News from 2004

11th October 2004

Today Beryl and Stuart ( a visitor from Kingsland Church, Tiptree, UK) visited the school with some gifts that had been purchased through our on-line shop. The children were so excited and the food packs, bicycles, sleep well and starter packs were very much appreciated.

1st October

The school building is now being used so we are moving to the next stage, providing uniforms for the sponsored children. The pictures below show some of the uniforms being made.

3rd September

Here are the pictures for this week.

23rd August

Sorry there has been a delay in updating this news page, but I (Alan) have been ill and this has help up the distribution of news. The building is now nearly finished, just a few windows and plastering to go. We have set an official opening date of 8th September - all visitors welcome.

We have also had two visitors over from the UK, Peter & Joanne, they are teachers at The Gilbert School in Colchester. They have been teaching the teachers (and children) at Kyetume Parents Senior Secondary School. They have also arranged a new timetable for the school, their help has been really appreciated.

27th July

So much has happened in the last 3 weeks - the building is growing fast! It has seemed like there has been no time to write up the news - so here are some photos of the work as of yesterday.

5th July

Building has started - Click here for the pictures.

2nd July

This picture shows Samuel (left) & Vincent (Right) with the builder (centre) discussing the plans for the new 3 classroom block together with Headmasters office & Library. We have agreed now that work will commence on Monday 5th July!

The first batches of cement, bricks and stones have been bought, together with some tarpaulins to use for temporary cover for the children whilst we are building

29th June

Our online shop is now fully working, you have the opportunity to purchase items for the child you have sponsored or to buy items for the school or un-sponsored children. Up to now we have had people purchase a starter pack (mattress, towels, mosquito net, children's bible etc.) this we are delivering on Thursday of this week, 2 bicycles and a uniform. Have a look here. Also on Thursday we are taking a builder down to the site to get final prices so we can start building. The picture on the left shows the mother who was so happy with the gifts especially the Children';s Bible.

18th June

We have just had a message from some friends that they have given a gift so that we can support the 6 teachers at Kyetume Parents Secondary School, this support will provide 15,000/- per month for 1 year. Thank you very much.

That sum is not a 'proper wage' but it shows the school that there are people who are willing to help them.

We have also received a gift of £1000 to provide housing for the headmasters, we are now actively looking into the best way to use these funds. We really appreciate the generosity of all those who are being so generous in supporting these head teachers and the schools they represent.

10th June

The Gilberd School in Colchester, Uk is planning a week of fund-raising events, from 14th - 18th June, for Bright Stars building fund. They are holding events like - Teachers v Students netball match, sponsored hair cuts, guess the teacher from their baby photo, Staff car wash. We wish them well and send many thanks for their efforts.

The fund now stands at just over £500 thanks to a very generous gift from Kingsland Church, Colchester. Many thanks to all the members and congregations at Lexden, Stanway, Gosbecks & Tiptree.

22nd May 2004

DRAMA IN KYETUME

In a dramatic development this week the two main ‘classrooms’ at Bright Stars Nursery and Primary School collapsed during a violet rainstorm. There were 100 children in the building at the time, but the headmaster and teachers led them all to safety.

Mr Ssekabiba Vincent the headmaster said in an interview “I blame the termites who ate the bottom of the poles and the high wind across the valley, but we Praise God that no-one was hurt. The children will be taught outside until the new rooms are ready.”

We also interviewed Alan & Beryl Went who said “This means that we now have to push on and start building the first two proper classrooms, we have £900 in the building fund and so work will commence as soon as these funds are transferred to Uganda from the UK.”

At a school board meeting yesterday the plans for the new school were shown for the first time to a round of applause and much excitement!

Vincent & Beryl examine the collapsed building and the termite damage.

14th May

A Trip to Vincent's Home

Here are some photos taken during our visit to the headmaster of Bright Star's home!

Top Left - It's home!

Top Right - Vincent at home

Left - Beryl & friend (Samuel headmaster of Secondary School is on the left)

12th May 2004

As promised in my weekly news here are the photos of the fish being prepared, we were told that they are very good for babies and young children. Anyone want some?

1. Unloading and cleaning the nets  2. Sorting and spiking the fish on skewers (listen carefully and you can hear the flies!

3. Air drying on racks   4. Sun drying in the dirt!

If you would like a copy of our weekly news then send me an email (Alan@ugandamail.com)

7th May 2004

We now have 12 children sponsored and over £500 in the building fund. We will be starting work, clearing and levelling the site and digging out the foundations within the next few weeks, as soon as the money is transferred to Uganda!

Last night we called into the village and immediately we we mobbed by excited children - we are becoming celebrities in the village!

2nd April 2004

We have our first child Sponsored!

Steve and Jackie are here visiting from the UK and Beryl took them to Bright Stars School where this little girl came running up to them and they fell in love with her.

She comes from a very poor family and will very much appreciate the help she is now receiving.