While I did not plan on beginning this blog until I had exactly 1 week remaining in my countdown for departure; I came home to find my school assignment in an email from our coordinator. The timing could not have been better as I have just met with a dear friend who gave me her blogging expertise....I have always meant to "journal" as many have told me how "healthy", "grounding", and "reflective" that it is...One of the many things that I "meant to do"... This opportunity is a fresh start, a chance for growth that surpasses any opportunities that I have had thus far. I will document it for all of the above reasons in addition to knowing that my friends and family can come along this journey with me in spirit.

Here is the background on my school assignment: Sir Samuel Baker, where I will be team teaching English/Language Arts. My listed Ugandan team teacher is Elizabeth Oola, also an English/Language Arts teacher.

This information solidifies the reality of my journey which will begin in 19 days... I would be lying if I did not admit that my anxiety is at a peak. There is a quote that is both powerful and relevant to my state of mind. "If uncertainty is unacceptable to you, it turns into fear. If it is perfectly acceptable, it turns into increased aliveness, alertness, and creativity."~ Deepak Chopra (Thank you Iris)

Sir Samuel Baker School was founded in 1952 in honor of the explorer Samuel Baker who liberated slaves in northern Uganda. The school was severely affected by war in 1971 when Idi Amin came to power. Amin’s regime brought great uncertainty for the future of SSB, as many teachers fled in fear for their safety. From 1988-1989, the school was shut down due to the high risk of LRA attacks. During this time, it was also used by the LRA as a logistics center. As a result, many of the buildings were destroyed or damaged. It later became a center for displaced persons. In March 1996, 26 students were abducted from the site in the middle of the night by the LRA.

Sir Samuel Baker is an all boys’ boarding school. Currently, 90% of the 754 students are displaced individuals with the other 10% coming from outside the district. The head teacher estimates that 1/3 of the students are orphans and that this group of disadvantaged children account for the majority of the dropouts. There are only two teachers, both of whom are untrained, that are carrying out guidance and counseling for the boys at Sir Samuel Baker. The six dorms have only enough beds for 1/4 of the students, leaving the rest to sleep on the ground with mats. There are 14 classrooms, which typically hold between 50-55 students each. The 754 students share only two boreholes.

The projects undertaken as a result of the first round of S4S support included the first phase of refurbishment of the existing water and sanitation system, six stance latrines, the installation of a new generator, and the purchase of 150 bunk beds, laboratory supplies, books, and teachers’ materials. We also began construction of a perimeter wall for safety. Round II projects included 50 more bunk beds and two more blocks of latrines. Sir Samuel Baker’s compound is large and as such, very vulnerable. The wall fencing project got a much needed boost with Round III funding and will soon stretch for 300m across the lower side of the compound.

Thanks to a donation from a large company that will rebuild the remaining teaching and learning facilities at SSB, we are able focus on supporting the staff to enhance student learning. We will do so by building much-needed teacher housing, implementing professional development trainings and workshops, supplying scholastic materials and introducing an emotional literacy program specifically designed to help war-affected children.