Rotary's Global Reach

TIVERTON ROTARY’S INTERNATIONAL WORK IN UGANDA

 For a number of years now the Rotary Club has supported and funded a student at Kira Farm in Uganda at a cost of £700 per annum. This has been raised through the annual Quiz Night proceeds.  The Club also sends the current student (Timothy) a Christmas Gift of £50 at the end of their course which will help them in setting up a business after their training period.

The training is for disadvantaged students in poor rural areas who are not able to provide for their families while most also suffer from the ravages of past tribal wars. The course involves better farming skills and trade qualification in such areas as woodworking, building, farming, water, toilets, hygiene, haircare, dressmaking etc

“What is so encouraging for us is the very positive feedback we receive from the sponsored students themselves” said  Rotarian Ken Blyth, who heads up the initiative locally, A good example is the letter we recently received from Sarah (pictured), last year's nominee, to Jane Hunt, one of our members.

 Dear Jane,

  I hope you are doing well my dear friend? It has been a while since I

last communicated with you. I hope all is well with you – I hope there

has been healing in many people’s lives around your area and Ken,

Andrea, Barney and members of the Tiverton Rotary club are all doing

okay. It is a warm Friday morning today and a perfect time to

communicate.

  I am happy to let you know that the rains have started coming so we

have all had a busy week planting sweet potatoes and beans. It is the

first time I am trying the Farming God’s Way methods so I am looking

forward to seeing how it is going to work out in my garden and so far,

it looks much organized. I love it!

  On the side of vocational training, I am happy that I am becoming very

good at hairdressing and tailoring, which are both good skills to have

for self and business because so many people within my village will

want their hair done and clothes tailored during different seasons.

 On that happy note, we have been receiving updates about what is

happening all around the world and the President of Uganda is about to

have a national address. I hope it hasn’t reached you and that you are

all still healthy. We all need to be praying for our world right now.

We have been asked to pack our bags and be ready to go back home. I am

sad but very sure it is for the best of us all.

  This is going to be hard because my training will be put on hold and

as well be fearful of what could happen in Uganda but as well through

the entire world. However, I am keen to go home, see some people I

have missed so much and then encourage people to stop cutting down

trees without planting up more, as it does not only affect the

rain-cycles but a risk to life when strong winds come as well, and,

put into practice the skills I have acquired in the short time I’ve

spent at Kira Farm.

  I am happy to have finished planting so I will not miss out on the

rains this season and I am sure my crops are going to grow well

regardless of how much little care they might receive from me.

  I will keep praying for you, the family, the club and the world at

large during this season. There is a photograph I have attached which

was taken on the last day I was leaving. Please keep safe, I am

praying for you, know that God has got you all in his very big hands.

We will message when I am back!

  Thank you so much for loving me. I will hear from you next month when I return.

 Yours

Sarah