The school is officially opened

It is official - the school is open!

We have just had a great day of rejoicing, thanksgiving and celebration as the school was officially opened. It was a big day but went really well. Almost full attendance of pupils, lots of parents and people
have been involved in the process, about 160 people in all.

The day started early with Ron needing to pick up the caterers about 20 minutes away. It was then a matter of getting things ready - all the chairs from the classrooms moved to the tents, a bit of decorating and making sure everything was in place. Ron also had to go and collect the chickens (live of course) and the meat (fortunately already dead).

Tent is ready but nothing else!

Some children of course arrived early, or should I say very early, before 7.30 am. A lady I have come to known

Nearly ready - chairs in place, table decorated

came to help set up, and did a great job. Unfortunately, she had to go home, I don't think she had any food for the family until I gave her some. So hard to really comprehend. Of course there were other little interruptions to the preparations - a few visitors including an unexpected job interview, just to keep us on our toes! Rachel and Robert as usual were a great help.

The proceedings were meant to start at 11.00 and we even had the bus arrive early with parents and children, so we were off to a good start. The children then showed their parents the school.

Happy arrival!

Then, time for speeches and presentations. The P1s (or Preps as we know them) did a great job and were so fun of course, the P2s did a great job

P1s performing - nearly in order

Robert all dressed ready to go

with a poem and songs and the P3s also showed their talents. It was a great chance for telling the story of the school, thanking so many involved, thanking our family for their sacrifices and talking about how the education will be done. The main local authorities were there to celebrate. The Kakira town council is in full support of the work, for which we are thankful, and it was again expressed today.

Now that is one BIG pot of rice

Our pastor was able to pray for the school, another

Teacher Sarah showing off her lovely classroom

special thing. Robert Kafeero spoke well as the Special Guest Speaker, which of course you have to have. All in all, the formalities went really well, despite being desperately hot in the tent and blazing sunshine outside the tent.

The benches around the trees were made good use of as well!

Parents and friends lining up for food

The caterers were fantastic!

Happy children, showing off to parents

What a feat, they came with pots, plates, forks, we provided the food and firewood. Then, a wonderful meal. It really was nice, the meat was tender, the chicken cooked to perfection, fancy rice, irish (potatoes) cooked two ways and the obligatory soda made the meal complete.

Children all lined up, first wash hands, then food

It was also great to be able to interact with parents and so many of whom are becoming friends. We needed to elect a parent representative for our School Board of Management and this was achieved with three candidates. There were four but one of them doesn't yet have a child at the school!

Hope Builders team including us

Teacher Aidha with one of her students

We come away, continuing to be grateful to God for all He has done, His guidance, the strength He has provided and the provision of our needs. We are also

Our pastor praying a blessing on the school

so grateful as we really feel the backing of the families as well. This is really important and the support was real. A couple of parents spoke and it was great to hear them echo the importance of their role in the lives of their children. Here in Uganda the school and the parents can be very separate but we feel confident of the involvement of our parents. So, we are truly thankful and feel so blessed.

Ron giving a great speech