Thursday, July 24, 2008

Now that I have had time to catch my breath......

We have just returned from Uganda, Africa where we were warmly greeted by the students and faculty of the Mbiriizi Advanced Primary and Day Boarding School. Nine of us spent five days at the school and accomplished so much in such a short period time! The details of our great experience and progress have been posted earlier.

Here’s the not so good news and where we need help!!!

In Kampala, approximately 100 miles NE of our school, there has been a rash of school fires (35 in the last 40 days), all in private schools. Some have been arson, some accidental (a candle or small stove), some have been the result of school rivalries and some have been vindicate. Whatever the reason it is cause for concern with the Mbiriizi Primary School.

We need to build a six unit building to house six teachers who would live at the school. The estimated price for that is $18,000. Tony Costa, my son, had a great idea which was to house the teachers, temporarily, in the library (which has two bathrooms and a shower) until we have completed the fund raising for the books. However, that is temporary. Tony, Michele and I would be devastated to see our hard work and love go up in flames. Any help you can give us would be greatly appreciated.

Lastly, Tony and I stayed two extra days to explore a coffee plantation and the feasibility of exporting Ugandan Arabica coffee to the U.S. Currently Uganda sells their coffee beans to Kenya, Tanzania and Ethiopia but do not have a U.S. distribution. We want to change that and have the profits go to the school.

Anybody have any coffee contacts? Any and all suggestions gratefully accepted!

Finally, just a note on upcoming trips:

· November 27-December 4, 2008
Christmas party and gift giving at the school

· June 26-July 6/7, 2009
Annual work trip to the school and safari to Murchisson Falls (to see Giraffes and other wonderful wildlife!)

Thanks for your interest in Sylvia’s Children.

Sylvia Allen (founder)
www.sylviaschildren.org
732-946-2711

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

The Well Is Dedicated!


The new well was dedicated with the children singing the words of Rudyard Kipling’s poem "IF." Click to hear the poem!

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Another Daily Update From Sylvia!



All good things must come to an end - but not before Moving Up Day is complete. This is the day when the children at the Mbiriizi Primary School move on to the next grade level. In this photo, Sylvia gets to join in the fun although she really only plays air guitar with any proficiency!

After spending a week with the children and teachers at the school, our little troupe went on a mini safari to experience the majesty and splendor of this beautiful land. Most of the group will return home today. However, Sylvia and Tony will remain until Thursday to meet with some government officials.

For all of the travelers, this has been a life-changing journey.

Perhaps you will join us on our next trip.........

Sylvia Allen

Sunday, July 13, 2008

Sylvia Needs Socks!! Anyone?

Whew! What a busy week! However, it was highly successful.

We measured EVERYONE'S feet including the teachers and kitchen staff. This way, when we return the first week in November with Samaritan's Feet, ALL will get new shoes.

Wish we could get someone to donate 2,000 pairs of socks so they could have more than just one pair!

Sylvia
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Friday, July 11, 2008

More From Sylvia In Uganda


In this photo, Tony Costa, Sylvia's son teaches a group of students the finer points of guitar playing. This is Tony's second visit to the school to introduce the teachers and students to a little 'Western Culture.' The guitars were donated by folks from around the USA interested in helping the kids.

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Great progress at the school!

We dedicated the Vicky Tucillo Mbiriizi library, dedicated the new well as well as the new two classroom block. We now have 267 orphans and getting the records accurate and up-to-date has taken three days!

The children are bright, loving and delightful as always and we know it will be sad to leave but we are excited about our accomplishments.

And, you should see them with the kites!!!



Sylvia

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Monday, July 7, 2008

Sylvia's Children Supporters Visit Mbiriizi School

Sylvia Allen and friends and supporters of her charitable organization, Sylvia's Children, left the US on the Fourth of July and traveled to Masaka, Uganda to visit the children at the Mbiriizi Primary School. Many of the kids have been orphaned by the AIDS pandemic, and attend school because of the generosity of folks like our readers.



This picture shows the sign at the entrance to the school. The group arrived on July 5 and will stay for nearly two weeks, interacting with the children, providing some much needed support and generally giving and receiving much love.