to the most senior adult I met. The answer to your second and third questions is simply poverty, poverty like I have never seen before. Many communities create self-contained schools for the early primary grades. After three or four years families can not afford the secondary fee to attend public school. So many American families take for granted what these people fight to obtain, free and accessible education.