Subject: Alive and grateful

Masked and socially distance students in classroom

School reopening delayed again

Universities and tertiary institutions petitioned the government to allow reopening. Their proposal was accepted, and students will be returning to school in October.

Primary and secondary schools remain closed. The expectation now is for reopening in January 2022. This is very disappointing to our partners in Uganda and to the students, and to us. Although, with a lack of available vaccines, overburdened hospitals, and the crowding typical in Ugandan schools, it seems to be the safer option.

small girl with tub of maize on her head

The Latest from Lukaya

The little girl above is trying to sell maize. Her one sibling finished bathing the family's youngest in the blue tub. The boda boda driver has two passengers. All this is happening along a deserted highway. Eeking out a living is never easy, but with Covid restrictions, it's almost impossible. Still, Ugandans accept their struggles with good humor. They are alive and grateful. Many have food and other kinds of care because of you!

The staff at Mustard Seed is busy working on placements for the recent high school grads. Teachers colleges, nursing schools, and technical schools are among the choices.

Teachers are involved in preparing day-camp-style learning opportunities for small groups of MSA students. The government is televising lessons for students, but hardly a single Mustard Seed student has access to television at home. Groups of students will come to school on a rotating basis to watch televised lessons. Teachers will add fun learning activities.

Sustainability

POULTRY

The new poultry house is nearing completion (above left). It's awaiting the iron sheets for the roofing and a few finishing touches. Hopefully, there will be little chicks occupying some of the space by the time I arrive in October.

The 'old' hens continue to lay eggs steadily (in the building on the right).

FISH

Very soon, a unique fish-farming setup will be installed on the Mustard Seed Nursery School campus. Huge tanks with recycled water ensure healthy, fast-growing fish. Watch for photos in October.

What's Up?

Travel? Yes! Leaving for Uganda on October 12th will be unlike any other visit because the classrooms (and highway) will be empty. Still, it will be an opportunity to encourage and help teachers innovate. For example, I am taking two class sets of 9x12" whiteboards with markers and erasers and ideas about their use.

When we suggested the day-camp approach to John Robert, head of education, he responded with: I think this is another great idea we shall talk about and see how it can be implemented. This is something we can happily do. Thank you for this great idea, I welcome it with all my arms.

God Bless.

Mustard Seed Christmas For the eleventh year, we will be providing Christmas gifts for the Mustard Seed children. These bags of joy will be filled with the makings of a Christmas feast and more. In the past, five churches provided the funds for these gifts through a 'Christmas in September' appeal. Last year, we broadened the appeal to sponsors and individuals. The Ugandan team needs to order early and assemble 600 bags for the December 23rd delivery. If you would like to contribute to this merry tradition, we have a donation page here. Each bag costs $14.

Partners' Progress newsletters now on RPU website Working with our website developers, we have set up a new page on our website: Partners' Progress Newsletters. You can find print editions back to 2012 and all of the more recent email updates.

Communicating with students and teachers Please get your letters, cards, photos, and tiny treasures that fit in a 6" x 9" envelope to me asap. You can find ideas and guidelines for writing on our website –click here.

Thank You!

Your support and sharing of the RPU–Mustard Seed story have worked amazing miracles. One such story involves a secondary school student (above, in a white tee-shirt) who contracted TB while away in his village with relatives. Our Ugandan partners brought him back to Lukaya and arranged trips for treatment at the nearest hospital in Masaka. He is recovering nicely and is eager to be back in school.

Just for Fun

Last month, our 'Ugandanese' question was: What’s a breakfast escort?

We had no guesses. Is it too simple or too puzzling? A breakfast escort can be any finger food served alongside tea or porridge. Triangles of deep-fried bread dough called mandazi (see above photo) are among the most popular escorts.

When I see friends in October, I expect to hear, "You are lost." Can you think of an American saying with the same meaning as, "You are lost"?

We love to hear from you. Please stay in touch. God willing, you will be receiving the October Partners' Progress from Uganda–my favorite place on earth.

With all my best,

Elaine

Our website: RealPartnersUganda.org