I was tempted not to blog tonight. A thunderstorm threw out the power earlier so it wasn't an option. Now we have light and are reconnected I've been procrastinating. Today has been interesting!
We made another long, hot, bumpy trip to Abeko this morning. This time we'd arranged to meet the Disability Support Group (DSG). People were slow arriving... There'd been a burial this morning, and then a child died. David told us that now he's nearly 40 he's considered an old man in his village. Life expectancy is low and child mortality high in rural Uganda. When there is a death the community comes together. People support each other in tough times. We asked if we should cancel the meeting, but they wanted to go ahead.
The meeting starts. We are amazed by all the DSG has achieved. Last year each member paid a monthly contribution of about 20p. For some it was a struggle. The collection meant some families could benefit from loans... People paid for treatment for a disabled child, started a business, and bought special food for a disabled child. Cash flow is a problem for day workers. The money is paid back with interest. This year the contributions have doubled to 40p.
We learn more about the partnerships with other organisations. The DSG has 3 ongoing projects. As well as the Playscheme, they have started an Apiary and a poultry project. A year ago we sat in the same hot room with a group of hesitant, anxious people. Now we hear how much they have achieved. With 20p/month from each member.
They start to talk about challenges. They're similar to those we hear everywhere. The roads are poor, the children have no walking aids. People carry disabled children on their backs because there are no wheelchairs. Some families have a bicycle but we hear from one man whose bicycle is broken so he can't transport his disabled child. He can't afford to get it repaired. There is no local healthcare. The government health centre has no staff and no medicine. Children are dying because there's no way to get them to hospital and no money for treatment.
The chairman starts to close the meeting. Once again we are thanked for coming, for caring, for helping them with a workshop last time. David is thanked for his tireless support and Global Care's partnership and support. We should respond but I can't speak. My chest is tight, my whole body is welling up with emotion. Somehow we get to the end. I don't deserve this thanks.
The mood changes as we're taken to see the beehives. The group are excited to show us the wooden hives donated by the local government. They've learnt to make local hives too - wooden frames coated in cow dung. Bees are starting to gather. They've sent someone to learn about poultry farming, he's full of information... The best breed and type to buy, how to care for them what to feed them. His enthusiasm us infectious.
We come back to our clean hotel for a refreshing shower. We pay our hotel bill - we have to pay cash and sometimes ATMs run out of money, so we're paying in advance. We realise our final bill will be about the same amount as the annual Global Care support for a DSG.
Every time we come we get to this point. The DSG has achieved an incredible amount with very little resource. They've built a thriving supportive network and are working hard to make it self-sustainable. A child's wheelchair costs £150. How many wheelchairs could we buy for the cost of our trip? And is that the right thing to do? We'll go back and talk to Global Care - they will know the best way to help. We are rich by any measure, but we can't begin to understand the poverty here.
Tonight I'm thrilled and excited by Abeko DSG. I'm challenged and embarrassed by my lifestyle. I have no idea what or how to change but you have licence to challenge me in the coming months.
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