I went with Sylvia to Mbiriizi Primary School in Uganda in November 2019. From start to finish Sylvia was on top of the logistics of the trip for about 14 of us volunteers. She literally thinks of/takes care of everything – except getting your shots for you.
Since our team included some medical personnel, we did heights, weights, and vision and diabetes screening. We also prepared 1000 goodie bags for the children, visited classrooms and hung out wth the children during lunch and recess.
With 1000 children in the school, one would think there would be a lot of cacaphonous noise. Rather, the school which runs on the British model was relatively quiet and orderly, the children well-behaved, the teachers very enthusiastic – and everyone happy to be there. I was blown away by the children who put on dramas, concerts and a debate for us. Clearly they are encouraged to make the most of their talents and are receiving a quality education. When it came time for us to serve them their holiday meal of rice and meat, 1000 children patiently lined up to wait their turn and then ran for cover to eat inside during what developed into a huge deluge. And what a joy to witness the Kindergarten graduation with parents present, dressed in their Sunday best!
The children in this school are so fortunate to be receiving an education, thanks to Sylvia’s tireless fund-raising efforts. . We saw many less fortunate ones on the streets and roads, carrying gerry cans of water, selling nuts, shoes, fruits, etc.
The final two days of the trip were spent on an amazing safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park where the accommodations were spectacular and we saw almost all of the animals one would hope to see in Africa.
This is a life-changing trip service trip which has led me to support Sylvia’s Children as well as sponsoring children at the school.
Susan M.