ROTARACT CLUB OF KAMPALA WEST

KWEST TIMES
We mean rotaract

December 2012

ROTARACT CLUB OF KAMPALA WEST

IN THIS ISSUE: ORPHANAGE VISIT

15th December 2012: A Memorable Visit to Oasis of Life Orphanage

By

Triumphant Entry of the Angels The welcome we received was nothing short of epic. We were swamped by a horde of overly excited juveniles. With shouts of joy, beaming smiles from ear to ear and hugs, the kind of welcome we received is one only synonymous with His Majesty the king of a certain region in this country and another famous opposition leader living a suburb not too far from where we were. I cannot say we were not overwhelmed! Amidst resounding drums the children quickly took formation and continued to welcome us in song, dance and clapping, alluding to us as their angels sent from above. In that moment, I was reminded why I chose to be of service above myself; to be a Rotaractor- surely dependable and reliable. In the eyes of those children I could see the hope they held onto that our coming brought with it.

Bright Onapito
Lutalo, Patricia Arineitwe and yours truly. Today we set out to visit Oasis of Life orphanage. Like Santa Claus, we were armed with presents-presents of sugar, rice, posho and wait for it, cake! Today we were bringing Christmas early, good tidings of peace through service. We strapped our pouches, hopped into our carriage and off we went. Ho Ho Ho! The Journey Guided by friends of Rotraract from a church cell affiliated to Watoto Church who had introduced us to Oasis of Life, we maneuvered through the treacherous Saturday city traffic jam. Having traversed the big city, we got to Natete, one of the suburbs of Kampala. Driving through what appeared to be a deserted street with occasional herds of cattle drinking water from the swamp through which the road passed; I couldnt help but wonder what awaited us. We finally arrived at Oasis of Life orphanage. Time Check is 10:42AM and the morning sun was scotching hot.

Time check is 8:45AM. I silence my alarm as I sluggishly dragged my feet out of my (very) comfortable bed. Strangely I cant remember what I dreamt about. Contemplating whether I wanted to have a bowl of cereal and a cup of yoghurt or a sandwich and a glass of juice, I snaked my way to the bathroom. Thank heaven for showers! As I stood under the cold rush of water, my mind wandered to another world. I was having blank thoughts. The folks at National Water and Sewerage Corporation will be glad to deliver my bill next month. The warmth that a pure cotton towel brings after a relaxing bath is second to none! By now I was as alert as a gaze hound, focused and ready to pounce on its prey. I had now made up mind on what to have for breakfast and was ready to start spending my precious Saturday. It was time to meet the rest of the team from the Rotaract Club of Kampala West, Ntinda and Natete. This team consisted of President Rachel Nabwire (Kampala West), Vice President Emmanuel Wanyama (Kampala West), President Joshua Sendaula (Ntinda), President Martin Ddungu (Natete), Ivan Kalungi, Carol Agaba, Benjamin Kibuka, Ritah Namusoke, Tumusiime Arthur, Isaac

KWEST TIMESWE MEAN ROTARACT |

About the Orphanage The head of the orphanage, Pastor Robert as he is commonly referred to gave a guided tour of the girls dormitory which doubled as our reception. Albeit small and overly crowded, it was neat and tidy. The Orphanage takes care of children of all ages ranging from toddlers to teenagers. The boys and girls sleep in different dormitories. Currently the facility has no space to accommodate new entrants. We were informed of the plight of a boy who has spent an entire year living in a nearby church with the hope that there will space for him to be received someday.

The Celebrations Continue Even with all the hardships that these children face, they were extremely happy to receive us. Under the scotching morning sun we were continuously entertained. The acrobatic dance feats that were pulled off by these remarkable children only reminded me of my childhood dance exploits, particularly during Christmas parties that would even have made Michael Jackson (RIP) jealous! We the guests were then asked, in the spirit of giving, to return the favor and entertain the children. With President-Elect Emmanuel Wanyama leading the dance floor assault, we showed why we are called Rotaractors. Above being dependable, we are young and energetic! Time had come for us to fulfill our mission; to deliver the presents that we had brought all the way from the North Pole (read supermarket). And behold when the cake was delivered to the children, the excitement that engulfed the atmosphere was unprecedented! The early Christmas celebrations officially kicked off which saw the cake being cut and it vanished as fast as it came!

Emmanuel Wanyama getting groovy

The Challenges The children have just one meal a day. In spite of this, they look healthy and happy. With power and water cuts due to failure to pay accumulated bills, accumulated medical bills, unpaid school fees, the plight of these children seems endless. A Glimmer of Hope Through the corporate social responsibility programs of some organizations, the orphanage has acquired a resource center with books and a bakery which is generating some funds. They also have an art and crafts project which is yet to be monetized.

Rotaractors showing the kids how its done

The power of cake!

KWEST TIMESWE MEAN ROTARACT |

The Departure After giving a few words of encouragement, it was time to depart. Time check is 12:16PM. Today was such a memorable day. Looking back at how my day started I couldnt help but think how many a times I take life for granted. I couldnt remember my dream but those children have dreams which were echoed in the songs of hope they sang for us. I was spoilt for choice at breakfast but these children have just one meal a day. I was mindless of how much water I let flow away yet these children have to fetch water from the nearby swamp! More still it doesnt take much to make a difference in the community and my world. All it takes is just small gestures that leave a huge impact. Today we were proud to be Rotaractors because we put a smile on someones face.

Some the items delivered to the orphanage

Hot steps!

The orphanage care takers entertaining us

Yours truly (second left) sharing a Kodak moment before departure. Pictorial Jewelry and crafts made by the children

He was clearly in charge of things.

The toddlers dancing

Ritahs futile attempt at carrying a sack of rice.

Oh happy day!