Day 3: Jessica Hutchings

Day 3 With Jessica
Friday, May 24 2013.

It was another amazing day here in Bumwalukani, Uganda. We woke up just a little bit later than yesterday, exhausted from the day before. We were ready to leave by 8:15 AM. The sun was shining even brighter and the whole town was bustling with excitement. We paraded up through the center of town, avoiding the bodas (motorcycle taxis). After climbing up the hill to the school we were immediately greeted by students with smiles and hugs. They had arrived early, eager to learn. I think that inspired all of us even more and reassured us that we were very welcomed there. The students were divided up into three different classrooms,  each one designated to English, Math and Science. I was part of the English group so I cannot share much about the other groups as I was not there. Overall it was a successful learning day! 

Along with Flannagh and Teir, we divided our group of students into three smaller groups to work with them more one-on-one. Today’s lesson focused on forming sentences, which we taught through games we brought with us. At first we tried to play a game of scrabble but unfortunately it was difficult to explain how to play, so we made up our own simpler versions. We asked them questions and let them make sentences using the scrabble tiles.  Most of us began feeling tired by the second group of students that came through but with mini dance parties to the Backstreet Boys everyone perked up! At the end of the day, all of the groups joined together for play time outside. Some younger children had gathered around in curiosity so we asked them to join. We shared our American games like duck, duck, goose and they shared some of their Ugandan games that consisted of songs and a lot of running around.

When we returned to the guesthouse we were all exhausted, on the verge of falling asleep at two in the afternoon. Although we could not fall asleep quite yet; there was still so much to be done before tomorrow. We will be holding a workshop for the 7^th grade girls of Bulobi Primary and Arlington Academy of Hope schools.  Our goal is to educate the girls on hygiene, sex, and self-esteem. All of the Lasell girls, including myself, participated in putting together small gift bags and friendship bracelets to share with the Ugandan girls. We also put together a great lesson plan to teach to them. It is amazing for me to think that something I have always had support in and been educated on, like puberty, some of these girls know nothing about and are even ashamed of what is happening to their bodies.

We finished out our day with a delicious dinner consisting of Matoke, a Ugandan specialty, pasta and an eggplant and pepper medley. Then, as part of our nightly routine, we gathered around in a circle to discuss highs and lows of the day.  This activity quickly elevated into an in deep conversation on curiosities we have in the world and things we would like to change about the world, just a little food for thought before bed. The fun didn't stop there though, as everyone joined in for the largest game of UNO I have ever seen played!

After a long night of sleep I think we will all be able to rest up well for yet another exciting day ahead of us! We'll keep you posted.