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/

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. 

Uganda, Take Two

So...Uganda

Omg. What an experience. For a number of reasons. 

My first visit two years ago was very hard for me and I’m not sure that many people I know would be able to manage the rawness of it all. Today, I say sincerely: "this experience is not to be missed.” 

It was eye opening, once again.  The village looks different to be me in so many ways than it did two years ago. My daughter Brooke, who founded S.O.U.L. with my husband three years ago, tells me the only difference is that I am not in shock this time.  While that may be true, there are significant differences that are overwhelmingly evident in a multidimensional way. 

The village looks cleaner; there is less garbage and waste on the paths. The homes we visited have much more order and the people seem proud of their living conditions. The smell of waste is not evident as it was two years ago.  More people have shoes on their feet although many of them tell me they spend a good portion of the day wearing their "originals" (which is their bare feet), to keep their feet in shape and tough skinned.  They are standing taller, smiling more and their clothes are cleaner.  Although they are poor they do not look downtrodden.

During my time in Uganda, S.O.U.L. held a community-wide meeting, which was attended by over 500 people including local and regional officials.  The progress S.O.U.L. has made in the community was recognized and celebrated. A female politician who represents seventeen sub-counties (probably equivalent to a state senator in the U.S. or maybe even a congressman) gave a speech that brought tears to the eyes of many, including my husband. The local leader discussed how never in her political life or in all of her lifetime has she seen villages transform in such a short period of time and declared that S.O.U.L.’s example should and will be a model for all of Uganda. She was choked up in her presentation, and wowed us with her kind and generous words.

The local chairmanship then proceeded to surprise us by donating a large piece of land in a central location to the S.O.U.L. Foundation, positioning us to better serve the numerous villages surrounding our original project area. That's a real vote of confidence. The meeting went on for six hours and included presentations from our preschool children, female students whose education is sponsored by S.O.U.L. and the women who participate in our business cooperatives even coordinated a dance performance! The day was mixed with speeches and entertainment. Brooke hired a PA system so all could hear and at the very end we were able to play some music. Food was provided by members of S.O.U.L. business cooperatives who cooked all morning to feed over 500 people rice and beans and vegetables.  

At the close of the meeting, one by one, the women from the community came up to Brooke and gave her gifts of fruits and vegetables.  By the time it was all over, the gifts could have filled a small grocery store. Now for the first time, I saw Brooke cry. It wasn't the land that was donated, or all the wonderful things that were said about her and S.O.U.L. that day; it was the appreciation that the women showed and the significance of their gifts of food. A year ago, they could not have given that food away, as it might have provided for the only meal their family would eat that day. Brooke was choked up, a rare thing to see. As a mom, I was completely moved by all of it, but especially by that moment. 

We also visited the fish ponds. I was floored. The pictures don’t do the project justice. It just so happened that representatives from the World Bank, the African Development Fund and a number of other global lending institutions were scheduled to visit the project to listen to Brooke give a presentation on our progress. I felt privileged to watch as Brooke described the hard work that has gone into making this project a success.

Here's a funny story. 

We needed two cars to get to village and when we were only about 1 km away we noticed the left wheel on the other car was severely wobbling.  Several meters down the road, the wheel completely fell off and the car collapsed. It was something out of a movie. Now picture this. Cars behind us and cars in front. No one can pass. We are 1 km away. Out of nowhere, at least fifty Ugandans emerge and start helping to figure out how to jack the car up and get tire back on. Lots of conversation amongst them debating how to do this. Women and children everywhere. The willingness to help was amazing and was only topped by the reception we received when we entered the village.  After we finally drove the last km, we were greeted with at least sixty women and scores of kids singing and clapping and cheering. Everyone was so happy to see us. My sister-in-law and niece got choked up witnessing the loving welcome Brooke and all of us received. It is unimaginable. You need the 3D experience to really appreciate the depth of it all.

This time was glorious for me. Beyond words. This time I entered into S.O.U.L. through a new door, with new eyes and new skin. 

I am already planning my next trip back. Can't wait!

Diane Stern, Director of Outreach and Public Relations 

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 

SOUL on ground in Uganda. #4

S.O.U.L stands for Supporting Opportunities for Ugandans to Learn. This doesn't just mean learning in school. This includes learning in all areas. Not only helping the students get into schools, but also to educate the parents on the reason their children should be in schools and not in the fields providing an extra hand. By educating the parents, we are giving their children a greater chance to have the support behind their studies. By teaching the elders, we are giving the men and women opportunities to understand how business works. Help them to figure out that building another soda stand is not a profitable business, but making Mandazi (a morning breakfast bread food) is in demand because there is no one in the village who makes it, and everyone eats it. It is educating the families on how to use their money wisely. The people of Uganda live day to day. It is for survival that they do live. They eat to live, and NEVER live to eat. They don't have a chance to save their money. They aren't educated about even putting away 1,000 Ush (50 cents) per day as that can work to their benefit, when in two weeks they have 14,000 ush saved ($7). They are not IGNORANT. They just don't know. But I can assure you ALL about one thing, they want to learn!

“SOUL will strive to inspire vision, vision will inspire hope,
hope will propel empowerment, empowerment will foster the
pursuit of education, education will provide a pathway to success,
success will lead to sustained economic growth, and sustained
economic growth will perpetuate a sustained emphasis on
education.” Brooke Stern, R.N., B.S.N

Since last writing, SOUL made the biggest XMAS party for Bujugali Falls Village they have ever seen. It started as just an idea and then the word in the village got out, and the turn-out was huge. The role that I played was getting all the children excited about XMAS. Every women in all my women's groups were informed. All the children (161) in my bursar program were notified. Every child in the village became excited as we all awaited this special day. We all know for us, music plays a large part in someone's lives, as music can inspire, motivate, make one happy or sad in a whim. Music may even be more important here as everything is based around music. Celebrations, trajedies, and day to day life. So when everyone found out I was bringing music, they all said we want the "BIG" music. I had no idea what that meant, but let Fauzi the director, take control of that chore. I thought it would be a big boom box. After many days anticipating, the music arrived. It came with a generator, a computer, 2 massive free standing speakers and 2 DJ's. It was incredible.

The night became more than I could have ever expected. Besides music, like anywhere in the world, food is so important. We bought something like 65 KG of rice along with all types of food as the women gathered at mama's house and cooked from 6am to night over STONE fire stoves. We were able to feed about 100 villagers the best meal they have ever received. It was a great feeling to sit back and watch the happiness and joy as we all celebrated being together and the PARTNERSHIP of SOUL to Bujugali Village.

I wasn't prepared to have this music setup. and therefore did not expect to have to speak. In fact, there was a microphone. The CHAIRMAN LOC and defense secretary for the village came to open the night! OMG, what an honor. Elders are so so respected here, and those two men are like royalty in the village. To my surprise, i had the opportunity of having them greet me and accept me into their village with open arms. The word about SOUL must have spread because they felt honored to meet me. Each community has land they try to keep for a project that can benefit the community. I knew about the land as its in a central location, but never even thought at this point to ask.

The night began with the defense secretary opening the evening. He spoke in Lasoga as Fauzi translated for me. The words he said in front of 100-250 people were words I wasn't even sure I deserved. The enthusiasm in his voice as he walked around the crowd, always pointing back to me was mesmorizing. I blushed with sheer certainty that each and every single person in this village is being positvely impacted by SOUL is some way or another. He gave me the nickname "Nabidye", meaning Mother of Many. He expressed that he has never seen a Mzungu (white person) come into the village and have such a high level of interaction with the locals and the kids. So as I now walk or run through the village paths, I no longer hear the children scream "Mzungu, Mzungu, but with a sense of peace, I now hear them all say "Nabidye, Nabidye, Ayotiah!" (My ugandan name then Good Day) or "Mama Africa, Wavilee"! (Mama Africa, WELL DONE!).

I gave a great speech. Lets all remember, I hated pubic speaking my whole life. I always told my mom, I will be able to speak one day when I am really knowlegable about a subject or really passionate about it. I now embrace it and love speaking in front of many. My speech with not prepared, and the microphone was loud as I spoke to not only the one's seated in front of me, but the one's walking down the paths carrying firewood on their head to their homes as they stopped to listen. It was an out of body experience as I had the attention of all and the opportunity to say anything. I spoke of SOUL, I spoke of Hope, I spoke of my personal experience and overcoming people's doubt, that I can really do something like this, and I spoke from the heart. Words I was taught by my parents. Simple words of wisdom that we are all accustomed to hearing, but that they have never heard because the lack of support from the families. I gave them the chance to dream, the opportunity to aspire to something bigger and better for themselves that they can ever imagine. There was a moment of silence as one could witness them take the hands of their loved ones. Some with smiles, some with tears and some who got up and did the Ugandan cheer (WOO, WOO, WOOO) as it synchronized in my ear from 30 women standing and chanting. I told them this party is not for me, this party is for ever one of you!


Then the microphone was taken from MAMA, someone who is so shy, but so happy. She speaks quietly but is loved in the village. She stepped up and began speaking so loud and so fast, I was in awe. Never in a million year would I imagine her to do this. This family protects me, feeds me, teachers me, and embraces me. She spoke words of excitement and courage. Words of inspiration for her fellow friends and invited me to be known forever as her "Eldest daughter" and of course, Nabidye (mother to many). I told them my last words of my favorite quote. "Giving is the best high any one can ever get", so spend each day with the thought of giving a hand to a neighbor or a classmate. You don't need money to GIVE. Help a sick dog, or sick chicken move away from the speeding car coming, pick up rubbish in your village, or simply lend an ear to someone who could use it. SPEND EVERYDAY with this thought in your head and Lets DANCE!!


Wow, the party went off with a boom. The dance floor was crowded, the smiles were large, the laughter was contagious, as I personally realized SOUL is here for the long run!!


I was pulled in 500 directions, but when I got a chance, got to the dance floor. I was the only mzungu there. The men and women, wearing traditional wear were dancing up a storm. The kiddos from age 3 up were shacking, and the older kids were in their glory. Never in my life did I dance as much as I did this night. I moved around and got to each and everyone of the people. There were about 350-400 moving and shaking all night long. Danced from 8pm to 3:30am STRAIGHT with a piece of bread in my hand as I refused to stop and eat. Mama and Ali of course were distraught I wasn't eating and only dancing. They just want to feed feed feed. I snuck out at 3:30a, as I left the party still rolling and booming. It continued to 7:20am. What a night!