The children were quickly organized and got changed into their new uniforms. As they lined up waiting, we engaged them in a spirited game of "toss the beach ball." We then settled the children down just a little as they serenaded us with the Ugandan national anthem and other songs. The team members countered with Oh Canada which was received with great cheers.
The formal part of the proceedings completed, it was on to the distribution itself. Five hundred and eighty five children received their mattresses and bed kits. The time passed all too quickly and we had to bid farewell as the families trekked home, wash basins and supplies balanced atop their heads.
We were treated to a hearty lunch of chicken, beef, and cooked local veggies. Many thanks to Judith, especially, from our hearts (and our stomachs) for managing today's distribution and cooking the lunch. The ladies of Inner Wheel make multi-tasking look so easy!
In summary, everything came together today: a beautiful distribution site, helpful volunteers and, most importantly, the children and families who shared our day. Their warm makes everything worthwhile. Even the weather was on our side as the gentle afternoon rains held off until we were headed back to Kampala.
But the day was not quite finished. Before returning to the hotel, we stopped at Unique Uniforms, where the children's uniforms have been made for the past 11 years. Paul, the business's owner, talked about his story. An accountant by education, he found it difficult to find work. Fifteen years ago he purchased two pedal sewing machines which he used in the same room where he slept. Today he employs 163 people in his modern factory as the largest uniform producer in Uganda, exporting to several surrounding nations in east Africa. Paul expressed his gratitude to SCAW and recounted how we were instrumental in achieving recognition for his brand in Uganda and beyond. This is an example of how the generosity of our donors impacts many individuals beyond the children who receive our bed kits.
By Lawrence Hutchinson
Team Uganda 2018
Post your comments here:
