Today was our final day of collaboration with the students
at Subuiga and Ntugi. Before the
day commenced, however, we slaughtered a goat at camp. Tonight we are celebrating the end of
our trip with a banquet. We’ve invited 15 special guests and we are all going
to feast on a goat Nixon purchased yesterday. The goat was kept in the shower stall – so that he was safe
– though this morning such safety measures kind of worked against him.
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| Winker and Justin prepare the Goat |
The slaughter was carried-out with a
knife to the neck – only Mr. Denstedt stayed in his tent to avoid the
scene. Andrew helped skin the goat
and then clean its intestines, which we ate for lunch.
We decided to stop at Subuiga to say our farewells and we
had an exceptionally warm welcome.
It is interesting to note that since 2006, when UCC constructed the
first school building there, the entire school facility is Canadian. UCC is particular has built two
classrooms and the large and well utilized library. Lewa (Canada), specifically Jason and Barb Stewart have
built a classroom and the final administrative block, which is amazing, was
made possible through the generous donations from the Andrew Lloyd Memorial
Fund.
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| Administrative Block donated by the Andrew Lloyd Memorial Fund |
After our brief stop at Subuiga, we headed to Ntugi. Andrew and Mr. Denstedt were already at
the primary school putting the final touches on the play-set and mural.
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| Mr. Denstedt finiching the play-set |
Andrew and Patrick placed a number of
animals into the landscape and Mr. Denstedt placed the roof and railings into
place and hoisted the large mural onto the set. Immediately, kids were covering the play-set – they really
enjoy it.
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| Andrew and Patrick finish the Mural |
As the gang was doing that, we went to the secondary school
to help the students prepare for their provincial science contest. We helped prepare their write up on the
computers by typing for them and then we watched their presentations in order
to help in that area. The
presentation is worth 4 points and we thought this would be a good area to
focus on.
After helping, we had a basketball re-match – again the
quick and talented Ntugi Team – who actually are ranked second in the district,
hammered us
As some of the guys went back to help with the science
projects, the rest of us went to the Primary school for the grand unveiling of
the playset. It was an amazing
experience, there were speeches, there were blessings, the primary principal
tried the monkey bars and then with no control the kids stormed the play-set
and had a blast. It is an absolute
success.
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| Gerald, Festus, Mr. Denstedt, Patrick & Patrick |
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| Primary School Principal (Peter) |
After a full day of activities, we hosted a grand
banquet. We shared in a large
feast of goat, ugali, salad, beef stew, potatoes, bread and soda pops. At the end Mr. Parkinson shared some
videos on his 2009 trip, a dog sledding trip and then some home videos – it was
the evening entertainment. At the
end, we stood quietly under the stars and night sounds in a large circle. We all had something to say and we were
able to express our opinions about the trip. It was, likely, the most meaningful and powerful moment of the
trip. The only light was a lantern
and stars. At the end, we all
departed ways, but our connections had grown stronger. This was not only a trip, but an
experience, a collaboration and a special occasion where connections were made
and bridges were built across oceans, cultures and ages. It is something we will all remember
with fondness and sentiment.
