Out of the Bubble – Three Weeks in Uganda with KINDERN EINE CHANCE/ A CHANCE FOR CHILDREN 

Ten Scouts from the Tyrolean groups in Zirl, Hall, and Völs spent three weeks in Uganda participating in a program that ranged from making Kaiserschmarrn to building playgrounds. Together with “A Chance for Children,” —we, Paola, Hannah, Jonas, Elina, Martin, Liana, Tarek, Christina,Natalia, and Camillo—got to know various schools and training centers, gained insights into daily life there, and were able to contribute something ourselves using our different skills. For Jonas, Camillo, and Paola, this was already their second visit to Uganda—their first was in 2018—while everyone else was first-timers in Uganda

Our first stop was Nakaziba. Here we split up for various workshops and projects: In the kitchen we prepared Gröstl, Kaiserschmarrn, and Kiachl; during the social media workshops, we created posts and conducted interviews; and in the Excel courses we worked on computers together with ICT teachers, school principals from the area and staff from the head office in Zigoti . We also planted a herb garden, designed a display on units of length, and built a wind turbine with students to generate electricity. Later, during cooking, we switched roles: our Ugandan hosts showed us how to make their dishes.

Together with the children and teachers, we tried out Memory, dominoes, and LÜK materials, introduced games, and explored various learning materials. We also helped set up a computer lab . A homemade Viking chess set was received with such enthusiasm that it was played on several evenings.

A major joint project was the playground for Kassanda. Preparation and construction began in Nakaziba, after which the parts were transported to Kassanda and assembled there. Until everything was finished, there was quite a bit to do—which made it all the more wonderful when the children got to try out the new playground equipment. There was also time for sharedmorning circles, games with the teachers, lessons about Austria and Tyrol,and a game we designed ourselves about waste sorting.

In Nateete, we continued our activities. During the lessons about Austria, the students had many questions; some children even wrote letters to children in Austria. We visited the kindergarten and a school for children with disabilities,played, danced, and ate together. In the evenings, flag football was often on the agenda. And of course, we were especially happy to get to know UgandanScouts as well. 

Our trip also included visits to families and other schools. Together with social workers, we traveled by motorcycle and learned more about how “Kindern eine Chance/ A CHANCE FOR CHILDREN” operates locally. From Lubajja, we took a boat to an island where some of the schoolchildren come from, and she showed us her home on the island. Such encounters and conversations gave us a good insight into life in Uganda and the work of “Kindern eine Chance/ A CHANCE FOR CHILDREN.”

To wrap things up, we went on a safari at Murchison Falls, followed by chimpanzee trekking and then on to Kampala.There, we explored markets, the taxi stand, a mosque, and the Kasubi Tombs.

Three weeks during which we were able to try many things, share our experiences, and learn for ourselves. From cooking together to building a playground, we experienced much of what we love about Scouting : creating something together and reaching out to people with an open heart. Above all, the on-site work and the insights into daily life that the students and teachers at the schools shared with us left a deep impression on us. Above all, the many conversations, the fun games, the great atmosphere, and the motivated teamwork will stay with us for a long time. A special thank you to everyone at “Kindern eine Chance” who made this trip possible, welcomed us in Uganda with open arms and warmth, and shared their daily lives with us!

You can find more impressions in the Stories and posts about our trip on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/outof.thebubble/

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