Reflections

The team members post some thoughts on our recent trip.

First of all from Ken

My main reflection of our visit to Uganda is that was a privilege to have been part of such an amazing experience. A huge thanks to all at CWB in general who made it possible, and to Mark and Ali specifically for all of their efforts.

No doubt, a lot of time and expertise has been spent planning such a trip. And thank you also to the children and teachers of Kumi and Kapchorwa for being so welcoming and engaging, it was such a joy seeing people playing in such a fun, safe and inclusive way.

Thanks, all

Ali writes.

My third trip to Uganda so no big surprises, but you never fail to be struck by the beauty of the land (outside Kampala), lush and green after the arrival of the rains, with rich red soil. Moving from the plains round Kumi to the hills of Kapchorwa gave us even more spectacular views. The people are friendly, both adults and children delighted to return waves from the bus, and it’s a treat to see a face light up with a big grin as we make the effort to mangle yet another local language!

Returning to the area I visited last year it was wonderful to spend some more time working with the amazing Tembo, and to see the great progress made by Oparok, CWB’s new Ambassador and one of life’s deep thinkers. Brian was a new face, but surely destined to become an important part of the team. Our Team, of course, becomes family for the two weeks, with new friendships formed and old ones renewed.

What a privilege to be introducing cricket to two areas for the very first time, and sharing our passion for the game. Also an incredible frustration that we were not able to leave equipment at every school – however, the ingenuity of the teachers we worked with will soon have some homemade kit in action.

The contrasts remain stark – despite not being in real tourist areas, we went back into the compound of a pleasant hotel each evening, knowing that not far outside the gates were children who did not have enough to eat. Those at school often have a long walk to get there, with no shelter or protection from the rains arriving at this time of year. Yet still they come, every day, appreciating the opportunity it offers them to improve their lives. This is where I struggle most when I return home, to coach in clubs and schools where entitlement sometimes overtakes appreciation.

So my highlights – hard to pick just a few.

Spending International Women’s Day with the wonderful girls at Bishop Maraka College and seeing their determination to pursue cricket even after leaving school, and also seeing good support for this from both the school and the boys.

Sitting in the cave at Nyero Rocks, underneath the ancient paintings, where a natural silence fell across the team, leaving each person to their own thoughts, looking out over the African plains, and listening to the birdsong around us.

A fist bump from Olympic 10,000m Champion & double World Record holder Joshua Cheptegei, in Kapchorwa – you never know who you will run into at the cash point!

Wonderful memories of a great adventure – hopefully I’ll have another chance to go back.

From Jim

On any trip it’s the people that you remember, their smiles, their small acts of kindness, the jokes, silly incidents and surpises. Some immediate memories are:

The smiling sports officer Joseph in Kapchorwa who is so keen to develop cricket and his pride in showing us the high altitude training centre

Teaching cricket to James at the hotel in Kumi

Our ever patient driver Joseph refusing to let the mud beat him

The magnificent Arnold Tembo explaining Ugandan wedding customs.

The raucous games of Irish snap in the evening

Sitting with the team in the cathedral like quiet of Nyero Rock

The competitive Ugandan PE teachers

Haribos on the bus after a particularly long session.

The kids on the lakeside at Bisina. One minute playing catch with us and tennis balls, the next using small stones.

Working successfully with Holly and Lara to teach 60 kids in an indoor classroom after the rains came.

Wondering why the private school needed a man with an AK47 on the main gate.

Above all the smiles, enthusiasm and songs of the 5,000+ Ugandan kids and their teachers we worked. Every one of them seemed pleased to see us, every one of them wanted us to stay longer and every one of them seemed glad we were there. What more can you ask? Hope to see you all again.