An introduction to the Kampala Project!

Hey friends! Mallory here. The Africa countdown is officially 91 days. You might be asking, "Why, isn't it a bit soon to start an Africa blog?," and the answer is no! As part of my Kampala Project class I am asked to keep a journal of my reflections about what I'm learning, and thought it might be nice to keep my thoughts together in one place. I figured it will also help to keep you informed of what I know as time progresses. Check back on Wednesdays for new updates!

Some important info:

What: Kampala Project 2009, organized by Vanderbilt University
When: April 30-June 6, 2009
Where: The Kololo section of Kampala, which is the capital city of Uganda
My site: The Kibuye Primary School

I will spend my time working at the Kibuye School, which is one of 7 primary schools established in Uganda in the 80s by a married couple of British missionaries, serving 900 children ages 6 to 13. In the mornings I will teach (most likely English), and in the afternoons I will work with the Pearl of Africa children's choir. The choir and drama program at Kibuye is the best in the country, and those children who are selected for the choir apparently tour the UK during the summer, raising money for the school. I have been told that I will be learning a lot of traditional African dances and I'm very excited about it!!

Most of my comrades from school will be working in HIV/AIDS or TB clinics. Many of them are future doctors and are excited at the prospect of working in the clinics. Glad it's not me, but exciting for them nonetheless!

We will be staying in the Kololo area of Kampala which is "where the diplomats stay." We will be living in apartments with running water, a functioning kitchen, and individual beds (misquito nets included!). The community is gated and has a security guard at the gate, and is by far the safest place to be in the city.

I have now been officially vaccinated for (hold your breath!): typhoid, hepatitis A, meningitis, flu, polio, and yellow fever, and have a prescription for malaria pills for a total of 10 weeks (I have to take them every day for 4 weeks upon my return to the states). I've been briefed on malaria prevention, how to make sure my water and food is safe to consume, and advised to bring lots of sunscreen since Kampala is right above the Equator! Safe to say, I'm trying my best to be as prepared as I can be in theory.

Pictures to come soon!!