Subject: August 2021-Covid

Two students working on laptops in computer lab at MSA

Making the Best of It

Ugandans are known for being bright-siders. This quality is evident among the Mustard Seed community during this exceptional time. Despite great hardships, they are good at counting their blessings. Thanks to your care and support, hope remains alive.

The second wave of the virus prompted the government in early June to impose strict containment measures. But recently, the restrictions were loosened a little. Still, only schools teaching future health care professionals can have students back in person. All other learning institutions remain closed.

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We were excited and delighted to get the results of the national exams for the Mustard Seed Secondary School students (UCE). More than half of the class passed with 'distinction'– in Division One and Two. And, all our students passed– a remarkable achievement in a country where only 12% are enrolled in secondary education, and many drop out before taking the UCE. These students had the added challenge and hardship of Covid.

It was a good year for gender equality. The top two students in the class were girls, and out of the students who passed with distinction, 13 were girls, and 11 were boys.

Figuring out the next step for these students is a challenge because when schools can reopen is uncertain, but our team is working on options.

Meanwhile, Mustard Seed staff organized Information Communication Technology (ICT) training for older students who live on or near campus.

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Poultry

With the opening of borders between districts, things are looking up– the price of eggs has gone back up along with increased demand. The revenue anticipated in the business plan is now being realized.

The area right next to the poultry house is buzzing with activity. Older students and some staff have been busy clearing land for the second poultry house. They also made bricks, which are needed for the new structure.

What's Up?

Travel? Everything is up in the air! We put travel plans on hold, waiting for official information about the reopening of schools. The rates of infection and hospitalization continue to fall after a high in June. However, a shortage of vaccines has made it challenging for essential workers like medical personnel and teachers to get their shots. Perhaps, once that happens, schools will reopen.

Communicating with students and teachers? This is an excellent time to send a letter of encouragement and news. In case we don't go to Uganda before the year is over, we will find another way of getting communications to the children and staff of Mustard Seed. A template, guidelines, and suggestions can be found on our website: Click here.

Thank You!

Your response to our online appeal to help alleviate suffering during the second Covid lockdown was terrific. The current total is nearing $10,000, which has made a big difference in keeping the Mustard Seed community safe during dire times.

A young Mustard Seed student holds a bag of beans, while his jjajja (grandmother) has a big bag of posho. She expressed her deep gratitude with the traditional Webale nyo, nyo, nyo! Can you imagine the relief she is feeling knowing that she has what is needed to keep her family going for another few weeks?

Your generosity made it possible to distribute basic food plus take-home lessons. Also, ICT training, medical care, and social welfare services continue to meet urgent needs.

Just for fun–

Last month, our 'Ugandanese' word was posho. The best answer came quickly from Sharon Pierson: "Posho means daily ration (porridge or maize meal) -- how apt!"

Posho is such a common and important food that the word is used in much the same way as we use the word bread. Most days at school, it is served as porridge in a mug for breakfast and for lunch with beans (see photo above).

Here’s one that made me smile: What’s a breakfast escort?

You can hit reply to this email and submit your answer.

Please also ask questions or give us suggestions. Let us know what you are thinking– how you are doing. We love to hear from you!

With all my best,

Elaine

Our website: RealPartnersUganda.org

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Subject: August 2021-Covid

The Latest from Lukaya

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