First Week in Uganda
First of all a big thank you for all the messages on here and by email – I really appreciate them and love to here news from home. Especially Strictly Come Dancing updates!
Our week of in-country training is going really quickly and has been very interesting so far. At the weekend we went to the Uganda Cultural Centre at Nedere near Kampala for an amazing evening of Ugandan music and dance. There was a lovely part of the show where all the Ugandans were invited to bring forward their international guests and then we all danced together – black, white, people from countries at war with each other – I loved it!
Today we have begun our language training – it is complicated. But the teachers are very patient. In the western part of Uganda where I am going everybody has a pet name, in addition to their proper name. My teacher says that I am going to be “Abwooli” which means pussycat! I arrived here with 18 other volunteers –from the UK, Ireland, Holland and the US- and we are making good friends as a group. It is a shame we won’t be together for long as we go to our placements on Friday and then the hard work begins! I feel nervous but a lot better about it since I met Celia, a fellow volunteer who is going to the Canon Apollo Teacher Training College with me. Once there I will be working alongside the current volunteer on Special Needs Education and settling in properly. Until then I am going to enjoy the luxury of hot showers and home cooked meals. I will write as soon as I can though, love Hannah.
Comments
First Week in Uganda
Hey Pussycat!
Well it sounds as if you're having a great time, dancing, hot showers and all!! So pleased the other volunteers are great, and fab news you have met Celia and have someone to share things with and chat to.School is going well, although it's not the same without your beaming smiling face! Hull KR are coming into the nursery again, doesn't seem like a year ago since they were last in does it?
Just booked a cottage for half term in Northumberland - open fire, mountain bikes included - fab!! Off to watch Strictly Come Dancing now, somethings never change!
Keep taking care of yourself, loving reading all your news, love Cathy and James XXX
First Week in Uganda
I'm really getting the hang of this now. Are you fluent in the language now?!! Who decided on the pussycat name? Was it you or someone else? If it was some one else they obviously have never heard of Tigger. Pussycat is lovely, but it sounds too calm for you!! They don't bounce all over the place full of energy and enthusiasm!! Have you met andy gorgeous African chiefs yet so you can become a Queen? We had HKR today and Nursery are having them on Wednesday. The children were worn out. Libby Hardcastle kept saying she was too tired to do it!! I did 2 hour sessions so should be fit !! Also went to a barn dance on Saturday. Mindyou it won't compare to your fantastic evening. Anyway hope things go well once you move out to your placement. Love Patxxxx
First Week in Uganda
Hey
Welcome to Uganda. I am a Ugandan Volunteer working in St. benedict's Hospital Ndanda mtwara region in South Eastern Tanzania, another East African country boardering Uganda in the south. Those names are called empaako- meaning petty, they are cultural and are related to different family and clan linages.
Rutoro or runyoro languages in south western Uganda are abit related though you will need to learn some Luganda which is the language spoken in central and most parts of the country. Other wise get acustomed and you are very welcome to my country. I would be grateful to meet you when I come back to Uganda for holiday in December.
Welcome again.
We say Tusanyuse okulaba. ( in Luganda)
Humphrey Mutaasa-Ugandan Volunteer in TZ
First Week in Uganda
Have Fun and enjoy the Pearl of Africa.
Please If you can when you have time off duty visit a district called Jinja in the East of the country and enjoy bangee jumping, white water rafting, Bujagali Falls, kayaking, and see the longest river in the world, and the biggest fresh water body in Africa and the third in the world.
See one of the biggest equatorial forests in East Africa. most so the Source os River Nile the longest in the world. It starts its long journey from Jinja. hahahaha Dont miss this one.
Dont go back to your country without making history of visiting these sceneries. Its once in a life time. Do some cultural tourism, start with Bunyoro where you are. It has alot to share in African History.
Tusanyuse okulaba.
So we say in Luganda.
I am happy for you to serve my country without pay. Welcome so much.
Humphrey