Give the Gift of Education (Gift Cards)

Educating Esther

Some of you by now have heard about Esther. She helped Toronto students learn about life in Uganda by volunteering to participate in an educational video used in Canadian classrooms. Both her parents have since died and she has had to leave school to help care for her brothers. She was the top student at Kinu School and dreams of being a nurse.

Although the UWGP does not offer scholarships two community businesses The Art of Beauty and Serenity Massage Therapy are coordinating a community fundraiser on Feb 19 2010 from 2:00- 4:30 for Esther.

Call Teresa or drop by the Art of Beauty 416 698-6968 (1672 Kingston Rd) to purchase a gift donation card and to RSVP to the event where you will learn more about Esther, The Uganda Water & Garden Project and Tin Roof Global the nonprofit organization that will be administering the Educating Esther funds. Music and refreshments will add to the atmosphere of community spirit.

If you have an item you can donate to the silent auction, please let Teresa know.

TAX RECEIPTS AVAILABLE!

Thank you for helping to make Esther’s dream of an education come true!

Water Facts

Here are some WATER FACTS to consider ...

Compiled by Duke's Eco Club

1. The planet is running out of fresh water.

2. Increasingly, communities around the world, including Canadian First Nations Communities, live without adequate access to fresh water.

3. Over 75% of the planet is water but not even 1% of that water is drinkable.

4. Canada has more than 20% of the planet’s water but 99% of this water is polluted by chemical waste.

5. Patients who have acute water-borne diseases such as diarrhea, malaria, hepatitis, cholera and typhoid occupy 45% of hospital beds around the world.

6. It takes 2500 litres of water to produce one hamburger and 1000 litters of water to produce one kilogram of tomatoes.

7. By leaving the tap running while brushing your teeth, you waste up to 9 litres of water a minute or 26,000 litres per family per year.

8. Water is a renewable resource but because our oceans, lakes and rivers are so polluted, 60% of the world now depends on ground water stored in our aquifers that can take decades to replace.

9. Every week enough single use water bottles are thrown away to circle the earth 5 times.

10. Bottled water costs 1,000 times more than tap water and companies like Coca cola, Nestle, and Evian make enormous profits while many people in Africa

WATER WALK at Duke of Connaught School in Toronto

Students of Duke of Connaught School in Toronto wish to reach out in solidarity to their peers in Uganda who have to walk for water daily.

On Tuesday Nov 23 2010 students will WALK FOR WATER and take a moment to reflect upon the challenges that their pen pals face each day in collecting water.

Each class has been collecting coins in buckets as well. The coins are being weighed to bring attention to the weight of water. Each grade has their contribution posted in the front hall. Each day the levels go up. "Way to go grade 3 students" you are right off the chart!

Local government makes contibution

On Nov 12 2010 a ceremony took place at the District Headquarters of Kamuli to hand over materials such as eves troughs that will be attached to a second building at Kinu School. These materials will help to collect the rainwater for storage in a 10,000 L tank. This water will then be used for irrigating several garden plots and nursery. The pledge for material support was made by Mr. Steven Mubiru, District Chairperson of Kamuli (wearing a yellow shirt in photo). The gathering also included Mr. Joseph Musoke (at the left of the photo), District Education Officer of Kamuli and Ms. Catherine Amal (wearing dark blue skirt), Chief Administrative Officer of Kamuli.

Let's Play Soccer!

Thanks to the Toronto students who came up with the idea of collecting and sending soccer balls, students from all 12 CASP schools are now enjoying playing soccer.

All kids love to play!

These are students of St. Patrick Guwula School.

St Patrick Guwula School Photos (Nov 2010)

CASP Coordinator Moses (left in photo above) and Helen of CASP's Board of Directors, recently went to visit the community of St. Patrick Guwula School. They met with teachers, students, parents and community leaders to discuss what the priority concerns are and the ways these concerns might be best addressed. Access to food and clean water are the most pressing issues.

Home in the area around St. Patrick School.

Coffee plants.

Students at St. Patrick Guwula School.

Message to Glen Ames from CASP ~ THANK YOU!

Last year Glen Ames raised enough money to build a rainwater harvesting tank at Kinu School in Uganda. This tank is dedicated to the collection of water for irrigating multiple demonstration gardens and a nursery. The nursery will provide plants and tree samplings to support food gardens at the 12 Ugandan schools that are part of the Canada Africa School Partnership (CASP) network.

The members of the CASP wish to express their sincere thanks!

The Meaning of Compassion: Dalai Lama

Recently the 14th Dalai Lama came to visit us in Toronto. My daughter and I were touched by his words and it made us think about the Uganda Water & Garden Project. He spoke about his belief that young people would play a critical role in bringing about world peace.

He identified two types of actions that are needed in this world:

1. Compassionate Action

2. Human-to-Human Connection

I recently came across a written explanation of the meaning of "compassion" in his words:

"Our concept of compassion refers to the feeling of closeness we have with our friends and loved ones. Sometimes compasion also carries a sense of pity. This is wrong - any compassion which entails looking down on the other is not genuine compassion. To be genuine, compassion must be based on respect for the other, and on the realization that others have the right to be happy and overcome suffering, just as much as you. On this basis, since you can see that others are suffering, you develop a genuine sense of concern for them." H.H. The XIV Dalai Lama.

This resonated with me. As someone who lives with disability (used a wheelchair for years), I invite people to feel human compassion alongside me. I would not appreciate pity or being crafted into a hero. I am a citizen of the world who, like so many other people, struggles to overcome suffering and experiences moments of tremendous joy too.

I am incredibly appreciative of all that I have been able to learn and feel through my work on this project with my colleagues including youth leaders and educators of Uganda and Canada.

Nakulabye Parent's School

Here are some new photos from Moses' latest visit to Nakulabye School.

(Moses Lyagoba is the environmental educator who co-designed the project with us.

He oversees the activities of the Uganda Water and Garden Project in Uganda.)

The school name is pronouced "new-cal-la-bee-aye" with an emphasis on "la".

The classrooms are very crowded and basic educational supplies are lacking. Grades 1,2,3 and grade 7 (preparing for their final exams for entry to secondary school) are located inside the school building.

Students in grades 4, 5 & 6 attend their lessons in this outdoor structure without furniture.

Moses meets with local decision-makers including parent council leaders, headmaster of the school, local government education leaders and others. Local solutions to local problems are discussed. Everyone from the community is expected to contribute to building solutions. Clean water and food are the highest priorities.

The students must walk 1.5 km each day for water. However the water source is not clean and many children suffer from waterborne disease. With help from Toronto students this year we hope to be able to raise the funds for a 10,000L rainwater harvesting tank at this school (similar to the ones built at Kinu school with great success).

The parents are subsistence farmers and find it difficult to provide food to those children old enough to attend school. There is a great need for a school garden to provide food. Parents have donated land for the gardens. With help from Toronto students, we hope to be able help pay for land clearing and seeds to get the garden's established.

The students at Nakulabye School are very happy to have partner schools and pen pals in Toronto. They danced, sang and played drums in celebration of forming new friendships with Canadian students!

Film WATER ON THE TABLE Oct 14 7pm

Planet in Focus Film Festival – “Water on the Table” premiere & post-screening discussion with Maude Barlow and Liz Marshall

When: October 14, 2010 at 7pm

Where: Royal Ontario Museum, 100 Queen's Park

On the heels of last month’s victorious vote by the United Nations General Assembly to recognize the human right to water and sanitation, Planet in Focus is pleased to announce the highly-anticipated theatrical screening of Water On The Table. This remarkable feature-length documentary screening from award-winning Canadian Director Liz Marshall is part of the 11th annual Planet in Focus International Environmental Film & Video Festival. The film follows tireless water advocate Maude Barlow, National Chairperson of the Council of Canadians, as she works to have water declared a human right, during her term as Senior Advisor on Water to the 63rd President of the U.N. General Assembly.

This will be the first Toronto speaking engagement for Maude Barlow since the historic UN Right to Water was passed.

Visit planetinfocus.org for tickets and more information.

Liberty Village After-School Program Joins Us!

Welcome to Liberty Village Kids!

This unique afterschool program has a social justice and environmental education focus. They draw students from Givins-Shaw Public School as well as Niagara Public School. Every Thursday the students will be working on a local or international project. They have selected the Uganda Water & Garden Project as their international project!

We very much look forward to meeting the students and showing them photos of Uganda! We would like to students to grow up learning that they CAN make a difference in the world!

Harvest Time!

Recently Moses went to Kinu Primary to assess the harvest. He was pleased to hear from the staff that the garden this year has helped to feed students at the school who would otherwise go without food. The corn harvest was particularly successful.

CASP welcomes Curr Intermediate School

Moses Lyagoba on behalf of CASP would like to extend a warm welcome to Curr Intermediate School in California USA that has joined the network of schools. CASP is grateful to each and every student, teacher, staff and parent volunteer involved in the Uganda Water & Garden Project. The work that you do will raise awareness of world water & food issues generally and also make a tremendous difference in the lives of many Ugandan students. Thanks & Welcome!

School Supplies Received!

Students at Kinu Primary School received the donations of school supplies, tooth paste & tooth brushes! Thanks again to the Kimberley and Adam Beck students who donated the items. You brought smiles to faces of the Ugandan students.

Welcome Duke of Connaught Public School!

We would like to extend a huge WELCOME to DUKE OF CONNAUGHT PUBLIC SCHOOL (K-8) students, staff and parents! Principal Lenna Kozovski has invited the entire school to get involved in the Uganda Water & Garden Project as part of their school's Social Justice Plan. We gave a presentation to the 45 staff and look forward to our presentation scheduled to the parent council in October. Wow, we already have meetings set up with classroom teachers and teachers leading clubs. How exciting!

Environmental Conservation Course, Kenya

We are very happy to announce that this year 4 of the 10 spaces available to Ugandans to attend an Environmental Conservation Course have been awarded to volunteer members of the CASP team!

The course is hosted by the Elsamere Field Study Centre established in the memory of Joy and George Adamson (of Born Free fame). The centre provides educational programming for teachers, students and community leaders. See: http://www.elsatrust.com/pages/Elsamere_Field_Study_Centre.vrt

Moses Lyagoba attended this program in 2007 and used his acquired knowledge in forming the foundation for the CASP efforts in Uganda. Now additional members of CASP will benefit from this training in Environmental Conservation!

Congratulations to participants:

1. Mr. Mpaata Andrew, headteacher Namalemba School, Iganga

2. Mr. Damba Fred, teacher, Chadwick Namate School, Entebbe

3. Mr. Takaisa George, teacher & education officer, Entebbe Junior School

4. Mr. Kasolo Karim, teacher coordinator, Bupadhengo School, Kamuli

CASP, Uganda Board of Directors

Here are some details about who actually implements the work of Canada Africa School Partnership (CASP) on the ground in Uganda. There are currently 12 schools that are part of the CASP network. The work is done in partnership with the Social Responsibility in Education Committee in Canada. Together we developed the vision for the work so that it would benefit both Canadian and Ugandan students. CASP oversees the work in Uganda and SREC oversees the work with Canadian students.

CASP Board of Directors

1. Mr. Takaisa George
2. Mr.Mpaata Andrew
3. Mr. Mugero Chris
4. Mrs. Mugero Aidah
5. Mrs. Shabomwe Pelly
6. Ms. Nakku Betty
7. Mr. Lyagoba Isabirye Moses

CASP EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS

1. Lyagoba Moses Chairperson
2. Mrs. Mugero Aidah Vice chairperson
3. Mr. Bizito Isaac General Secretary
4. Mr. Mugero Christopher Projects Officer
5. Dr. Florence .I. Muranga Secretary Gender
6. Ms. Komugisha Lillian Treasurer
7. Ms. Kabasinguzi Helene R Public Relations Officer
8. Mr. Takaisa George Educators/Teachers’ representative
9. Mr.Nkemba David Welfare of volunteers local & international

CASP REGINAL STEERING COMMITTEE (ELECTED)

CHAIRPERSON

Mr.Mugeere Nathan-Headteacher Kinu p/s

VICE CHAIRPERSON

Ms.Namugaya Annet-Headteacher Naluwoli p/s

SECRETARY

Ms Aciro Betty- CCT Bupadhengo.

TREASURER

Mr.Kisoko Samuel- Head teacher St.Patric Guwula p/s

CO-ORDINATORS

Mr.Ggingo S Head teacher Masooli primary school (Wakiso)

Ms.Namukose Head teacher Butaaya primary school (Kamuli)

Mr.Mpaata Andrew Head teacher Namalemba Mixed day &Boarding School.(Iganga)

CHIEF CO-ORDINATOR

Mr. Walekachi Michael - Kidiki S.S

The following represents the three Districts in the executive meeting

1. Mr. Mpaata Andrew represents Iganga District
2. Mr.Ggingo S represents Wakiso District
3. Mr. Samany Godfrey Sajjabi represents Kamuli District

Outdoor Concert Fundraiser: Oct 2nd 2010

Please plan to join us for an ...

Outdoor Concert & Fundraiser

Saturday Oct 2nd 2010

@ Kimberley/Beaches Alternative School

50 Swanwick Ave, M4E 1Z5

Music: Tin Star Orphans Band & Friends

Fun & Creative Activities

Water Relay (get 5 friends to sponsor you $5 each)

Come learn more about the Uganda Water & Garden Project and help us raise money for Vanessa's photo trip to collect and share images documenting the ways that water and food shortages have affected children in Uganda.

Through her photography and her photo workshops with Ugandan children, we will learn more about the Rain Water Harvesting and School Garden Projects that Toronto students have funded and the ways these projects have led to improvements in the lives of Ugandan students.

Vanessa is a member of the Social Responsibility in Education Committee, a long time volunteer on the project and a parent of a BAS student. She is donating one month of her time as a professional photographer to travel in Uganda with CASP coordinator Mr. Lyagoba. We would like to help her cover some of her expenses to make this all possible.

This is a ticketed event. Please check back in August for details.

Thank you for your support!

Please mail us a Donation

At this point we are a no-cost volunteer project. We do not have an on-line method for making a donation but you can always mail us a cheque written to the (Toronto District School Board (TDSB).

Uganda Project

Kimberley School

50 Swanwick Ave.,

Toronto, ON

M4E 1Z5

A donation of any amount would be greatly appreciated!

Thank You Steve Sainsbury!

Steve Sainsbury had a trip planned to visit Masooli school and travel in Uganda. He had worked with Karin, a teacher at Birch Cliff Heights, in the past and agreed to transport pen pal items for us.

In addition to bringing school and dental supplies, soccer balls and pen pal letters, to Uganda he returned with a huge bag of pen pal letters and art for our growing number of schools in Toronto.

Graduating students (grade 6 & 8) received their letters just before school ended. All other students will receive their letters in September.

Thank You Steve!

CASP in the news again!

Water harvesting improves school time for Kamuli pupils

Daily Monitor Newspaper, Uganda

Posted Wednesday, June 30 2010 at 00:00

Many children in rural schools walk long distances in search of water, an activity that is affecting their concetration in school...Canada-Africa Schools Partnership (CASP), a volunteer organisation, is moving to address the problem... Mr Moses Isabirye Lyagoba, the coordinator of the programme says they have started a school resource analysis programme where they will empower head teachers and community people on using the available resources to feed the children and empower the community.

The organisation is helping rural schools and households harvest rain water to enable them irrigate their farms during long droughts as well to keep clean water close to the family. The time families spend looking for water affects the economic activities of parents as well as the education pursuits of children. “We are going to give them functional technology to help them collect running rain water and also turn it into a sustainable venture” Mr Lyagoba says.

He says the water can be used to water plants during dry seasons and for domestic work. Mr Lyagoba says most children in rural schools tend to arrive late for classes, and in the evening, spend a lot more time looking for water which affects their studies because they are fatigued. He adds that their parents too, are trapped in the same cycle during the dry seasons, however, with harvesting running rain water, it would keep them going for months until the next rain season.

Mr Lyagoba says educationists have observed that water is as important to children as qualified teachers and books. He says, “The distance these children move to get clean water exposes them to more dangers, coupled with failing to concentrate in school”... He says water and sanitation are some of the most pressing public health challenges in Uganda’s primary schools. Educational achievement is one of the most important determinants of health, life expectancy, economic productivity and the wellbeing of future generations.

for full article see:

http://www.monitor.co.ug/Magazines/Farming/-/689860/948892/-/xcpvkm/-/index.html

Our Contact Info

The Uganda Water and Garden Project is undertaken as a partnership between two groups, one in Canada and one in Uganda.

The work is implemented by the Canada Africa School Partnership (CASP) which is a registered Community Based Organization in Uganda. They provide environmentally and economically sustainable solutions to water and food for Ugandan schools.

Contact Info:

CASP

Uganda Nurses &Midwives
Union (UNMU) building
Bankeley street,
p.o box 567
Entebbe -Uganda"
Tel:+256-782-396092

admincaspproject@gmail.com

The Social Responsibility in Education Committee faciliates educational, awareness and fundraising activities in Canada that support the work of CASP while bringing benefits of engagement to Canadian students and community partners.

Contact Info:

SR in Education Committee

416 909-4684

caspcan1@yahoo.ca

www.uwgp.blogspot.com

Glen Ames sends Soccer Balls to students of Uganda!

Glen Ames Students wanted to share their love of Soccer with their peers in Uganda. They donated enough soccer balls to not only share with the students of Kinu Primary School but also, one was provided to each of the 12 CASP network schools. (a couple of pumps were sent over too)

The soccer balls were handed out to school headteachers by the RT Hon Deputy Speaker of the House of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga and the State Minister for Lands in Uganda, Hon. Asuman Kiyingi.

Thank You Glen Ames!

Workshop Certificates Awarded

Each person who completed the CASP 2 day workshop on Sustainable Water & Food Solutions at Ugandan Schools received a certificate signed by CASP Patron (RT Hon Rebecca Kadaga). Congratulations to all of the individuals, including representatives from the 12 schools in the CASP network, who successfully completed the training!

Local Community Leadership

CASP has expanded to include schools of Wakiso and Iganga districts in addition to Kamuli District.

During the 2 day workshop on economically and environmentally sustainable methods for water & food solutions that took place June 12 & 13 2010, elections were held to identify individuals who could spearhead CASP efforts in the 2 new regions. The elections were overseen by RT. Hon Rebecca Kadaga (seen in red above).

Mr. Ggingo, headteacher of Masooli School, was chosen to represent central region Wakiso District.

Mr. Mpaata Andrew, headteacher of Namalmba School was chosen to represent Iganga District.

Mr. Samanya Sadhaibi, headteacher of of Bupadhengo Primary School and chairperson of headteachers' Association of Kamuli, was chosen to represent Kamuli District.

The top photo shows the committee identified to lead activities in the three districts.

Masooli School - Community Gathering & Donations

On June 26 2010, Moses and the CASP team facilitated a Community Project Sensitization Gathering at Masooli School.

The students entertained the gathering of community members with music. The community was very excited to hear about the prospects of bringing clean water and food to the students. People said they wanted to get involved and help make it happen. And then something very exciting happened...

Ms. Rwemwa Chrintine, a 60 yr old woman who continues to make bricks herself, pledged a donation of 1,000 bricks!

and

Mr. Lubega Fred offered a donation of 12 acres for a school garden. This is a tremendous contribution because Masooli school itself does not have enough land for a garden.

With Partnership We Achieve!

Pen Pal Art from Uganda

Pen Pal art from Uganda.

The Social Responsibility in Education Committee is interested in linking the Uganda Water & Garden Project to meet the educational needs of students of Toronto related to:

• Social Justice

• Character Education

• Global Citizenship

• Environmental Education (Global Eco-Literacy)

- e.g., world water awareness & need for local actions to protect and conserve water

- e.g., food, poverty and nutrition & value of consuming food local to where it is gown

- e.g., environmentally sustainable methods to addressing food and water needs

• Ontario Curriculum

• Ontario Environmental Education Policy

SR in Education Committee - Advisory Board!

THANK YOU to all of the people who have jumped on board to help provide guidance and expertise for the Uganda Water & Garden Project!

The Social Responsibility in Education Committee's Advisory Board allows people to provide assistance associated with their areas of expertise without having to commit to attending all of the regular committee meetings.

The SR in Education Committee works in collaboration with our Ugandan associates of CASP to undertake the Uganda Water & Garden Project.

If you would like to provide assistance too, please contact us.

We are a 100% volunteer run initiative.

You too can make a difference in the world and we would love to hear from you.

Thank you, thank you!

Thanks Kimberley School!

The students at Kimberley School ran a freezie sale at their school to raise money for the Uganda Water & Garden Project. This activity was much appreciated and it was a lot of FUN too!!!

Thank You Adam Beck!

This school year, Adam Beck ran another book exchange fundraiser for the Uganda Water & Garden Project. This contribution enabled us to help make Kinu School a model school & show others how rainwater harvesting can be used at other schools too! Nearly 100 people attended a 2 day workshop where these techniques were shown to representatives from all 12 CASP Network Schools! Thank you Adam Beck!

Glen Ames is Making a Difference!

Glen Ames makes a significant contribution targetted to the second phase of the water project at Kinu Primary School. The plan is to continue fundraising efforts next year to see it through to completion!

This project will involve the construction of 2 more rainwater harvesting tanks to collect water for irrigation. The chariperson of local council within Kamuli District, in response to this exciting news has agreed to donate the eves trough system needed to collect rain water from the metal roof.

Kinu Primary School has a large amount of land, making it an ideal site to have several demonstration gardens (vegetables, fruit, medicinal plants, pine groves). People from other schools will then be able to learn from the work done at the Kinu gardens and determine what might be best transferred to their site.

Ultimately, this water project will contribute to the provision of food to thousands of school children in Uganda.

Thank you!

Students at Birch Cliff Heights are THRILLED to have received pen pal letters, hand woven mats and art from the students of Masooli School!

Welcome St. Patrick Guwula School!

We welcome the students, staff, parents and community members affiliated with the St. Patrick Guwula School in rural Uganda!

The 700+ students at this Kamuli District school walk over 2.5 km each day for water. There is hope on behalf of the community that (with assistance from local, national and international sources) this school can be revitalized. Representatives from this school have participated in the workshop on "Sustainable Solutions for Water & Food" put on by CASP.

The students of St. Patrick Guwula School have been matched up with pen pals at Glen Ames Sr Public School. The grade 8 students have received their first message and the grade 7 students will receive their letters in September. The Ugandan children are VERY EXCITED to hear from Canadian students!

Welcome St. Patrick Guwula School!

Workshop: Water & Food Solutions

Recently, Moses Lyagoba organized and implemented with his CASP colleagues, a workshop with representatives from a newly developed network of 12 schools from within three districts within Uganda: Kamuli, Iganga, and Wakiso. This is one of the ways that the water and garden work at Kinu School is being used to help students from other schools within Uganda. Elected representatives were present including the leader for the as head teacher association. This was funded by sources within Uganda with a contribution from those of us in Canada. Congratulations CASP!

CASP Workshop

June 12 & 13, 2010

Opening: Chairman, LCV Kamuli

Day 1 Sessions: School Partnerships, Environmental Awareness, School Resource Analysis, Greening School Compound, Day 1 Evaluation

Day 2 Sessions: Water & Food Solutions, Soil Conservation, Overall Workshop Evaluation

Speeches & Closing Remarks:

CASP Coordinator

Chairman, Head Teachers Association

District Education Officer, Kamuli

Chairman L.C.V., Kamuli

Area MP and State Minister for Lands

Rt. Hon Deputy Speaker of House of Parliament

Welcome Birch Cliff Heights & Masooli Schools!

We would like to extend a warm welcome Birch Cliff Heights Public School of Toronto!

Under the leadership of teacher, Karin Schemeit, Birch Cliff Heights has joined the network of schools involved in the Uganda Water and Garden Project.

Karin volunteered at Masooli School in Uganda a couple of years ago and since that time has remained very concerned about the students' learning conditions. We have been in touch with Moses Lyagoba, the Canada Africa School Partnership (CASP) Coordinator in Uganda, who conducted a site visit of the school with the CASP Engineer.

They documented the school's desperate need for roof repair and prepared a plan to complete the repairs that would enable rain water collection.

Masooli has been formally accepted as a CASP school and as such will be participating in an educational workshop on "environmentally and economically sustainable water and food solutions" for Ugandan schools run by CASP.

Students of Birch Cliff Heights, with the support of staff and parents, have been working hard to raise funds. They are determined to help bring clean water to the children of Masooli School and they look forward to learning more about life in Uganda from their pen pals there.

Welcome Masooli School and Welcome Birch Cliff Heights!

Masooli School, Uganda