News from Kamuli October 21

News From St Theresa's

Christmas 2021

A massive heartfelt thank you for your continuing support Another strange year is nearly behind us, and while we all still face much uncertainty in the months ahead both in the UK and in Uganda, we look back at some of the wonderful developments happening at St Theresa’s in Kamuli in 2021. Uganda has imposed on and off lockdowns over the last 18 months, and pupils have faced intermittent disruption to their education and their lunches that provide essential nutrition. Their teachers have not been paid for many months. Sadly there is no home-schooling programme and the pupils return to the same primary stage to continue their education at the end of each lockdown. We were encouraged to know that the girls still manage to attend school when they are allowed and continue to receive lunches which are supplemented now by produce from the farm. Everyone at St Theresa’s is so grateful to the donors of SLK who make this happen. We learned there are strict curfew measures in Uganda which prevent access to healthcare, and sadly an increase in domestic violence and poverty will be inevitable. Nearly everyone we know in Kamuli has suffered family loss due to Covid not surprisingly as only 2% of the population vaccinated. Compare that to the amazing system we have in the UK where 70% of people are vaccinated.

News from Visit in October 21

We learned there are strict curfew measures in Uganda which prevent access to healthcare, and sadly an increase in domestic violence and poverty will be inevitable. Nearly everyone we know in Kamuli has suffered family loss due to Covid not surprisingly as only 2% of the population vaccinated. Compare that to the amazing system we have in the UK where 70% of people are vaccinated.


In October, Mhairi and her daughter Isbeal visited Kamuli and found the farm is really becoming established. They had a tour from Annet, the headmistress, and found that the calves are growing and the cows doing well, after losing two to sickness earlier in the year. This small herd currently supplies 10 litres of milk to the school daily transported in jerry cans by bicycle over a very bumpy road, as fuel is so expensive for vehicles. This is a great start but not yet enough for the pupils’ needs, and we hope that with expansion and maturity of the herd over the coming year this will increase production so that more pupils can benefit. After last year’s callout to name the two caves we thank Ryan and Christine for their names of Freckles and Freda   

 It was astonishing to hear that Kamuli managed to escape the swarms of locusts which devastated other regions last year. It was great to see how the crop production at the farm is really expanding with plans to extend the area for growing rice, which has been a really successful crop for the farm. There are also large areas for yams, cassava, and maize as well as banana trees with produce giving variety and essential vitamin and nutrients to the school lunches. A plantation of eucalyptus trees is being established at the far end of the farm which will be used for timber for the school and farm, or sold on for additional income. Annet and the farm manager have a great vision for the farm that is slowly taking shape and it was really encouraging to hear them speak with such enthusiasm for the future.

  

 

Jack Springford Library

In the school the refurbished Jack Springford library is shining and welcoming. It is a perfect cool and quiet retreat for study and relaxation. The number of books for lending is still small and we have plans afoot to fill those shelves in 2022 with story books to encourage literacy and give enjoyment. Watch out for updates! 

Thanks again to everyone.  You are making a real difference to the girls of St Theresa’s school.  We wish you a very happy Christmas, and health and happiness to all in 2022.   


We have agreed that the priority for SLK in this year ahead is to support the developments at the farm while continuing to provide the same amount of financial support while the Coronavirus crisis continues. We can only do so with your continuing backing and want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for how you have supported us, despite the challenges we know you must all have faced this last year.

 

 

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