A big THANK YOU from a special family

THANK YOU to those of you who responded to my post last month for donations to help Shandrack, Espware & their mother Jacqueline. They continue to love their new place. And last week we went into town and got Jacqueline started with some fabrics and jewelry to sell around town so she will be able to earn money again. Many Ugandan women sell products like this; however, they typically have a wealthy husband already and this is more used just to supplement his income. This will hopefully be a good option for Jacqueline going forward because she won't owe anyone for the merchandise she sells and will get to keep all profits!

Thank you from all four of us!!!

SCHOOLS OUT for..The Holy Days

Well, it's either Holiday or Holy Days..we've never really gotten a straight answer. Easter Sunday aside, we haven't been able to pinpoint anything Holy about the break thus far. Either way, the kids are ours for the next 5 weeks! And today is our first day!

Every Monday - Thursday afternoon the kids will be able to come by the Youth Center for games, puzzles, reading, art & my personal favorite: hula hooping (more for my personal enjoyment to be honest...)! We are really hoping to have a good turnout of kids of all ages from different schools around Ndejje. Each afternoon, too, we will have a couple hours for football training which will surely be popular.

One of my goals for the next 5 weeks is to organize a few "Girls Nights" where girls come, possibly with their mothers if it seems there is interest, for some girly type activities: bracelet making, cutex-doing (nail polish!), them "braiding" my hair - a.k.a. twisting it into impossible knots...You know, the types of things young girls like to do. Ultimately (hopefully!) these nights would allow the girls to build their confidence in us and lead to bigger talks about issues in their life with which they struggle. When I set out last year, this was one of my original goals and it seems that the time is finally right to test this kind of event. The girls here, much more so than the boys, are stuck in and around the house doing cooking, cleaning and taking care of younger siblings. I would love to give them even just an afternoon break from their long list of responsibilities. I have a feeling, too, that quite a few mothers would like to come, and not to mention they too deserve a break! Hopefully more to come on this!

In other exciting news - we will be getting a new volunteer this week!! Her name is Alison & she's originally from San Fran but has been traveling around on a research fellowship learning about the impact soccer has on youth development-how fitting! Alison has spent the better part of this past year in Bosnia, Jordan and around Namibia and will certainly be a great & welcome addition to our team! She also graduated college the same year as me so we'll even out the ages here!

And last but not least, YES I'm beginning to FREAK that we only have 7 weeks left...Hard to believe, right? Indeed I'm getting excited about returning home, but leaving these kids...well that's for another blog!

Lillian Nassanga

When I met Lillian, I knew she was special. At first glance, she's very shy and one of the more studious, serious students but as time wore on (and I'd like to think, as I grew on her...aka wore her down!), she began to open up. I learned she had an incredible singing voice and although shy when a song first started up, by the end she was up front, clapping and leading the rest of the kids. I also learned Lillian has dreams of becoming a lawyer. Or a chemist - it depends on the week you ask, but with either one, I know she has what it takes. She is independently driven and has a great interest in learning about the world around her. She is always studying when I see her; unless that is, she is playing football.

Now maybe I have to say this as her "coach" but this girl is one heck of a goalkeeper. She is 14 and certainly up to par if not better than many keepers my age. She has no fear on the pitch and will dive, jump and try to block any ball. Unlike most girls her age, she is not afraid to get dirty. I love to watch her play, to see her determination to be the best keeper she can be. Throughout my time with Lillian, she and I have worked on her confidence and keeping her head up even after she is scored on or her team looses. It's been a challenge, for sure, but with each goal that is scored on her, I can see a little less frustration in her face and that same determination to do better. And these aren't just any goals - unfortunately many of the matches for our girls team are against girls twice their size, often times bigger than me! So, for a young keeper like Lillian, she does pretty damn well!

My big accomplishment: Capturing Lillian's beautiful, but rare, smile

One thing that does trouble me about Lillian's situation is her home life. I worry she does not get the support she needs to really, truly succeed; to become the best lawyer or chemist or footballer than she can be. She lives with her step-mother and her father, although her father is absent most of the time save for Sunday mornings which he usually spends dotting over his youngest. As I've mentioned before, step-mothers here don't have the best reputation and it's not for nothing: When I visit Lillian at home, she is withdrawn and often will hide behind a curtain while I sit with her step-mother and the baby. Although I had no intention of visiting with the mother, it's customary to sit and greet the adults before anything else. So greet we do and it's usually pleasant but the conversation inevitably leads to Lillian; her step-mother complains that Lillian "must be the dirtiest girl in school-just look at her uniform." She's not...by a long shot! Or that "maybe I should run Lillian on the pitch more, she could stand to loose some weight." That one always cracks me up, as Lillian's step-mother has quite the round figure herself...but I digress. I politely try to point out the positives about her step-daughter, even invite her come watch a match, yet so far have not been taken up on that offer...

To be honest, I never really know if I am getting through to Lillian; to let her know she has a friend and she can talk to me (or Courtney or Adam). That we are here for her and love and support her. Some days are good-when we see her she will smile but then, like a few others, cover it up and turn the other way (I'll never understand!). But other days, I feel like there are so many layers to uncover. I see so much potential in this vibrant, hard-working, incredible young girl, I just wish her family would, too!

Kids, and African Leaders, Say the Darndest Things...

Newspapers and radios all over the region - even our very own kids - are touting:
"Obama is killing Libyans"
"Obama is sending planes over to bomb Africa!"
"America is ruling the decisions for what the UN should do."
"Gadaffi is a true African leader!"
"The US is leading the offensive with eyes for oil" ...the list goes on and on.

But after showing the kids actual pictures from their country's newspapers of the French fighter jets, or explaining who Gaddafi really is and what he's really doing to his people, they seemed to believe that maybe what they were hearing from school, their parents and the radio isn't necessarily the whole truth. And after talking with our adult friends who are defending Gaddafi or defending Museveni's decision to stand by Gaddafi, it often becomes a bit more clear that the Libyan leader and very well their own leader, may have a few things confused. Unfortunately it's not that easy to reach the rest of the population...

The African Union (AU) and Gaddafi's relationship with it
It seems difficult to separate the AU from the Libyan leader: Along with Algeria, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa, Libya supplies 75% of the AU's budget. And the remaining 25% could very well be said to be Gaddafi's money, too, spread out among the rest of Africa in various forms of real estate, corporations and the like. And if I've learned one thing, money talks. Many Africans could very well have a good impression of the wealthy Libyan who has made no secret of his dream for the "United States of Africa" and has even proposed $97 million of his "own" money to free Africa from the influences of the West. A beacon of hope, indeed.

However, the weeks leading up to the passage of the UN resolution, the AU was quiet. It's been argued that ever since the panic in Egypt, the AU has gone into hiding and not until Western forces intervened in Libya did many African leaders speak out in defense of their 53 member Union. Could it be to get in the good graces of their AU Chairman, Gaddafi himself?

"Don't bite the hand that feeds you"
The saying seems rather appropriate; African leaders are caught either way they stand - going against Western allies or going against the powerfully wealthy Gaddafi - both of whom have play a crucial role in development of their country. One interesting article I read suggested that African leaders are not speaking out too loudly in defense of the Libyan rebels in fear that their own countrymen may very well take note and rise up - a seemingly more likely story as each year passes and many of these power-hungry dictators stay in office or refuse to leave...

...which leads me to: Uganda's response
My brother recently emailed me to gauge how Ugandan's felt about Gaddafi seeking asylum here. At that time, I had never even heard of any such proposal! There was nothing in the news on that subject, and only until I searched more on the internet, was I able to find a little information. Nearly a week and a half after his email, I have only found one editorial paragraph in one paper briefly mention Museveni's offer to the soon-to-be (?) exiled leader.

And in a trend all to familiar to my discoveries in Africa, the race for its leaders to become the ultimate, all mighty reigning super power for the continent rears its head again: When Museveni complained the No Fly Zone meant he and the other AU members could not fly into Libya on March 20 to "complete their mission" it prompted a distrust of the West. Headlines of the UN's (and in many African's minds I have to say, that can translate to "United States'") failure to respect African affairs were everywhere. It also encouraged rumors that the West, again specifically the US, was out for Libya's oil. So with his offer to Gaddafi and snears at the West, Museveni has earned his nickname as "Africa's Protector Against Bullies" and similarly, Rwanda's Kagame has been titled the "Champion Against Impunity" for his current opposition-to-the-UN stance- efforts reminiscent of his countries 1994 genocide.

So as I continue to get feeds from international news sources on a more accurate account of what is happening in Libya and in particular, the US's involvement (or rather non-involvement nowadays) it just leads to more frustration with these leaders: There seem to be far greater problems in their own country than the need for them to take to the papers and radio, speaking out against the West's involvement. It rather seems to me that without the West, there would be quite a few more Libya's on the world's hands...

Waving that white flag

Tuesday, I put on my cleanest shirt, combed my hair and faced the teacher that has been fighting us, and our program, for the last 5 weeks. It was time to make some peace...

Teacher Daphine, Jacques and I had a frustrating, interesting, yet ultimately hopeful first talk. Jacques, the Director of HOPE and our partner-one-day, opponent the next, really came to bat for us this time around. He said a lot of what Courtney, Adam and I had been thinking but really had no appropriate place to say. The teachers respect him, they listen to him, and finally he realized that he, himself held the power with the teachers and it showed as he advocated for our program.

That talk with the teacher got me to thinking: What is the real reason behind her distrust of our program? Where is the lack of understanding? But more importantly, What did I know about this woman? I stuck around school later that same day in hopes to find out.

I learned she was my age, had 2 children and a big extended family that she lived with. She liked to watch sports and hesitantly admitted to playing back in her 'younger days'. She liked board games. She liked to wear make-up and after having offered to do mine MANY times, I guessed she fancied herself a good make-up artist. She is Ugandan by nationality and has lived around here most of her life. After I ever so politely tried to avoid her offers to doll up my face, I went home. It was unsettling to me I had never tried to get to know her until now; until it proved necessary. I realized, too, my frustrations with the situation at large may have been a bit misplaced; she wasn't the only one to blame for the lack of communication. We are the outsiders, it is not Africans job to make me or the other volunteers feel welcome (although it'd sure be nice sometimes!). Maybe, because of whatever circumstances, we will always be the first to see that we have to go out of our way to fit in - but really, that's the reality of the situation when you are the foreigner. Granted, there is no excuse for flat out rudeness from locals, but as an outsider it seems a bit silly to expect locals to go out of their way, in their own homeland much less, to make us feel comfortable.

The time that I spend at school, I try to mostly spend it with the kids. I often sit with the headmistress and chat with her. There are a couple other teachers I am friendly with, but to be honest, the three of us Americans do not look like a united front to the teachers; we have varying levels of interaction with all of them and it has certainly impacted our program, most clearly (and negatively for that matter) at present with teacher Daphine.

We want the threats and beating to stop and, similar to my last post, Courtney, Adam and I need to be the ones to build that bridge to the teachers to make anything happen. We need to extend ourselves outside of our own comfort zone. It takes one person to realize a change is needed, but to really create an impact, it'll take a team.

One incredible friend & the Amani Academy

Aside from the site where I primarily work, Ndejje, SWB has another program in Uganda; one closer to Kampala in a town called Nsambya. Up to now, it's mainly been a football-only program almost entirely run by local staff. The football program in Nsambya is wonderful and certainly serves as a model for us in Ndejje; engaging activities & frequent matches, high player attendance every day of the week - complete with a thriving girls program. This is due completely and totally to the incredible local staff; Raphael, Olivier, Edgar and (a recently departed for Manchester, UK) Jasiri. For the first half of my time here, I had the good fortune to be able to work out in Nsambya on a weekly basis and was able to get to know these coaches and they've become some of my greatest friends here. (Unfortunately, program issues have kept me out in Ndejje more this time around...)

Me with Rapha

For now I want to share about one friend in particular: Raphael. Rapha is without a doubt, the nicest, most caring person I have ever met. His smile can brighten anyone's day and when he laughs his bellowing, cartoon villain-like laugh (a happy villain of course), I cannot help but crack up myself. Thankfully, he is always smiling and laughing. Rapha's good spirit, along with help from his wonderful friends, has managed to grow the football program in his community, made mostly of Congolese refugees, to serve nearly 100 kids and adults. Everyday, often two times a day, he and another coach are out on the pitch with a team. Rapha is a great coach to watch in action because it's so obvious he cares about the kids and the success of the program.

Rapha is originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo, but has been living in Uganda for a few years. In his time here has managed to pick up a lot of English, making it his 7th language: that's another incredible thing about him - he's always trying to learn about the world around him and will be the first to ask questions or for help when he needs it. He is always asking for corrections to his pronunciation when we speak, an admirable quality indeed. I am moved by Rapha's determination, his good heart and his bright outlook. He has managed to move from his home and create a life for himself here; I am confident he will be successful and achieve anything he sets his mind to. Plus, that laugh doesn't hurt one bit!

Rapha soakin up the sun

His own thirst for knowledge (and financial help from SWB!) recently gave way to Amani Academy - an English class for the Nsambya community. It is essential for Congolese refugees to learn English as quickly as possible since their primary languages are Swahili and French, neither of which are embraced in Uganda. Rapha has taken initiative and started to offer the classes from 8-10 each morning of the week. The classes are free to the community and have become very popular already. There are now two levels for the students; beginner's and intermediate. While most of the students are adults, 25 years +, there are some primary school aged students who attend because they need to learn English before they can start attending school - already 4 students have "graduated" Amani and moved onto Primary!

When I tutored in Harlem last year, most of the students were from West Africa. I notice a lot of similarities between these two groups (as I'm sure most people who tutor can identify with); both set of students are struggling to make it in a place that is not their home. The students have a fierce determination about them to succeed because they need English to survive and are doing all they can to master the language. Their spirit pushes me on and it inspires me. It's really quite special to watch these students soak up what Rapha, his brother Byamo and their friend Jeremiah teach. It's also really encouraging to watch as each and every student improves little by little each week; and when that light bulb goes off for the shy, quiet woman in the back row, all the better...

Amani means "peace" in Swahili.

If you'd like to make a special donation to this new program,
please email me at hluboff@gmail.com.

Webale nyo!
Asante sana!
Merci!

Keepin on keepin on

Well, we managed to create some sort of work-in-progress schedule for our After School program and we got to open again on Thursday! About 30 kids joined us for our modified schedule and it was great to see them again! However, we still have a long way before we establish an acceptable, easy-to-understand schedule for teachers and students alike. What's more, this first term is almost over, so we really only have one week of school left to work with the kids before the break; at least break will give us time to inform all of the teachers on how the new schedule will work for 2nd term and to make sure we have their support. Plus, we get 5 days a week (if not more!) with the kids!

Somedays though, I still find it difficult to find the motivation to keep fighting the good fight. We've learned quite well how to pick our battles and honestly, I find myself relenting to appease the teachers or administration more often than not-so long as it doesn't hinder progress of our program or affect the kids in a negative way. Although I might find weekly meetings tedious (by might I mean absolutely do), I've decided to suck it up and go full steam ahead into them. When teachers or admin refer to the "old way of doing things" I try so hard to bite my tongue and figure out a respectable way to suggest new ideas, if I can. Having the teachers on our side makes a HUGE difference: the difference we need right now to keep this program alive.

I had an idea thanks to my awesome mom: Last week, she sent a Rhyming Dominoes card game for the kids. It's been a big hit, but recently one of our friends came over and was trying to do it himself. He's a smart guy, graduated Secondary level and even still, was having a bit of trouble completing the game. Not because he wasn't smart enough, but the kind of listening, speaking and thinking skills required are just completely absent from this education system. And that's just rhyming! So, I decided I would bring the cards to the next teacher's meeting and ask them to play. I feel confident the teachers will enjoy themselves, but no doubt will struggle in completing it. My hope is they can begin to understand what we are doing in the Youth Center isn't just fun & games, but fun games with a purpose. With that, I hope we can begin to build the bridge we so badly need!

And in honor of today I thought I'd add, many of our conversations feel like one, big April Fools joke, but I'm almost positive that day is exclusive to the good ol USA. Have fun!

Stay tuned for more and thanks, as always, for your continued love & support.