On Friday, November 28, four people flew to Uganda, Africa for the sole purpose of providing a Christmas party for the children at the Mbiriizi Advanced Primary School and Day Care. As usual, the trip was full of wonderful surprises! The four people on the trip were Eileen Turcotte (from Boston and a traveler from the summer excursion), AnnMarie Hanrahan Gray (a wonderful nurse), Michele Costa (trustee of Sylvia's Children and Sylvia's daughter) and Sylvia Allen, founder of Sylvia's Children.
On Monday, December 1, the group was met by 907 children singing and dancing a special song written for Sylvia's Children. That day was spent getting ready for a large five year celebration which had been planned by Geofrey Kawuma, the founder and head of the school. And, what a celebration! The day was spent looking at children and diagnosing what was wrong and providing a solution. Nurse AnnMarie was a saint! She cured one child of an STD that she was born with and accurately diagnosed something within three children that was totally curable with an ace bandage!
On Tuesday, December 2, the entire school -- headed by a band -- paraded two miles through town. Each class had made their own sign and all 907 children paraded in a line through town. And, the townspeople turned out for the parade. There was even a Santa in the parade! In the afternoon, each child was given their own blanket as a special Christmas gift from Sylvia's Children. Do you want to know the true meaning of Christmas? See the joy of a small child, who has nothing, receiving their own blanket and wishing you a Merry Christmas.
Wednesday, December 3, was hectic! It was "moving up day" for the 4 and 5 year olds as they graduated into first grade. The ceremony included speeches by the mayor and councilmen as well as a Vice Chairman of the Masaka-Luongo district (think: Monmouth/Ocean County size for the district). All of the speakers talked about how wonderful the school was (and is) and how it continues to be a model school for the community. After handing out the diplomas a five tier cake was cut and everyone shared in the celebration. Then, the group served lunch to 907 children and 400 parents! Lastly, Christmas presents were handed to each child.
The trip was an opportunity to experience the joy of giving and sharing. The next summer trip will be June 24 to July 7 and the next Christmas trip will be November 26 to December 2, 2009 if anyone wishes to go! (For information contact Sylvia Allen @ 732-946-9639 or via e-mail sylvia@sylviaschildren.org.)
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