This poem was written last week by one of our AMAZING translators, and our friend, Waiswa Peter. You can look back and see him in other posts, as he has been working with us for 3 years now. He recently came to me and expressed how valuable he thinks this summer's work has been, as we are finally "touching the places that can bring income". I agree. Here are his words...
Sewing Hope, Sewing Hope
By: Waiswa Peter, July 2010
Hum! Hum! Hum!
Goes the over worked sewing machine
With millions gazing zealously
The ambition to learn for a better tomorrow.
Though crippled by the roaring poverty levels,
But seeing uncountable rays of light after learning,
The African woman has been empowered
And can't let this chance go unnoticed.
Sewing Hope is sowing a ray of light.
You are sowing on no bare rocks
All seed owners in New York and
The United States around,
Ugandan widows and single mothers
Have felt your love pinch.
Income complications have been battled down
With new sewing skills flown in
Summer after summer.
Behind every strong man is a strong woman.
So, with a silent core voice
The African man sings Holla! Holla!
For the great Sewing Hope friends.
ALTA CONTINUA.
02 August 2010
01 August 2010
Boda mis-hap....
So, I hesitate to blog about this because I have so many family members who read my blog, but I wanted to give a "dose of reality" in this post and tell about my first, and hopefully last, boda mis-hap.
Yes, that's right, my boda went down on Saturday. First, I will say that I only have 2 large bruises from the incident....nothing more. I think my embarrassment was worse than the actual fall.
We were [slowly] going over a mound of dirt when a car slowly crossed in front of us. My driver could not figure out whether to go in front or in back of the car. We were barely moving at this point, and he lost his balance to the right, over-corrected to the left, and the bike went down. Since I was riding like a lady, side-saddle, I fell backwards, landing thankfully, on my backpack. Don't worry, my computer survived the fall too.
The most shocking part of the incident was that amongst all the spectators, no one came to help me up. I got up, dirty and shaken, to the tune of about 6 men yelling "Sorry!" "Sorry!" "Sorry!". Anyone who has spent time here will tell you that it is common for people to say simply "Sorry" to you when something has happened, like you trip, spill something, or such. It was so annoying to hear that from the sidewalks without a single person coming to help.
I have since learned that it might be because it is so common for looting to happen after accidents (talk about kicking someone when they are down), that no one wanted to be accused of attempting to loot, so they stayed away. I guess that makes me feel better.
I politely declined the offer of one man to help me clean off....ha!...and proceeded to walk the rest of the way to the shop.
The most ironic part of the story is that Lori, Vanessa, and I had talked literally the night before about how we feel that it is inevitable that at some point in time one must go down in a boda. So, this was my turn, and now I never have to experience that again. Dad, does that make you feel better?
Yes, that's right, my boda went down on Saturday. First, I will say that I only have 2 large bruises from the incident....nothing more. I think my embarrassment was worse than the actual fall.
We were [slowly] going over a mound of dirt when a car slowly crossed in front of us. My driver could not figure out whether to go in front or in back of the car. We were barely moving at this point, and he lost his balance to the right, over-corrected to the left, and the bike went down. Since I was riding like a lady, side-saddle, I fell backwards, landing thankfully, on my backpack. Don't worry, my computer survived the fall too.
The most shocking part of the incident was that amongst all the spectators, no one came to help me up. I got up, dirty and shaken, to the tune of about 6 men yelling "Sorry!" "Sorry!" "Sorry!". Anyone who has spent time here will tell you that it is common for people to say simply "Sorry" to you when something has happened, like you trip, spill something, or such. It was so annoying to hear that from the sidewalks without a single person coming to help.
I have since learned that it might be because it is so common for looting to happen after accidents (talk about kicking someone when they are down), that no one wanted to be accused of attempting to loot, so they stayed away. I guess that makes me feel better.
I politely declined the offer of one man to help me clean off....ha!...and proceeded to walk the rest of the way to the shop.
The most ironic part of the story is that Lori, Vanessa, and I had talked literally the night before about how we feel that it is inevitable that at some point in time one must go down in a boda. So, this was my turn, and now I never have to experience that again. Dad, does that make you feel better?
17 July 2010
Teacher Training 1, July 14-16
Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday of this week were spent in our office space on Main Street in Jinja. We invited 5 HODASSU teachers and Sarah from MOHM to attend an 8-day course. We ended up with 9 HODASSU teachers and Sarah attending....and, this is after me turning down 3 other requests from strangers to join our class...ha!! Even though our classroom is behind a store and could not be more hidden, they still seem to find us.
After much frustration and hounding of the man we bought the sewing machines from, 3 shiny new machines came with tables. We set them up with minimal stress, and over several days gathered the materials we would need for our first classes.
One of the biggest needs for our groups is quality control and a refining of skills. All of these students have a strong basic knowledge of the machine and basic construction of garments. But, their sewing is often sloppy, or just quickly done. So, in pursuit of setting their work apart, we are having them complete a man's shirt from start to finish, with each step being focused on in detail.
We had them create a bag during the first day, as another way to assess their skill levels...how they grasped the concepts and instructions....how familiar they were with the machine...how confident they are. It sounds simple, but this was a new thing for us to do, and it proved EXTREMELY valuable. Taking that time made all the difference in grouping our women and focusing on what they need.
Emma and Sarah moved directly into the shirt, learning to pattern from an existing shirt, and how to change details into new styles.
The rest of the women were so pumped and motivated by completing their initial bags so quickly.
Thursday and Friday were spent teaching them to also pattern shirts from existing shirts, pretending a customer came in to ask them to copy their own. It has been tedious, but extremely valuable to go through each step of the process. we have started cutting the shirts out and by the end of the week will have 8 shirts created. Our 6 hour long classes leave us all wiped out, as we are not only dealing with heat and a small space, but also with figuring things out on the fly....focusing individual attention on each student's needs, including a deaf woman named Victoria whom we must write out all instructions to.
After much frustration and hounding of the man we bought the sewing machines from, 3 shiny new machines came with tables. We set them up with minimal stress, and over several days gathered the materials we would need for our first classes.
One of the biggest needs for our groups is quality control and a refining of skills. All of these students have a strong basic knowledge of the machine and basic construction of garments. But, their sewing is often sloppy, or just quickly done. So, in pursuit of setting their work apart, we are having them complete a man's shirt from start to finish, with each step being focused on in detail.
We had them create a bag during the first day, as another way to assess their skill levels...how they grasped the concepts and instructions....how familiar they were with the machine...how confident they are. It sounds simple, but this was a new thing for us to do, and it proved EXTREMELY valuable. Taking that time made all the difference in grouping our women and focusing on what they need.
Emma and Sarah moved directly into the shirt, learning to pattern from an existing shirt, and how to change details into new styles.
The rest of the women were so pumped and motivated by completing their initial bags so quickly.
Thursday and Friday were spent teaching them to also pattern shirts from existing shirts, pretending a customer came in to ask them to copy their own. It has been tedious, but extremely valuable to go through each step of the process. we have started cutting the shirts out and by the end of the week will have 8 shirts created. Our 6 hour long classes leave us all wiped out, as we are not only dealing with heat and a small space, but also with figuring things out on the fly....focusing individual attention on each student's needs, including a deaf woman named Victoria whom we must write out all instructions to.
Showing their curves...Tuesday July 13
Today was spent at the lively women's group in Bulabandi. Those of you familiar with our work over the past 3 years will have heard me speak of these women and their energy, dedication, and progress. They have been working hard to use the capital we gave them last summer, and have also sent 4 of their members to Jinja for embroidery classes each week. I continue to be so proud of their work.
We decided to do a project that no one on our team had ever tried before, but had heard about....HOME-MADE DRESS FORMS! Last summer, we had taught our women about using western-style patterns to cut dresses, so our hope is that these can help them be more creative with their designs, as well as adapt existing dresses and skirts into new styles by changing necklines, adding trims, taking it in, etc. We spoke to them about choosing one close to their customer's size and being sure that the garment will fit. Also, someday these women hope to have a shop in town, so dress forms could be used to display items for sale as well.
We had them choose 3 women of different sizes. In short, the process consisted of wrapping these women in saran wrap, then duct tape, and then stuffing it around a wooden stand we had built for this purpose. It was a really funny time, as the women made comments about eachother's hips, and watched a replica of their friends come to life before their eyes. Once I get some photos, I will post the process here for you to see.
Not only was in EXTREMELY satisfying to accomplish creating these forms, but I was happy to see how we came together as a team to problem-solve. There were many things we had to figure out on the fly, and in front of the women...and we did it. We ended up with 3 beautiful AND FUNCTIONAL dress forms. The only real critique was that the stands needed larger bases, as they kept being blown over by the wind.
We decided to do a project that no one on our team had ever tried before, but had heard about....HOME-MADE DRESS FORMS! Last summer, we had taught our women about using western-style patterns to cut dresses, so our hope is that these can help them be more creative with their designs, as well as adapt existing dresses and skirts into new styles by changing necklines, adding trims, taking it in, etc. We spoke to them about choosing one close to their customer's size and being sure that the garment will fit. Also, someday these women hope to have a shop in town, so dress forms could be used to display items for sale as well.
We had them choose 3 women of different sizes. In short, the process consisted of wrapping these women in saran wrap, then duct tape, and then stuffing it around a wooden stand we had built for this purpose. It was a really funny time, as the women made comments about eachother's hips, and watched a replica of their friends come to life before their eyes. Once I get some photos, I will post the process here for you to see.
Not only was in EXTREMELY satisfying to accomplish creating these forms, but I was happy to see how we came together as a team to problem-solve. There were many things we had to figure out on the fly, and in front of the women...and we did it. We ended up with 3 beautiful AND FUNCTIONAL dress forms. The only real critique was that the stands needed larger bases, as they kept being blown over by the wind.
Teacher Assessments, Monday July 12
This summer, Sewing Hope is focusing primarily on TEACHER TRAINING. As we continue to define and refine our work here in Uganda, I am being more and more convinced that focusing on teachers, and then expecting that they will teach their students, is the most efficient and valuable way to spend a few weeks in-country.
So, to that end, we started our first week of teacher training on monday. We spent the first day traveling around Jinja to visit the various locations where HODASSU does it's work. For those unfamiliar, HODASSU, is a new organization to Fount's work, and it focuses on vocational training for disabled children and adults. Their structure is different from our other organizations, in that they support individuals through partnering to help them pay rent, secure resources, and teach skills to blind and deaf children.
First we visited the shop where a man named Emma (short for Emmanuel) works. He does alterations and makes men's shirts, and women's dresses. He also teaches about 5 students from his modest shop and 2 machines. He always has a HUGE smile. We had him do the small exercises we brought to understand a little more about his skill level. We met his students and asked him a TON of questions.
We moved on to a local Vocational Training School called Tubalera. Here, we met a disabled woman named Jennifer who has been sewing for 20 years and currently has a full time position as their head sewing teacher. HODASSU has been supporting 2 disabled students to take classes here and she is an inspiration to them, as someone who has overcome a disability by using sewing skills.
Next we went next door to visit Erina, who lives with her children in a small room. Erina cannot walk upright, but rather uses her hands and feet to crawl around. She cares for her children using the hand-crank machine provided by HODASSU. She showed us an impress skirt and top she had made. Lori told me later that the first time she visited Erina in her home, she had given birth that very morning and was doing her wash when they arrived!!! and, I'm not talking with a machine...by hand and line-dried! ha! AMAZINGLY strong woman.
Our next stop was to visit a women's group. We walked into a chicken coop that had been cleared out for a make-shift meeting place. There were about 10 women sitting in a semi-circle with piles and piles of beads laying on the floor mats, along with many styles of hand-woven baskets. It was a beautiful sight...lots of color. We spent awhile speaking to them about the products they make and what they'd like to be doing. It is very clear that they are eager to learn, but they don't have access to a machine and must hire one (rent) from time to time.....theirs was destroyed in a fire last year. They have sent 4 women to our class.
Our final stop was at Walukuba primary school, just outside of Jinja Town. This is a wonderful school which has a group of deaf students living/studying there. Although Victoria, their teacher who is attending our classes, was not there, we had a fun time trying to sign with the children, learn some of their names, etc. The director of the program there, Flavia, is just lovely and so supportive of HODASSU's work in their school. Their hope is to be able to give their students some training so that they can leave school with a way to provide for themselves.
By the end of the day, my team had a better idea of who their students would be, what their challenges and limitations are, and what their skill level may be. We went home exhausted, but excited.
So, to that end, we started our first week of teacher training on monday. We spent the first day traveling around Jinja to visit the various locations where HODASSU does it's work. For those unfamiliar, HODASSU, is a new organization to Fount's work, and it focuses on vocational training for disabled children and adults. Their structure is different from our other organizations, in that they support individuals through partnering to help them pay rent, secure resources, and teach skills to blind and deaf children.
First we visited the shop where a man named Emma (short for Emmanuel) works. He does alterations and makes men's shirts, and women's dresses. He also teaches about 5 students from his modest shop and 2 machines. He always has a HUGE smile. We had him do the small exercises we brought to understand a little more about his skill level. We met his students and asked him a TON of questions.
We moved on to a local Vocational Training School called Tubalera. Here, we met a disabled woman named Jennifer who has been sewing for 20 years and currently has a full time position as their head sewing teacher. HODASSU has been supporting 2 disabled students to take classes here and she is an inspiration to them, as someone who has overcome a disability by using sewing skills.
Next we went next door to visit Erina, who lives with her children in a small room. Erina cannot walk upright, but rather uses her hands and feet to crawl around. She cares for her children using the hand-crank machine provided by HODASSU. She showed us an impress skirt and top she had made. Lori told me later that the first time she visited Erina in her home, she had given birth that very morning and was doing her wash when they arrived!!! and, I'm not talking with a machine...by hand and line-dried! ha! AMAZINGLY strong woman.
Our next stop was to visit a women's group. We walked into a chicken coop that had been cleared out for a make-shift meeting place. There were about 10 women sitting in a semi-circle with piles and piles of beads laying on the floor mats, along with many styles of hand-woven baskets. It was a beautiful sight...lots of color. We spent awhile speaking to them about the products they make and what they'd like to be doing. It is very clear that they are eager to learn, but they don't have access to a machine and must hire one (rent) from time to time.....theirs was destroyed in a fire last year. They have sent 4 women to our class.
Our final stop was at Walukuba primary school, just outside of Jinja Town. This is a wonderful school which has a group of deaf students living/studying there. Although Victoria, their teacher who is attending our classes, was not there, we had a fun time trying to sign with the children, learn some of their names, etc. The director of the program there, Flavia, is just lovely and so supportive of HODASSU's work in their school. Their hope is to be able to give their students some training so that they can leave school with a way to provide for themselves.
By the end of the day, my team had a better idea of who their students would be, what their challenges and limitations are, and what their skill level may be. We went home exhausted, but excited.
27 June 2010
Back in Uganda, summer 2010!
I have arrived in Jinja, and looking forward to a great summer!! I am here early, and my team will arrive in about a week! I will spend the next few days settling in, getting organized, and preparing for the work we will do this summer. I am also going to take a few days to travel in Tanzania with my friend Becky, and arrive back in time to meet my team.
I have already had 2 big accomplishments, 2 things I have not done until now...although this is my 5th trip to Uganda.
The first? I drove!!! I had a friend pick me up at the airport in Entebbe, and with much encouragement, decided to drive us through Kampala and all the way to Jinja...about a 3-hour trip total. Yes, there were a few perilous times, including knocking a man's hand with the mirror as he walked in the crowded streets of Kampala, having the same mirror knocked by a passing boda (moped), and hitting a curb in a parking lot. The last may sound innocent enough, but was the tipping point for me after having several intense moments leading up to it. ha! Thankfully, my teacher was patient and calm, and BRAVE! Again, after much encouragement, I "got back on the bike" so-to-speak, and made it through Kampala and all the way to Jinja. I think my years driving in New York City definitely prepared me for the chaos and traffic of Kampala, but there is still something perilous and scary about being in a place without crosswalks, where they drive on the left, have very few lights, and amongst mopeds who are literally weaving in and out of traffic with no concern.
The second accomplishment? I cooked dinner and dessert on my own, without help, and without getting sick, here in Uganda. Again, big deal, right? Well, for those who know me at home, I don't cook alot as it is....not that I cannot cook, but that I choose not to most of the time. But, here there are no fast or pre-prepared options, so everything must be done by scratch. And, learning what is and is not available here is a challenge. And, when you can't drink the water, you have to be extra careful with how to prepare things.....I learned alot in February watching Lori and Rini cook dinner each night and was thoroughly impressed. But, until last night, had not tried it myself. Well, I did it, and had 2 native Ugandans for dinner, who both enjoyed it alot. What did I make? Baked ziti with my own version of homemade sauce....and apple crisp, a classic American dessert. It was great! I am proud and already thinking of what to cook next.
I am feeling very empowered at the moment. ha!
I have already had 2 big accomplishments, 2 things I have not done until now...although this is my 5th trip to Uganda.
The first? I drove!!! I had a friend pick me up at the airport in Entebbe, and with much encouragement, decided to drive us through Kampala and all the way to Jinja...about a 3-hour trip total. Yes, there were a few perilous times, including knocking a man's hand with the mirror as he walked in the crowded streets of Kampala, having the same mirror knocked by a passing boda (moped), and hitting a curb in a parking lot. The last may sound innocent enough, but was the tipping point for me after having several intense moments leading up to it. ha! Thankfully, my teacher was patient and calm, and BRAVE! Again, after much encouragement, I "got back on the bike" so-to-speak, and made it through Kampala and all the way to Jinja. I think my years driving in New York City definitely prepared me for the chaos and traffic of Kampala, but there is still something perilous and scary about being in a place without crosswalks, where they drive on the left, have very few lights, and amongst mopeds who are literally weaving in and out of traffic with no concern.
The second accomplishment? I cooked dinner and dessert on my own, without help, and without getting sick, here in Uganda. Again, big deal, right? Well, for those who know me at home, I don't cook alot as it is....not that I cannot cook, but that I choose not to most of the time. But, here there are no fast or pre-prepared options, so everything must be done by scratch. And, learning what is and is not available here is a challenge. And, when you can't drink the water, you have to be extra careful with how to prepare things.....I learned alot in February watching Lori and Rini cook dinner each night and was thoroughly impressed. But, until last night, had not tried it myself. Well, I did it, and had 2 native Ugandans for dinner, who both enjoyed it alot. What did I make? Baked ziti with my own version of homemade sauce....and apple crisp, a classic American dessert. It was great! I am proud and already thinking of what to cook next.
I am feeling very empowered at the moment. ha!
17 February 2010
America?....oh, you mean OBAMA
Another phenomenon I have had a few times is having difficulty explaining where I am from.
I was asked, again at the taxi park, where I am from.
I answer, “The US, United States…of America”.
Blank look.
“Canada?”, he asked.
“No, America…”.
“Obama?!”
“Yes, Obama.”.
“Oh, Obama, yes, Obama”
Ha!!
I was asked, again at the taxi park, where I am from.
I answer, “The US, United States…of America”.
Blank look.
“Canada?”, he asked.
“No, America…”.
“Obama?!”
“Yes, Obama.”.
“Oh, Obama, yes, Obama”
Ha!!
16 February 2010
Liberty in Louisiana?!
I took this picture last summer, but after my camera broke, I forgot about it. We were walking near the taxi park in Kampala. I looked up and saw this sign for an internet café. At first glance it is fine, but then when you stop and notice and think, it is really funny, isn’t it? The “Louisiana” café with a picture of the Statue of Liberty. Ha! It’s like us naming a coffee shop in the US the “Kampala” café and then putting a picture of the Egyptian pyramids…technically in Africa, but not anywhere close to Kampala.
15 February 2010
How is there?
One of the most often-asked questions I have gotten this trip is, “How is there?”. It takes me a second every time to respond, as it is phrased so strangely. But, what is being asked is, “How is the place from where you came?”, or “How is New York?”. The best conversation starter is to say, “Very cold.”, and then to attempt to describe how cold to someone who considers a 70 degree day cold. Seriously. When we are here in July and August, the temperature averages between 70-80 degrees max. On the days when it is close to 70 rather than 80, you will see the boda men in parkas and down-coats. Peter and Andrew wear sweaters. Women have cardigans and jackets on. And we Americans are loving what we consider “perfect spring weather”.
Because I still have not learned how to convert Fahrenheit into Celsius, I cannot truly say how cold New York is except to say that it is below 0 degrees Celsius…which blows their minds. I was talking to a young guy yesterday at the taxi park and he asked what makes it snow….is it the weather? And I said yes, it is like rain, but frozen. Again, how do you truly explain?
Because I still have not learned how to convert Fahrenheit into Celsius, I cannot truly say how cold New York is except to say that it is below 0 degrees Celsius…which blows their minds. I was talking to a young guy yesterday at the taxi park and he asked what makes it snow….is it the weather? And I said yes, it is like rain, but frozen. Again, how do you truly explain?
14 February 2010
Valentines Musings
Those of you who know me personally may be hoping I will reveal some great revelation about what love means here in Africa. But, I won’t be. It is complicated. When I wrote last week about each trip bringing me a little deeper into Ugandan culture, this is one area I was talking about…although this area has been a little side research project for me, love here still remains a mystery to me. The dynamics between men and women here are not simple. There are so many traditional beliefs colliding with modern ones…not to mention, cultural aspects that I will never understand completely. But, they do know about Valentines Day, which I was surprised by, mainly because I consider this an American "Halmark" holiday. But, anyway, happy valentines day from Uganda!
13 February 2010
Classic African Meal
I am not sure I have ever shown you a true classic African meal. Those of you who have traveled here with us will recognize the plate of what is essentially all starches. Starting from my thumb (which looks double-jointed or something) you will see 2 types of potato…a sweet and an “irish”, which is a basic spud to us. The white thing with a bite taken out of it is cassava….i am not sure how to describe it except it is starchy and not very flavorful…kind of like yucca? Then there are 2 triangles of some of the sweetest pineapple you’ve ever eaten! The middle is covered with brown rice, which has some of the pork broth over it. There is a piece of pork there, along with a little pile of cabbage at the top. Then there is matoke covered with g-nut sauce. Matoke is a type of banana which is not sweet. It is roasted or cooked until soft, then smashed up. The g-nuts are actually small peanuts, ground up into a sauce and served over the matoke. This plate was served at Peter and Andrew’s graduation. Serving pork is a REALLY big deal here…it is a very nice treat.
12 February 2010
Ok, be jealous...
So, we arrived to the “Hairy Lemon” this morning after an hour-long drive with my personal favorite driver, John, through some new villages we had never seen. It was really interesting to feel a new vibe…a very laid-back feeling the farther we got from Jinja. I have gone out to the villages numerous times before, but always in between the major towns of Jinja, Iganga, and Kampala. This was a smaller road and you could sense the remoteness they had and the way their lives were slower than what we are used to. I know this is a very unscientific statement, but that is what this blog is for….the personal perspective of things. You know, this is my 4th trip here, but it is amazing how much there is to learn and discover here. New information and experiences about the culture are always revealing themselves in deeper and deeper ways.
11 February 2010
Don't be jealous...
Because Lori tends to work everyday without taking off, I have been charged by the home office to take her on a vacation. So, we are visiting a place called the “Hairy Lemon” for a long weekend. Yes, that is correct, the “Hairy Lemon”. We had both heard of this place, (which must be reached by wooden boat because it is an island) and are anxious to check it out. A little research online revealed that the name comes from a pub in Ireland, where the owners are from. Although I will be doing some work and trying to get things done before I leave in 2 weeks, Lori will be not allowed. For her, it will be all about reading novels, listening to music, and playing cards.
ORM
Today Lori and I traveled to Kampala to meet with Yusto, who runs ORM, Orphans Rescue Ministry, in Makindye. For those of you who followed this summer, you will remember that this requires going into the dreaded taxi park, link. Well, I am happy to report that we both made it out without any broken bones…only a sticky hand on my part…..after a man cutting a pineapple grabbed it and told me, “Muzungu, I love you!”. Ha! We sat with Yusto and got caught up on the changes that have happened since the summer, and made decisions about the coming months and this summer’s work.
Although they have continued to have some set-backs, ORM has recruited a girl named Noredah, who has 2 years of experience making sweaters and has brought her own machine to teach the kids. I must admit, it was FASCINATING to watch. I have only seen this machine once before, but just walking by in the market. Basically, there are needles that run along the base of the machine. Once it is set up, she pushed the little knobs on the top, which dropped the needles into various patterns, creating whatever type of pattern she wants in the sweater. The little car thing is pushed back and forth across, and the yarn loops around the needles. The machine even keeps count of the rows, so you can make it exactly the length needed. You make the back, fronts, sleeves, collars, etc. separately, then sew them together on the seams. Here are some pictures.
Joseph is a smart senior 4 level student who we met this summer. He was around this afternoon because he scored so high in school this year that he is able to progress to an advanced school, which starts next week. It was so good to see him. He told me, as he laughed, that this summer he would sit at the machine and run it into the ground without control, but since then he has mastered it. I remember that. We were all shocked at how the kids would just sit without any idea what they were doing, and run the machines like madmen…damaging them in the process. We spent the entire week reinforcing the basic steps of setting-up and caring for the machines. They, being teens, were certainly annoyed, but when Joseph sat at the machine today, it was awesome to see him in complete control…calm, cool, collected. Shannon, Rachel, Courtney, you will be so happy to know our work has paid off and that his seam was straight and even. He was so proud and felt so good showing me. This may seem simple, but it is HUGE in teaching the students to do quality work, and in protecting the machines, their most valuable asset.
Sarapio has also been hired by ORM to take over the sewing/tailoring course. He has 23 years of experience and is currently filling an order for school uniforms that Yusto was able to secure. The order consists of 35 skirts and 42 pairs of boys shorts. He had a pile of each finished. Although his English is very little, he seems like a hard-working man and very skilled. He joined ORM only on February 1st, so I am anxious to see how his classes go from now until July.
It was an exhausting, but fruitful day.
Although they have continued to have some set-backs, ORM has recruited a girl named Noredah, who has 2 years of experience making sweaters and has brought her own machine to teach the kids. I must admit, it was FASCINATING to watch. I have only seen this machine once before, but just walking by in the market. Basically, there are needles that run along the base of the machine. Once it is set up, she pushed the little knobs on the top, which dropped the needles into various patterns, creating whatever type of pattern she wants in the sweater. The little car thing is pushed back and forth across, and the yarn loops around the needles. The machine even keeps count of the rows, so you can make it exactly the length needed. You make the back, fronts, sleeves, collars, etc. separately, then sew them together on the seams. Here are some pictures. 
Joseph is a smart senior 4 level student who we met this summer. He was around this afternoon because he scored so high in school this year that he is able to progress to an advanced school, which starts next week. It was so good to see him. He told me, as he laughed, that this summer he would sit at the machine and run it into the ground without control, but since then he has mastered it. I remember that. We were all shocked at how the kids would just sit without any idea what they were doing, and run the machines like madmen…damaging them in the process. We spent the entire week reinforcing the basic steps of setting-up and caring for the machines. They, being teens, were certainly annoyed, but when Joseph sat at the machine today, it was awesome to see him in complete control…calm, cool, collected. Shannon, Rachel, Courtney, you will be so happy to know our work has paid off and that his seam was straight and even. He was so proud and felt so good showing me. This may seem simple, but it is HUGE in teaching the students to do quality work, and in protecting the machines, their most valuable asset.
Sarapio has also been hired by ORM to take over the sewing/tailoring course. He has 23 years of experience and is currently filling an order for school uniforms that Yusto was able to secure. The order consists of 35 skirts and 42 pairs of boys shorts. He had a pile of each finished. Although his English is very little, he seems like a hard-working man and very skilled. He joined ORM only on February 1st, so I am anxious to see how his classes go from now until July.
It was an exhausting, but fruitful day.
10 February 2010
HODASSU
I met today with Eustace, who runs HODASSU, Help Orphans and Disabled Adults Stand a Skill Uganda. I was connected to him last year through a mutual friend, and met with him briefly in August. I was so impressed by him and what he is doing that I recommended that we spend this year considering whether to take them on as another organization. Eustace has been working with Rini, Fount’s longterm intern since the fall, with information gathering and strategic planning. If everything continues successfully, we will be able to work with them this summer. I am especially excited about this because HODASSU is almost entirely vocational-based. They do some education initiatives as well, but giving vocational skills to the disabled is their primary focus. We sat down today and went through all the different programs and initiatives they have operating and it was inspiring. They work in very small numbers so each beneficiary receives a lot of one-on-one training. And, since they are working side-by-side with professionals in their place of business, it is 2-fold. The professional is not taken away from their work, and the student gets to learn first-hand about what goes into the work. Eustace has a quiet presence about him. I think his success so far can be attributed to his quiet patience and persistence. I look forward to traveling with him next Thursday to visit all of his locations personally.
09 February 2010
Care and Share
Care and Share is another one of our potential new organizations. I met them through a lady named Betty, whom I have known since I started traveling here 3 years ago. Her brother, Robert, runs C&S in the village where he grew up. They have a HUGE group of feisty women, whose energy is contagious. I went with Rini on Tuesday to visit them, see what is going on, and to ask about what direction they would like to go. I am excited about working with them because of the successes they have already had on a very small level in their group.
They have been running a successful program called the “Bread Basket”, in which they bake small cakes called “Queen cakes” and sell them locally. They have 4-6 women cook 2 days per week and then have a man who takes their cakes around to sell. Although I knew they were doing this, I had no idea just how much revenue it is actually bringing in. Once we crunched some numbers, we realized they are bringing in potentially maybe $50/week, after expenses….this is HUGE!!! Rini is working with them specifically on writing a proposal for how they can improve and expand this program with so much potential, and how the profits can be put directly into other programs, like a sewing/tailoring program, which will eventually be able to do the same thing.
As far as sewing and tailoring, they are at the VERY beginning. I am excited to be able to work with them from initial stages of development for this program, as every other program we have supported has been running with a teacher already for at least a year or so. In this case, they were given 2 machines, but absolutely no instructions on how to use them. Thankfully they did not do anything to damage them, but they have been sitting for a few months waiting until they can figure out what’s next. They were convinced that they were broken and needed fixing by a repair man because no one could get the pedals moving. So, I went with them, set them up and tried them out. Come to find out, on one the pedal simply needed oiling and then it was off and running. And, the other one’s leather string which runs the wheels was too short. So, once that is fixed, it will be fine too. I will be returning a week from Tuesday to do a seminar on machine care, set-up, and basic skills so they can not only be sure to protect their valuable investments, but also start to practice the basic skills they need for sewing. We made a plan over the next 5 months of how to identify 5-10 strong, capable women who we will focus on becoming the teachers for the other women. I am excited to see what happens over these next months.
Embroidery before and afters...
Here are pictures of the Marys with examples of their first day of class, and their final projects. Notice the difference in quality from the first to the last. I am very proud of their improvement, as they are.
In Lusoga, the local language here, we would say, "Bulungi!", or "Beautiful!".
In Lusoga, the local language here, we would say, "Bulungi!", or "Beautiful!".
08 February 2010
The good and the hard
The main focus of this blog is to show you the work as it happens here in Uganda each time I come back. But, it is important to state that working here is challenging. I read often about how other organizations approach their work, looking for ideas and inspiration. There are many different approaches from doing temporary relief/individual gifts to setting up a western-structured and led program, and every thing in between. The way Fount has chosen to work is unique, as it’s vision is to empower indigenous organizations to run their own work the way they envision it, while providing support, resources, training, and guidance. What this means theoretically is that the organizations remain self-sustaining and will grow their capacity to flourish…and it will help the leadership to grow as leaders as well. What it means practically is that it can be difficult. It means that we have to get inside the cultural parameters and navigate difficult areas where western ideas conflict with African. It means communication is paramount and when it breaks down, problems occur. It means being disappointed when things move a lot slower than expected or things change direction. It means both sides building trust when things are difficult. And it means that hard decisions have to be made. It is just a fact of life, but will ensure that Fount is protected and remains true to its vision, and that the African organizations will be empowered rather than enabled.
06 February 2010
Embroidery class
One of Sewing Hope's initiatives for this fall was to send 3 of our teacher to do additional training to improve their skills, eventually to pass on to their students. Well, I am happy to report that all 3 have completed the 3 months course. I went to visit them on Friday and see the results of their education.
From Left: Toepista, an assistant teacher who actually was not part of the class, but in the picture because we love her. Mary (front) who everyone affectionately calls "old Mary". "Young Mary" is next (in white), then Sarah. And, in the lower right corner is Kanna, their teacher.
These women not only learned alot, but were proud and happy to tell me how much they love eachother and now consider themselves family.
They pulled out piles and piles of work they had completed. I could see the stages of improvement through the weeks they worked. See some before-and-after's of their work in the next post.
From Left: Toepista, an assistant teacher who actually was not part of the class, but in the picture because we love her. Mary (front) who everyone affectionately calls "old Mary". "Young Mary" is next (in white), then Sarah. And, in the lower right corner is Kanna, their teacher.
These women not only learned alot, but were proud and happy to tell me how much they love eachother and now consider themselves family.
They pulled out piles and piles of work they had completed. I could see the stages of improvement through the weeks they worked. See some before-and-after's of their work in the next post.
05 February 2010
Back in Uganda
So, as some, but not all, of you know, I am back in Uganda for the month of February. In an effort to move towards someday working for Fount of Mercy full-time, I am trying to spend more and more time in-country, building our Sewing Hope and other vocational programs. I am very excited to be back!
The purpose of this particular trip is mainly to do follow-up from the summer, prepare for the coming summer, and to generally solidify on paper what our work is...so that we can apply for grants, document our work more intentionally, and continue improving what we do here. I am working closely with Lori Acton, Fount's International Development Director, who lives here full-time.
Traveling here would have been uneventful, had I not hurt my foot the day before I left. And, as always, I procrastinated and had to not only clean my entire apartment and pack, but I also had errands to run and shopping to do last-minute. That, combined with hobbling through airports, did a number on my foot, so I spent the first few days mainly at our apartment, setting up meetings and preparing for my work.
It has been good to be here without being responsible for a team. Don't get me wrong, leading a team here is some of the most fulfilling work I do. But it is also intense and every moment is accounted for. Figuring out a "real" life here has been really good....slower. As I consider being here more, I need to figure out how to really live here. Lori and Rini, Fount's intern, have been great at showing me their daily life...where they shop, etc...and they cook amazing food using local fresh ingredients!!!..another first, as I am used to eating out every night.
The purpose of this particular trip is mainly to do follow-up from the summer, prepare for the coming summer, and to generally solidify on paper what our work is...so that we can apply for grants, document our work more intentionally, and continue improving what we do here. I am working closely with Lori Acton, Fount's International Development Director, who lives here full-time.
Traveling here would have been uneventful, had I not hurt my foot the day before I left. And, as always, I procrastinated and had to not only clean my entire apartment and pack, but I also had errands to run and shopping to do last-minute. That, combined with hobbling through airports, did a number on my foot, so I spent the first few days mainly at our apartment, setting up meetings and preparing for my work.
It has been good to be here without being responsible for a team. Don't get me wrong, leading a team here is some of the most fulfilling work I do. But it is also intense and every moment is accounted for. Figuring out a "real" life here has been really good....slower. As I consider being here more, I need to figure out how to really live here. Lori and Rini, Fount's intern, have been great at showing me their daily life...where they shop, etc...and they cook amazing food using local fresh ingredients!!!..another first, as I am used to eating out every night.
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