it's a kid's life

Happy Christmas from Kakiri

2006-12-20T19:03:00.000+03:00

The children of the Kakiri welcome Santa Claus to their village. What fun!

SEASON'S GREETINGS

2006-12-20T14:45:00.000+03:00

As Christmas is just around the corner, let me take this golden opportunity to convey to all of you, our esteemed readers, our heartfelt appreciation for keeping in touch with us over the last six months.

Days have turned into weeks and weeks into months, almost unknowingly, because every passing day we were highly motivated to keep you updated of events in our Village.

I have been tracking the visits to our blog, which hitherto stand at 3,236. In addition, your sincere compliments have been a source of inspiration and an eye opener.

The festive season is warming up here in our Village as well as in the country at large. This is already pushing us into the New Year, which we are all anxious about! We wish to turn a new chapter with the start of next year, by exploring more coverage of our upcoming SOS Children's Village in Gulu, Northern Uganda.

This region, has till recently, been a centre of insurgency by the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) but thank God, the war has finally come to an end and peace is slowly returning .An emergency SOS Children's Village has been in operation for the last three years and we are now looking forward to the construction of a fully fledged Village in 2007.

My colleague, Charles Kiyimba, the Village Director there, will act as the principal reporter, and I shall only come in once in a while as I am due to take on a new assignment after December 2006.

We look forward to your ardent support, as you continue enjoying to read our blog.
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY, PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR!

Your host,
Francis

SOS FAMILIES NEVER GROW OLD!

2006-11-29T09:35:00.000+03:00

You might indeed be puzzled by this mystery knowing what families are in general! However, the doubt in your mind will be cast out the moment you encounter such a family in a typical SOS Children's Village setting.

A case in point in our village is the family occupying house no.3. Maama Persiss, as the head of that family has accommodated a total of fourteen children of varying ages over the last sixteen years. They have happily lived together under her tender loving care.

Having started off with four siblings under the age of ten, one or more kids have gradually been joining to match the existing gender and age groups. On the other hand, in a more or less similar sequence, the older children have been graduating out of the home as they attain the age of maturity. Initially the move is to the youth house, but finally they join the world outside on completion of their studies. An average of ten children is therefore maintained in the family at any one time. In that way,the family keeps in a state of perpetual rejuvenation. The trend is expected to continue over the years perhaps to infinity!

However, this can only be sustained if the SOS mother's side reciprocates in a similar pattern. For that matter, SOS mothers are allowed to retire when they clock the age of sixty. By then a generation or two will have gone through their hands. A suitable replacement from among the existing SOS aunties gradually takes over in an overlapping succession style.

In the case of Maama Persiss, who is retiring at the end of this year, Aunt Immaculate has been understudying her for the last three years. She has by now already bonded with the children and proper communication to everyone has been duly made.
The family will continue prospering under her stewardship and a new spirit will be rekindled.

RATING HIGH ON THE RIGHTS OF CHILDREN

2006-11-17T13:56:00.001+03:00

When the founder of SOS, Dr Hermann Gmeiner, opted for the name 'Children’s Villages' it was already the right step in preserving children’s rights, because of the stigma and trauma associated with such needy children.

To date many people are still wondering about the meaning behind SOS. Only a handful know it as originating from the two Latin words 'societies socialis' translated as social societies. The majority relate it simply to the conventional one of the “save our souls” or even imagine it has something to do with the name of the founder.

However all the ambiguity is done away with when it comes to defining children’s rights under the SOS Children's Villages banner. In all our facilities we rate high on this global challenge. We do not stop at the basics i.e. provision of food water, clothes, education and medical care. Rather we holistically address and consider children's rights as defined in the UN Convention on the Rights of a Child.

An anonymous child is given a name but even then the privacy of such an individual is strictly observed. The security of every child is guaranteed as is the right to belong to a family, parenthood, culture, religion e.t.c

Discrimination on the basis of ethnicity, nationality, race, colour or religion is done away with, emphasizing love, respect and trust. For every child. Exploitation of children is condemned and the same applies to all forms of child abuse. A well defined child protection policy is already in place for this purpose.

The list is endless but our vision which is actually our advisory for all children of this world precisely defines our stand: “Every child should belong to a family to be able to grow with love respect and security”. All the co-workers in our organization are working towards it as a realization.

EXAMINATION FEVER

2006-11-06T11:32:00.000+03:00

The month of November in our country is of great significance to all school going children especially at primary and secondary school level.
This is the famous season for writing the fateful end-of-year examinations. To some students however, it is actually the dreaded national examinations to determine their destiny as they pass from one level to the other.

This year, in our Village, five of our children are sitting for the Primary Leaving Exams(P.L.E.), anticipating to join Secondary School next year. Another group of three, is doing so at, "O" Level (Secondary School Certificate) having completed four years of secondary education. While three others are tusseling it out at the, "A" Level (Advanced Certificate) which forms the basis of university entry.

Anxiety is on the rise as the teachers try to make the last minute recaps of the syllabus. The students on the other hand are engulfed in rigorous revision with hardly any time to spare. Well-wishers too are busy praying for divine intercession symbolized by sending the candidates accompanying success cards.

Some students have already accumulated many such attractive cards! With all the wishes of Good Luck, the candidates have to brace for a national competition with their counterparts in hundreds of other schools countrywide. They only have to maintain their hopes high as they prepare for any eventuality!

GOOD TEACHERS ARE MADE BUT GREAT ONES ARE BORN

2006-10-26T11:33:00.000+03:00

At a glance, Simon looks like any other ordinary kid. The only difference however, is his remarkable passion for the teaching profession. At his tender age of ten, the boy has already distinguished himself as a zealous teacher among his colleagues.

At first it all appeared like the usual childish play, when he approached me about two years ago during one holiday for a piece of chalk and a slate. I thought he was just amusing himself and I never took it seriously though I gave him what he wanted.

Thereafter, his enthusiasm never faded and every holiday he would gather a mock class of about four to six pupils among his age-mates to teach them.

What is most interesting is that his lessons are well planned and he even gives homework and sets tests which he marks and records results. Besides, when you find him before his class, he is composed and talks with much confidence.

Simon not only has a good command of English but he knows how to explain things for easy understanding. He has specialised in the teaching of English and Social Studies. Some of his friends have emulated his example and they are now also trying to teach other subjects e.g. Maths and Science.

Being self driven Simon normally finds free time during weekends as well to meet his class. His initiative has already earned him a name among his associates and he is also proudly referred to by some as, "preacher," another undertaking he has similarly embraced. He knows how to read the Bible and interprete the parables in an amazing way!

It is noteworthy that his potential for a career is slowly unfolding. Given the right support in a conducive environment, he will live to testify what Archimedes, the Greek philosopher once said; "Give me a place to stand and I shall move the earth."

TO GOD BE THE GLORY

2006-10-19T14:01:00.000+03:00

To God be the glory - These were key words in one of the hymns sung last Saturday afternoon during praise and worship at a graduation party. It was indeed right and fitting to give thanks to the Almighty who had blessed us with an abundant harvest of four graduates.

A joint celebration, the first of its kind in our village, was held in honour of Cate, Juliet, Norah and Fred who had successfully completed diploma and degree studies in various disciplines. It was joyous moment also for their mothers and all of us who had a stake in their formation.

Cheers and ululations filled the fully packed school hall where the function took place. Clad in their full graduation attire, they were admired by everybody especially their younger brothers and sisters in the village. The four are an example to emulate and have set a challenge to their siblings.

The highlight of the occasion was the cutting of the Graduation Cake. The cake was in the shape of a Big Book symbolizing academic triumph. The graduates themselves went around serving the delicious cake for each one to have a share.

Later on came the time of presentation of gifts as is our tradition. People came forward carrying an assortment of fabulous presents and handing them over to the graduates after a hug or handshake complemented with “Congratulations.” The day’s merry making also involved a copious meal, performances by the Village Children’s Choir and dancing into the night to the latest tunes by local and foreign artistes.

Amidst all the jubilations however, we were aware of the great love of our founder, Hermann Gmeiner, whose spirit still lives with us.

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SCRATCH MY BACK...................!

2006-09-29T10:32:00.000+03:00

There is a common English saying: scratch my back and I will scratch yours, which literally means do me a favour and I shall do likewise to you. However, for our SOS mothers, this does not apply, as they provide for the children under their care.

An SOS mother has to put up with the daily needs of up to ten children in her house. This means routinely waking up early and going to bed quite late. In between, she has to attend to the laborious chores, i.e. house cleaning, laundry, cooking, shopping as well as caring for the sick kids and minding their school matters.

On the contrary, some children end up "scratching her back" in the figurative sense. Probably it is not only her back but her whole body, mind and soul! The lazy and untidy guys, physically overwork her, while the disobedient ones scratch right in her brain and those who pinch or spoil things in the house, do so right in her heart! The quarrelsome and sulky fellas, darken her soul. She must sweeten her temper and also find answers to their many peturbing questions.

The mischief goes on everyday and it worsens during the school holidays when the children are more free at home. She must cope with such pressures and get workable solutions. It is not easy, and when at times the going gets tough, they come to me as the Village Director.

I then start also to scratch my head for the right decisions to be made! It is quite challenging and can end up being infuriating, yet I have to brace for the same on a regular basis. Drawing from various sources while applying a lot of tact, I steadily approach the task which at times appears insurmountable. You can never determine the time frame nor the degree to which success would be achieved but you have to maintain your cool. At times you may feel you are running out of patience but when at least one of them apologises, you hear an inner voice inside you saying," do to the others what you would like them to do unto you!"

VICTORIOUS END!

2006-09-23T14:04:00.000+03:00

The school holiday finally came to an end in style last Saturday! It was marked by the climax of the inter-class soccer competitions which saw a number of trophies being lifted. This followed an internal mini-league in which most of our children actively participated. The friendly matches provided them with an opportunity to meaningfully enjoy leisure, while at the same time improving their physique and soccer skills.

Spectators who included, of course, the SOS mothers, were enthralled and actively got involved in cheering and demonstrating support to their children. On the other hand, excited players were also all out in search of prestige, trying to show professionalism in that field. No doubt, a few were spotted as extremely agile players. Several scores were recorded, bringing their teams to victory! The kindergarten kids trounced their counterparts in primary one, while primary four hammered primary six!

The function was presided over by one member of our board of trustees whose presence was of great significance. In his speech, he cited his love for football but above all, for the SOS children. He gave them a generous cash donation along with two soccer balls and two recorders. At the end he also presented trophies to the champions. While these were selectively received, all participants went away satisfied and in high spirits, considering themselves as winners in their own right.

FONDLY REMEMBERED

2006-09-19T15:17:00.000+03:00

As part of this holiday’s programme, our children allocated time to pay homage to their beloved departed sister, Rachel, who is now our ambassador to heaven!

Rachel's grave lies distinct in the nearby church cemetery. A tombstone which was actually donated by one Canadian student, Laura, a friend of SOS Children’s Village Kakiri, has the following inscription:

“Greatly missed by the entire SOS Children’s Villages Fraternity

Born on 3rd Feb 1994- died on 1st June 2005.”

Rachel passed away in hospital after a long illness and was laid to rest, but her spirit still lives with us. We regularly visit her grave and children always endeavour to decorate it with colourful flowers picked from our blossoming compound plants. During holidays, we arrange time for slashing and clearing weeds to make her resting place as beautiful as our home!

After the exercise, we gather around the tomb and pray for her soul. We no longer grieve, but rather our memories are soothed and we feel that we are rejoicing with her with the celestial angels.
MAY HER SOUL REST IN ETERNAL PEACE!

'FSP'- THE MAGIC WORD

2006-09-13T09:46:00.000+03:00

The Family Strengthening Programme (FSP) is one of the latest strategic initiatives to be added onto the SOS Children’s Villages' support menu. It aims at reaching out into the communities around SOS Children’s Villages to enable destitute families to alleviate their impoverished conditions.

In Uganda the programme started over two years ago at the SOS Children’s Village Gulu in the North. In May this year, it also kicked off in Kakiri. So far 120 children living in extremely desperate situations in our neighbourhood, especially due to HIV/AIDS, have been enrolled. They belong to vulnerable households with infected parents and those headed by either old grandparents or single women, or in a few cases minors (child-headed).

Our team of devoted social workers is in charge of the scheme in conjunction with a local committee selected among the beneficiaries. They frequently visit the respective families to monitor the implementation and assess the need. The package offered comprises: free medical care to the entire family including access to Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) for HIV/AIDS, educational support for the school going children and boosting of the family income towards self-reliance.

The debut has been very encouraging and has raised the hope of the hitherto despondent individuals. There are plans to expand the scope and cover a wider area to accommodate more beneficiaries. It appears that SOS Children's Villages may have come up with the right formula to address the plight of many more needy families and children of this world.

BRIDAL BEAUTY!

2006-09-02T11:50:00.000+03:00

It was a classic moment last Saturday for some of our children as revealed in the photo! These lucky ones were blessed to join the Bridal Party as bridesmaids for their very first time, thanks to one of our SOS Hermann Gmeiner School teachers, who provided them with such an opportunity at her sister's wedding

To them this holiday will remain a special one as they will always remember such an auspicious occasion..

The Holy Matrimony was celebrated in Kampala at the famous Catholic cathedral, followed by a grand reception attended by many people at a well selected venue.

Several rituals which go with such a ceremony were performed and the 'paparazzi' could not miss such historic snaps. The ambiance was like that of a beauty peageant with lots of eats and drinks. All went without a hitch and people went away in very high spirits.

Up to now the girls are still admired by their fellow children. Small crowds curiously form around them listening attentively to their awesome story and coming up with various queries.
It was indeed a dream fulfilled as most of the children of that age have always marvelled at the thought of such beatitude

FACTS AND FEELINGS: Children from Gulu return for the holidays

2006-08-29T12:15:00.000+03:00

Northern Uganda has had an insurgency for the last 19 years, as a result of the Lord’s Resistance Army guerilla war. This has led to untold suffering and the abduction of many children who have been deployed as child soldiers. SOS Children’s Villages is among the many NGOs which are trying to bring in the required intervention.

SOS Children’s Village Gulu, has been in operation since 2002. The project is located right in the heart of Gulu town and now has 100 children under direct fulltime care and protection. They are still being housed in temporary structures pending the construction of a fully fledged village next year. There is also a clinic and a social centre with outreach programmess serving many people in the community.

Although there are indicators that the notorious war is finally coming to an end the situation in the north still remains fragile. The social infrastructure leaves a lot to be desired. The available schools are accommodating huge numbers of pupils compromising the quality of education being provided. The SOS Hermann Gmeiner School at Kakiri has offered a few vacancies for the SOS Gulu kids: two girls and two boys selected on merit, who got the opportunity. Since the beginning of the year they have been integrated in our village in houses number 2, 4, 7, and 11 and they are getting on very well. They attend school in primary four and five with the rest of the children.

Recently when the term ended, arrangements were made for them to return home for a three week holiday together with four other children. They were overjoyed and feelings of nostalgia could not be hidden. On the day of travel, they were seen moving up and down, impatiently waiting, for the van from SOS Children's Village Gulu to pick them up. When the vehicle finally arrived, they jumped and screamed with excitement! They hurriedly boarded and waved to the kids who had come to see them off, all the way until the van was out of sight!

The feeling of sharing that smile with the people back home was the driving force. They arrived safely and we wish them a memorable holiday!

IT’S A HOOOLIDAAY!!!!!!

2006-08-24T15:54:00.000+03:00

Hooray, the long awaited holiday for the second term is now here! The last three months have been a period of intensive academic activities for all our kindergarten, primary and secondary school goers. This always involves waking up in the wee hours under normally chilly weather to prepare for a school day. Thereafter one has to go by the bell under the close supervision of the teachers, to successfully end the day. Homework and tests are part of the routine punctuated of course with some co- curricular activities.

So now is the start of a full month of academic relief. Until around the middle of September, attention will temporarily be turned off the books to many other scopes. It is really an exciting moment even to the most reserved characters. You will at least see a smile on everyone’s face! This time round, waking up is after the sun has risen and there isn’t so much rush, as more or less the whole day is there for them. One expects to work as much as possible according to one’s own rhythm.

You may as well wonder what is really in store for the kids. Indeed the package is quite rich, drawn from the contributions of various stake holders with the best interest of the kids themselves being paramount. Visits to acquaintances and exciting places like the Kids Fun Park; sports, music, dance and drama, story telling and reading, debate and quiz, gardening and community work, watching movies, attending cultural festivities etc. The list is really endless but what is most important is that each child will now have room to use all his imaginative capabilities to figure out tomorrow’s world of their own choice!

If music be the food of love...

2006-08-19T10:53:00.000+03:00

Titus Ochieng, youth leader reports:

Music and rhythm find their secret place in the souls of humanity. Musicians for World Harmony, a US based NGO, reached out with a generous move to bring harmony within the SOS family at the SOS Children’s Village Kakiri.

A cash donation was used to purchase traditional music instruments and costumes and has brought vigour to the children’s deeply rooted cultural heritage. Since then, two choir groups have emerged: the Blessed Choir that displays locally composed gospel music with a contemporary spin; and the Cultural Choir that blends traditional music and dance with dramatic undertones.

The benefits are numerous: traditional values have been imbedded in the lives of youngsters in preparation for their later life when they reintegrate with their communities; raw musical talent can easily be discerned judging from their presentations; the choir’s religious overtones have addressed their spiritual needs; time and energies have been harnessed to more productive ends; and most remarkably, our guests have had a feast at the spectacle and voices of the little angels.

With all smiles and cheers to the Musicians for World Harmony, Margaret, an SOS child in Kakiri affords a thank you song that assures her audience that the harmony in her voice echoes the broader call for world harmony through music. As the Duke in Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night puts it: “If Music be the food of life… play on.”

FAREWELL DINNER

2006-08-19T10:37:00.000+03:00

A convivial luncheon served in traditional 'kiganda’ style is what the SOS youth enjoyed last Saturday as they bid farewell to one of their numbers, Regius, who was due to travel to the Netherlands.

The youth had to do away with tables and chairs, settling down on mats neatly spread on the floor. They enjoyed to their fill the copious meal, mainly consisting of 'matooke' -mashed cooked plantain carefully prepared and served with various sauces. These included chicken, beef and groundnuts stew, accompanied with other food stuffs e.g. rice, Irish potatoes, cassava and yams together with local vegetables. All the savoury dishes gave the participants a mouth watering appetite. The 'matooke' is peeled and wrapped in banana leaves for steaming and thereafter mashed and simmered for as long as you wish but the longer the testier. The same wrappings are retained even at the time of serving.

The gesture was to give Regius lasting memories of home as she will stay in Europe for a couple of years, undertaking a degree course in electrical/electronic engineering at the Fontys University-Netherlands. Regius, who recently concluded the International Baccalaureate course at the SOS Hermann Gmeiner International College Ghana, was one of the lucky students to get a university scholarship. She is determined and well focused making all of us proud and hopeful of her eminent success.

Regius left us two days ago. We shall definitely physically miss her but she will remain fondly cherished in our hearts, throughout her stay there. We accompany her with lots of Best Wishes and God’s Blessings.

SCOUTING KNOWLEDGE (A day in a Scout Camp)

2006-08-12T15:14:00.001+03:00

by Fred and Daniel

On the second day, (we went for the weekend) we woke up very early, at around 6.00am and went for the Early Morning Activity (EMA). This was our first time for such an activity and we liked it so much. No one was left behind except the day’s cooks, who had to prepare breakfast and also clean the area around our tents.

Thereafter we prepared ourselves for class. In class we were taught the members in the scout patrol and their responsibilities. Another teacher came and also told us the meaning of each finger on a Scout Salute and what I learned was that the smallest finger on a salute stands for weak people and the thumb is for strong people who have to be there for the weak ones. We were also given the motto of the Junior Scouts which says, “Be Prepared,” and for Ventures which is, “Look Wide.”

The third teacher taught us scout behaviour in society which includes: being respectful, kind, obedient, clean in words and deed, trustworthy, helpful, observant, God fearing and friendly to all kinds of people and to conserve nature. We all recited the scout promise which says that:
On my honour I promise that I will do my best to do my duties for God and my
Country to help other people at all times and to obey the scout law.

After classes we prepared ourselves for evening activities like debate and campfire. We were there for seven hours non stop being entertained by the Juniors.

Generally we had a very good time and acquired a lot from the camp. We hope to attend more camps and gain more as we grow deeper into scouting life.

A BOUQUET OF LETTERS

2006-08-10T13:00:00.000+03:00

Pupils of Kosterund and Baerum Levre schools in Norway will one of these days pleasantly be surprised to receive the first batch of letters from our SOS Hermann Gmeiner School. This follows the recent visit by three of their teachers to our village; Pauline Corthell and Anne Dessingthon together with Anne Bratterud from Kosterud and Baerum Oslo respectively. They came to Uganda in July in the company of other Norwegians on the mission of visiting various projects sponsored by their government.

The trio took advantage of the mission to visit the SOS Children’s Village Kakiri being already sponsors of SOS Children's Villages through their National Sponsorship Association. Kids in their schools are encouraged to develop a sense of concern for other less privileged people. Each year they organise a charity through which funds to support SOS CV work are raised.

The three teachers brought some gifts, together with many letters from those pupils who wished to link up with pen friends from our village. Most of them were simply addressed as; "to my African friend." The gesture was very much welcome and our kids of matching age reciprocated by also writing nicely decorated reply letters. This time it was to people they at least knew by name and in some cases by sight, from the photos they received. The letters were colourfully written and decorated with all sorts of pictures of; flowers, pet animals, butterflies, landscape etc. and even included photographs. When rolled up together the heap was like a bouquet of flowers! That batch has been sent, and we hope that the recipients will enjoy reading stories from our home.

We highly appreciate the love and fraternity those Norwegian friends have for us, and we hope and pray that the relationship will last and bear many fruits.

A DAY A MEMORY A CHILD AND A FUTURE!

2006-08-04T10:16:00.000+03:00

As seen through the eyes of Titus, the Boys' Youth leader.

Commemoration of the SOS day, on the 23^rd June 2006 at our Village, awakened fond memories for many. It was not just another passing day. Those who had witnessed previous occasions had a new way to perceive the day's events; summed up in a light hearted though serious poem entitled, "Finding the value," recited by one youth.

At the peak of the day's celebrations people of all walks of life converged at the school main hall to mark the anniversary. It evoked the memory of the place, purpose and path of the SOS Children's Village. The little angelic voices of the kindergarten kids and the Village choirs echoed the call for unity in their thematic and memorable songs of hope and cheer that stunned the audience.

A visiting friend of SOS who donated children play items and brochures expressed profound honour to be part of the day's activities and applauded the home given to many children.

Wrapping up the function, the guest of honour cited the famous vernacular proverb drawn from our rich cultural heritage: "Agali awamu gegaluma enyama," literally translated to mean that; teeth that hold together can bite meat. He was sounding a call to all care givers. He urged them, to harness their energies in the tremendous task at hand, to aim the SOS children and youth like arrows to their own future.

As the setting sun on the horizon spelt out the end of the program, one would conclude that it had been remarkable; clearly distinguished as a triple landmark of; an SOS day, an SOS child and a bright future.

THE 'ACADEMIC ARENA'

2006-07-31T16:18:00.000+03:00

Steven, one of the successful youth, nearing completion of his university studies, recounts his secondary school days:

"I was a talented young boy in soccer because football is a culture in the SOS Children’s Village Kakiri. This gave me a quick and direct passport to secondary education at Uganda Martyrs High School Lubaga after excelling in my Primary Leaving Examinations (P.L.E). While at Lubaga, I was the Sports Prefect in 'O'level and Education Prefect 'A'Level.

1999 was a year of transformation as our beloved daddy, Mr. Luyera Francis, introduced the idea of an Academic Arena. It was a moment when mothers and other members of staff gathered to listen to the reading of school reports during holidays. The aims of the Arena were to improve on academic performance, discipline, instilling a culture of competitiveness in the academic world and a time of realizing individual weaknesses, strength, potential and abilities among the SOS children.

During the Arena remarks were made by elders, gifts were awarded to those who had made an effort to improve their performance. Remarkably I would say that I was one of those who could not miss a gift e.g. a towel for the smartest boy; going for outings, or watching movies at Cineplex. On such occasions I was an outstanding performer and a disciplined boy.

The Arena also helped me to acquire a reading culture. My academic performance improved and in 2001, I sat for the Uganda Certificate of Secondary Education examinations and emerged best student in SOS with a first grade; these being fruits of the academic arena."

ON THE ROAD TO SELF RELIANCE

2006-07-25T16:23:00.000+03:00

To a good number of our young people, it is no longer a mere dream to consider themselves one day living entirely on their own. Age and physical development naturally lead to this but above all a proper roadmap must be laid down for the smooth transition to independence. The fear of the unknown is then done away with and one can only retrace their foot prints to appreciate the achievements made till then.

For some people however, it does not come easily and may not be traced out as a straight path. Along the winding track through which they stumble; sometimes making a few steps backwards, before proceeding, underlies a wealth of life experiences. Probably these end up being better prepared for the future than their counterparts. They brace for tougher challenges and may be the ones to persevere when the going gets tough. There are indeed some living examples to cite in this regard.

The focus therefore should always remain on the future, both by the youth themselves and their respective caretakers. The strength will then be measured in being able to rise up each time after a fall.

YOUTH POWER!

2006-07-25T16:17:00.000+03:00

A lot of potential lies in the hands of our youth; not only in physical strength, but also as natural talents, intellectual capability, social-cultural wealth, career preparedness etc.

This follows the many years of careful preparation they go through till the end; right from the family house and other education circles. Listening to their conversation is very interesting. They are full of ambition; some are really out to break records and enter into the annals of history. No field is apparently spared; ranging from music, dance and drama, sports, education, law, business, engineering, etc. Little wonder that we are a home for many children so our presence can equally be diversified.

Some sound as merely big dreams but with time and the right inspiration a way is being paved for their realization. One girl, who told me three years that she wished to become a pilot, has recently got admission for an electronic engineering course in the Netherlands. There are all possible indicators now that her ultimate goal will one day be achieved. That is every one's wish and the encouragement must go on.

The young people who have already realized their talents are working towards maximizing their potential. There is no doubt that the sky is the limit.

WHAT CAN WE BORROW FROM WORLD CUP?

2006-07-20T13:28:00.000+03:00

The recently concluded world cup tournament was not just a big entertainment for me but also a good best practice on the side of discipline. The referee is in full control of the teams through a mere use of the whistle and the mighty yellow or red card. The culprit bears all the consequences and the arbitrator undergoes no hustle at all in instilling good conduct among the players.

Turning to my youth, I am yet to find the equivalent of the above scenario. A few of them who deliberately decide to live in conflict with the regulations continue giving the mediator headache.

Taking one particular case in point, the anonymous is fond of returning late to the youth house, disrespecting the authorities and paying no attention to personal hygiene yet he is a minor. As a result all possible ways are being tried out to curb that behavior using different people.
The only problem is that results cannot be obtained fast enough and besides those involved in the mediation end up taking a good share of the stress. This can discourage one from taking a correct line of action but thanks to the devotion our people still have. At the moment you cannot just issue a red card but you have to brace for the rough ride as well.

ALEX'S MEMOIR (VERBATIM)

2006-07-19T15:59:00.000+03:00

Alex how did you feel when you passed the entrance exams to join the SOS-Hermann Gmeiner International College?
I was so happy that I was going to meet my big sister Florence in the same school again since she had left for the college before me. And that I was going to experience another environment all together gave me great joy I my life.

It gave me all the opportunity to board a plane for the first time, which was really very interesting. There are many things that I got when I was going and many people in the Village were happy for me when I passed my exams, most especially Taata Luyera whom I had asked to allow me write the exam again.

Is Ghana Heaven?
Hum! Hum! This is really an interesting question but I must confess that I thought that Ghana was really the best place to be. I must say that if the college is relocated to Uganda, it could also be fun. There are many things that I learnt from the college that I would not discuss at this moment but I must say that one has to experience life there before one could judge what really Ghana is.

Did you meet friends in Ghana?
Yes I have so many friends in Ghana. I cannot forget the Asare family wherever I go because they played an important part as a family in my life while I was in Ghana. I learnt so many things about a family, which consists of a mother, a father and children, which I had lacked as an SOS child.

What challenges did you meet as a student in Ghana?
Though I came from an English speaking country, I still found the use of English very difficult due to the different accents that can be heard in the college as one interacts with the many students from different parts of the world. There are over 15 Africans countries and some other students who studied from abroad who join the college for further education. When I was in IG2, I remember falling sick during the exams and my performance was really bad but with my determination and the trust I have in God I managed to make for IB. Further more I broke my leg in my final year (IB2), which taught me to be sympathetic to the disabled and other people.

You are done with SOS-HGIC so what next?
At this moment I really don't know where I will be going but I hope to go to South Africa for further education.

INTERFACE WITH THE COMMUNITY

2006-07-18T12:10:00.000+03:00

A simple chain link fence demarcates our village from the surrounding community which is increasingly growing every passing day. In fact our project has greatly contributed to this growth in terms of the services we offer; i.e. education and medical as well as general employment and purchasing power.

Recently a new development has come into the area. This is the open market which takes place every other Monday afternoon. The whole area lying along the Kampala - Hoima main road on which we are situated, is then jammed into a bee-hive of activities.
Hawkers of all sorts of merchandise tactfully display their goods to the eye catching view of any passer by. Some line up adjacent to our fence on the upper side towards the shops.

Our mothers and some co-workers have taken advantage of this to buy what they need for their households. Items such as shoes clothes, plastics, kitchen ware and food staffs etc of good quality can be obtained at reasonable prices. Vendors obviously get something to sustain their livelihood while pleasing their customers, whose needs are satisfied.

The occasion also serves as an opportunity for meeting different people. You cannot miss seeing acquaintances embracing and chatting amidst numerous voices touting their sales. The place is hyper active until night falls.

PEEPING INTO MARRIAGE

2006-07-14T13:19:00.000+03:00

All children in our village including toddlers, now have an idea of what a wedding is all about. Thanks to the newly wedded couples who have in the recent past discovered the splendour of our ever green, colourful compound for their bridal poses.

Occasionally, "just - married" couples from near by churches make their way into our village to fulfill the "ritual". Needless to say the little kids take secrete strategic locations to catch a glimpse of the bridal entourage. They are enthralled by the pomp surrounding that scenario.
Cameras flash as the bride, groom and their maids gracefully move searching for the best spots. Kids have turned this into role-play during their leisure time. When I talked to little Mega one day, she affirmed "I want to get married when I grow up".

A NEW HOME FOR NEW KIDS!

2006-07-13T11:00:00.000+03:00

Four lucky children have so far found a new home in our already existing SOS Children's Village at Kakiri. This followed an innovative idea of expanding the capacity of our village to offer more children a chance to be cared for.

What was formerly an Aunts' house, has artistically been converted into a new home bringing the total number now to thirteen homes. The new one will also be able to accommodate up to ten children like the rest when fully occupied.
Three of the children are siblings and they were joined by their SOS brother who also came on the same day. They are already enjoying the warmth of their new mother's love.
The younger two attend our kindergarten while the bigger ones are schooling at the SOS Hermann Gmeiner School next door. The four have joined the big SOS family and have already started experiencing what it is all about.

We wish them a happy stay as they grow up into responsible, well groomed adults.

MUSIC MADE AT KAKIRI

2006-07-13T10:44:00.000+03:00

An orchestra of local percussion instruments is ready to give you a memorable welcome if you ever got a chance to visit our SOS Children's Village at Kakiri.
This is thanks to the 'Music for World Harmony International Group', who recently gave us a generous donation of local music instruments! These include various types of drums, xylophones and shakers of very high quality!

Children in our Village choir now have a reason to smile as they enjoy the performances they make on various occasions. It has greatly boosted their morale and interest in music where some of them even have special talents. We shall endeavour to see that such a potential is exploited as this is also one way in which the children can preserve valuable aspects of their culture.

THE JOY OF FRUIT HUNTING

2006-07-06T15:18:00.000+03:00

You may not imagine the satisfaction kids in our village derive from the above mentioned adventure! Given the abundance of various types of trees in our large beautiful compound, children enjoy going round visiting particular species for their delicacies! Interestingly, this follows seasons of the year, each time a specific type of tree is in fruition. If you came at this time, you can't miss the children, holding heaps and bundles of succulent grape–like fruits from the 'Jambula Tree'. The harvest is so plentiful that just a slight shake of the branches will release numerous berries. Excited kids then dash to pick them in a fun filled competitive way. The taste is irresistible and you will only see them leave the scene with pockets full.

This would make any adult recall the memorable sweet days of childhood.

CHOPSTICKS CHAT

2006-06-16T10:52:00.000+03:00

Nothing else would fit the occasion of the reunion of former SOS youth from the Children’s Village Kakiri, better than sharing a typical Chinese dinner.

This took place on a cool Friday evening in June at the Shanghai Restaurant located right in the heart of Kampala City, Uganda’s capital. All nine young people, who are already in full employment or still undergoing apprenticeship, attended. They were in the company of the SOS Children's Villages national office representative and the Kakiri village director (me). Two guest speakers also graced the maiden historic encounter.

The ambiance was elegant and all participants were in jovial mood as they shared the copious meal. Background music filled the atmosphere amidst cracking of jokes and learning from one another’s life experience. The youth demonstrated a high degree of maturity and readiness to move towards total self reliance.

The guest speakers addressed them on the themes; 'Job search and discovering one’s potential'.

The meal fortified the fraternity among the SOS Children's Village Kakiri Alumni and set a platform for their future interaction.

READING FROM Z TO A

2006-06-12T21:04:00.000+03:00

This may remain a puzzle to you until you have attended a Reading Tent Workshop!

In fact the same recently took place at our SOS Children's Village Kakiri, thanks to the organisers from the Uganda Writers’ Association.

The three day event attracted pupils from the SOS Herman Gmeiner Primary School and five others from the neighbouring community. The participants ranged from novices in lower primary to those who have already done a fair deal of reading. The aim was to stimulate pupils’ interest in reading and writing while sharpening their skills in comprehension, paraphrasing, composition, drawing, imagination etc…

The workshop involved reading books, making skits, brainstorming, debating, singing, reciting poems, rhymes and riddles etc. Best performers were awarded copies of interesting readers and scholastic materials and each school took back home a mobile library.

The teasers like the one cited below, gave the participants a mental shake up.
"The dictionary starts from A to Z, what starts from Z to A? Answer: ZEBRA."

THE BIG SEASON FOR SMALL KIDS IS HERE AGAIN!

2006-06-10T15:39:00.000+03:00

The soccer tournament, Kampala Kids League (KKL) has for the last four years become a household name. It attracts entries from kids ranging from age 4 to 14 attending various schools around Kampala the Ugandan capital city. It is a spectacular event running for two months annually.

The most exciting matches are those played by the 'totos'-the little ones. This year, Dennis, Samuel and Ken of SOS Children’s Village Kakiri, are tussling it out with their rivals from other local and international schools. The teams play under the names of various sponsoring companies, making it very colourful while dressed in their respective uniforms.

It is a very exciting season as the kids go regularly on week days to attend practices and final matches every Saturday. This does not only enable them improve their soccer skills but it is a rare opportunity to make friends and also experience different cultural settings.
At the end of it all they are all looking forward to scooping trophies, medals, certificates and other awards.

SMILING THEIR WAY TO GHANA

2006-05-30T21:34:00.000+03:00

Three youths namely, Ronald 15, Bosco 16 and Martin 16, are all smiles about the idea of soon going to Ghana to join the famous SOS Hermann Gmeiner International College in Tema.

This follows their passing of the entrance exams taken in April this year. A total of seven candidates sat for the exams which were conducted in our village by a team of examiners from the college.

The trio, who have hitherto attended our Hermann Gmeiner Primary and Secondary School are now bracing for an international curriculum. They will have to do two years of IGCSE and another two of IB (International Baccalaureate). Thereafter opportunities are there for them to undertake degree studies in any suitable university at home or abroad.

Their stay at the college will enable them to live in an international setting with fellow SOS children from various African countries as well as other international students.

The college has so far had 15 of our children studying there and six of them are already at universities abroad. Three are completing the IB course this year, so they are actually the ones being replaced by the three new entrants.

The outstanding mission of the college: 'knowledge in the service of Africa,' answers well what we would desire to see of our continent. It is therefore worth supporting our students who have had the rare opportunity of joining this college.

GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY IN UGANDA

2006-05-30T21:14:00.000+03:00

Two young people from the SOS Children’s Village Kakiri, namely, Fred and Florence, have reciprocated the long support they have received from SOS Children’s Villages, by volunteering on a temporary basis to teach in a small private rural primary school in the community.

St. Balikuddembe Primary School, located four km from our village, offers education to a number of mainly needy children from the area. This is an inadequately facilitated, third grade school with mud floors in semi-complete structures and no furniture as such.

All the same, the two teachers are highly motivated to go to the school every weekday to offer their services. Similarly, their pupils, especially in the middle and upper classes, are very eager to learn and hardly miss a school day. The youth offer them mathematics, English, science and agriculture, while at the same time-sharing in their co-curricular activities. They have now become friends to many of the pupils who keep on inviting them to visit their homes.

This gesture by Fred and Florence of assisting the school has greatly enhanced their goodwill and was enthusiastically embraced by all stakeholders. We at the village are equally proud of this positive exemplary move.

This initiative of the two young people is a bid to occupy themselves during their long vacation after completing high school. They are now anticipating joining university come August. Fred hopes to read education or social sciences and Florence is trying for development studies or the liberal arts. SOS Children’s Villages will still need to fully support them for the next four years until they complete their degrees. However, we are very optimistic that they will in turn, be fully able to contribute to the development of our nation.

Welcome to our village

2006-05-20T17:14:00.000+03:00

Hullo and welcome to my blog. I am your Ugandan host, Francis Luyera. For the last eight years I have been the Village Director of SOS Children’s Village Kakiri, Uganda. This is a challenging and interesting career. In due course, I shall be introducing to you my fellow co-workers who greatly support me in this noble undertaking.

Our village, which was the first SOS Children’s Village project in Uganda, was established in 1990 and it comprises 12 family houses where the children live with their mothers, and other affiliated facilities. There are youth houses, a kindergarten, a primary and secondary school, as well as a clinic. 113 children of all ages, both boys and girls currently live in the family houses. 3 youth houses accommodate 33 young people who have grown up with us. An additional 26 youngsters are already staying in semi-independent accommodation, in student hostels, at tertiary institutions, or on their own. No more than 10 children live in a family house under the fulltime care of an SOS mother.

This blog is to let you see inside our Village and to see the activities of SOS Children’s Villages in Uganda in general. I will endeavor to give you timely, reliable and interesting news of events around us. I hope you will find it rewarding to keep abreast with our updates.

Best wishes,
Francis