June 30, 2024
It would not have been possible to visit both Kyarumba and Myhokya in one day so we, very sensibly, waited until the next day, Thursday, to travel to Muhokya. Chrispus welcomed us so graciously, and we were surprised and delighted that he had arranged a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the opening of the new workshop. It still has a long way to go, and needs funds for completion, but the space is usable for storage now.
We visited with four recent graduates who had combined forces to form their own carpentry business, and serving their community with the items they produce. They only have a few hand tools, which they must share, and which limits their production. We discussed at length the difficulties that all graduates of the program face as they prepare to strike out on their own. Although the government installed power poles in Muhokya seven years ago, the cables needed to connect the poles have never materialized, so all work is still being done with hand tools.
The big surprised of the day was a play well-performed by the students illustrating the objectives of RYAFODE ( Rwenzori Youth Action for Opportunity, Development and Empowerment, AKA the Carpentry Workshop), to provide carpentry training as an alternative to less desirable (or illegal) employment. We were asked to present certificates of achievement to the graduates, and were gifted with some very impressive examples of their work. Speeches, photos… it was great fun!
I’m writing this from the shore of Lake Bunyonyi, the third deepest lake in the world after Baikal and Tanganyika. This lake and its many islands has its own stories, but for now, after so much activity over the last 10 days, it’s lovely to just sit and listen to the birds.
