Masindi

I didn't get chance to finish my blog on account of the bad internet connection (well I was in a developing country!), however I did manage to keep a diary so here is the rest of my adventure....
Day 4 - Masindi
We had a long bumpy drive in the mini bus from Kampala to Masindi, we considered setting up RoadAid as the roads were so bad! Upon arrival had a quick lunch before visiting Masindi District Council Offices where we met the District Council who all seemed very passionate about solving water and sanitation issues. We found out that in 2006 Water coverage in Masindi was 52.7% and it is now 62.4%, not bad going. Davis, the head of the water section told us that they were able to give us these facts and figures as wateraid had helped fund their database, something simple to us but a milestone to them. Sarah from WaterAid said the problem in Uganda is that it is "All for some, not some for All". That phrase really stuck with me and was so very true. The chairman closed the meeting saying "We are not helpless, but we are in dire need". It struck me that these people are proud, but not to proud to ask for help. I think that is really admirable. Back at the hotel we were entertained by African Dancers, they made us all join in wearing grass skirts! It was really good fun.
Day 5 - Rwenjojo - Ntooma, Masindi
I was paired with Liz, a fellow wateraid supporter today and we went to spend a day with a family in a rural village which has had no intervention from WaterAid yet. The lady we were paired with was called Magdalene and she lived in a mud hut with her granddaughter, Dorine (15 years old). Our interpreter for the day was a man called Wilson, who was Magdalene's nephew. Upon arrival at Magdalene's home we helped Wilson finish making a drying rack so she didn't have to leave her pots and pans on the floor where they were at risk of contamination. It was so simple to make, we used sticks, reeds and banana leaves to tie the structure together. We were really proud to have been able to help. While we were doing this Magdalene tended to her animals, she had 2 pigs, a few cows, some chickens and some goats. It was good to see she was able to rear a few animals to bring in a bit of money as she seemed very poor. We helped Dorine shell some nuts which Magdalene then roasted over a fire and served us with some hot milk straight from her cows! It was really nice of her, she treated us with such kindness. I showed Dorine some photo's of my friends and family and she was so thrilled to see them I let her keep them. Dorine then had to go to take the cattle to graze, it was only about 10am and she said she wouldn't get back until 7 that evening. what kind of life is that for a 15 year old girl?
Magdalene showed us inside her home. there wasn't really room for Liz, me, Magdalene and Wilson to squeeze inside. all she had were 2 sleeping area's for her and Dorine, and some clothes. She had a corrugated tin roof which she was pleased about as this kept the rain out. She said she was planning on building a latrine in the future but was finding it hard due to the nature of the soil (after digging a foot or so she hit stones) so at the moment she just uses the field to go to the loo. We then went to collect water. It wasn't a long walk but when we got to the water source I was speechless. It was a swamp. there was tadpoles swimming in it - see picture. They drink that water, they wash their pots with it, wash themselves in it, cook their food with it. It was absolutely disgusting. you wouldn't give that sort of water to a dog. I feel angry now just thinking about it. Magdalene told us that when the swamp dries up, its a 6 mile round trip to the nearest bore hole, and that can break down. The water was so heavy as well! I struggled to walk a few feet with it, and there was Magdalene, an elderly woman walking away with it on her head. We asked about illnesses, and were told that Malaria, Dysentry, Typhoid and Cholera were common. Wilson, our interpreter said he had had Malaria a few times, he had been lucky enough to get medical attention as he lived in the town, but people living far out in the villages aren't always so fortunate. Wilson also told us that sometimes when the swamp dries up and Magdalene has no water to cook with she goes to bed hungry. After the water collection we spent some time talking to Magdalene's neighbours who had come over to visit, and I played with the children for a bit, earning myself the nickname 'Angelina' in the process as I wanted to take them all home! We then helped prepare lunch, and went off to a local school where we had fun teaching the kids songs like hokey kokey and head shoulders knees and toes! we even got them doing the conga! it was loads of fun, but they all looked so malnourished. We then drove back to our hotel with our new friend, Mary's chicken! She was given it by the family she spent the day with!