Preparation

This is my first blog, so forgive me in advance for the novice attempt here. I have created this blog to share my adventures in Uganda with my family and friends. Thank you all for your support and reading the blog!

As my job winds down here, I am preparing for my trip to Uganda. I plan on flying to Africa at the end of January and staying through December.

Here's some background information on the organization I am going with:

Arlington Academy of Hope
http://www.arlingtonacademyofhope.org/

Arlington Academy of Hope (AAH) is dedicated to building a foundation for hope in rural Uganda by providing access to quality education and basic healthcare for children in one of the world's poorest countries. Our primary school in Bumwalukani village enrolls more than 300 students in seven grades providing dedicated teachers, individual attention and a supportive learning atmosphere. In three years, it has become the model school for villages in eastern Uganda. Our clinic built in 2006 provides immunizations and basic healthcare to students, their families and the local community. More than 6,000 patients have been cared for since May 2006. Our secondary education program launched in 2007 provides scholarships to AAH and select local students helping them continue their education and reach for their dreams. In February 2008, AAH opened a second medical clinic stretching its reach to Bupoto and providing healthcare to thouands of villagers in an area desperate for basic services.


I will be going over to help with the school, library, clinic and guest house.

Here are some of the goals:
Library:
-Set up a library system
-Get more books
-Hold workshops for the community to teach them the concept of a library and how it works

School:
-Work with the children on their reading challenge
-Support students who have graduated and gone on to secondary school

Other:
-Work on getting a Playpump system in order for the school to have clean water
-Get more computers for the library/school

I am looking forward to this amazing experience, and thank you all again for your support!