In April, 2010 I travelled to Uganda with a group of strangers to spend two weeks volunteering at The Revival Centre in Matugga. To say I had no idea of what to expect is an understatement! Little did I know the passion and new commitment this would lead to.
Reading my journal of those first few days shows how quickly the country got underneath my skin. The colours of vibrant red clay against green lush land and tin roof's. The childrens warmth embraced me and their constant smiles were overwhelming.
The family I stay with are so kind and made me feel very welcome. I slept in a shared room which is open to the ceiling. When it rains the noise is unbelieveable, drips of rain leak through the roof to our beds but it's nothing compared to those families out on the streets and shanty areas where they have very little shelter. How do they cope with this every day? I have a mosquito net above my bed and have had all my innoculations, these families dont have this luxury and malaria is still a huge problem.The shower is something I hope never to get used to. It is freezing cold water run from a jerry can on the roof, which a poor man fills up and carries every day. It certainly wakes you up in the morning!
Driving through Kampala is a startling contrast to the outskirts where I was staying in Matugga. The city has money, lush green golf courses, a stream of brash large cars and smart hotels , although I am yet to understand fully who stays in these! This is very hard to see directly next to children as young as two left begging alone on the streets, families who have nothing.
The Revival Centre offers children from pre-school age to secondary a safe place to study and a chance to improve their future. There are currently 130 orphans living at the school, who they call "champions", which is a very worthy title. Children of all ages that have lost parents through aids, malaria, or families that simply have no choice but to abandon their children because they simply cant afford to look after them. Heartbreaking. But the reality is they are the lucky ones to have a safe place with people who care for them.
I want to write this blog to share my experiences and the realities of life in Uganda. Maybe somebody else will be inspired to try and make a difference somewhere in the world.
For more information:
http://www.revivalcentrematugga.org.uk/
http://www.charitygiving.co.uk/racheleydmann
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