Lockdown Report Summer 2021
On June 6, 2021, when Uganda was put on another lockdown for 42 days, many of our planned activities for the PH children came to a standstill. Schools were closed and children were brought back to their homes.
PH children living with their host family have been engaged in the following activities as to make this period beneficial to them.
Liquid Soap Making
During the 2020 lockdown, the children learned how to make liquid soap but did not have the opportunity for a hands-on experience.
In June and July, we grouped them in teams of twos making a total of 4 teams. Each team was assigned to lead the rest in making liquid soap with the guidance of their teacher (uncle Geoffrey).
Two teams have so far been successful and each was able to make 20 liters of liquid soap which is used at the mentor’s home where they live.
Gardening
After receiving garden tools, we immediately began gardening.
Here we have two teams: boys’ team, which consists of 6 boys’ and girls’ team, consisting of 4 girls. Together they all made nursery beds for green peppers, tomatoes, eggplant, cucumbers and spinach.
They have all prepared their main gardens, and transplanting the seedlings to the main garden has begun.
Rabbit & Chicken House
The boys used part of their savings from the 2020 gardening harvest to buy timber and nails to make a cage for rabbits and chicken. This has been a good lesson for them to learn how to invest their money and make a profit.
They are making a cage by themselves: the lower part, meant for rabbits, is almost done and they have two rabbits already. They are now working on the upper part meant for chickens. In August they are planning to finish and stock it with chickens.
Spiritual Development
Evening prayers have been spiced up by one of our own who plays a piano during praise and worship every evening.
Children can recite psalm 103 and 91 in addition to what they learned from the 2020 lockdown.
Each child is given a chance to lead in a session.
Every Sunday they attend a Biblical values class on Zoom from Scripture Union Uganda.
Academics
PH children staying with host families as well as with their kinfolk have been given workbooks to keep them active as we wait for the schools to reopen.
Three children did their primary examinations in March 2021: one qualified in 1st grade and two in 2nd grade.
One child in secondary is attending virtual classes every day organized by her school (Seroma Christian high school).
Other Activities
Other activities included repainting the exterior of the girls’ room, a little bit of craft and house chores assigned to each individual, and chores done in teams.
Conclusion
We are so thankful to our partners for their love and for supplying all the required tools and materials in the lockdown to keep the children engaged and learning!
If you would like to contribute to these efforts, you can donate here.