School is in session

They’re here, school has begun, and it’s exciting!

 

We began on September 14^th with eight students.  We had accepted ten of the 14 interviewed, but two didn’t show up because of lack of school fees, which is a constant refrain here.  Saying no to the others was also very difficult, especially as I saw the desperation, theirs, and those who brought them, but I knew this wasn’t the right program for them. 

As I’ve shared before, this isn’t the typical Ugandan vocational school.  I hope to have a lot more practical experience and much less ‘theory’ than is normal here.  Also, by not focusing on one construction discipline, but exposing the students (and staff) to the various trades, I’m hoping to encourage critical thinking and a better understanding of how the trades are interrelated.  Here, if you attend one of the typical (government sanctioned) vocational schools you will be taught one discipline, plumbing for example, and won’t receive any training about the others.  Most schools face a real shortage of resources as well, so practical experience is lacking.  The nearby vocational institute which we visited teaches concrete and bricklaying construction, yet several of its classes meet under a tin roof supported by sticks because there isn’t money to build a structure, and the students practice bricklaying by stacking the few bricks they have using wet sand as mortar, then knocking them down, and repeating.  The school also has an automotive repair program, but no tools, and an electrical program, but no electricity on site…  Of course we are faced with a lack of resources, but we’re moving forward.

Our first week was mostly orientation; getting to know one another, the place, the routine, and etc.  We began the second week, and have continued with teaching on planning, preparation, planning, tools, planning, safety, planning, computer, and planning.  The base schedule and other responsibilities, as well as the things you have to include in a school in Uganda (the tea break) really affect the amount of teaching time, yet we’re making it work.  I’ve also emphasized the need for flexibility, so we can take advantage of opportunities or unanticipated contingencies as they come up.

And we’ve already had some opportunities.  On the second day of class (after orientation week) Beth was talking with another staff member of a different ministry and found out they were helping on a house being built for a woman with cancer.  Beth (who is committed and invaluable to the school) volunteered us to go and help. This was really beneficial, as the house was nowhere near complete, and we were able to perform a lot of work, as well as see the house at a stage which we were already talking about in class.  We were able to go back again on Friday, and get a lot more done.  Much of it is ‘grunt work’, but it’s a reality of the construction methods here, and it’s giving practical hands on experience, and it’s helping to get the house closer to completion.  Also, the students met the woman whose home it is; she is so very appreciative, and it helps to reinforce some of the character principles which are an important part of the school.

It is our hope and goal to build a home, or some other building here on base, which will depend on the leadership to find the resources.  Meanwhile, though, we will probably do more work at the home under construction, as well as modifying the farm storerooms to become a workshop.  Planning for that has already begun, as has some excavation and demolition.  There are also many maintenance and repair projects on the base which could keep us occupied for the entire school year, and could provide practical experience, however that is not our preference.

Of course, besides running the school (which has given me even more appreciation for teachers everywhere) there is much to keep us busy.  There are plenty of challenges still facing us and the rest of the staff.  Relationship is still the primary reason God brought us here, and is much of what we’re doing.  About a month ago one of the staff began facilitating nightly worship, and it has been an important part of the healing and restoration God is bringing to Hopeland.  Please pray for us as we continue in the process.