Our Journey to Palabek

Back tracking Jan 17, 2017 - Palabek - Kitgum Region

"Our journey continued to Palabek in Northern Uganda.  It was extremely hot and dusty.  Nevertheless we were greeted warmly by dancing of the ladies.  There were approximately 250 people which included women, children & men.
Carol & I were given the joy of teaching hand washing and tooth brushing to children and women. They were attentive and patient with us. Nadine also taught sanitation by way of the pig story. We used visual examples, coloring pages and demonstration.  We had a wonderful interpreter who was also a teacher.  We are unable to do our job without having our Uganda friends helping us, Denis and Bosco. Two wonderful young men we have watched grow up.
The children & women were very patient and attentive even though it was super hot----100 degrees with little shade.
Children looked healthy and happy.
We provided worm medication and a vitamin. We gave them a soccer ball and softball that put a huge smile on their faces and immediately erupted into a flurry of activity, was thrilling to watch.

We then had a feast for everyone of rice & beans & stewed chicken & goat.  We were provided with a local dish called posha. It is white maize made into a thick paste., like grits.
We were elated when we were provided with a hand washing station to wash hands before eating. The entire village participated, this has become a routine practice for them.
All and all we are happy with their progress and their continued eagerness for learning and implement what they learn."
God Bless, Carol & Angie

Brenda also taught paper bead rolling and making of bracelets in hopes we can begin an income generation project for the women.  They already have a farming group - called God's gift farming. And grew a good cotton field this season!  It is time to set up the drip irrigation 1/4 acre vegetable garden near the Laroibe borehole. Tom viewed all of this and assessed the wells we had drilled while all of this taking place. Yes, we have seeds for them too!  Terence and Nadine taught VHT's. In addition to the 9 from Palabek region and  surrounding villages we brought those from wipolo and awal to also be taught at the same time. In addition to the hygiene handwashing and sanitation the VHT's taught malaria prevention and careful use of the mosquito net Palabek has come far and we have been slowly introducing some of the start up pilot projects we began on the farm. It has been 4 years since our first visit. We thought it was time to introduce some craft projects. While Brenda was teaching, I  asked the women's group who were gathered if they were interested in sewing. There were many enthusiastic "Yes's". I then asked if anyone in their group could sew. Lo and behold - 2 women raised their hands. This was exactly the number of sewing machines we had brought!  Brenda and Ranae had some sewing ideas also. It took the technician all day to put together this treadle machine (had to make a part run for more screws also). Finally Brenda showed them some patterns. We didn't have enough time and Brenda would have liked to go back another day. Still, it is a start and brings great hope and encouragement to these women. The two will teach the others. They will build some bricks for a shelter for the machines. We are so grateful to all who help support these women, water and farming and village health projects.  It really makes a difference. Thanks again to Mariel who has taught Palabek VHT's and will be following up a few times a year. And of course Bosco Denis and Terence our valuable Community Development team on the ground!  Hallelujah! Music to my soul!