In the Field Report from Melissa Whitaker
I am a second-year PhD student at the University of California, Davis, and this past summer I traveled to Kibale National Park in Uganda to conduct research on tropical butterflies. During my stay in Southwestern Uganda, I volunteered for the Books Open the World (BOTW) Foundation to assist with their education and literacy activities in rural villages near Kibale, and had the experience of a lifetime! I was able to work closely with librarians, educators, and support staff, and get a first-hand look at the extraordinary work that BOTW supports. My 7-week stay was far too short, and I can’t wait to return to Uganda to visit the new friends I’ve made and work again for the BOTW Foundation.
My first project as a volunteer was to sort through and deliver books which have been donated to the foundation over the past year, but were unfortunately sitting in storage until someone could deliver them! I was delighted to find nearly 80 boxes of donated books from the United States, and was thrilled to bring so many great books to the Ugandan libraries. I opened each box and sorted the books into piles according to reading level, subject, and category. I then solicited requests from the librarians for the types of books they needed (children’s books, encyclopedias, science textbooks, etc.), and delivered 5-7 boxes of new books to each library. This was a great chance to visit the libraries, help the librarians to organize and record the books, and talk with them about the program’s challenges and successes. I also got to interact with the library patrons and see what a wonderful asset the libraries provide to these rural communities. I’d like to thank all those who donated books to the Foundation; they were warmly received and greatly appreciated by the librarians and library patrons.
I also attended the Foundation’s education and literacy classes for children and adults. I attended the adult education classes at Nkingo Library and Mitouli Primary School, and could not believe the level of engagement and dedication demonstrated by the teachers and students. The classes serve local men and women in their 20’s-60’s who, like most rural Ugandans, have had limited opportunities to learn to read and write. Villagers leave their farms and families each week to attend classes where they practice math, reading, and writing in both English and the local languages. I was impressed by the energy and commitment shown by the instructors and by the advanced reading levels of the students, some of whom did not know the alphabet before beginning classes. I am disappointed to hear that the adult classes will be discontinued due to lack of funds, but I hope to see the program back up and running soon.
Attending the weekly children’s literacy activities at the Kanyambeho, Kigarama, and Kanyawara libraries was by far my favorite activity! I loved reading to the children and hearing them laugh at the silliness of Dr. Seuss translated into the local language! I also enjoyed coloring pictures with them and seeing them practice their reading, writing, and math skills. The librarians do a terrific job of working with the children individually and in groups to make learning fun! What a wonderful way to engage and educate children in a place where educational opportunities are so few. Perhaps my favorite part of the classes was that the children were always happy to perform a song and dance for me as a way to say ‘thank you’ to the Foundation.
I also checked up on local school programs funded by BOTW. I visited the Remedial Teaching program at the Kigarama Primary School, and spoke with the school’s headmaster about benefits of the program for both students and teachers. I met with the headmistress of Kigarama Talents Secondary School, and with the girls who receive scholarships from BOTW to attend the school. It was great to talk with them about their education, family lives, and career goals, and to hear them express their gratitude to the Foundation for the chance to attend secondary school—a rare opportunity to for Ugandan girls.
I’ve left Uganda with hopes of returning and continuing my involvement with the Foundation. I am truly inspired by the programs made possible by BOTW, by the dedication of its directors, and by the impact the Foundation has on the lives of so many rural Ugandans. My most sincere gratitude is extended to those who made this experience possible for me and those who work hard every day for the advancement and education of Ugandan citizens: Gosia, Freerk, Bonny, Francis, Harriet, Beatrice, Rose, Alen, Annette, Clovis, Richard, Pascal, Enid, Innocent, and of course those who support and donate to BOTW! Webale muno muno!