Spice of Life

www.spiceoflife-ug.org

REACH [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], web:https://www.spiceoflife-ug.org, +256772440140/+256702440140/+256414231180

www.spiceoflife-ug.org

Hanne and Svein Berntsen have donated a borehole to Bugono Parents Primary school. The borehole will not only help the school community to access water for the consumption, hygiene and sanitation but it is scheduled to be upgraded to a production well for a solar powered irrigation system for the proposed agriculture project to be sponsored by the Lions Club of Askøy. This will help boost the nutrition at the school and host community and improve livelihoods

WE ARE BACK!!

Spice of Life updated their info in the about section.

Spice of Life updated their info in the about section.

When I keep 1 m distance and use other measures, it's because:
🌸 I'm smart enough to know that both you and I can be asymptomatic, but could still spread the virus.
🌸 No, I don't live in fear of the covid 19 virus; I just want to be part of the solution, not the problem!
🌸 I don't feel like the government is controlling me; I feel like an adult can contribute to infection stops.
🌸 The world is not about me. It's all about us
🌸 Sticking to the measures doesn't make me weak, nervous, dumb or controlled. This makes me aware of the spread of infection.
🌸 Sticking to the measures is not political. It's a choice about public health and common sense!
❤️ If you also make sense and respect your surroundings, copy and paste to your timeline 👍🏼
(Copied from Lions Club Strandenga)

HUMANITARIAN SUPPORT

Torrential rains were experienced across Uganda, mid-October to the end of 2019.

At least 38 people were reported dead due to floods and landslides in Bundibugyo, Bududa and Sironko districts, and over 150 people were said to have been injured. Up to 300,000 were affected and an estimated 65,000 people displaced, according to Government sources.

The floods and landslides left a trail of destruction, including damaged homes, infrastructure, agriculture and livelihoods.

In response, Spice of Life, made an assessment and approached Lions Aid Norway for assistance. Fortunately, through the MD 104 Catastrophe Fund, Nok 200,000 was granted.

The support which included Blankets, Taurplines, Jerricans, Washing Soap, Basins and Food items was earmarked for Bududa District, situated in the steep foothills of Mount Elgon, close to Uganda’s border with Kenya. And specifically for Bushika parish where a massive landslide struck several villages on the afternoon of December 3, 2019.

The Items were delivered to the District leadership (Chief Administrative Officer, Resident District Commissioner and auditors) in Bududa who verified them and re-issued them to Spice of Life and the Local Lions Clubs for direct distribution to the beneficiaries.

We are grateful to LAN, to the District leadership in Bududa, to the Lions of Soroti and Mbale, to the Leos from Kampala and to the local volunteers including Uganda Red Cross youths, LCs and teachers for the success of the exercise.

Below are some of the photos depicting the effects of the catastrophe and the relief from LAN

Aid in Meeting

The Uganda delegation is now back in Norway after having spent four weeks in the Pearl of Africa. We have exchanged experiences, food, laughs, hugs and it is now time to say goodbye. This has been an invaluable experience for our team, both culturally and professionally. We are very thankful for receiving this opportunity, being able to work closely with different NGOs and discussing solutions and project ideas in order to empower the Ugandan youth. We want to thank all of the organizations we have met along our journey, and say a special thank you to David Mutayisa who has shared his knowledge about Uganda with us. Next round for applications will open in December 2019, so stay tuned! Also, we will upload an album here with all our photos soon. All that's left to say now is Weebale and Tunaalalabagana! 🇺🇬❤️

ADDRESSING THE SAFE WATER CRISIS IN UGANDA

LIONS CLUBS IN ZONE 4, DISTRICT 104H, NORWAY DONATE BOREHOLE TO KYABAGABO COMMUNITY IN MASINDI DISTRICT, WESTERN UGANDA

Below are some startling facts about the safe water crisis;

1) about 300 million people in Africa are without access to safe drinking water
2) More than 12 million people in Uganda (30%) don't have access to safe water
3) Most of those affected live in rural and hard to reach areas
4) close to 75% of all diseases in Uganda (including diarrhea, dysentery, typhoid, and cholera) are a direct result of lack of clean water and proper sanitation.

It is for that reason that Spice of Life and the beneficiary communities are eternally grateful to friends like the Lions in Zone 4, District 104H, Norway who continue to sacrifice their resources to better our situation.

The borehole donated to the Kyabagabo community was commissioned by Lise K. Andresen on April 29, 2019 in the presence of a delegation of 7 other people from Norway, Representatives of all layers of the Local Government, right from the District to the village level and members of the community.

Some of the highlights are captured in photos below

WOMEN TO WOMEN WATER PROJECT

Lions Clubs of , Bærum-Verdande and Bærum Vest, Norway have jointly sponsored two of recently donated 9 boreholes.

Th e clubs appreciate that in many African settings, the responsibility of providing water weighs heavily on the women's and girls shoulders. So in a way the donation of a borehole is a women to women assistance.

The two boreholes are located in Nabulagala, Jinja district in Eastern Uganda and Kityedo in Masindi district-Central Uganda.

The boreholes were commissioned on April 28th and 30th, by Vigdis Mosling and Inger Dårflot, respectively

LIONS CLUB SNARØYA DONATES BOREHOLE TO KALAGALA CHURCH OF UGANDA (COU) PRIMARY SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY

Lions Club Snarøya-Fornebu, Norway in collaboration with the Norway-Uganda Friendship Association and Spice of Life, donated a borehole to Kalagala COU Primary school and the community. Kalagala is found in Luwero district (Central Uganda)

The borehole was commissioned on April 27th by Inger Dårflot.

"SCHOOL-TO-SCHOOL WATER PROJECT"

Oppdal High School in Norway commits to support schools in Africa to access clean and safe water

On a specific day every year students of Oppdal High school carry out various activities to raise funds for humanitarian project. The school has decided to use monies raised to provide water (boreholes) in a "School -to- School" Water Project. Uganda has been the biggest beneficiary with up 6 boreholes provided.

The recent beneficiaries are Bugoba Yawe Tendereza Primary school in Buikwe district Eastern Uganda and Kikungura Primary School in Masindi district Western Uganda.

The two boreholes will serve up to 4,000 people. That is, close to 400 pupils and 3,600 community members who live near the schools.

On behalf of Oppdal, the teacher, Arne Helgetun and Student, Tyri Gunnardotter Solvoll commissioned the Bugoba and Kikungura boreholes on April 28 and 29th, respectively.

PALEMA TEACHERS HOUSE COMMISSIONED

With additional support in form of Rain Water Catchment and Furniture

New Teachers' House for Palema Community Primary School

Children look up to teachers. They are their role models. It however does not help the teacher's dignity that they are compelled to transform classrooms to places of abode-at night. This has been the case at Palema Community Primary School.

Needless to emphasise, it is not easy to attract to, let alone retain, qualified teachers at rural schools in Uganda. And Palema is as rural and as remote as it gets. It is hard to reach. It is hard to stay. So when they are fortunate to have any teacher (they have five), the least they can do is to provide them with decent accommodation.

It should be noted that the school is not yet government aided. So the teachers don't receive salary. The little that comes in as stipend is what parents ( a few) are able to contribute.

Thankfully, Fjellsdallen skole has partnered with the community in infrastructure development. Through the partnership, three blocks housing 6 classrooms and headteacher's office were constructed. Some furniture and books have also been provided.

Recently, Fjellsdalen supported their partner school with a 4-units block of teachers house. The block has also been powered (solar)- both lights and charging system for phones.

Challenged by this generosity of friends from afar, the community has decided to construct a teachers pit-latrine on self-help basis. This gesture should be applauded has it entrenches ownership. They have started by digging the pit.

Apeltun Settling Teachers

This acknowledge ought to have come earlier.

We reported in earlier posts about Apeltun Skole (Bergen)'s support to its partner school in Uganda by building a two units teachers house. Well accommodation is not complete without proper sanitation.

So we are grateful that support was extended to the construction of teachers' pit-latrines (toilets).

Lions Club Sandnes Riska Donates Books

The Lions club of Sandnes Riska, through the coordination of Lions Oddvar and Jarle, and in co-operation with Spice of Life, has donated text books and story books to Koch Amar P.7 School in Nwoya District, Northern Uganda

The books were delivered last week by the Executive Director of Spice of Life. He was accompanied by the Charter President of the Lions Club of Gulu Metropolitan, Lion Dr. Ben Watmon and Lion Geoff Walker. The Head Teacher, Josephine Amono, on behalf of the school, thanked the Lions and SoL for addressing a big gap in the learning process.

This is the second project the club has supported. Early last year the club supported the school with a borehole for provision of safe water.

SUPPORT TO NEEDY/ VULNERABLE CHILDREN:

DONATION OF 10 WHEELCHAIRS

JOINT PROJECT OF Lions Club Røyken Øst, Norway
and Spice of Life, Uganda

BENEFICIARIES:
Children at the Kampala School for the Physically Handicapped, Uganda

JUSTIFICATION

For people (children) with disability, an appropriate, well designed and well fitted wheelchair can be the first step towards inclusion and participation in the society.

Most of the 186 pupils at the Kampala School for the Physically Handicapped need wheelchairs. Those without find it extremely difficult to integrate.

In Uganda, acquisition of mobility aids for these children is not easy. It is more complicated finding a perfect wheelchair for a particular child; one that is easy to repair, adapt and modify to suit the beneficiary.

It is for that purpose that Spice of Life with financial support of the Lions Club Røyken Øst, Norway donated 10 customised wheelchairs to children at KSPH.

The wheelchairs were unveiled on 8th October 2018 (Lions World Service day) by the Governor District 411B along with members of the Lions Club of Kampala Host.

Past International Director and Chairman of Lions Aid Norway (LAN), Lion Svein Berntsen, recently visited the school and commissioned the wheelchairs.

FUNDERS, FRIENDS & FAMILY:
"The Triple F"

Starting as Funders, transforming to Friends and evolving to Family, and at all times respecting the boundaries, is the uniqueness of the relationship(s) that we enjoy.

This is probably the last post on the trip to Norway and I want to use the opportunity to thank you all for doing all in you means to give me a wonderful stay.

The Orchids, the Christmas biscuits, luncheons and dinners, home hospitality, the tours, the presents, the phones for teachers in remote places, the love and care, sharing of your precious time...just to mention a few.

All I can say is Thank you...Tusen Takk.

VISIT TO GAMLEHAUGEN

Thanks to Per Jon Odeen, I had the privilege to view the exterior and park at Gamlehaugen; the King’s official residence in Bergen.

VINTAGE

Thanks to Kjetil, I was able to view their family collection of vintage vehicles from different continents,countries and ages. Right from the early 20th Century.

Photos from Spice of Life's post

THE CITY OF 7 MOUNTAINS

What a coincidence! The beautiful city of Bergen is surrounded by 7 mountains. Kampala city is built on 7 hills!
It seems that the relationship between the two cities and their people is not by chance. It is divine.

Anyhow, although the official programme was quite loaded (as it had to be) there was time for reunions, tours, dinners and all. In short the trip had it all and was fulfilling.

Using the funicular and with the able guidance of Christopher Knag I was able to have an ariel view of Bergen from mount Floyen

Meeting with Members Lions Club of Bergen Vest and Spouses.

The added advantage was the tour of the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation

Meeting with Leaders of the Lions club of Skanevik, Vindafjord, Etne and Skjold/Vikebygd (Norway)

The momentos are cherished.

INTERACTION WITH MEMBERS OF LIONS CLUBS IN NORWAY

During his recent visit to Norway, the Spice of Life Executive Director was accorded the opportunity to meet with Lions of Five Lions Clubs in Norway at two different meetings.

The ED seized the chance to brief the audiences on the Norwegian Lions contributions, activities and accomplishments in Uganda; first under Lions Aid Norway for 20 years and then with Spice of Life for close to five (5) years now.

David also relayed the deep gratitude of the people of Uganda and the beneficiaries for the support and love of the Norwegian people in general and Lions in particular. Finally, the ED added his voice to the ongoing clubs' fundraising efforts for different projects in Uganda.

The first meeting was with leaders of four clubs (LC Skanevik, Etne, Vindafjord and Skjold/Vikebygd) held on Monday, November 5th at the Etna Club House.

One of the key issues discussed was raising resources to support Kampala City Council Authority (KCCA) primary school, a public school located in one of the slums of the capital city. The school built with support from from MD 104 Norway has a little more than 2000 pupils.

This phase of the project aims to raise funds to provide vulnerable children with school uniforms, medicines, sports equipment and sports ground among others.

The second meeting was with members of the Lions Club of Bergen Vest which has supported different causes in Uganda the most recent being the donation of 2 boreholes to two communities. The meeting was convened at the Media House in Bergen.

The members (of LC Bergen Vest) listened to and discussed the proposal to buy premises to host a Hostel for Children undergoing Cancer treatment in Kampala. Details will be shared on different platforms.

I am indeed grateful for the reception and hospitality

WHY YOU WILL FIND IT WORTHWHILE TO
CO-OPERATE WITH SPICE OF LIFE

We mirror your Aspirations.
We espouse and share your Values as you will find out below.

Spice of Life is guided by the following:

VISION
“A Healthy, Enlightened and Productive Population”

MISSION
Transforming lives in a respectful, meaningful and participatory manner.

CORE VALUES (SPICE)
Social Justice - Dignity and a more just society
Professionalism – such that we are an inspiration to others
Integrity - Accountable to the highest level.
Compassion - Strong drive to alleviate suffering.
Equity – Dedication to fairness & giving each their due

JOIN US TO CREATE A JUST SOCIETY

GOOD BYE

Finally it was time to say good bye to Fjellsdalen and Apeltun skole! Thanks for the fantastic moments. Miss you already.

THE MARKET AT APELTUN

Overwhelming! Touching! Humbling! Inspiring. Brilliant promotion for Uganda. Long lasting relationship. Investment in our future

What a day! Typical Bergen weather! Rainy. Chilly.
But one did not feel cold. The spirits were not dampened. To the contrary, There was plenty of warmth from the people; giving a pleasant and unforgettable experience.

Probably 1000 people. May be more! All joined for the noble cause of raising money to provide quality education for children in Apeltun school in Uganda (named after the partner school in Bergen Norway) and for the spin off “Cow for Education” project in Otici - Amuru District.

The latter is a project which provides groups of 10 women with a cow (and other animals) to help uplift their economic situation so that they can make financial contribution to the education of their children.

Items on sale included coffee, cakes, and sausage! Also selling like hot cakes were The Uganda Football team (The Cranes) jerseys, crafts from Uganda and knitted items from Norway. People sold and bought.

The value was less in the acquisition of items and more in the satisfaction of supporting a cause. Relations were built, renewed and strengthened. Children horned the intrinsic values of caring and sharing

Apeltun skoles Ugandaprosjekt

Vel blåst! Tusen takk til alle som har bidratt på Apeltun skoles viktigste skoledag. Stor innsats, stor takk😀

Brilliant!!!

Det nærmer seg årets Ugandamarked! 3.november 2018 kl.11.00 braker det løs og du er velkommen. I år får vi besøk av samarbeidspartneren vår i Uganda, David. Her er noen fristelser som selges i Ugandaboden på biblioteket.

Friday, November 2nd, 2018

2nd and Last day at Fjellsdalen skole.

Vivid and insightful interactions with 4th to 7th Graders!

Painful good byes, lasting impressions and stronger bonds.

Love you all!