Kabale Kool

Feb.3
This morning I met with the deputy principal, and then the principal of the Kabale branch of Uganda Christian University, and it was incredible. Brian, a local orphan who I've been sending to the University set up the meeting. The leaders were very enthusiastic about collaboration with UCSB, and already have several American professors teaching there so it would be an easy interaction. Dean Conoley's letter from UCSB's graduate school of education is perfect and is opening doors at every hand, so many more Californian's may soon know the serenity and beauty of this little corner of Southwest Uganda, where the air is cool, Lake Bunyonyi is gorgeous, and smiles are the order of the day.
   I presided over a three day meeting of Edirisa, the group I worked for two years ago, and new divisions and directions were determined. The people who attended were from all over the world, united by the mission of respecting Africa and assisting in non-traditional ways. All attendees, Ugandans, British, Irish, Swiss, Slovenians and a couple of us Americans were all such dynamic interesting folk that the friendships developed were just as gratifying as the work accomplished. It ended with Edirisa Multi Media, Tours and Hostel branching off from the Smiles primary education programs and it should make for a smoother operation. Those who would like to volunteer to teach for a month or two (or six) in a fantastic part of Africa have a new conduit to broaden your views of this awesome continent.Edirisa UK is growing and looking for energetic and talented volunteers for placements in many fields. It is inviting.

Jan 31
  Eight locals died at the lake yesterday. A blast of wind overturned the loaded dugout canoe they were in and most couldn't swim. They panicked and only a couple swam to the shore. Most people here can't swim. One of Edirisa's projects is to teach kids to do so, but we are battling fears of dark water and very steep shorlines. It is tough to change the course of things in Africa. It is hard to imagine such pain with the tranquil scene of Lake Bunyoni before me, dugouts sliding left to right toward the market day at Rutinda on the lakeside. Students have already been deposited here at Bufuka and climbed the hill to school. We sit on the porch at the Heart of Edirisa, a cup of Afri-Cafe and wonderfully accented conversation to entertain us - as the oppisite terraced hillside of Chayabinga reflect on it all.

Jan. 28
  Kashambya. Say the word, sound it out - Kah  Sham  Bee Yah. That's half the un of talking about Africa - the exotic names of places and things. There is now a volleyball court in Kashambya, beneath the new secondary school of Professor Wilson, with it's blue roofs and new brick that climb the hillside. The football field (soccer pitch) beside the court, was the only sport facility within miles, but two hours of machete and hoe labor by 15 students and teachers cleared the "bush" for court construction.
  A strong armed Bakiga man trimmed two eucalyptus poles, selected for their straight strength, to proper length while we layed out the court dimensions. Another man dug out the three foot deep holes with a spear. The poles rose and the net I brought from Big 5 was unfurled like that flag on Iwo Jima. Children played with the balls that Dillan Bennet had sent with me from Laguna Blanca -- crudely at first, then with more and more control. The ten-contact goal was soon passed and Andrew, an 11 year old athlete, soon emerged as the best. The string lengthened to 30 in a row amid wild celebration.
Professor Wilson dreams of bringing kids from all over the bvalled in the name of volleyball, and naming the teams Santa Barbara.
  Volleyball camp Uganda is now in place ... in Kashambya ... and my ambitions realized.