Hey Friends,

Firstly I’d like to thank those who have donated to this project. We will need many more donors, big and small, to reach our goal.

It has been a few weeks since my last post explaining the three projects that we have identified the issues with and have plans to repair. I gave a brief story and indicated what the cost impacts are. I know the numbers can be overwhelming so I’d like to break them down so you can see how you can participate in helping me bring clean and safe water to the 1100 children here. Please read the earlier post if you haven’t yet. I’m going to list the items needed and a cost associated with each item. See the list below and if you can help me cover a specific item with a donation. Also see if your workplace, church and other organizations would be willing to donate. My goal is to have the financing in place by Dec 1^st to order materials and have the wells up and running by Christmas, making this a beautiful gift to the children, a gift that will provide clean and safe water year round for years to come.

 

Existing borehole repairs and improvements:

Electric submersible pump $600.00

Submersible cables  $150.00

Electrodes and wiring  $110.00

Pipes  $110.00

Plumbing accessories  $100.00

Electric control unit  $300.00

10K liter water tank  $1200.00

Concrete tank support stand  $1500.00

 

Well electric cable upgrade :

620 m 6mm underground cable $4340.00

Skilled labor   $1500.00

Announcement: I’m happy to announce that on Dec 2^nd my friend and associate Paul Fichtner will be arriving to assist me in finishing the work. I have worked with Paul in Haiti and on other projects throughout the summer. We have approached many water organizations and they are too busy or under staffed to assist us so we are beginning our own organization called “i Thirst”.  Stay tuned for more information as we develop the structure of this organization.

I will be sending out pictures and updates for you to see your gifts at work.

To make a donation, please click on the water drop.

Thank you and God Bless,

Dana

dana.jepson@gmail.com

 

Hi Friends,

To begin with a little fun… I have made a new friend that has become a little too comfortable here.  One of the school’s chickens, a big hen, has decided to make it her mission to build a nest out of the shoes in my room and lay eggs in them.  I was rushing to get ready and heard rustling behind the curtain in my room.  I called out thinking it was Marco, but got no reply.  Sure enough, behind the curtain was the chicken, prancing around “her” new pile of shoes before trying to make herself comfortable and preparing to lay in my Nike sneaker.  The Sisters were laughing outside hearing the commotion and seeing a fat hen run clucking out of my room with feathers flying.  After two more ‘break-in attempts’ I was forced to lock my door.  I do give points for persistence.

Now to the water projects. We have made some wonderful progress thanks to your help and support to get clean, safe, and available drinking water to the Junior Boys School here in Namilyango, Uganda.   Malaria, typhoid, and general dysentery illness’ are daily norms here, and they should not be.  Every person, especially children, has the right of being healthy, and and have access to clean and safe water. Far too many die without it, one is too many!  This week we crunched the financial numbers to see what repairs and implementation would cost, and we need to raise $10,000 US for the following projects.

The River Clean Water Well:

620 meters from the school proper is an existing clean water well. The river water is naturally filtered through the ground and enters the well this is a tremendous source but getting the water the 620 meters to the tanks is the problem. Most of the infrastructure including the well itself and piping are in place. In order for the electric pump to run, it needs 230 volts so 620 meters of 6mm underground electrical cable will need to be run and buried. The cost of this cable is $4400.00 US plus $1000.00 US for labor. Most of the additional labor will be donated by the men their who are eager to take on this project. Providing the right diameter cable to handle the 230 volts is all that is needed to repair this well. The water then would be pumped from the well to holding tanks ready for use.

Existing Broken Clean Water Borehole:

About 10-15 years ago, a 45 meter deep water borehole was dug with and a hand pump installed. The pump has been broken for about 3 years and never repaired. We broke the well back open and removed the pump apparatus prepping it to receive a new electric submersible pump. Our goal is to pump the water to elevated tanks for pressure then distributed  though a series of faucets. Clean drinking water accessible to the children 24/7. The cost to finish this repair and improvement is $4500 US. Included in this cost is:

Submersible electric pump and cables, electrical power tapped from existing overhead lines, piping, electrical and plumbing fittings, control unit and 10,000 liter water tank and stand.

The tank has already been delivered. What a morning that was, just myself and a group of men with a big truck driving through the crowded and bumpy streets from Kampala to Namilyango, hoping that the tank would not roll off and smash everything in its path.  It got here, and I cannot tell you how thrilled everyone was to see progress. Thanks to those who have already donated and my existing resources but we have a long way to go.

A quick story concerning the traffic in Kampala. Two days ago I spent the day doing errands in Kampala before coming back at night.  The “boda bodas,” or moped taxis, are usually the fastest way to go in the terrible traffic here.  When I say terrible, I mean it – it is common to turn off your engine because you sit so long each day without movement – and I am from Chicago (I will never complain about I-90 traffic again).  Sure enough, with the traffic, no rules, and weaving, a car veered left and hit us.  Luckily no one was seriously injured beyond some scrapes and bruises, but I can see how some of these accidents can be awful.  When you are hurt, you are often on your own – ambulances cant get there quickly, there is no insurance and people can’t pay out of pocket

Broken Cistern: 

There is an existing concrete cistern that hasn’t been used do to cracks. When we arrived, we assessed and cleaned it prepping it for repair. We now have the cements and repairs are being scheduled. Again, the men here have stepped up and will help with the labor. When complete, it will provide additional water storage. The cost of the cement is $150 US.

 

I can’t do it alone, and I am asking for your help.  I am putting in what I can, but for everything to come together, I need you!

I ask that you make a donation by clicking the Donate Now link below.

The Water Project has lulls and I can always sense a little less hope and a little more doubt during the times where I cannot do something.  There are no words to describe how much I want this to happen, and time goes fast but resources go even faster.  With your help I make sure things are done right and you will see documents and updates here.

Contact me at
Email: dana.jepson@gmail.com

I want to thank you for taking the time to read, show interest, and give back.  I welcome all emails and comments.
Thank you!  Mweebale nyo!
Dana

Moli Motya!

The last few days have been something else… Marco recovered from malaria and tested fine with follow-up.  I am relieved!  On Saturday was confirmation and the man who represents the Bishop of Uganda was here to cut the tape and a big celebration followed.

Ignatius, Sister Immaculate’s right hand man, was kind enough to introduce Marco and I infront of the crowd.  The night ended with all of the teachers, who have been busily organizing and scoring the final examinations, unwinding with some music and dancing.  A few of the Sisters here danced as well – what a great night!
The next day began with something of a revelation for me.  I realize that one of the biggest motivators is seeing progress… no promises, no talk, but visual.  I want so badly to help, and after hearing the Bishop the day before speak of giving and living a life of kindness, I had gotten emotional.  I thought about Uganda and why I love this place and these people.  When I was coming back, I knew most of my friends at home did not understand me or my motivations, and that was fine – many Americans can’t even locate Uganda on a map (sorry!).  Then I thought about how many useless and unimportant things that we, myself included, have spent money on that really serve no purpose.  Toys, video games, TVs… things that are still wrapped in plastic and gathering dust.  So, while sitting with Sister Immaculate I asked if it would be okay for me to just take over and go ahead – dig up the school if necessary – but at least make something happen.  Her response struck me in that she laughed and said “Dana, I am sorry for laughing but when you ask me if it is okay to help us, it as if you are asking someone if it is okay to give them a piece of bread.”  With that, I knew I was all clear to take the reins and start moving some mountains!

I met with the fantastic engineers at Power Products Uganda the next day and got pricing for everything that needs to happen to help the school.  They have been an incredible help.  Then, I went next door, and decided that instead of spending on Christmas or personal items, I was going to put my money towards A NEW WATER TANK!  10,000 liter tanks are very big, and Hasan, the driver, quickly realized that this thing would not fit.  I hired a truck from a few doors down and they strapped it on – we were off to Namilyango!  “Tugenda!”  (Let’s go!)  The men were very amused at my attempts at speaking Luganda, and extremely helpful in securing the tank so that it didn’t roll off the vehicle, crushing chickens and market-goers alike.  We arrived at the school and men rallied around to position it at the bottom of the hill until we are able to afford the pump and hooking up the tank.  Personally, I have no funding except my own and the wonderful contributions from those of you who understand and have donated to help.  However, I made a resolution – I do not want gifts or anything for myself for the coming holidays – I ask only that upon reading this you donate so that these kids get the water they need.  To do so, please donate here.  It is tax deductible and you will know that I am behind it to make sure that funds are all used to bring the most benefit.  $10,000 is my goal to fix the most urgent problems, but anything else will also come back to these kids.  If we can raise enough, I will personally stay longer here to make sure there is someone focused on overseeing the project and in charge of completing what needs to be done…
At mass on Sunday, a boy was escorted out by some friends after he vomited on himself…  the effects of malaria.  I want these children healthy!  A personal plea is that everyone who reads this forgoes something for the holidays – be it gifts, cake, a sleigh ride, toys, a vacation… and instead donate that money here to be used for water.  Again, I will get off my soapbox – for the time being – but I do hope reading this is taken to heart.  TUGENDA!

Hello all!

The last few days have been different in that there was a lot of social time.  Tuesday morning I had a meeting at the Imperial Royale hotel in Kampala with Didus Ruhombe, the head of Integrated WASH for Wateraid, a well connected NGO that has done some amazing work.  Stevens, the teacher at the Junior Boys School here with the same passion for biology and a lot of knowledge about the water supply at the school joined me.  I had a lot of questions, and Didus was extremely helpful in explaining their programs and the work that they do.  I told him about the conditions regarding water at the school and he is going to speak with his superior about helping us.  She is in charge of all projects in Uganda, and i asked to be present with Sister Immaculate when the meeting takes place to plead our case.  Stevens felt good about the meeting as well, but only time will tell what decision is reached.  Afterwards we joined up with the whole P7 group of boys who are currently in the middle of very stressful exams to enjoy a day at K.K. Beach on Lake Victoria.  Incredibly beautiful, and I felt right at home on the water.

Marco met up with us there as well, and it was great to really get to know the teachers personally in a relaxed atmosphere.  Plus, we had lunch the traditional way… no utensils!  Finally, I can play with my food without being scolded.  But I now know how difficult it really can be to eat rice with your fingers without most of it ending up on you rather than in you.

I had promised to spend Wednesday in Kampala with Marco and Jude, a very nice seminarian we have become good friends with.  The “boda boda” is the local moped taxi that can be found everywhere and is a very popular way to get from place to place.  We each hopped on behind a driver and were off on the way to Kampala!  Boda Bodas are akin to playing chicken with anything that moves – you zip through the smallest openings and hope that the vehicles whizzing by have kind drivers and good brakes.  Thank goodness I got that upgrade on my travelers insurance…

We all had some errands to run around Kampala in the morning – the bank, internet services, the pharmacy, picking up over 400 rosaries, the bookstore, etc. before we sat down for lunch. Leaving, we came across bowling – something Jude informed us he had never done.  With Marco and I constantly learning about the culture from the people, we had the opportunity to turn the tables!  After a lot of laughing, and some questionable bowling skills – I lost – to both of them!
Back at the school, Sister Immaculate had recommended that we be regularly tested for malaria, since in Uganda almost everyone has it and lives with it.  The symptoms are awful and since being here I have seen how people will be completely out of commission for days on end when a malaria attack strikes.  We saw the nurse who administered the blood test to Marco first, and a small line appeared through the paper.  Oh no, Marco had malaria.
The Sisters got us the the hospital immediately and the doctor prescribed a medication to treat him.  It is very strong medication, and has some equally strong side effects.  As of this morning, he is bedbound with chills, no appetite, dizziness, confusion, etc. and says he wouldn’t wish what he is experiencing on anyone.  Poor Marco, but luckily the medication is taken only for three days and then he should test negative when we recheck on Tuesday.  He is in good hands, and is surrounded by wonderful people who all want to help.  After seeing it, how some people here continue to work through malaria attacks boggles my mind.
Updates regarding the water projects to follow soon… stay tuned.

Friday was incredible!!  The team from Kampala, specifically from Power Supply Uganda, Ltd., led by the engineer Gerard, assessed the school in the first place, came out with a group who went to the borehole to extract the pump and all of the piping.  We knew the borehole was deep, but no one knew how deep or whether or not there was still water down there.

 
We had a big group helping and learning, and the beginning was the hardest – lifting the entire outer pipe casing, pump, and internal rod.  It took about 6 men with huge wrenches, a vice and lifters to pull the pump out and high enough to unscrew the first 3 meter length.  The piping was rusty, particularly the internal rod which is most exposed to water.  The men strained and methodically lifted each segment out of the hole, 3 meters at a time, secured it with the wrenches, then hit the joint with a hammer to loosen it.  It was something else to watch – incredibly impressive how strong they work, and as a very cohesive team to get the job done.  One man took the lead and would yell “Higher!” or “Tugende!” (“Let’s Go!”).  I felt a little bit silly being the one snapping pictures, but realized that trying to use my muscles to help would probably do more damage than good.  These guys are strong as can be.  There was a lot of laughing and joking throughout the process, and the team did a great job explaining, as I had asked them to do, what, why and how, they were doing these things, so that the footage I recorded could be used here in the future were a pump to break again.  I am quickly realizing how capable everyone here is, but the barrier is sustainability (usually due to financial or knowledge barriers), and rather than slapping on a Band-Aid, I hope that this will be useful and lasting.

I now have water samples of all of the three priorities, the borehole, the broken cistern, and the intact but inaccessible well down the hill.  When I am allowed access to a microscope somewhere around here I will be very curious to see what swims around in the water and how safe it is.  So far, I have not gotten sick as I did 3 years ago here, but Marco was ill within the first few days.  There is a flu going around and many children and teachers are very ill or in the hospital.  I have helped those that I can but I don’t have enough antibiotics with me for everyone.  I wish… they really do need them on hand.

The next step here is to install a new system that will last through the dry season and help supply the school.  An old pump that is not large enough to power the well at the bottom of the hill is new and unused, so I think we will bring that up here and install it into the borehole, connecting it to a 10,000 catch tank raised up with multiple faucets.  We have the needed pump, only need about 60 meters of piping, and electrician to run cable to the pump, and then need the faucets, 10,000 liter tank, and raised tank stand.  The plastic tank is the most expensive – I was very surprised to learn that it costs just over 1100 US dollars.  It seems like a crime to raise the price so high for people here merely because they know that people need these to survive.  I’d love to have 10 minutes in a closed door meeting with the CEO of that company… (and I know where it is!  J  )

Besides the work I have spent quite a bit of time getting to know the staff – cooks and workers that keep this place running.   They have taught me a lot.  Rebecca is a student who comes on weekends to work, usually cooking, and Charles is here full time doing just about everything from laundry to cleaning to filling water to cooking.  Americans have an interesting reputation – we are thought to have servants, endless funds, and not be able to do things on our own… a sentiment that I can completely understand and am trying hard to change.  One of the Sisters taught me how to do laundry the way they do here, and I baked a cake for everyone, and I think that these things surprised them.  We really had a great time working together and laughing.  I hope that visitors make a point to be more of a benefit than a burden as guests in this country.

Now to get off my soapbox… I am curious to see what this week brings!  I would like to finish the borehole and show tangible progress.  The excitement is a wonderful thing!  If you are able to as you read this, please consider helping us out here by donating here, and I also love to hear all comments and letters.  I will write soon!

Dana

Welcome back!

Lots of updates!  This week has been quite eventful over here in Namiryango, Uganda.  Besides the fact that I just realized that “r’s” are pronounced like “l’s”, and now understand why NAH-MEEL-YUN-GO is pronounced the way it is yet somehow sneaks in the letter ‘r.’…

Monday I was able to finally see Agnes, the girl I began sponsoring 3 years ago after meeting her in the village.  She spoke no English, had no shoes, was very shy, and had lost both parents.  WOW what a difference!  She smiled and laughed, spoke English, had clean clothes and shoes, and even asked to introduce me to her best friend Catherine.  I don’t think there are words for the feeling you get after seeing such a difference. I shot some video with Joseph to send back to sponsors.  What a fantastic day.

Marco found help while I was at the other school and took the hand pump off the borehole that no longer functions.  The pump is long, heavy and connected in 5 meter segments that could easily fall down into the hole if not secured.  I have to think about how to take it apart to assess the problem and give the people and boys here the most benefit.  Marco did a great job and rallied the workers at the school.

Today was also incredible.  “Water!” was the blaring neon sign on the agenda today, and last night after some thought, I changed the game plan for today completely.  We got up very early to start and rather than focusing on taking the borehole apart, I hired the professional company from Kampala, whose engineer came out to advise us, to come on Friday and take the whole rigging apart to assess the problem.  BUT – in addition, I stressed that I wanted the community and teachers to be present and learn, in their own language, the “what, why and how” while the professionals worked.  Gerard, the engineer, will see to it that they talk through the whole process like a tutorial.  This way, in the future the school knows how to take the pump apart and fix the problem if it breaks, rather than it sitting unused.  I am going to take pictures and video, and the school knows that there will be a free tutorial held for them to come observe on Friday – all available strongly encouraged to come.  Ice cream social anyone?!  I hope to help Sister Immaculate by leaving the video for them, and offering the company some free advertising through this, in the hope that a partnership ensues…

So, instead of the borehole, when the workers that Marco had gathered showed up, we went to the broken underground cistern.  The men, led by Emmanuel, filled bucket after bucket of remaining sludge and pulled it out of there.  By noon, the tank was empty!  I got together with Steven, the science teacher whom I was informed was one of the brightest scientific minds in Uganda (but very modest about that) and talked to him about bacterial loads, testing water samples, and if there were standardized amounts of chlorine put in the tanks.  He was 100% with me regarding the common misconception that brown and clear water mean unsafe and safe drinking water, respectively.  He has even done a class demonstration in which he brought boiled brown water and contaminated clear water to class and asked the student body which they would drink.  Every student said they would drink the clear water.  They do not have standardized amounts of chlorine based on water quality/quantity, and do their best to guess… something that would not be difficult to remedy with a depth gauge and some regular volume calculations.  He is also going to try to get us the use of a microscope and supplies to test the water samples at the neighboring college.  I feel great not being the only science geek on the premises…

In the afternoon, Marco, Emmanuel and I climbed down into the empty cistern so I could get my sample from the remaining puddle and we could inspect for cracks.  It seems the floor to wall intersections are very weak and that may be the biggest problem.  Tomorrow is “Tank Disinfection Day!” and the enthusiasm in the teachers and workers is now palpable.  When we came out of the tank a small crowd was there, all chattering and excitedly giving their opinions and offering help and information.

A teacher came up to us and said “You know that the boys here look up to and emulate you, and usually I tell them not to bother because you people come and enjoy yourselves and leave.  But I see you go back and forth, and the way you work to really help us, I appreciate and I have changed my mind.  Thank you for what you are doing.”

I know there are tough days ahead, and financial/logistical worries and questions weigh on me, but tonight I’m going to enjoy the reinvigorated spirit here! That being said, I could really use your support to bring fresh water to these beautiful children by making a donation online by clicking here. Your contribution is tax deductible and I will personally see it put to work immediately. Thank you!

Tunaalabagana enkya! (See you again tomorrow!)

The past few days have been very eye opening and a ton of fun. It is as if your surroundings are so different from what you know ‘back home’, you feel like you are living in stories you read but never thought you would actually experience.

I lost my voice, likely a blessing to all, and the head teacher and Regional Superior, Sister Immaculate, who had just recovered from the same flu recommended a Ugandan remedy that I now take 3 times a day with every meal. It’s a mixture of bark and leaves from different trees in the area believed to have healing properties. This is boiled in water, cooled, and then bottled and refridgerated. I do wish the bottle wasn’t transparent. Father Joseph also began developing the symptoms, so he is now my post-meal B-O-B Buddy… or “Bit O’ Bark” Buddy. It may not look like more than brown liquid with sediment, but the stuff works. We eat, we toast, we down it, and then after a few seconds the bitter chalky flavor comes through accompanied by the stunned/puckered face – but in one hour you feel better. Amazing.

The three boys are still coming every evening, and I want nothing more than to find them sponsors. Joseph is a better song writer than anyone I have met in a long time, and when I read his writing I asked him if he had any help – it was that amazing. Joseph wants to become a doctor. I had had the suspicion that he was the ‘shy yet shockingly brilliant’ type. Don Jerry is also special – he can carry himself as calmly and rationally as most adults, speaks very well and is incredibly fast at learning anything. He has a caring older brother aura in and makes sure the others aren’t ‘lost in translation’ and that they are included…. He is always ready to help and to learn. Peter is amazingly charismatic and you want to listen to him talk and debate for hours. Give that boy a stage and a microphone and he is right at home… the “Little President”. Last night he and I were talking about differences and he stated, very strongly, “I like American policemen ‘cause they are good. They might be slow in running but they are good.” I just about spit out my soda from laughter. Apparently stereotypes do travel far!

My Luganda has come along surprisingly fast. Luckily I pick up on languages quickly, so I can converse the basics at mealtime and can almost listen to any conversation and figure it out based on hearing certain words. They really appreciate someone learning the language, and I find it very fun to learn. Sister Immaculate’s jaw dropped at breakfast when I greeted her in Luganda and asked if she would like some milk for her cereal…

I am on the local radar to try some traditional food and snacks. Jackfruit and white ants are in season. The ants have wings and are sold living or fried as a snack. Hmmm… I will try them but WOW. I don’t have a very restricted comfort zone when it comes to new experiences, but also I’m usually not one for eating things that are moving or for eating bugs, and this is both. Still, I hear they are sweet, as are the grasshoppers, and I will be happy to report back to you. Free samples anyone?

Currently there are riots going on in Kampala due to political protests about the past election and unhappiness with government officials. I got a text from my local network today letting us know that tear gas had begun being dispensed and a school was hit and shut down. I had to go to Stella Maris, the girls’ school that I spent time at 3 years ago, and the driver, Denno, was telling me about the upheaval. There were police tanks everywhere, and on the way back we passed many police swat teams with helmets and big automatic rifles and camouflage on, going through yards and homes. Stopping at the grocery store called for a bomb search, in which they run a detector under the car and then ask you to open compartments inside the vehicle. What and environment this would be to grow up in.

Along a similar thought… While using the only printer in the area a teacher shared with me that this past week a boy from the school was rushed to the hospital… He had typhoid. TYPHOID! Many of us come from countries where typhoid is not even a thought, and considering the source, it shouldn’t be. I am determined to make this water project a success and plan on some testing in the near future. For everything these kids do to advance themselves, they deserve to be safe and healthy.

I will try to write tomorrow because I have a lot to share about today regarding my trip to Stella Maris and also the work Marco did on the pump while I was away filming.

Miss you all and Mweraba!!
Dana

Oli Otya?! (How are you?!)

Greetings from Namilyango! Yesterday I met with Peter Wasswa who owns a reputable Power Products company in Kampala. Peter’s engineer, Gerald, arranged to travel back to the school with us to assess the water system’s problems and make recommendations.

On our first tour of the facility’s water system we learned that the school was in desperate need of water, and that the problems were everywhere. Half of the equipment is broken and in need of repair – hand pumps, cracked underground and above ground storage tanks, a completed clean well with pump and 700 meters of buried cable and piping, ready to be used…. all nonfunctioning. The school has 1,100 boys, and during the dry season it is impossible to supply them all. They can’t cook, do laundry, wash themselves, clean the toilets, or drink. A month can go by without a drop, and the children need a minimum of 30,000 liters per day to sustain them. The 30,000 liters does not even consider the teachers and staff – children only. A huge rainwater tank sits full in the middle of the campus for emergency use only because the pump has not worked for some time. Peering into that tank and seeing the stagnant water’s condition over time almost gave the biologist in me a heart attack.

Hand pumps were the primary water source for the teachers near the end of the campus and always had plenty of water available, yet one day they stopped working and have not been opened or repaired to assess where the problem lies, much less repair. This breakdown occurred 3 years ago…
Gerald also assessed the stream-fed well that connects some distance away and is ready for use – he determined two problems: the pump is not large enough to move the water the required distance uphill, and the cable already laid is made of 2mm wires, whereas 6mm ones are needed to sustain the voltage to power it. We have a lot of work ahead of us, a lot of options, and are in need of resources. Funding in particular, but also volunteers, manpower, tools, knowledge, and a desire to help these children are needed. Please find it in your heart to donate here, and I thank those of you who have already shown your generosity.

I would like you to meet three boys who I have had the pleasure of getting to know since our time here, and who continue to inspire me to do what I can to improve their living conditions. Peter, Joseph and Don Jerry have become ‘regulars’ Chez Dana, and visit after having dinner at the school most nights.

Upon first meeting them, I had to consciously raise my lower jaw to a ‘non-gaping’ position after hearing them debate politics with each other. Bright, passionate, eloquent and 12?! I was shocked to think I still had shoes older than these boys, yet I watched and listened to them in awe as though I had just discovered fire. Since then they have come to draw, write poetry, play board games, teach us board games, or just sit and talk. Comparing countries and what is our ‘normal’ is fun for all of us… I showed them videos of snow falling and described what flying on an airplane is like. They heard that I had a cough and sore throat and immediately took me outside to a specific tree to pick leaves and berries from to make tea from when they have a sore throat. Amazingly, not only is it tasty, but it worked by the next morning. These boys are looking to be sponsored for school, and their enthusiasm for learning is incredible. I already do sponsor, but if I didn’t, I would have snapped these guys up in a second as my own. If anyone is interested in sending one or more of them to school or would like more information please let me know. I can say there is no greater gift you can give them and that they are all a joy to be around!

Thank you all!
Dana

Today is Monday, October 10th, and it was a very interesting weekend. One of the Pastors here at the Namilyango Junior Boys School lost his father last month. In the culture here there is a deep meaning to these ceremonies when respect is paid to those that pass away. Father Joe’s father was also a Pastor, and a very well respected one, so this particular ceremony, the final one in which the celebration of the chosen succeeding heir takes place, drew a huge turnout. It was an all day event marked by symbolism. Father was given the traditional family outfit to wear that is passed down through generations when the remaining children of the deceased choose the heir amongst them perceived to best care for the belongings and protect the rest of them. The spear he is given is meant to symbolize this as the family ‘peacekeeper,’ although it was traditionally used to mean ‘the one who leads us into battle.’ He was then served only by another member of the family while all others eat and listen to various speeches and offerings are given to the new patriarch. These ‘offerings’ to Father Joe included a large live chicken and a big bunch of bananas still held together pulled just off one of the trees. Large amounts of homemade beer, ‘Bwakata’ from fermented bananas, was poured out of big yellow jerricans, while a man who had obviously had a little too much of the stuff was fun to watch… even though I couldn’t understand much. Father Joe is the youngest of the three boys, so to be chosen was an honor and a surprise.

In Uganda, people are only able to live day by day based on income vs. cost of living. Dennis, the driver, explained to me in the car that an income of 500 dollars a year is above average, and that most people make much less than that… about 300 to 400 when employed. Comparatively, a cheap cell phone alone, without buying any prepaid minutes they use here can cost 30 dollars up to 400 dollars – just the phone. Take into account eating and school for a culture that traditionally has many kids and I can understand why even surviving can be difficult. They waste nothing and are very creative – reusing, reselling, and building from scraps. Dennis explained that everyone wants to leave Uganda and come to the great America for a better life, but that the government has such strict regulations in place it can take 2 years to even get a Tourists Visa to go, and most people are denied. These then cost about 1,500 dollars according to him. These rules make it near impossible to leave. Just a week earlier arriving here I had stopped at the Entebbe airport after landing, paid 50 dollars and had my Tourist Visa to enter within 3 minutes. I had no idea it was a so difficult the other way around, but now I understand just how hard they have to work here. The children who are happily able to go to school even go for much longer than what we are used to. Daily they begin at 6:30 (8 at some schools) until 4:15, then break, and start again from 7:30 to 9 or 10. Saturdays they have class from 6:30 to 10. Remarkably, every child I have talked to has expressed how happy they are to be in school and how much they like it. Nothing is taken for granted.

If you wish to donate to my work here, please click here. Your gift will be used to serve these people with the gift of fresh water.

Dana

The past few days have been incredible. Living among 1,100 energetic boys is something else… particularly when you come from a tiny family, like I do. The amount of joy and excitement and energy here… I love it! I just finished patching a boy up with bandages after he roughhoused and his elbow paid the price, yet he was so shy around me he could not look me in the eyes.

Touring with a camera is eventful in Uganda – all of the children LOVE having their pictures taken, so as soon as they spot you they all come running and try to be the main event.

I reconnected here with a boy I met a few months ago when a dance troupe came to visit the US from Uganda, and specifically this school, and performed at a number of churches in the Milwaukee area. Pursba is only about 12 and I remember him because of what a huge help he was in organizing things for their visit. We now call him “The Little President.”

Marco and I have been very focused on the water availability issues here, and spent yesterday getting the detailed tour of the system. They have the availability of space, but nothing is working as a whole. Tanks have broken and sit without repair, a well is available without electrical access that is sufficient for the pump, the water that is received is as brown as the dirt, and during the dry season all of this is quickly gone and the school is left to buy water at an exorbitant cost per day, that would not be sustainable by any standards. The companies that sell tanks have are at an enormous cost because they know that there is no other alternative for the people here. We all need water to survive. There are a number of clean water organizations I have made contact with, and hope to connect with in the next few days now that I have the information. Many of them do extraordinary things with limited resources, and we can all help through donations and word of mouth. We have a few possible solutions to the main problems, but the question is always the same… “Cost?”

The huge underground tank is cracked and thus far we have not been able to locate the hole but suspect that it is in a certain corner under the sediment. Without a tape measure available Marco improvised MacGyver! We discovered that the tank can hold almost four times the volume thought. The misunderstanding was that the administration of the school believed 30K liters when in fact, the calculations told us 30 K was correct….. BUT IN GALLONS! That would be almost four times as much water as they thought (112K liters).

If you wish to donate and help me bring clean water to these children, click here. Your donation is tax deductible. If you wish to learn more about sponsoring a child, e-mail me at dana.jepson@gmail.com. Please share this with friends and family.

Bless you,
Dana