Synopsis by Chris of SALCET Mission Trip to Uganda 19th – 26th March 2019
This surprise trip to Uganda was prompted by the need to deliver valued dental and medical equipment to the Mata Dental Clinic received after grant application to Henry Schein Charity. Shipping the equipment was more expensive than taking it personally and fraught with uncertainty regarding customs duties and potential hold ups.
Delivering the equipment safely to its destination also gave me the opportunity to visit the Ssunga Twezimbe 30 ladies group and to assess the progress of the SALCET micro-financed agricultural project. Additionally I was able to carry out a needs assessment of the Masaka referral hospital visiting the various departments including Accident and Emergency, Eyes, Nose and Throat department (Ugandan ENT!) and the Maternity Unit/Antenatal and women’s health department.
The mission trip was highly appreciated by all the people I visited and was safe, comfortable and joyous. In essence a breathtaking journey with many photos taken for talks and power point presentations and many notes taken regarding the challenges that still face the rural population and specifically the 30 ladies group.
My accommodation was with Pastor Elijah and wife Florence plus son Elisha who made me so welcome and even gave me cornflakes for breakfast!
One highlight was the rapturous reception by the children from the Bright Future Junior School in Bukakata- Masaka with much drumming, dancing and wild welcome including grass skirt wiggling! I had the opportunity to visit their school and give them tennis instruction and donate tennis equipment and teddies for tragedy, all gratefully received.
