Day 3: First day on project

Sorry for the delay with this- the Internet connection went down last night so the team couldn't send the blog.. Here it is now!

'Even though we were woken up early (thanks Mr.Rocca), the whole day was surprisingly good. We arrived at the school at around 8am or 8.15am(because to be honest since we got here, I personally have only known that it is sunny in the day and cloudy at night, but nothing about timing). 

A little show was prepared for us when we arrived, which was really impressive. Then we went straight into the classes which we had been assigned to. At the beginning the children were quite shy but by the end of the lesson most of them had gained the confidence to speak loudly with everyone. 

After the English lesson, two of the team had an extra lesson of numbers with the children from the nursery, while the others split into teams for construction and creative work. After all the work, we came back to our house for a shower and some great food.'

Day 2: Church and market

Today was an early start with an amazing service at one local church. We really got to get involved with the community and all were made welcome. 

We were then given the most wonderful gifts and to finish things off Alannah quickly delivered a speech to the church to say all our thank you's. 

We then had a chill day getting used to the house and the jobs needed to be competed around it.

Alannah and Alex H went to the market with Inspire Leader Georgie and tested out their bartering skills. Georgie proved very unsuccessful! 

We experienced interacting with the locals and how they make their money from selling local produce. A great day concluded by Rachel (our Inspire leader) teaching us a great version of UNO!

By Isla.

Day 1: Creativity Centre

After having a restful nights sleep at Papaya Holiday home, the team woke up fully refreshed after a long journey. We then travelled by bus to the BEA Creativity Centre where we were greeted by Harriet, the lovely Ugandan women who runs the centre and the school our project involves. 

After having a tour around the amazing garden and playrooms at BEA, we all had the chance to interact and play alongside the children at the centre who truly welcomed us with open arms.

Following a delicious lunch prepared by the staff at the centre, we travelled to our project site and home for the next two weeks, where we were welcomed warmly by clapping and cheering from some of the children who go to two bridges school.

Our accommodation is definitely not luxury but we are all settled in and comfortable, although we're still adjusting to the pit latrines! 

Overall an amazing and special first day in Uganda!

Morning picture

Hi all

We thought you would like to see a photo of the team in Kampala just about to have breakfast!

Today they will be getting some in-country orientation from the Inspire Trip Leaders before heading out to Two Bridges School and the local community- ready for the project work to start! 

Settling in

Just a short note to let you know the team are all settled in for the night at Papaya. 

They were too tired to write the blog tonight so asked us to let you know they are all good and we will post more tomorrow.

For now here's a piccie of their Inspire Trip Leaders, Georgie and Rachel at Two Bridges school.

Safe arrival

Dear all,

The team are safely through customs and baggage now and on the way to
Papaya Holiday Home in Kampala, where they will stay tonight before heading
out to the project site tomorrow.

Another update will follow later!

Pre-Departure Info

Dear Team Uganda,

 

We wanted to send a quick e-mail prior to departure. We hope that your preparation and packing is going well!

Just a couple of last-minute tips:

1.            Please remember that your luggage allowance for the main hold is 20kg maximum + 5kg for hand luggage. Please do keep to this allowance. It should be more than enough for all your kit.

2.            Please do not to pack any walking boots on the outside of the main hold luggage. They almost certainly won’t arrive still attached, we recommend you wear your boots for the flight to keep them safe (and save on weight in your main bag). Please also try and pack a pair of wellies as well as one of the projects will be in shallow water!

3.            Please also pack a change of underwear, toothbrush (not paste, unless it is less than 100ml) and any other absolute essentials in your hand luggage (i.e. medication, anti-malarial tablets), just in case any main bags go missing on the flight. It is unlikely, but best to be safe.

4. Remember pillows are not provided at the project accommodation so you may want to bring a small travel pillow.

Keeping in touch:
We have set up a blog for your group, to keep parents and friends up to date with what your team is up to. You can find the Royal Russell team blog here:http://royalrussell.blogspot.co.uk/

 

Your family and friends can comment on posts and photographs. We will be updating the blog as often as possible with your news. Please feel free to pass this link on to anyone who you think would like to stay up to date with the team’s activities.

  

Trip Information: 
Don’t forget you can find specific trip information and documents here:

http://inspire-worldwide.com/royal-russell-trip-information-2016

This page has some key documents (itinerary, trip information pack, risk assessments) plus general Inspire information and our Emergency number – also detailed below.

 

Flights and arrival: 

As you know you will be flying with Emirates from Gatwick via Dubai. We will update the blog to let your family and friends know when you have arrived safely in Uganda. 

On arrival in Uganda, your Inspire Group Leaders, Rachel and Georgie, will be there to meet you wearing their Inspire t-shirts. You will then take the short drive by private bus to the Papaya Holiday Home in Kampala, where you will be able to rest before some in-country orientation with your leader.

 

If your family need to contact a member of the team urgently at any point please make a note of the Inspire 24 hour EMERGENCY number: 07531 872 658.This number is manned in the UK 24 hours a day in case of any emergency situations where your family/friends need to contact a member of the team urgently.

For all other queries, please use the Inspire office number: 01273 249543.

If you have any last minute questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Otherwise we hope you have an incredible time and look forward to keeping your family and friends updated throughout your time in Tanzania. 

Beth and all at Inspire Worldwide