Week 3 in Uganda

The children continue to amaze me. I am slowly learning about their stories – their backgrounds, family life, personalities, hobbies, struggles etc. I will soon be visiting some of the children’s home so I am sure I will have many stories to share.

In my blog entry this week I would like to tell you about one of our wonderful volunteers. His name is Joel. He’s a 20 year old young man whose parents both died when he was very young and was raised by an aunt in Entebbe, Uganda. After living with her for several years he moved to the Kabalagala area to live with his cousin and her three children. Throughout his growing up years his cousin struggled and worked extremely hard to pay for all the children’s school fees, put food on the table, and pay rent. Joel worked extremely hard throughout school and he finally just finished high school a few months ago. Attending a university is a huge goal of his but currently the expenses are too great for his family. So Joel graces us with his presence five days a week for the entire school day and he does this all for free. His dedication to these children and passion for teaching is amazing. A good portion of his day is in the classroom translating Jane’s teaching as most of the children are just starting to learn English.

A few evenings ago, Joel invited Jane and me into his home he shares with his cousin and her family. They prepared a wonderful traditional Ugandan meal for us to thank Jane profusely for everything she has done for Joel. While volunteering at the school has provided Joel with excellent teaching experience, I also think the ‘thank you’ needs to be extended the other way because Joel has demonstrated day-after-day that he is dedicated to teaching children, enriching their lives, and providing them with someone they can all strive to be someday.

One day Joel hopes he will have the opportunity to attend a university and become a teacher!!