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!

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.

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.

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.

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 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

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!

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

Moses visits Kinu Community

In April Moses went to Kinu school to look at the community's use of the water tanks. He interviewed children and their parents as well as community and school leadership.

Here is some of what he found:

People were very happy that they no longer had to walk 2.5 km for water.

The quality of education has improved because children spend more time in class and less time collecting water.

Families are more comfortable sending female children to school because they no longer have to face the dangers of the long walk for water.

People are generally healthier in the community. Clean water has meant less water bourne disease.

Kinu Village Elder Letter

A Kinu Village Elder, Mr. Munyhente Godfrey, sends us greetings.

He says in a letter to Moses that the local community that surrounds the school appreciates the work that has been done by the CASP (Canada Africa School Partnership) volunteers in Uganda and Canada. The water tanks have had a significant impact upon the community and on the quality of education for their young people.

As a result of having the two 10,000L tanks on the school site, students no longer are walking 2.5 km daily for clean water and they are not missing large chunks of classroom instruction.

He states, "Some of them (students) have been loosing some of the subjects simply because they have gone for water but now things have been streamlined, educational standards have improved very much."

He continues, "The community around Kinu Primary School is very happy for what you have done. They are all enjoying the water you have provided for them."

He ends his letter, "May God award you accordingly."

The Garden: An Update

This year we have been able to provide some assistance to Kinu School in preparing their school garden.

They have planted maize (corn), beans and cassava.

Banana trees have also been nurtured so that eventually their leaves will provide shade for medicinal plants underneath.

Beaches Alternative School raised money for seeds.  Knowing that Adam Beck parent council and student/teacher/family book fair fundraiser would be dedicating funds again to this project, we were able to assist recently with much needed weeding and tending to the plants.  Thanks BAS & Adam Beck!

Soon the 700 students at Kinu will have more food available to eat.

Vanessa's Trip

Due to problems with the airline, we plan to reschedule the trip to October 2010.

This will give classrooms, students and families more time to post their questions to guide her trip.  We are very interested in making this trip your trip too.  We would like to include you before, during and after the trip by using this blog.   Please post question, suggestion or comment.  If you would like to schedule a class visit to facilitate this process, email us.

Canadian students have identified areas of interest and they have also asked Vanessa (who is a professional photographer) to take pictures of particular things they want to learn more about. We will find people in Uganda to answer your questions.

Ugandan students are preparing some written descriptions of the water tanks and school garden that we hope to eventually post here.  Vanessa and Kari are also designing a photo workshop for students at Kinu so that they can communicate their ideas through pictures too.

Giving the Gift of Water

Consider giving the gift of food and water this holiday season.

The Uganda Water and Garden Project would like to remind you that making a donation as a gift this season can make a difference in the lives of so many children and their communities.

The vision of the Uganda Water and Garden Project is to develop Kinu Primary School as an education centre and site for demonstrating sustainable methods to address water and food issues that can be replicated at schools across Uganda.

Making a donation this holiday season will help to make this happen.

Inserts for your own greeting cards or e-cards are available in any denomination. Gifts of $25 or more are eligible for a charitable tax receipt. For an additional $1 (to cover printing costs) greeting cards with space for your own personal messages are also available. For those living outside of the Greater Toronto Area, please allow 7 days for your gift cards or inserts to arrive.

Please contact us for further information or to order your gifts.

CASPCAN1@yahoo.ca

647.995.7312 (Vanessa)

Thank you for considering a donation to the Uganda Water and Garden Project this holiday season.

CASP Sparks Generous Local Contributions

During the Nov 23rd Ceremony to Inaugurate CASP and the Water Tanks:

• An announcement was made of a new donation of $1,500 from Schools (BAS), Local Small Businesses in East Toronto and the Royal Bank of Canada.

• The RT. Hon Rebecca Kadaga, Speaker of the House of Parliament pledged fruit trees for the school garden to provide food (number to established later).  She also pledged 1,000 Pine Trees as an extention to the planned Botanical Garden. 

• The chairperson of local council (LC V), political head of the Kamuli District Mr. Steven Mubiru, pledged to provide all the conversions for two new tanks on the second building at Kinu School to collect water for garden irrigation.

• The Hon State Minister for Lands and area member of parliament for Bugabula south constituency– Kamuli District Asuman Kiyingi announced a donation of one million Ugandan Shillings (approximately 600 Canadian Dollars) to support the nearby Hospital to the school. 

In addition, Moses reports that the community members, including parents of Kinu students, "strongly promised" to cooperate with the CASP programs whenever there is a need in terms of their manual labour.

UWGP a "Great Thing"

The Uganda Water and Garden Project gets a nod from the Toronto District School Board. Follow the link to read the article currently listed under Great Things on the TDSB website.

TDSB - Uganda Water and Garden Project