Brian provided an update for members about his recent visit to the school in Uganda and acknowledged the funding that the club has provided. Brian and his wife Jan opened the school, The Blue Kangaroo, in 2009. There is a particular outreach to children who are orphaned or abandoned. Uganda is a place of extreme violence, poverty and corruption. Brian quoted the story of Patrick whose father was murdered and subsequent to that his mother disappeared. Patrick came to the school with high levels of anxiety and often lashed out at other children. Gradually through the empathetic approach used by Jan he has transformed himself and is achieving very well.

 

The new tables and chairs which were funded by the club have provided great joy and excitement. Our funds have also been used by Lizzie to update her teaching qualifications. This would not have been possible otherwise. This community is very appreciative of the club's support. Brian passed on little things such as how much the children appreciate stickers especially those which give off an aroma. Brian has opened up other support networks apart from ourselves. The Inglewood Primary School  has supplied reading material as well as setting up a pen pal program with the children of each school.

 

Brian provided some background information about Uganda, this served as a reminder about the wonderful work he and Jan have undertaken. The population of Uganda has surged from 26 million in 2009 to 60 million presently. The local Pastor doubles as the person who oversees medical care. The community sometimes tries to exploit what it sees as the goodwill and zeal of the missionaries of a bygone era. Brian has needed to be uncompromising in his insistence on aspects such as the importance of regular school attendance. Pleasingly the community is increasingly accepting of such standards. In terms of future support there is a need for new uniforms (cost $512). A local tailor has been sourced and can contribute.

 

- Jim