Today was our last day teaching the kids at the Queen’s
Ballet and Modern Dance School. Michelle, Grace, and Kunal taught in our
studio. Michelle taught most of the time and their theme was all about a storm
focusing on thunder, wind, rain, and lightning. I helped lead the wind group
during the class. It was a long class since we were all tired with it being the
end of the week, but the dance came out good.
After class we walked back to Nakasero again as usual for
our showing of our dances and snack with the kids. Today we also showed the
kids the two dances we had learned last week. They were blown away to see their
teachers dancing! It reminded me of what it felt like to see Michael and his
students at Afrique. They couldn’t stop smiling just like we did when we saw
him dance. He was so proud and confident in his work, and I think we were too.
They burst in applause when we finished, which was awesome. A great run through
since our performance is tomorrow.
After lunch we had the afternoon free to do any last minute
errands or things we wanted to do before meeting for a group dinner and
reflection. I decided to shower and nap for a bit before dinner. It is Deb’s
birthday today so we decided to all get dressed up and take cars to the Serena
hotel. It is a STUNNING hotel with a beautiful restaurant and gardens. I still
am not used to going through security everywhere we go with guys with shotguns
and riffles searching our bags and walking through metal detectors. We sat at a
table outside alongside a pond with goldfish, frogs, and beautiful greenery and
flowers. We all chose to have the buffet dinner, which was Indian food and it
was amazing. We were so excited to have fresh fruit, cheeses and bread, and the
dessert table was to die for. I started to feel sick I was eating so much and
such rich food than I’ve been eating for the past two weeks, but it was worth
every bite. We also told the waiters that it was Deb’s birthday so they came
out and sang with a cake.
We had our group reflection at the table after everyone had
finished eating. It was nice to hear what everyone’s final thoughts were. Also,
Jill, the program director was able to join us, which was nice. Jill originally
came to Uganda on a Fullbright scholarship about 12 years ago and decided to
stay and is pretty much the reason why this program exists. It was good for her
to hear everyone’s thoughts on the program so she can hear first hand how great
the experience was for everyone.
I tried to think of three things we did that really affected
me and viewed as important to keep for the following years. There was no way I
could narrow it to three though so I had four. They were:
1.
Ugandan Heritage Group- I loved hearing Ronnie’s
story at UHG. We had a lecture about this place from Jjemba earlier in our
trip, but to go to the center was a completely different experience. I loved
hearing Ronnie’s story and was so moved at what he has done with his life and
how he has supported so many children. I really hope to continue to stay close
to him and help support his programs.
2.
Jjemba’s Village visit- Going ot Jjemba’s
village was probably my favorite part of the entire trip. It was incredible to
go to where the children we were teaching live. They greeted us like royalty
with providing us with the best fruit and food and dance performance. Also,
this was where I met Jocelyn. She kept grabbing my hand and pulling me onto their
dance space to teach me different moves. It was so fun to see her laugh at me
trying to learn her steps and then finally hear her say, “Yes! This is
correct!” was incredible. We laughed so much together, which was insane since
we had just met. She just melted my heart. I loved meeting her in the first
week too, because then when I saw her on the first day of teaching we were able
to run to each other and hug like we have been friends forever. Ugh, that girl
gets me every time.
3.
Breakdance Project Uganda- I am OBSESSED with
Abramz and his whole project of BPU. The more I have spoken to Abramz the more
I respect him and understand the project. It isn’t created to benefit him or
make money or gain publicity, it is all to help the kids. He told me Kenya
wanted to start a Breakdance Project Kenya, which he supports and encourages,
but told them they don’t need to even have the same name, and to do what is
best for them. He isn’t about trying to make his brand big or special it is all
about supporting people building safe communities where kids can go and use hip
hop in a positive way. It doesn’t matter who starts it, what its called, or
where it happens. Also, the guys and girls I met at our two visits to the
center and the screening of Bouncing Cats are incredible. Luckily, most of them
have a Facebook so we can keep in touch. I really hope to collaborate with them
somehow in the future and use YouTube and the Internet to either have Skyping
“breakdance battles” or share choreography via the Internet. Abramz was all
about that too, which I’m excited about.
4.
Life of Africa- Life of Africa was incredible. I
loved learning how to make paper beads from the women at this center. Also,
buying their jewelry from them and knowing that every cent was going straight
to them was awesome. It felt great to buy such beautiful jewelry for such a
good cause. It was crazy how inexpensive it was, yet how much that little bit
helps the children and people that benefit from that foundation in terms of
food, electricity bills, and school fees.
After our reflection dinner we went back to the Fang Fang
and tried to get some sleep to get ready for our big day.
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