So, what's this all about then?
Do you remember being at primary school? Of course you do. And so you remember that even if you loved school or hated it, going to the same place every day and sitting in the same classroom with the same teacher usually got a bit boring (no matter how much of a big geeky swot you were).
Presumably, then, you all remember those few golden days every year when you got to leave school and go on a school trip...you must remember the excitement as you put on your 'own clothes', boarded a big coach and ate your sandwiches before leaving the school car park…and then the fun of spending the day wandering around Jodrell Bank or a nuclear power station or a farm or a museum or a castle or a nature reserve...or anywhere else! And it was great. And it wasn't just great because it wasn't school (although for some that was the major attraction), it was great because you were somewhere completely different and you were learning through experience...seeing things come to life that you'd only read about in the classroom. Like seeing how electricity really was made or looking at clothes that really were worn by Vikings! And then you’d buy a bookmark for your mom and a fridge magnet for your nan and be on your way back home, absolutely exhausted, sometimes covered in mud, but having had a fantastic day.
Just to jog your memory....this is a British school trip...remember now?
We all have fond memories of our favourite school trips…and who knows, maybe it was one school trip that convinced you of what you wanted to be when you grew up, or at least opened your mind to the endless possibilities out there.
Well, that’s what we want this education centre to be about. To be a place where children in Uganda can have that whole experience…leaving school for a day, going somewhere different (albeit on the back of a big truck and not in a Wallis Arnold coach) and experiencing their curriculum (and beyond) come to life. Also, for them to be inspired and to go away from their day with us having seen and felt a little bit of magic…and yes, having learnt something too. We may not be able to sell many bookmarks or fridge magnets but hopefully the children will go away with something much more beneficial; a renewed excitement for learning and for life.
Together with this – yes, unbelievably there’s more – this centre will be a focal point for the village of Kyabirwa where adults can access classes, where families can gather and watch plays in the theatre or films projected onto a screen and, more generally, where people can come together and celebrate community events.
So…that’s what it’s all about. Follow our links for more information about our charity and our work. And if you like what you’ve read…follow our links and donate some cash!
And, well, you've seen the photos, so now come and see the real thing...we always need volunteers and you'd be very welcome...
For those of you who never got to go whilst at school...this is Jodrell Bank.
