Monday, October 13, 2008

Notes from Namibia...

After three wonderful months at Sabina, ‘Auntie Amanda’ as I have become known by the students and staff at Sabina, is now in Namibia and missing the children and project terribly. A huge thank you to everyone who made my time at Sabina so very special and big gratitude especially to the amazing Auntie Jan Smart for her continued and generous support.
The permaculture team experienced a set-back a month ago when our project laptop and cameras (with all of our images) were stolen. That said, (‘Uncles’) Dan and Mike have done a wonderful job updating all that’s taken place over the last little while.
I wanted to add some documentation of a community outreach project that took place in Kibale, deep in the West, for a group living with or affected by HIV/Aids. The workshop, facilitated by local NGO, Network for Holistic Community Development, included a presentation by our wonderful Peacecorps volunteer Sarah on mother-to-child transmission of HIV, a discussion on nutrition by NEFCHOD director John Robert and a hands-on demonstration of sack-garden building by Amanda and Dan. The success of the day was just another example of how permaculture practices are being eagerly embraced across Uganda. Here’s an image of the cabbages going in…



And here's a gorgeous shot of the most talented drummer, and diligent planter, Victor (P6) with one of his first flowering marigolds in the garden…


Aaah! Students welcome relief from the equatorial sun when eating lunch or doing their laundry. This is the well-used shade structure that’s been erected in freedom park, complete with its own small garden to utilize grey water…


Our paw-paws don't grow poorly! Here's Angel with one of the trees in the paw-paw circle adjacent to the mandala vegie garden...


And just to reiterate how phenomenal the young Kayanga Andrews is… here are some more words from a card that he presented upon my leaving.

Thank you for having me and thank you to Mike, Kim and Clive who will continue work on the project for the next year - the seed of something truly wonderful has germinated here at Sabina, and I so look forward to watching it grow from strength to strength.

2 comments:

Growing a Community said...

Dear Aunty Amanda. How can we ever thank you for your wonderful skills, energy, love, passion, and inspiring presence. The children have learned so much from you - not 'just' the practical skills of growing their own food, but how to live a life of community service, pass on their skills to others, and take charge of their lives. What an inspiration you are! much love - Aunty Jan

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