Welcome to the world, S.O.U.L. Antenatal Education Center!

By Andrea Koris

Operations, Monitoring and Eval. Officer

It’s 9:00am on Monday morning. I start down the red dirt path to the S.O.U.L. office, eyes to the ground in effort to keep my shoes reasonably dust-free. The twinkling of women’s laughter drifts through the banana trees to my ears. “What day is it?” I think to myself. As the answer hits me, I abandon my careful trek and tear off wildly towards the sound. I turn right at the sweet potato garden, scurry down the trail between the maize fields, and with a flourishing swipe of the matooke fronds in my path, I land among the most beautiful sight: 60 Ugandan women, bedecked in their brightest kitenge, patiently awaiting for the opening of the S.O.U.L. Antenatal Education Center.

Today is not just any other Monday in the sleepy town of Bujagali where S.O.U.L. is located; it is the official opening of S.O.U.L. Foundation’s Maternal Health Network. It’s a labor of love that has gestated and grown over the years. The idea of building a program to address rural maternal health issues in this region, originally conceived around a table between S.O.U.L. and community leaders, has been tended to with collaborative care ever since. And as I walk into the S.O.U.L. schoolyard this morning, wading through the women’s excited hugs and morning greetings, the love and hard work of everyone who molded the foundations of this program is abundantly evident.

 

In the past 5 years, substantial progress has been made across the world to meet the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs); and while significant improvements have been made on accounts to global health and education, progress is far from sufficient in regards to global maternal and infant mortality rates. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a result demand a more exacting requirement of the global community, to reduce the global maternal mortality ratio to less than 70 per 100,000 live births by 2030.

 

Here in Uganda, 360 women die per 100,000 live births. And that statistic only accounts for women who decide to give birth in public health facilities. Considering that only 42% of births in Uganda are attended to by a qualified health professional, maternal morbidity statistics fall short in capturing mortality rates and health indicators for women and newborns who cannot access public care. S.O.U.L. wanted to know how this overwhelming statistic played out in the lives of the mamas that make up the lifeblood of our beneficiary communities, many of whom decide to deliver with Traditional Birthing Attendants instead of qualified midwives. To answer these questions, S.O.U.L. conducted a year long research assessment investigating the barriers that influence women’s maternal health choices and behaviors, and the challenges government health workers face in trying to provide quality care in rural settings.

 

The Maternal Health Network is a result of the findings of this groundbreaking research. The program houses several interventions, each of which attack a different ‘delay’ that contributes to maternal mortality in rural settings: 1) Delay in decision to seek care; 2) Delay in reaching care; and 3) Delay in receiving adequate health care at facility. The Antenatal Education Center, housed within the Maternal Health Network, aims to reduce maternal mortality by disseminating Safe Motherhood and Birth Preparedness education and encouraging male involvement in maternal health for women and their male partners.

 

As I follow the line of mamas into the sunny colored classroom, being pulled along in the tide of excitement, I can’t help but feel a wellspring of joy. The opportunity to walk with the women and men of this community as they invest in their right for health for themselves and their families is a gift; to witness the birth of this program, a blessing; and to be part of its creation, the highest honor.

Home Away from Home

After a gruelling flight to Uganda through the night, I drowsily stepped out of the car at the end of the inbound journey with very little going on in my exhausted mind. Immediately, I was greeted by swarms of grinning children outside the S.O.U.L. Shack, who sang to welcome me – undoubtedly the most surprising wake-up I’ve ever received. Yet the incredible hospitality remained as enthusiastic and genuine until the moment I left Kyabirwa, not just from the children but from the entire community, which included the S.O.U.L. volunteers.

The village in which I stayed seemed infused with a positive dynamic; I had anticipated a place with little expectation for the future other than maintaining the status quo of feeding a family and grinding out as much additional output as possible. However, the village was vibrant: young children had the opportunity to learn through the pre-school set up by S.O.U.L. with the aid of incredible local teachers; older children were able to attend local schools through generous donations and S.O.U.L. scholarships and dream about the possibility of university; local women were actively involved in production of textiles, jewellery and crafts. Additionally, sustainable businesses have been developed – namely chicken breeding, goat breeding and fish farms – which not only offer economic incentives for villagers but also instruct them about long term economic planning. I believe that whereas, before, it seemed evident that the villagers lived just in the present, the input from the S.O.U.L. Foundation has instilled a plan for the future in the minds of these people, which allows for emancipatory and empowering work within Kyabirwa.

On a personal note, I devoted a lot of time initially to teaching in local schools, which are attended by many S.O.U.L. sponsored children. I was able to engage the primary school children in the study of Charlotte’s Web, using the book to attempt to improve their reading, writing and communication of English. I had great fun teaching these kids who had such a voracious appetite for learning; whether or not they understood what was going on in parts of the book is up for debate, yet they seemed to enjoy it. I also lectured A-level history students about World War Two in a local boarding school; I felt that was an instructive and rewarding topic to teach. On certain evenings I was able to teach IT skills to teenagers in the village such as word processing and drawing.

Later I was excited to involve myself with the digging of one of the sustainable fish ponds in Namizi. I liked the fact that I could see the palpable and immediate input I had in the project, and being able to do it while joking and chatting with the workers. I picked up the nickname ‘Kityanka’ which apparently means ‘Mud’, which I hope was an endearing name!

I stayed with one of the families in the village for the entire month, and became extremely close to them all within that space of time. They accepted me as one of their own; in return I tried to learn the language and assist with chores. I was able to eat incredible traditional Ugandan food (in huge amounts at that), and spent time not only with them but with other families who were equally as welcoming. One of the best parts of the experience was just to converse with them and learn about their culture and beliefs.

The inclusiveness of the community was such that it often made me forget the huge disparities of wealth and materials. Nevertheless, there is so much more to do. More kids need to be funded, more teaching materials need to be donated, and more work needs to be done on the burgeoning projects. I, for one, will treasure the place and endeavour to support S.O.U.L.’s work; hopefully it can expand to aid a greater area.  Although the red soil has now washed off me, the memories won’t.

By: Tom S., S.O.U.L. Volunteer

To learn more about volunteering with the S.O.U.L. Foundation, visit our website 

http://www.souluganda.org/get-involved/volunteer/

The Gift of Education

The following letter was written to S.O.U.L.’s CEO and Co-Founder, Brooke Stern, from one of the university students we sponsor.

Hi Brooke,

How are YOU and every thing you’re doing?  I know you’re spending so many sleepless nights working so much for S.O.U.L. so on that note please allow me to say that THANK YOU so much.
So, Mama Africa, every one is missing you here in Bujagali.  I got this modem from a friend and that's why I have decided to wake up this early morning to write to you before you go to bed.

Really I do not know how much I can thank you for the good things you have done for me and for my family so far. I together with my family are indeed so much happy ‘cause when I remember the situations I was passing through in order for me to get my school fees, indeed, I know I could not have made it to the university. Brooke, I only wish you the best for your life.

I don't have money but you deserve something so much better.  I will at least make sure that I do something small, not as a return for the tuition but for just appreciating.

I know that money given as school fees is so much more valuable than any other money simply because it is what makes up one's future.

I PROMISE I WILL NEVER FORGET S.O.U.L. AND I WILL NEVER LEAVE S.O.U.L.!
LONG LIVE S.O.U.L. LONG LIVE BROOKE AND LONG LIVE EVERY ONE WORKING HARD TO SEE THAT S.O.U.L. GOES AHEAD!

By: Richard, S.O.U.L.-sponsored university student

One Month in Bujagali

I arrived in Bujagali with Tom, another volunteer from the UK, and Nicolas, our driver.  We were greeted by dozens of S.O.U.L. pre-primary students, who sang and danced for us. After meeting the S.O.U.L. staff and getting a brief tour of the S.O.U.L. Shack, we walked down the village road to meet our host families. I immediately fell in love with Sal and Mama Musa and their children. They welcomed me into their home and made me feel like part of the family.

The next morning (and every morning in Bujagali), I awoke to a crowing rooster and the sounds of Mama Musa preparing breakfast.  After a delicious and filling meal of fresh eggs, mandazi, avocado, tomato, fried potatoes, and the world’s best pineapple, Tom and I walked to the S.O.U.L. Shack to assist the pre-primary teachers.  The children are so bright and eager to learn! Although, I am afraid they get quite distracted by visitors! I was happy to teach them “You Are My Sunshine” and “If You’re Happy and You Know It, Clap Your Hands.”  On this first full day, I also observed the women’s tailoring group and visited some of the chicken groups.  The day ended with dinner at the Shack with the S.OU.L. staff and friends.

The highlight of the next day was playing netball with the women of the village. Netball is something like basketball, but the rules are quite complicated! I know I was terrible at the game, but playing was a lot of fun! The women really get into the game and are quite competitive. They spend their days digging in their gardens, preparing meals, and caring for children. They rarely have an opportunity to play or do anything strictly for themselves.  Netball gives them that opportunity. 

The following day, I visited Calimantina’s midwife clinic. Calimantina has been delivering babies since 1974. She is now nearing 70, and delivers between 3 and 7 babies every day, by herself. S.O.U.L. has drastically improved her working conditions, providing gloves, bandages, clean mattresses, solar panels, and a water collection system. Calimantina is tireless, caring, generous, and grateful.

Other highlights of this amazing and enlightening month include teaching Charlotte’s Web to a P6 class at St. Mary’s School; visiting Sal, my Ugandan father, at his job as points man for Ugandan Railways; checking on all five of S.O.U.L.’s chicken groups with Outreach Coordinator, Phoebe; visiting my little sisters at school in Jinja: teaching computer classes to the villagers; helping to dig at the fish ponds; and visiting a women’s group in a nearby village with area councilwoman, Annet.

The month went by much too quickly and soon it was my last day in Bujagali. My host family prepared a special farewell lunch for Tom and me. There were speeches of appreciation, and gifts and letters from the family. Lastly, they plated a flower in front of the house in my honor.  Sal told me on several occasions, “When you return to Uganda, you stay here and nowhere else. This is your home.”  And, I will return. As they say in Uganda, “a promise is a debt.”  I plan to pay my debt.

By Julie Collura, S.O.U.L. Volunteer 

To find out about volunteering for the S.O.U.L. Foundation visit http://www.souluganda.org/get-involved/volunteer/ and complete our questionnaire. 

Three Moments that Changed my Life: S.O.U.L. Uganda Makes my Dreams Come True

Hello everyone!!

Well my name is SAFA LWABAGA, 22 years of age from BUJAGALI, UGANDA, EAST AFRICA and why not AFRICA in general.

Currently I am pursuing a diploma in JOURNALISM AND MASS COMMUNICATION in KAMPALA at UMCAT school of Journalism.

I am from a family of 8 members with 2 brothers, 3 sisters and guess what? I’m the 1^st born!!  In Africa the 1^st born is referred to as the “Real Child” because we think that parents are still faithful to each other and therefore chances of cheating on the hubby are limited!!!!!!!! So are you the 1^st born?? Comments reserved for the next publication! Hahahahaha!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You all know life is not a smooth terrain but rather filled with ups and downs that every human being is entitled to pass through no matter who you are and where you are from. But my caution is “Never Let the Negativities Faze on you.”

Whatever you are going to read here is success achieved through ALLAH (GOD), S.O.U.L. and MY PARENTS.  I swear without the above, SAFA would be a hundred miles away from where I am right now.  That’s why I big up my chest every single day.

So as a human too, 2011 unfolded both negatives and positives in my life but to begin with are the most spectacular and splendid three moments and, to be honest, these all left me “zero-worded.” I kept asking myself am I dreaming? Is it me, Safa? OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!

1: BECOMING ONE OF THE S.O.U.L. SPONSORED STUDENTS!!!!!!!!!

If I could turn back the clock of time, for sure I would LOVE to see that stunning moment appear again in my life. I am a very talkative lad, cracking jokes is what I do best but I was left shut, amazed!! I couldn’t talk for the next couple of minutes and later filled with tears of joy. OMG I couldn’t believe S.O.U.L. had given me the opportunity to achieve my education, career and more so, my dream. I was overwhelmed by the words from my sponsor and the S.O.U.L. staff.

To drive you a little back, I had completed my high school studies in 2009 and therefore was supposed to be joining University the following year. But as wishes are not horses, I took a dead year off thinking I could work and save money together with my family so as to accomplish my studies. This was all in vain as I failed to get a job during vacation!!! I lost hope and felt the world was against me.

It was in mid May that my life terrain noticed some ups when I started volunteering at S.O.U.L., being available at all times needed. This was followed by a run of splendid performances as a volunteer coordinator.

The happiest moment of this all was when my friend and S.O.U.L. volunteer Danielle returned to Uganda the following year with a sponsor for me and passed the news to me that they are now ready to sponsor me! What???!! I replied in shock! But they told me to keep this a secret from my parents because they wanted to surprise them. I called my family members that S.O.U.L. has invited them to a dinner at the S.O.U.L. SHACK! Wow no one knew what was going to happen and here came the moment to remember! Daddy Kenny, Danielle, Brooke, and my sponsor Suzie all stood up and informed my family that they are sponsoring me to university the next fall. Damn!!!!!!! I remember watching my dad kneel down thanking S.O.U.L. in tears of joy, mama was just a feet away from collapsing and just like I explained my situation before, that was the kind of mood in the house! BIG UP TO S.O.U.L.!!!

2: MEETING MY UGANDAN FOOTBALL HERO, DAVID OBUA

As I write this, I still don’t believe it was me, SAFA, with this guy talking like it is you and me. Tell you what? It was an exhausting day in Kampala with Danielle and Brooke as I had gone to research on what University to undertake lectures from and also purchase sewing machines for the women’s Tailoring project. 

At dinner as we were discussing what had happened earlier that day and there entered a tall, dark skinned guy putting on a hat and glittering pins on both ears. Is this David? I asked myself, he must be David Obua! You know I was used to watching him live on TV so I wasn’t sure if he was real. I told Brooke and Danielle that the guy up there is Uganda’s best footballer. “Are you serious?” Danielle asked, “Who he is? Where he does play his soccer from? Why he is in the country now?”

Without hesitation Danielle and Brooke stood up and said that they were going to make my dream come true, they approached David’s table narrating how I knew him, and how he is my hero and so on. He there and then ordered them to bring me to his table.  WOW if you guys were present you would really see how Danielle and Brooke rushed to me, “Safa! Safa! Safa!!!” They shouted, “See what is happening to you now, your dream is coming true now, stand up and lets go!” Danielle and Brooke screamed loud. 

OMG! Here was David Saying, “Hey Safa!” Hey David! Nice to meet you! I gave him a chest hug like I knew him before. Have a sit he said. We had a 30 minutes interaction with him and exchanged digits. He said to me, “I can’t believe you analyze every step I make in my career.” I could not believe I was saving his number in my contacts. Damn!

Amazing above all was the moment when he offered me a free trip with the rest of the National team Uganda Cranes to watch a live game at the National stadium Nambole in the V.I.P. stands and guess what?? In the stands with me was the Vice President of Uganda, Gilbert Bukenya.

I was seated in the Cranes bus with all these other professionals on the National team, having a hand shake with all of them in escort of the Police patrol at the back and front. For sure I still don’t think it was SAFA who got this golden opportunity to hang around with these boys especially when the population of Uganda has hit 38 millions. But who is SAFA from a remote village of BUJAGALI to even share dinner on the same table with the Crane’s team? Wow Big up to S.O.U.L. and particularly here Brooke and Danielle. LONG LIVE S.O.U.L.!!!!!!!!

3: BALE FRANCIS A.K.A THE LEGEND IS MY LECTURER!!!!!!!!

Some of you are now asking who the hell this guy is but for sure he is a legend in the Uganda Media industry. Baale Francis is Uganda’s best news anchor the country has ever had. I used to watch this guy when I was young on TV newscast and listen to him on radio. He works for the national station in the name of UGANDA BROADCASTING CORPORATION.

Well the story is that I adore this guy like crazy. He is my biggest inspiration when it comes to Journalism. I remember one time saying, “when will I ever get to meet him point blank?” But on my first day and lecture at school on 5^th September 2011, there was Baale Francis standing in front of the lecture room saying, “good evening ladies and gentlemen.” Wow! S.O.U.L. making everything HAPPEN.

NOTE: Whatever you have heard from my story is 90% S.O.U.L. success.

Thanks to my sponsor SUZIE a.k.a. KP for supporting me out. I CAN’T STOP LOVING YOU!!!!!!!!!!!

I dedicate this story to my S.O.U.L. family. 

I DO IT  ALL FOR S.O.U.L..

BY: LWABAGA SAFA, Volunteer Coordinator and S.O.U.L. sponsored student 

A Volunteer's Experience: Four Weeks that Changed my Life Forever

Jitters, nerves, excitement and anticipation—so many feelings running through my body as I boarded a plane from Nairobi to Entebbe. I knew I wanted to go to Uganda during my stay in Kenya, but I had no idea I would fall in love with a country and its people.

As a university student from the states (St. Lawrence University, Canton NY), I was studying abroad in Kenya when I approached Brooke about coming to volunteer with S.O.U.L. for a month in April. Part of my semester involves an independent study whereby students research an organization and eventually spend a month with that organization volunteering and learning. After constant emailing back and forth, my school approved of my stay with S.O.U.L.

I arrived in Bujagali not really knowing what to expect. I knew I was going to be near the Nile River and in a village working with locals, but I did not realize how incredible my life would be for the next four weeks. When I finally arrived at S.O.U.L. I stepped out of the car and received the biggest embrace from my host mother (Mama Robina) and immediately, both of my arms were consumed by children—I knew I was going to love it here.

Having a bit of experience living in Africa and traveling throughout Kenya (I arrived in Kenya in January, so by the time April came I was feeling a bit more immersed in African life), my time in Uganda topped my entire journey in Kenya. I would call home once a week to check-in with my family and my parents could tell from the tone of my voice how excited and happy I sounded. Every day was filled with smiles, laughter and adventure—my face has never hurt so much from smiling and laughing. Each night, I could not wait to wake up for the next day, eager to see what Bujagali and S.O.U.L. had in store for me. Being around my age-mates (Oko, Safa and Muganda), I learned so much about life in Bujagali and life in Uganda—it was a true cultural experience and I wish I could have stayed for 10 months (or even forever—paka paka paka)! 

The best part about my experience was undoubtedly the people—I may have been over 7000 miles from home, but I have never felt more at home than during my stay in the village. My best friends consisted of 10, 12 and 13 year old boys. Every night I would hang around the S.O.U.L. shack with so many kids from the village. I joined in their football matches (even though I am HORRIBLE) just so they could laugh at me. Eventually, I was the receiver of mangos and bananas- children would sneakily hand me something they picked for me. I even received my own Lusoga name: Nakato (first-born twin since I happen to have a twin brother). I have never felt so happy in my life and I could not imagine leaving these beautiful people.

When the children went on holiday, I partook in some of the hardest work I’ve ever done: the making of mud balls. I traveled to the fishpond project in Naminya and worked alongside so many KANYAMAS (strong men). I absolutely loved it—mud smeared all over my hands, sweat dripping down my face. During my last week with S.O.U.L., the fourth pond was finished and filled with water and tilapia—it was such an accomplishment and I felt so fortunate to have been a part of something that will improve the lives of a community displaced by the construction of a dam.

Returning home each night, I could not help but smile and reflect on the day’s activities. I felt so immersed and so in-touch with Bujagali life (and my Lusoga was slowly but surely improving day-by-day). Although I did take advantage of the recreational activities that the Nile has to offer (such as rafting), the most exciting and happiest times of my stay involved the children and spending time at S.O.U.L. My last Friday in Bujagali was filled with sadness—I kept trying to think of plausible ways to extend my stay—such as giving Oko my passport to hide or throw in the river. And then Saturday came—the day I would return to Kenya. From the moment I awoke, tears drowned my face. I could not help the waterworks from forming and saying goodbye was the hardest task of my life. I did not expect to fall so in love and I definitely left a huge piece of my heart at S.O.U.L. and in the village. I kept telling myself I would return after I finish university (2 more years—over 700 days) in order to ease my sadness. Without a doubt, I do plan on returning. At 20 years old, I don’t know how I’m going to pay back my student loans or what kind of career I’ll have, but I do know that I will be back to Bujagali, back to S.O.U.L.

The happiness I felt at S.O.U.L. could not be replicated anywhere else. Whenever I tell stories about my visit to Uganda, my face lights up and everyone can tell how insanely happy that experience made me. Two years seems like eons away, but I am so so confident that I will return to Bujagali—I cannot picture my life any other way!

I am forever grateful to Brooke and the S.O.U.L. community for welcoming me into their family. I have gained a new set of friends and family members and I think about them every single day. It almost feels like a dream—like I discovered the world’s best-kept secret—the wonderful village of Bujagali Falls. I constantly picture myself with Muganda, Oko and Safa (the boys of Bujagali, my age-mates, my brothers) drowning ourselves in laughter and jokes. I dream of the mornings I walk to S.O.U.L. and hear “Allison-y!” or “Nakato.” And the nighttime walks back to Mama Robinas, the perfect time of day for omulogos (the Bujagali version of the boogie-man). Every moment I shared with these beautiful people remains in my memory—crystal clear. These people have changed my life forever and words cannot express the true happiness and gratitude I feel.

Webule eno eno eno! I love and miss you all!

NAKATO Allison