South Morningside Explorer Scout Unit SMESU

South Morningside Explorer Scout Unit

Photo:Opening Day

Uganda 2009

In Summer 2009, 30 SMESU members and leaders travelled out to Uganda to work with the Village 2 Village Project.

Training and Inspection Visit

Before undertaking the expedition to Uganda, the expedition members wiil undergo a extensive training programme. This includes a series of three dedicated training weekends covering project skills, health and welfare, first aid, fundraising, teamwork and travel procedures. The first two training weekends took place in June 08, September 08 and April 09. you can watch the slideshows for each and the intial message from Uganda by clicking here

In April 2008, Neil and Russell travelled out to Uganda to carry out an inspection visit. This allows the expedition team to plan the programme and projects in greater detail. You can view the Expedition Inspection report by clicking here

SMESU Uganda 2009 (Photos and Video below report)

On Friday 3rd July 2009 the expedition departed Edinburgh. At the airport we presented the expedition with their international neckers and read out letters of support from Dorothy Mckinney (Regional Commissioner, S.E Scotland), Eleanor Lyall (Chief Commissioner of Scottish Scouting), Craig Turpie (Chairman, European Scout Committee) and Alex Salmond (First Minister Of Scotland).

After a short transfer in Amsterdam we were finally on our way to Uganda. After a short overnight in Kampala, we headed up to Jinja campsite to meet Ben, Robert, Norman and Michael the Uganda Scouts who would be joining us for the duration of the expedition. We headed out for a quick meal and made final preparations for the journey up to Serere. Following a bumpy journey we arrived at the Village2Village site in Serere. The children greeted us with dance and song. After some help pitching the tents they headed home before dark and we established our home for the next 14 days.

Village2Village provide compassionate orphan care for children in the village of Serere, they place children in foster families and provide food, medication, training and schooling. James Mutaka (Charity Director), manages the operation of the charity in Uganda and provided the initial inspiration for the expedition and amazing levels of support to the expedition and leadership team at all times.

The process of building the playground had been planned months in advance for many it was a wake up call breaking the soil on day one of construction. Over the course of our time in Serere the Explorers built a five meter high play castle, swing set, monkey bars, cargo wall, commando wall, hurdles, see-saw, tyre swing and balance beam. With the assistance of local craftsman the explorers also built a Banda (A mud brick hut for staff meetings). They also concreted the floor and painted the walls of the recently constructed dining hall.

During the construction process the team also visited the local school, hosted the local scout group, performed at the school concert, stayed overnight with the children in their foster homes and spent time playing with and learning from the village2village children and staff. Each team also got a 3 day mid project break, up to the Murchson Falls national park, were they cruised the Nile and undertook 2 game drives.

The opening day provided a great opportunity for celebration and reflection. Speeches were given from local dignitaries. The V2V children and Scouts danced and performed. The Explorers sang Caladonia and taught 'The Gay Gordans'. Presentations were made to the local school (resources), local Scouts (uniform and sponsorship) and a Quaich (The Scottish cup of Friendship) was presented to James. Finally the ribbon was cut on the playground. The play and celebrations continued long into the night with some serious foot stomping dancing.

After an emotional departure we headed to Jinja to raft the White Nile and tour the city. A final transfer to Kampala saw the expedition shopping and having a final Scouts Own in the Ugandan Parliament. Finally we gathered together for our expedition meal with new friends and invested James Mutaka as a Honorary member of SMESU. Finally we headed back to Scotland, safe in the knowledge that the friendships made and experiences gained will last for many years to come.

Photo Slideshow - Part 1