Hello! James here. I've been trying to get an update up for a couple of weeks now but a lack of time on the internet and work to do elsewhere has meant it hasn't happened, so apologies for the time that has lapsed since the last update.
There has been a lot of change and a lot of work in the last month and a half. With people coming and going, projects being finished, and plans being made for the future.
Kids
After school finished for the holidays we had a week of activities that included swimming and a visit to the Sukuma museum (Sukuma being the tribal ethnicity of 6 of the 7 children). The kids were in fine form and gave us time to transition before summer schooling, as 5 people left (3 albeit temporarily), and 4 arrived.
Summer teaching is being headed by Mel and Ruth, both recent graduates from the University of Manchester, with a lot of help from Michael and Hannah. From its beginning last Monday they have found their feet very quickly. Lessons are well planned and the children have already shown improvement. The focus is on improving their English, as whilst they have performed exceptionally at school for children who have started their education at a later stage than most, lessons taught in English have been a hinderence, as once again they only started learning the language a year ago.
We certainly hope that we are the right people to help improve their English, and giving them a better grasp of the language by the end of the summer will help in all of their subjects (except maths, which coincidentally is most of the kids best subject!)
Projects:
Community Sports Project
The sports project, which was planned by Jackie, has now been taken up by Michael and Hannah (sports students in Cardiff) and started in the same week as the teaching. We have booked the field of a vocational college on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, and have opened the sessions to any local child that wants to come.
After only 3 sessions we are all very pleased with how it has been going, with the children understanding (mostly) the rules of new games, and attendance has been going up at every session. Michael and Hannah's experience in coaching children is apparent, and they are doing very well at introducing new sports and games to children in a different language, and maintaining a relaxed atmosphere amongst kids who may never have met each other or been coached by white people (AKA Muzungu).
The sessions are structured with some fun games to start, such as stuck in the mud and duck, duck, goose, followed by some games of various sports. Either in their pure form or a version modified for easier execution and understanding. Games have included longball, football, and a mixture of handball and netball. Sessions are finished with a more relaxed game such as sleeping lions, which is normally won by a number of children who just fall asleep after 2 hours of activity!
We are hoping that the initial success of this project will mean it can become a permanent fixture in the area, encouraging help and participation from the community.
Temporary Kitchen
Due to the fact that we cannot afford to build the entire design for the 3 buildings in one go, a temporary kitchen has been constructed to allow Upendo to move into the first building upon its completion.
Despite the fact that Matt and myself have little DIY experience, we seem to have built (with help from site manager, David) a building that will not blow over in a gust of wind or randomly decombust.
Instead of describing the structure in boring detail, we'll put a picture up ASAP.
Water Tank
Sam and Marsh left about 4 weeks ago, having built the tank, with their replacement Tom continuing the hard work to get the tank ahead of schedule so that it will hopefully be finished by this Friday. This will mean that the home can get filtered water, which after some treating will be drinkable.
As well as this, Tom has been working with Andrew to explore the possibilities of another project that will allow the home to work even more efficiently. Hopefully more to follow.
First Aid and English
In return for the skills and expertise learnt from our Tanzanian counterparts in construction, childcare, and everyday Tanzanian living and to allow for greater efficiency in the running of Upendo from both sides, some of our volunteers have been providing English lessons and First Aid training.
Carly (and previously Vicky) have been teaching the adults of the Upendo family and a few others in child health and first aid, and Jackie in her time here provided English lessons.
These have gone well and will provide valuable knowledge for all.
Everything Else
I'm certain that I am leaving a lot out but for now I need to go and collect our final 3 volunteers for the summer; Kate, Matt and Emma.
With this final group we can provide teaching on a more personal scale and start the much anticipated chicken coop!
We are continuing to develop our plan of action for our return to the UK in September, both in attracting volunteers and donors. If you would like to get involved, or know someone who may be interested please get in touch (enquiries@upendo.org.uk).
Apologies for a perhaps convoluted update, there are quite a few distractions around here today!
Love and light and all that xxxxxxx