Brittany Linville - Nyaka Experience 2008
Although this was my second trip to Nyaka, these children never cease to amaze me. I
spent two months teaching English to Primary Six and Primary Seven. I was floored by how
hard my students worked. I was also amazed by how much effort that everyone, even those
who had trouble in class, put into everything that they did. My students worked harder
than any other child I've ever taught. They worked harder than I ever did in elementary
school. Working hard produces results: test scores went up and so did homework scores.
People may think that these kids should be forgotten, that they are the lost souls in
Africa, but one look at Nyaka or Kutamba proves this theory wrong.
Brittany Linville
I arrived at Nyaka School the second week of May 2007. Overall, my experience there was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I taught mostly Primary Five. I taught them English and Music, as well as geography lessons, social studies, and art on occasion. My goal was to help them improve their writing and speaking of English. I had them write compositions and spelling tests everyday. I also would only allow English to be spoken around me. I think the kids improved immensely. Although I would have thought blending into Ugandan culture would be hard, it was not. The food was awesome, especially matooke and G-Nut sauce. Yum! It took me a couple of days to get used to the food, but it
> is very good. Everyone was always very nice to me. I did get the usual "Muzungu" everywhere I went from the children, but it was not rude in anyway. I had a good time showing the kids that I am actually a white person, and that my hair is real (I'm blonde). I look forward to going back as soon as possible. I even liked the geckos, although they did scare the daylights out of me the first time I saw them scurry across a wall. :)
Brittany Linville
Innessa
I had an astonishing time. I thank you very much Jackson . I am still in complete awe of what you have done for those children. When they stood in their lines in the morning singing all I could think about was that fact that I wasn't just reading about the impact of AIDS anymore, I was looking right at it. What you have provided for those children is life, you're right. I admire your very much, you have done wonders of Nyakagyezi.
Innessa
Marie Hellerud
Everywhere! Children who need someone to take care of them,
someone to love them. Access to food and clean water. At last, but not
least; Knowledge and wisdom to be able to cope with the world outside.
Nyaka provides that, and give the children hope. Hope is really
everything! A hope for a better world, where children can grow up to
become considerate, good-natured human beings - despite their losses.
All in all, my stay was amazing. Having your everyday life together
with people of the village, dining with them, experiencing their joys,
but also their grieves - nothing can compare to that. I really felt
like a part of them after a while, and forgot all about my skin color. What
I mean to say is that I felt so welcome in everyway, and that is something
I will never forget.
I also appreciate getting so much time with my class, P1. These children are not difficult to love! At first shy, but after a while devoted and
quick to learn.
I really believe Nyaka AIDS Orphans School is important for the
community. It was great to see how people of Nyakagyezi and nearby
villages came to school and to support it whenever something happened,
for example plays, dances and speeches.
I would love to come back and help out again. Nyaka is in my heart!
Yours truly,
Marie Hellerud
Dr. Deborah Delmer
I came away from my visit to Nyaka with a whole new sense of the strength and warmth of Africa. What you are all doing for these children is wonderful beyond description. You and the teachers have succeeded in such a special way---the children are indeed SO happy. And how they sing and dance! They are so amazing. And so are the teachers. It made me cry just to see those wonderful children. To that I can also add:
It is very heartening to see Africans making all this happen through
their own ingenuity and dedication. Nyaka is a great model for how the
African diaspora can mobilize support and work with their partner
villages in Africa to make a difference in the lives of so many people
in need.
Dr. Deborah Delmer
Director of Food Security for the Rockefeller Foundation
Ember of the National Academy of Sciences
Dr. Neelima Sinha, PhD.
My trip to Nyaka was a truly moving experience. The teachers and
students stole my heart with their singing and dancing. I have
enclosed a movie that shows them performing for us. I constantly
think of ways in which I can help the effort the kids!
Dr. Neelima Sinha, PhD.
Professor in Plant Biology
Life Sciences Addition
UCDavis, CA
http://www-plb.ucdavis.edu/labs/sinha
Amano Hideki
It was December when Mr. Amano Hideki became the first Japanese to visit Nyaka School in Kanungu. Mr. Amano Hideki came to Uganda on the invitation of Samuel Mugisha, who worked and stayed with Hideki for one year and returned, to work with him until Dec 2005.
Amano Hideki arrived in Uganda on 8th Dec 2004. Being his first time he traveled to Queen Elizabeth National Park and finally reached Kambuga on 11th Dec. The plan had been to reach Nyaka school that same day but due to heavy rains on the way and in Kambuga the road off the main road to Nyaka was to slippery to go through. Finally 12th Dec early morning, Mr. Hideki reached Nyaka. He was welcomed by the headmistress and the teachers as children could not be mobilized again for the early morning visit.
Why did Hideki come all the way to Nyaka?
Samuel Mugisha while in Japan has been talking to many Japanese about Nyaka School. When Hideki was coming to Uganda the friends of Nyaka in Japan mobilized a Christmas gift of Nyaka Kids. This was $200 to buy textbooks.
The books were handed over to the teachers. Hideki was amazed to see the teachers receive a salary that is far less that the daily income of the average Japanese worker. While he missed to see the kids, he was amazed to see the clean class structures photos of the kids and the teaching materials on the walls. From what he has been hearing from Samuel Hideki was quick to ask many questions (in Japanese).
Q: サムエル この学校は 今何人 いらっしゃいますか (How many children are in this school now)
A: 86 学生みんな お父さんとお母さん ＡＩＤＳ で 亡くなった 子供たち (There are 86 children now. All the children are orphans. Both their parents died of AIDS)
Q: 学校からうちまでどのぐらい 時間歩いて 来ますか(How long does it take the children from their homes to school)
A: 一時間ぐらい (About one hour)
Q: すごいね これ日本人の 子供 信じられない (This one Japanese children cannot believe. It's great work you are doing.)
These were the words of Mr. Hideki on his visit to Nyaka School. He took photos of the teaches and the school and the books being handed over to the teachers. At the moment Hideki continues to tell friends and workers about Nyaka. サムエルたちが えらい仕事をやっていますよ。(Samuel and his friends are doing a great job for the kids.)
The first visit of Hideki to Nyaka School was a land mark for our Japanese friends and hope to bring more Japanese friends of Nyaka to Uganda and up to Nyaka school as well.
Sarah Vaadia
Even though my time in Beautiful Nyaka was so short, it left an impression for a lifetime...at least on my lifetime. I never expected to receive all the things I received from one little village in South Western Uganda. The most amazing thing I saw there, were the kids, the kids that work so hard at home, but are ALWAYS on time for school, and are always dressed nicely, and neatly, and are always ready to roar out into a song, or dance, or laugh! They LOVE this school, they REALLY do! They are happy to be there, and most of them are full of motivation and energy! Truthfully, much more than I ever was! And that is why I believe these kids deserve a chance, because they are willing and loving, and they are so happy that for sure doing something good for them will bring just a little, at least a little more happiness to this world!! And in truth they did much more for me than I ever did or will for them...
Sarah Vaadia
For more information, please contact:
Dr. Lucy Y. Steinitz, Ph.D.
The 86 children who attend the Nyaka AIDS Orphans School are all double orphans, drawn from the poorest of the poor. The Nyaka AIDS Orphans School, currently offering grades 1-3 (but envisioned to extend through grade 7), offers a holistic approach, addressing psycho-social, spiritual, cultural, physical, and the classic 3-Rs. Ultimately, it is hoped, that the best and brightest graduates from the Nyaka School will be able to attend secondary school and go even further, funding permitting. Classes are purposefully kept small (less than half the size of the average government class) in order to provide a more loving atmosphere in which the teachers can develop a relationship with each child.
I asked the teachers why they are willing to work for less than half of what they would get at a government school. ÒThe love of childrenÓ came as the first answer. ÒI love it here, where I feel needed and appreciated,Ó was the second answer. ÒBecause I feel motivated by God,Ó was the third. This teacher added, ÒJesus was never paid for what he did, and we are not expecting much money, either.Ó Moreover, it should be pointed out that the teachers spend many afternoons a week running an anti-AIDS club, a drama group, athletic programs, cultural dance lessons, and other extra-curricular activities.
Moreover, the view from the Nyaka AIDS Orphans School is beautiful and best of all, the spirit of the children and their love of learning came through with more vigor and eagerness than I have seen just about anywhere. You canÕt help but feel that this is a happy place, full of optimism and promise, even amidst poverty and hunger.
The philosophy at Nyaka AIDS Orphan School is to teach and practice the love of God (Òso they donÕt feel completely abandoned,Ó as this was explained); yet all religious traditions are welcomed.
This project is first-class!
Dr. Lucy Y. Steinitz, Ph.D.
OPTIONS Consulting in advanced computing, HIV issues, and human services
WINDHOEK - NAMIBIA
Stephen Kearns
For a 21-year old American visiting the country of Uganda for the first time, I don't think I could have found a better home than with the families and teachers of Nyaka AIDS Orphans School. At first, I felt very nervous and intimidated about being in Uganda. It was my first experience teaching and working in a new country, and I was worried that I would not be received well at Nyaka. Those feelings, however, were immediately quelled when I saw how happy and generous the community at Nyakagyezi was. From being fed incredible meals of enkoko (chicken) and matoke to spending hours playing football (soccer) outside the school, I truly felt loved and wanted at the school and in the community. It was very hard to leave. I knew, though, that as I left for Rwanda to finish the remainder of my research, that I would eventually find my way back to Nyaka. It may take a few years and some generous donations from people in the United States, but I hope to return once I complete my medical degree to help serve the community as a doctor. I had made some great friends that I continue to pray for and hope to see again soon. All in all, it was the trip of a lifetime, and I can't wait to go back.
Stephen "Busingye" Kearns
Dr. Dale Val, PhD.
Originally I had planed to go home to Australia to visit my family but when those plans fell through I began to give some serious thought to going to Uganda for the opening of the Nyaka AIDS Orphans School instead.
To be present at the official opening of the Nyaka AIDS orphans school last January was a real joy and a privilege. An experience I will always remember. Now and then I think back and my mind re-runs some of the images I cherish from that beautiful day. The great gathering of local people of all ages arriving by foot from miles around. The crowds all crammed in close so as not to miss any of the action. The poems and songs of the children telling of the cruel consequences of AIDS. The feeling of wanting to know what they said while at the same time being glad I was spared the heartbreak. The sea of faces jostling for a better look as the ribbon was cut and the school doors opened. The excitement of the children as they clamored for the chance to put on the school uniform and be photographed as students. The onlookers peering into the simple classrooms as the government and local officials were given a tour. And then the exuberant dances of celebration as the ceremony closed. It was truly a beautiful day. The work we had put in during the week building up to it was well worth it. When will I be back again they asked ? One day God willing. There is plenty of more work to be done so you too can contribute, financially if not in person. But if you do get a chance to go and help out in person, take it. Be a part of it. ItÕs a wonderful cause.
Dr. Dale Val, PhD.
Woodland, CA
Sam Mugisha
When I came back to Uganda from Japan in December 2003, I was amazed by the developments at Nyaka Orphans School.
My Japanese friends and especially children in schools where I went to give talks about Ugandan life were glad to learn of Nyaka School. Even with the language barrier, I kept receiving inquiries about the children in the pictures on the website. It was this interest that led the students of Shimizu Dai Nana Chu Junior School in Shizuoka Prefecture through their head prefect and English Teacher Tanikawa Sensei (Teacher) to contribute 90USD to buy pens and books for pupils at Nyaka School. At Kusabuka Christian Church where I attended, the WomenÕs groups, which had been in support of children in difficult situations in developing countries, were also touched by the Nyaka school and decided to apportion part of the materialls they had gathered for needy children to send to Uganda. This was done through Ms. Nagakura Itsue. Three packets of childrenÕs clothing, new pens and books were sent by sea for the children at Nyaka School.
The rest of my friends, including Ms Takatsuka Sonomi my other Japanese teacher, were interested in volunteering to come for short stays to do hands on work with children at Nyaka School. God willing we shall see Japanese Volunteers come to Nyaka School.
To all our Japanese Friends & Supporters we say ARIGATOO GOZAIMASHITA. KOREKARA MO YOROSHIKU ONEGAITASHIMASU.
Sam Mugisha
Jennifer Thomson
In early 2002, I had the opportunity to visit what was then the construction
site of the Nyaka School. The trip was a ride from Kampala, the capital-
city, into the beautiful, tropical rolling hills of Nyakangyezi. Nyaka wasto
become a joyful place for many young children who have suffered one of the
greatest hardships, especially for a helpless child, the early loss of their
parents to a merciless disease, HIV/AIDS. So, you can imagine my pleasure to
see the pictures of the hundreds of community members and notables that came
out to celebrate the official launching of the Nyaka School once the
construction was completed! And more than that, to see the young girls
playing soccer wearing their pretty purple school uniforms in the field that
was once so silent just waiting for these youthful feet to race across it in
play. It was the culmination of a dream to see the picture of the teachers
planning their lessons for their students who will see their hopes of being
able to go to school fulfilled.
The Nyaka School stands out as a beacon of hope that we can come together to
overcome the scourge of AIDS and recover from the havoc it has wreaked on
individuals, families and communities in Uganda and in other countries in
Africa and around the world. By ensuring that these orphans can go to
school, we help to safe-guard the next generation from the worst aftershocks
of the epidemic, so that they will be able to provide for themselves and for
their future families and to be proud of who they are.
Jennifer Thomson, New York, New York
LynnDel Newbold
Before the Nyaka AIDS Orphan School was opened, when it was just a vision in the hearts of Jackson and Beronda, with a plot of land and a few half-walls of bricks, I shared the plight of the AIDS orphans in Jackson's home village with a group of 7 to 9 year olds at the South Lake Tahoe SDA Camp Meeting in California. We decided we would raise money for the school by making and selling pens, and we thought we might be able to raise about $100 during the four days. Though $100 doesn't sound like very much, the children were excited to learn how much just that little bit would help. They eagerly made pens each morning and sold them each afternoon, and by the end of the week, they were thrilled to have raised $150. Several parents told me how happy their children were to be involved in the project. We all experienced how much more blessed it is to give than receive.
LynnDel Newbold
Harriet Lewis
In January 1996, I had the pleasure of traveling with some members of my family to do a safari. It was an incredible journey full of wonderful new sights and sounds as we visited Uganda's uncrowded national parks. Along the way we experienced Uganda's beautiful scenery, its landscapes dotted with colorful villages and miles of tea and coffee plantations. With an abundance of wildlife, it was an unforgettable experience. Two hundred species of birds were spotted on the trip. The trip ended with my meeting Twesigye Jackson Kaguri on the plane. He was a young man coming to the U.S. for the first time to study at Columbia University. We became great friends and have remained in touch all these years. It is because of him I have become interested and involved with the NYAKA AIDS ORPHAN SCHOOL. I hope someday to return to Uganda to visit the children and the school and I urge others to visit this beautiful country.
Harriet Lewis, Long Island N.Y.
Copyright (c) 2008 Nyaka School. All rights reserved.