Hundreds of children reap the benefits of Boys Brigade building in Uganda

7 March 2012

LOCAL members of the Boys’ Brigade have lent a helping hand to give some African children the chance of a better life.

Members of the Boys’ Brigade’s Down Battalion have helped build two schools which are transforming the lives of thousands of children in the Nakasongola region of Uganda.

A high school for 330 pupils was built two years ago beside a primary school, known simply as ‘The BB School,’ which opened in 2000 and currently has over 850 children on its books.

Thanks to the generosity of local people, the community based around the schools are developing a farm which will reduce food costs at the school by a staggering 85 per cent and also feed around 2,000 people. An orphanage has been established and much-needed homes are also being built. Next month a container will leave Northern Ireland packed with clothes, books and other essentials.

This ongoing success story began in 1999 when the Down BB Battalion made a decision to carry out the ambitious project to build a primary school in Uganda as their celebration of the Millennium.

The project was funded by BB companies in the Battalion and the main team left for Uganda in March 2000. At that time 97 school children met under a tree in the village of Kawondwe, Nakasongola.

The team was made up of 23 BB members, six members of the Fields of Life charity and Dundrum GP Dr. Kieran Walshe. Over two weeks, two buildings were constructed, each with 3 classrooms each.

They were built in brick and plastered inside and outside and had pitched corrugated iron roofs. Windows and doors were fitted and a sand and cement floor was laid.

Some 54 desks were made, each big enough for three children. A tablet of Mourne granite was built into the wall of one of the buildings engraved with the BB Anchor and the inion, ‘To the Glory of God, built by The Boys’ Brigade, Down Battalion, Northern Ireland, April 2000.’

Shoe boxes full of gifts provided by members of the BB were given to the local children. Since 2000 the Down Battalion has continued to support the work in this area through prayer, funding teachers and sponsoring children. Locally the school is known as the BB School.

In 2003 Annet Kiisa, a new headmistress, arrived at the school. Although the locals were disappointed to see a young female headmistress arrive, she soon earned their respect and has worked hard to improve conditions in the area.

She found it difficult to recruit teachers as there was no clean drinking water in the area. Different agencies tried to locate water but to no avail. In 2007 the Boys’ Brigade funded a borehole opposite the entrance to the school. After 11 hours of drilling and much prayer the water burst out of the ground and it has never dried up.

In 2009 a team of 32 members from Down Battalion BB, Dr. Alan Poots, a doctor from Kilkeel, and a nurse went to work at the school. Children helped the team paint the school. The team made 100 desks and taught local boys how to make more.

The Down Battalion also provided solar panels which provide electricity for classrooms and teacher accommodation. The teachers were provided with three data projectors and three laptops. In addition, they provided the school with 11 sewing machines and 10 girls were taught how to use them. The girls then taught some ladies in the area how to sew and 2 women now earn their living from sewing. Another lady got a job as a matron at the soon-to-be-built high school where she also doubles as a tailor.

The team held bible clubs each day with the children. They left teaching materials and through these the headmistress and teachers are able to instil Christian principles and the love of God to the children and the community.

They left many items of clothing and sports equipment and also bought the headmistress a fridge. Liverpool Football Club sent over a football kit. All were greatly appreciated. The team taught the children many new games. Trees were provided and planted to provide shade for the children at the playing fields.

In 2008 Richard McCance and Andrew McClure, two leaders from 1st Slieve Donard Boys’ Brigade, Newcastle, raised £28,000 towards the purchase of land and construction of the new high school.

In January 2010 Bethel Royal High School was built by Fields of Life near the primary school. At present there are 14 teachers and 330 pupils at the high school and 856 pupils at the primary school.

The Down Battalion BB also provided solar panels for the classrooms and teacher accommodation at the high school. In January 2012 this school was awarded a certificate of merit from Fields of Life for the Best Overall Performance in a rural school.

Boys’ Brigade and Girls’ Brigade Companies were launched in Kawandwe, Nakasongola, last month. It is the desire of the leaders of these organisations to spread them over a large area.

Annet Kiisa felt compassion for the community and realised the need to help. People from Northern Ireland have provided her with the finance to purchase 130 acres of land, some farming equipment and animals. They have managed to reduce food costs at the schools by 85% and it is Annet’s desire to soon be able to feed approximately 2000 people.

She has also outreached to several families in the area by providing them with new housing. Annet has a deep down desire to be able to help the under privileged. She would like to provide employment for many, especially the ladies in the area.

If you feel you would like to help the people in this area, please contact David Charleton (tel. 028 4176 2309) Ethel Murdock (028 4483 0768) or visit www.newbeginningscharity.org (Rodney McBride, New Beginnings co-ordinator, 078 8905 7661) for more details about the orphanage that has been established in the area.

They would welcome girls’ summer dresses, boys football kits and children’s’ reading books. The container is going to the area around Easter time.

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