Day 11 – cricket, classrooms and chickens by harry

The CWB team had a great day, working with 8 schools in what was one of our busiest days of the trip.

The schools were enthusiastic and enjoyed the sessions, and we look forward to welcoming them to our festival tomorrow. The CWB volunteers and local Ugandan coaches did a fantastic job, bringing energy and fun to all the schools, even on the last full day of coaching.

But today their work extended into new realms.

Stepping out of the bus at our final school, Buyonjo Primary, we felt a cool breeze and dark clouds hovered ominously above us. Surely enough, just as we began the session, this turned into a torrential downpour, and the CWB members sprinted for cover.

The group was severed. Alex and I, along with many children, made it into a nearby classroom. There was no class going on and teacher invited us to sit at the back. I was happy to relax for a second and look at the notes on the wall. Whilst I began to read about the Partner States of the East African Community (EAC), Alex stepped up, in true CWB style, and engaged the entire class, who enjoyed his fun teachings on cricket and batting technique. He also bowled me a few balls, showing that not only is cricket a game for everyone, but it can also be played anywhere, even in a packed classroom.

Meanwhile, the rest of the team had fled into an ongoing science lesson. The teacher invited CWB to the front. Mark stepped up. Using a CWB plastic bat, he pointed at the blackboard and before long, the children were all chanting out each of the characteristics of ‘exotic’ and ‘local’ chickens. After this science masterclass, some maths sums, and some exciting tennis ball games, it was time for the team to leave and head back to the hotel.

It was our final dinner all together in Mbale, as we will be saying goodbye to the local coaches after the festival tomorrow. This provoked reflection from the team on what has been an incredible trip. I have particularly enjoyed seeing everyone grow over the trip, and we have all learnt so much from each other. It has also been great to see the positive impact of the local coaches and CWB in all the areas we have visited.

It is now time for our final festival tomorrow, which will be a bittersweet farewell before we journey back to Entebbe and bring the trip to a close.