Front, from left to right: Jessica Walsh, Ben Beaumont, Jasmin Yeung, Arbaz Ahmed, Will Smith
Back, from left to right: Megan Entwistle, Anum Ahktar, Bethany Spence, Juby John, Rebecca Mitchell, Robson Duckworth, Oliver Wiggans, James Andrews, Alastair Keys, Hannah Cookson, Maia Ditchfield, Joanna Sleigh, Kyle Robinson, Will Gedling, Seb Roberts.
UGANDA CLASS OF 2019 VISIT
July 2019
TRIP BACKGROUND
This was a memorable visit for me particularly since it was to be my final two weeks of being a QEGS teacher after being there for 30 years. What a great way to sign off it was too. Just like all the previous groups the Class of 2019 were not to disappoint. They embraced all the tasks in front of them and engaged wonderfully well with the children at the school. It is a wonderful sight to witness these young people interacting with the energy and warmth that the Ugandan children bring.
The main task for this group was to ensure that the new kitchen was to be built and to enable the school to improve its security by having a perimeter fence erected. We also hope to get solar panelling in place so they have cheap and reliable source of electricity.
This group also experienced Queen Elizabeth’s National Park, our visit since the Class of 2010. They stayed at the wonderful secluded wooded lodge called Jacana. They were able to see the amazing wildlife that can be found in the world famous Kisingi Channel.
FUNDRAISING
They did a great job individually raising money through their own initiative. Seb Roberts wrote and performed a musical that was enjoyed by the very supportive parishioners of Balderstone church. The big highlight of this groups efforts was the Uganda Ball held at Pleasington golf club. It was a black-tie affair with live music, held on a beautiful early Summer’s evening. It brought back many of the former students and staff that have been part of the project. It epitomised the depth of support we have engendered and how funds can be raised by involving the QEGS community, and having a great time doing it.
ACHIEVEMENTS
With another £9,000 raised was enough to build the new kitchen (replacing the open fire technique). There was also enough to enhance the school in other ways too. Possibly the biggest achievement of this year was to bring teacher Jo Purvis on the trip. She really enjoyed and appreciated the value of the project to such an extent that she has agreed to pick up the baton and maintain QEGS association with Good Samaritan School. For this, I am absolutely delighted and grateful.
Andy Buckingham (Trip Leader 2019).
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