After we left for Malangata this morning we stopped at a plant nursery to purchase what will become a very important plant for us. We selected an orange tree that was discarded at the back of the field and was so forgotten about that it had sprung its pot and had begun to root in the ground underneath. After some skillful hoeing the tree was released and we purchased it. The Malangata Centre will be doing just that. Picking the discarded children of this society and deciding that they will be key. Then tending them and causing them to deliver fruit.
After our customary daily one and half hour trip to the farm we had a site meeting with Zub to gauge siting and final costing of a borehole were we to proceed. We discussed several options and finally decided on the best position for the villagers and also for the main complex so that at a later time we could fit an electric pump and supply the complex with water on tap. After a brief conversation with a poss. trustee we decided that clean water was always more important than a door or a coat of paint. So we commissioned Zub to begin digging on Monday. Very exciting, but equally scary. We don't have the ready funds for this. I need a couple of thousand pounds quickly. I will be begging for yhe foreseesble future. This bore hole will transform so many lives.
After a bit of banter with the builders, who have made great strides with the water harvesting, we left for Namirembe. The tanks are almost finished and the guttering is being positioned. I think we are now just about finished with water. That is so important.
BULA children's home has been a home that we have supported for seven years. These young men and women were children when we first met them. They have grown into respectful, humble young adults. It is wonderful to spend time with them. Today was about spending time with them each where they are. Simeon went to the local playground where an impromptu game of football was arranged in haste. it gave him time to find out what's happening in their lives whilst running in 28 degrees afternoon sunshine. He struggled with the conditions. And they want to play the World Cup in Qatsr in 2022?
I answered questions and discussed politics, religion, education and international relations with some very acute and bright young minds. It truly is a privilege to know these young people. I walked to the well with Vicent as he wanted a private chat with uncle (me). We talked pigs, family and other stuff. The walk to the well took 15 minutes. When we arrived, there was a man there that had been washing pots in the water from the pipe. He was standing down stream urinating. As we approached he completed what he was doing. Vicent jumped down into the concrete hole and stuck the jerry can under the pipe. I asked how often this has to be done for the home. 140 times every day. The water was disconnected at the home several weeks /months ago so the daily ritual of collecting water in the ubIquitous African yellow jerry can is a necessity for these children. This is survival.
Vicent's dream in life is to own a pig. He doesn't dream of a family, or a car, or foreign holidays or his own place. He hopes that one day he will be able to have a pig so that he can begin to look after his two younger siblings. Vicent is 18 next month and he dreams of owning a pig. His dream will cost between £7.50 and £12 to fulfil yet he can only dream of it. I told him that when he leaves this home and moves to somewhere where he can keep such an animal I will buy him one. He was overjoyed.
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