BackgroundBulenga Modern was set up a few years ago by a forward thinking and energetic Ugandan. Although relatively close to the capital, Bulenga's chickens and dirt tracks give it a rural feel.
The school is small by Ugandan standards with only 188 pupils aged 4 - 13. Classrooms are basic - a blackboard and chalk and nothing more - though teachers have done their best to jolly them up with the few resources they do have.
Volunteers in the past have taught English, Maths and Science to P1 - P4 (so this is most likey what I'll be doing).
The headmaster is also keen that I get involved with the running of extracurricular activities, eg. art & craft, sport etc.
The school does not have a lot of money to spare so resources are scarce - initiative will be needed when it comes to devising lessons and activities. Discipline, however, is relatively good and because of the small class sizes there is scope for imaginative teaching.
Accommodation
I will be housed in a purpose-built compound about 10 minutes walk from the school. I'll have two rooms: one for sleeping in and another as my 'living room'. I share an open-air washroom and long drop with the other teachers.
Life in Uganda
Uganda will be a fascinating country in which to spend a year and was justifiably described by Winston Churchill as the 'Pearl of Africa'. The country's lush, green vegetation, rich red soils and blue skies are very different from typical media images of the African continent.
Almost 90% of the population is employed in agriculture. Sadly most people associate Uganda with Idi Amin, Aids and the Bwindi massacre; but Uganda has a rich an fascinating culture. Despite their difficult past, Ugandans are extremely hospitable and will warmly welcome the other volunteers and I into their communties.
There has been some instability around the country's border areas and there will be certain out of bounds areas to us for this reason. Apart from this, personal safety is good.
I will have over two months holiday during the year which I will use to explore the country. Highlights include white water rafting on the Nile (the River Nile's source is found in Uganda) and game-spotting in national parks. There may be opportunities to venture into Tanzania and Kenya.
The advantage of Uganda is that it is a comparatively cheap country to travel around.
This is exactly the gap year I was hoping for, and even though my Maths skills need updating before I go... I'm sure I'll cope! Bring on the training week!
