What are we doing here?

This morning Anthony gives us an short introduction to life in Uganda as well as the vague low down of what our time in Uganda will entail. He tells us about "Africa Time" - which basically means we should forget the notion of time entirely, because nothing here ever operates on time. (Anthony himself is an hour and a half late for this little 'introduction talk' we have - so, we start to understand what he means.) "Don't worry about the time," he says cheerfully, "No one here will ever get mad at you for being late." I could get used to this. He also tells us that we'll be cramped pretty much everywhere we go, especially because we're such a big group. "You'll have to squeeze," he tells us, "But it's okay. You will see." (I guess we will.)

We'll be split amongst 3 volunteer projects:

The first is the Orphans for Christ Computer Lab where we'll be training computer skills and business skills to secondary school graduates. We'll be helping about 20 young adults per day learn skills that will help them get jobs. Orphans for Christ is Anthony's organization. (It should be noted that almost all charities in Uganda are faith-based, and the majority of them Christian. We are also staying at a Christian Conference Center. We become used to God-this, and Jesus-that, very quickly.) Anthony's had the lab running only a little while. They have old equipment, not much space, and no internet access. The students are currently 3 months into a 4 month certificate program, and we'll teach two classes per day. Anthony wanted to set up the lab in Kampala, but rent was too expensive, so it's just outside the city, for now.

Next is African Child In Need, which is a home for street kids in the slums of Kampala. The kids are aged thirteen to seventeen and most have been homeless for years. They are all boys. (Girls in Uganda are generally better cared for, we learn, because they can be married off for a dowry.) We'll get to meet the boys and hear their stories. It's unclear what we will actually do while we're there, however. Anthony isn't too concerned. We'll figure it out I guess.

Last is Sanyu Babies Home, which is an orphanage for abandoned babies - aged one day to three years. We'll be helping with the day to day program while there: playing with babies and toddlers, changing diapers, feeding meals, doing laundry, and everything else associated with caring for babies. This makes me a little nervous. I think about the last time I was in charge of a baby, and realize it goes way back to my teenage babysitting days.

We'll split up into small groups, and rotate projects so that everyone has a chance to do everything, and the staff at each centre will show us the ropes apparently. Or they might not. And if they don't, we should just jump in, says Anthony. Fair enough.