In January, Australian sponsors, Frank and Jill Kaesler returned to Bwindi (actually, Frank visited for the first time) after almost three years to visit the children they sponsor. The trip to Bwindi from Australia, the US and virtually anywhere is long and not easy, but if you have never been, it is worth making. You will never forget the schools or the children - gorillas and the parks. Remember, several of us have visited multiple times, and we can help you with all sorts of practical information about planning a trip, and Eve will be there to help when you arrive.
In January this year, Frank and I visited our two sponsored children, Ninshaba Agnes and Nduhukire Augustus, at Bwindi. I met them in November 2010 while visiting the gorillas and fell in love with Agnes and Augustus at once. This was Frank’s first visit.
The children met us at our accommodation on our arrival with huge grins and warm hugs. Augustus was a bit shy at first, but he soon warmed up. It was wonderful to see them looking so healthy and happy and to know that our support is helping them.
Over the next 3 days we spent lots of time together, visiting their uncle’s home where they live during the school holidays and shopping for new bedding, clothes, shoes, consumables and a few treats for the coming school year. Joseph, the principal of Bwindi Watoto Primary School where Augustus is a pupil and Agnes (who graduated from Watoto before going on to secondary school at Bishop Comboni), explained about their schooling and showed us around the facilities.
On the final day we all went on a safari, including Evelyne Habasa, who works with Bwindi Community Program on sponsorships, to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Agnes, Augustus, Evelyne and Frank saw their first lions and elephants in the wild as well as many other animals and birds.
A huge thank you to Evelyne, who arranged for us to spend so much time with our children, visit the school, local hospital and women’s groups. We look forward to another visit in 2 or 3 years if finances allow it.
Jill Kaesler
Australia
AKANKWASAH BARIREGA, BCP Board Member, and Board Member of the Conservation organization spearheading this "gravity" water project, gave the Keynote Speech at the dedication of the project, attended by 3000 people, including the Prime Minister of Uganda and member of the Swarovski family whose company donated much of the cost.
Yonah
Little Yonah has been walking with a crutch for as long as he can remember. When all the other children would play in the yard, he would watch wistfully. Last year, Dr. Seth Frenzen an orthopedic physician from the east coast was in Bwindi donating his time. We asked him to look at Yonah. He said that Yonah has Muscular Dystrophy and that his problem could be improved through surgery by lengthening his Achilles tendon. The longer Achilles will allow him to bend at the ankle and use his entire foot surface when he walks. |
| Eve made sure the family understand Seth's exercises and with help from general donations, provided nutritious food to boost his recovery. Look how well he is doing now! We're just waiting for some smiles. |
Today, we got really good news. Little Yonah is walking is going back to school
following his surgery with Dr. Seth!
Click anywhere in the text below to see a video of Yonah WALKING!
Thank you Seth! |
