A Real Fairytale Ending!

Yet another blog posting....Just when you'd thought it was all over!

I can confirm that I'm now safely back in the UK...with personal plans engineered to precision....so that Louise ("the wife"!) was packed off to a property conference in the south of France two days after I arrived back!

But there was one very important and final matter to attend to......

Many individuals had kindly donated some money before I headed off on this adventure....and I would like to thank all concerned for their generosity.

Towards the end of my assignment, I tasked the Director at Comboni with making a proposal as to how best to use these donations.

Of a number of ideas, the one I choose involved the building of two new houses for child-headed families.

Whilst the pictures below might suggest very small and cramped accommodation conditions, these houses definiteley will provide a significant improvement in the lives of the twelve children who will be living there.

With your support, I feel very proud that we have been able to make a real difference to the lives of these children who seem to have suffered so much in such a relatively short time. Maybe, this will go some way towards recouping some of that valuable period of childhood we all take for granted.

My description of this contribution as a "Fairytale Ending" was only made perfectly complete when I found out who would be co-ordinating the building project...

The young lady working for Comboni is no other than Cinderella! ....Honestly, that is her real name!


The Comboni Project Co-ordinator - Cinderella! (I kid you not!!)



Rafting Update!

When I was out shopping in Jinja this afternoon, I met somebody who had recently been on the white water rafting trip........

He declined to comment!




Why did I ever sign that Disclaimer Form!



I Must be Turning into Tony Blair!

For those who know me, I normally come across as a quiet, unassuming kind of guy – and tend to shy away from becoming the centre of attraction (Some hopes of that as an accountant!)

Yet, I recently seem to have undergone a complete transformation……..

Just like our Tony in his latter years of office, I seem to have become obsessed by leaving a “legacy”! On finalising my report to Comboni, I repeatedly asked the question “What would I be leaving behind at the charity?”.

This was based on the philosophy of:

 “Give a man a fish, and he will feed his family for a day. Teach a man to fish, and he will feed his family for a lifetime”

Comboni - Building for the Future.

From the feedback received, I am convinced that I have managed to achieve this to some degree, which is a very good feeling.

However, little was I prepared for the Official recognition of my services………….

Casting any political allegiances aside for one moment, what an honour it was be personally thanked by no other than the long-standing President of Uganda himself!



Exclusive! AfID Volunteer Congratulated by President Museveni



The Source of the Nile!

Historically, the mighty Nile has been a source of mystery and challenge to many famous British explorers…….Like Joanna Lumley!

Today, it was my turn to seek out the source of the Nile.

Throughout my assignment I had been intrigued as to where this great treasure came from……Ever since I made that momentous decision not to have my shirts laundered at the hotel for 2500 Ugandan Shillings – The same price as a bottle of “Nile Special” (A much better investment!)

I love a beer with a good head on it!

And I finally tracked the Brewery down to Jinja – Which incidently is the same place as the source of some river round here…….Or rather, this is what the Ugandan Tourist Office would have you believe.

Technically, Jinja is the venue of one of the sources of The Nile river, while neighbouring countries like Rwanda are able to make similar claims (and increase the official length of the river).

Whilst this stretch of river is amazingly scenic, you cannot actually see the source since the construction of a dam slightly downstream submerged the spot.

Therefore, visiting is more of a symbolic experience rather than physical (Like crossing the equator, without tripping).

The Source - A True Beauty Spot

Some Tourist Being Convinced this is the Exact Spot!

Final Day at Comboni!

I’ve just finished my final day at Comboni and formally brought the assignment to a completion.

This final week has seems to have flown by so quickly. I needed not only to finalise my formal report of findings and recommendations, but also present and discuss them with the key personnel at Comboni.

We should have held this completion meeting yesterday, but a trip into town with the Director dragged on and on…..and before we knew it, we’d lost most of the afternoon!

Fortunately, I was able to make my presentation this morning. Reflecting on its contents last night, I was worried in case it came across as too critical and might upset the Finance team. As such, I made sure that they were fully aware that the purpose of the report was to highlight areas of weakness where they could improve the charity’s control over activities…..and that all their positive strengths were to be taken as given.

I was to be overwhelmed by the extent of their appreciation as to my support.

Aol Florence Okech - Director of Comboni Samaritans

Many of the AfID volunteers are warned in advance of the difference in culture and attitudes they should expect – Be prepared to experience a fair degree of frustration!

However, the work plan has flowed reasonably well for me, and I have been more than pleased with the results achieved.

Admittedly, there were some obstacles along the way:

·                     Half the Finance team effectively disappeared during my first week (Looking after sick children or themselves)!

·                     Whilst I knew about the presidential election in advance, I hadn’t counted on losing 3 days (granted as public holidays)!

These proved minor disruptions to my progress!

And personally, I have had a great experience and a lot of fun in the process.

However, I have yet to fulfil my “Final Challenge”……

The mighty Nile River, the longest river in the World, begins its 6,500 mile journey from Uganda’s second city, Jinja.

That journey apparently starts with a vengeance……

Creating some pretty ferocious rapids and falls…..

Who could possibility be stupid enough to take a boat trip along this section of Grade 5 (The highest grading) rapids?

My main concern is whether I will be able to see much! I’ll certainly start off wearing contact lenses, but hate to think how long they will last….After that, I could be rafting “blind” as a mole!

Checking out Downstream Last weekend

What Can You Buy for a Shilling Thesedays?!

These Ugandans are bleeding me dry!

Everything I seem to buy is designated in thousands.

The closest thing to a Shilling would appear to be 3 Shillings – For a second of mobile phone airtime!

Otherwise, my main purchases are hotel (55,000/night), Dinner (10,000), Bottled Water (1,000) and perhaps the odd bottle of beer (2,500)!

Fortunately, with an exchange rate of around 3500 shillings to the Pound, maybe these things aren’t so expensive (£16, £3, 30p & 70p respectively).

As I mentioned earlier, my wife requested that I bring back a significant souvenir from this trip (Please, no Clinic jokes!). However, I still haven’t seen anything to buy here.

Perhaps I should just follow the recent lead of Madonna and Angelina Jolie………and bring home an orphaned child!

The new American Ideal - Adoption by Mail order!

Or femail Order?!

 

I’m sure Louise would be over the moon!

It's a Jungle Out There!

What an absolutely amazing weekend!

One to drive home a true perspective on life, taking one from the “highs” to the “lows” within a short passage of time……

Having not lost any sleep from equating the cost of a night’s accommodation at the Game Park Lodge (After all, this was my “treat” after working so hard), we headed off on a game drive at sunrise.

I did not pitch my expectations too high on the basis that I had been fortunate enough to have been in several other game parks elsewhere in Africa – and Uganda certainly isn’t geared up for tourism!

Sound Advice - For Morons!

However, within the first hour, we had sighted a leopard and lions! These usually take a considerable amount of searching, even with an experienced ranger (and a degree of luck, though modern technology in the form of mobile phones can help to spread the word!).

The Law of the Jungle - Let's Invite a Friend to Dinner!

In addition to these prize “trophies”, we saw just about everything the park could offer (Elephants, Giraffes, Buffalo, Warthogs, Hippos, Baboons, and a whole range of antelopes and birds).

After the 4 hour drive, I was ready for a swim and chill-out time by the pool! All in readiness for……..

A 3 hour boat trip up the Nile river! Whilst the main event was to see the incredible Murchison Falls, it was amazing to see so much wildlife from the water, including the infamous Nile Crocodiles.



Just a Mother Trying to Protect her Eggs



Such a weekend can only emphasise the extremes of life – The sheer beauty of Nature, the harsh reality of Life & Death!

Yet, I was still quite unprepared for the emotional journey that awaited me…….

The exhilaration of watching wild animals in their natural habitat somehow did not compare to the “jungle” of emotions I was to endure last night……watching my team, Arsenal, take me on a proverbial “rollercoaster”….making me suffer at first, before raising my hopes……..Only to leave me in despair following a “give-away” goal in the final minutes of the Carling Cup Final!

Thus, the final “trophy” eluded me - Life can be so cruel!

A Decadent Lifestyle!

Since I've been in Uganda, I don't seem to have spent much money at all!

Not really much on offer to buy, apart from food and beer!

I had hoped to buy yet another African carving for the house - Yet I have yet to see any crafts on offer. Gulu is not exactly a thriving tourist magnet!

However, this weekend is my big treat - A trip to one of Uganda's Game Parks, Murchison Falls National Park.

Having been driven out here, along with one of the Finance team, my initial proposal was that we would all have dinner together. Whilst the other guys were staying at cheaper accommodation adjoining the lodge, we were informed that I was not allowed to eat with them at their place! I thought they were joking at first, but seems like a perverse apartheid policy!


However, to provide a humbling reminder of the wealth gap, I found that the price I'm paying for a night at my Safari Lodge is equivalent to a month's salary of the driver who brought me here - Hopefully, I will be able to sleep alright tonight in spite of this playing on my conscience.

A month's salary blown on a Single Night!

Back to School!

This is what this assignment was all about – The children!

I remember when my own were so very cute......

Freya - Now 13 Years

Harriet - Now 11 years, going on 16!

Whatever happened to those sweet little girls?!!

 

I really wanted to see first hand the contribution and support being provided by Comboni Samaritans.

Along with the Director of Comboni, we visited a particular school where two new classroom blocks have just been finished. These had been funded by the IRT (International Refugee Trust)

Although only 40 kms from Gulu, the remoteness of the location meant that it took almost two hours to get there, mainly due to the state of the roads (or should I say tracks!).

The school had been specifically chosen by Comboni following an independent survey of schools in the area to identify those with the poorest academic results. The completion of these new classroom blocks is the culmination of a process which began back in 2007.

The school accommodates just over 600 children, along with its teaching staff…..of ten!

In spite of this farcical ratio, the children were amazingly well behaved, though it was very apparent that the older kids take a lead in keeping the younger ones under control!

Furthermore, a localised custom involves the children kneeling down to greet adults as a mark of respect…..A very far cry from the way I am treated by my own daughters!

Not too long ago, the children only had one classroom block and therefore many lessons were conducted outside, under the shade of the trees.

It’s difficult to explain just how appreciative the school is to have the new classroom blocks. It has really transformed attitudes and enthusiasm from all concerned. Previously, one of the main causes of the poor school performance stemmed from the parents – Questioning the value of educating their kids, rather than have them help with household and farming chores.

Incredibly, this cultural obstacle appears to have been overcome – Enrolment to the school is increasing, attendance/punctuality is outstanding, and results are improving significantly.

Even with the support of such infrastructure, people have to pay significant school fees. Furthermore, just about everybody seems to pay not only for their own children’s education, but also for a number the inevitable orphaned kids from their wider family (where their brothers or sisters have died during the civil war or from HIV/AIDs).

I point I am trying to make is that, in addition to overseas support, the local people are firmly committed towards the education process.

This project is truly an example where charitable funding is really making a difference.

With this in mind, I have requested that the Director of Comboni identify a specific project that I can fund using the donations generously made into my Justgiving account.

With the exchange rate of around 3600 Ugandan Shillings to the Pound, I can promise that this will be a multi-million project!

I will pass on the details as soon as I am able to agree on an appropriate and suitable need.



 

A Typical Day in the Life of an AfID Volunteer!

AfID (Accounting for International Development) is the organisation that placed me out here. Neil Jennings, its founder, was insistent that I provide a realistic reflection of the true glamour of life as a volunteer.

A typical day sees me rise at 4 a.m., ready to start work promptly an hour later……Should I have I mentioned that the above is British time…….Uganda fortunately is 3 hours ahead!

I must admit that office life is somewhat different to that back home……

Open-Plan Office - Ugandan Style!

 

But what exactly am I doing here on a day-to day basis? Quite honestly, the nature of my own work is no different to that given to my own client businesses at home.

After two weeks here, I remain fully convinced and committed as to my two main objectives. Firstly, I am supporting the charity’s Finance Team to develop their systems and their own personal skills (“Capacity Building” being their own phraseology). Secondly, and most importantly, by providing greater confidence that funds are effectively “hitting the intended causes”, this should support the continuity of ongoing funding from donors.

The World today has so many worthy charitable causes, and as such, there is inevitably considerable competition in the Charity Sector. Coupled with the current economic climate, the extent of funding from the general public, especially in Western countries, would undoubtedly have been squeezed in recent times.

Hence, the importance of retaining good relationships with established donors.

Back to my “typical” day…..

After breakfast, a driver from Comboni (George) takes me to their offices, a journey of around 1 mile through a village and along much-eroded dust tracks. At the moment, everything is dry, but I can imagine how these roads deteriorate when the rains come!

Comboni has its own compound which accommodates the various offices for its “front-line” activities, a women’s co-operative and of course, its Finance team and Management.

Tea and a snack are delivered from the compound kitchen mid-morning, and a good meal is provided at lunchtime. The day finishes strictly at 5 p.m., when I am generally kicked out the offices. This always seems somewhat alien to my usual approach to work, where the timing is somewhat more flexible!

The Comboni Samaritans Main Administration Building

Ah yes, what about the actual work?..............

I do not intend to go into great detail about my work. Firstly, I do not wish to breach confidentiality, and, secondly, it wouldn’t make great reading (To all my Followers – Up to 7 at the last count!)

However, as a general indication of the existing culture, it appears that nothing happens unless a document is signed by three individuals, including letting someone leave the compound with one of the Charity’s motorcycles!

With my usual strategy of trying to streamline systems, I am trying to eliminate any pointless bureaucracy, whilst retaining those controls which are considered to be effective.

I did not come to Comboni with the intention of imposing any fixed model to run their business. Indeed, any changes involve a judgment as to what will make a positive improvement to their operations……And such judgement must involve the opinion from all concerned to be effective.

Therefore, I have needed to review the way the accounting processes have been operated, with the assistance of the Finance team. This has involved learning about the new accounting package they implemented last Summer, the relationships with a range of Donor Charities and how they manage the activities, financially and otherwise.

The Comboni Finance Team

Ultimately, my contribution here would be severely diminished if I am unable to transfer my review techniques to the local Management and Staff. I can suggest and introduce certain improvements whilst I am here, but they will need to continue the strategy on an ongoing basis to ensure effective improvements where needed.

As for the staff at Comboni, everybody has been incredibly friendly and supportive, though this appears to be very much the normal culture of Ugandans in general.

Such hospitality has applied equally to outside the workplace, an aspect which has to be critical for any volunteer. I had been worried before I arrived about how I would be spending the evenings and weekends, but those concerns have proved unfounded.

For anyone considering such a placement, never under-estimate the importance of the social side to make the most of your experience.