Saturday 28th February

This morning began with a trip to a local village to meet “Agatha Christie,” who makes all sorts of beautiful goodies including paper angels, bags and bracelets. She was such a lovely lady and her husband welcomed us warmly too. We will be selling her handmade items in aid of UgandAid, so please let us know if you would like to purchase anything. More details will follow on Instagram @ugandaiduk and Facebook @ugandaid.

Afterwards, a few of us visited our friend William, a child doctor at Jinja Hospital. He is an inspirational and kind hearted man. His daughter Ruby was with him, whom he brought home from the hospital eight years ago after she was abandoned. Others spent their time white water rafting, meeting former students and taking the opportunity to rest.

Later, David and I headed up to NVI for music practice and to catch up with some of the students. I love being at NVI. Being a similar age to many of them, it often feels like spending time with friends back home. We laugh in the same way and share similar life challenges. Yet materially, my life has been very different. I have had free, high quality education and access to the NHS whenever I have needed it. Here there is no free school or free healthcare, and many live hand to mouth. While I might know one or two people at home who have lost a parent, most of the students at NVI have lost theirs through HIV, road accidents or violence. It is heartbreaking.

Today I met Aminisi, the student sponsored by my family, and Emmanuel, the student I sponsor. It was such a pleasure to spend time with them, to understand their living arrangements and to understand that everything is covered through sponsorship and UgandAid.

£44 a month is the cost of a round of drinks or a few coffees, yet it can completely transform a young person’s future. Perhaps your workplace offers a salary sacrifice scheme, which can make it even more affordable. Please consider sponsoring a student today. There are many vulnerable young people in desperate need of hope, and education is how we help provide it.

Isabelle