A goat.....and a passport....

No....the goat didn't eat a passport.

We have been invited to the farm of our next door neighbour for a big meal tomorrow with his entire family. In Uganda meat is always served when guests are invited. So tomorrow's special course is tied to a tree across the road from our homes. Personally, I like goat meat but I've never seen a live animal prior to consuming it at a meal.

And for totally unrelated news....I have finally got my UK passport!!! I was granted citizenship before we left for Uganda and did not have time to apply for the passport. I was under the impression that I couldn't get a first-time passport outside the UK, but discovered to my delight that I could. Last week we were in Kampala for a meeting so Thursday we went to the British High Commission to submit our applications (Danny needed a renewal). I was asked to return the next morning for the interview as a first-time UK passport applicant. The passports were ready later Monday morning. How's that for efficiency?!

In answer to a question I often get.... NO, I did not give up my US citizenship! I am a dual citizen.

Doreen, hopeful law student....cont.

A huge thanks to those who have committed to help Doreen attend university. The university will distribute acceptance letters in late May or early June. We informed Doreen yesterday that we had some contributors and she struggled to control her emotions as shown by her ear-to-ear smile and teary eyes.

Thus far we have committments for:

• £10 plus proceeds from car boot sales, etc. from 2 lovely wee girls (Aillidh and Roisin) in Scotland and their mum
• 25% of the total from a wonderful family in Michigan
• 25% of the total from a generous family in England

We need more contributors to guarantee Doreen's 4 years of university. There are a couple of my blog subscribers who are very generous and good-hearted people that I haven't heard from yet..... hint, hint.....

Since contributions will be in US dollars and British pounds and exchange rates with the Ugandan shilling fluctuate, the simplest mode of payment will be to me (via Paypal, check/cheque/cash) and will be wired from my account to the Uganda Christian University's bursar's office prior to each semester. Danny and I will supplement any shortfall in the totals each semester.

Updates on Doreen's progress will be sent to all contributors on a regular basis.

Correction to request for student sponsorship

RE: previous post:
I was misinformed as to the number of semesters per year at Uganda Christian University. There are 2 semesters per year not 3, so the figures will be much lower.

The cost per semester is as follows:
Tuition for Bachelor of Laws: 1,038,000 shilliings
Fees: 395,000
Room and Board: 500,000
Total: 1,933,000 per semester x 2 semesters per year

At today's exchange rate that would be an annual committment of:
If paying in US dollars:$ 920.00 per semeseter x 2 = $ 1840
If paying in British pounds:£ 622.00 per semester x 2 = £ 1244

If this is split between 2, 3 or 4 people the cost is quite small.

Sponsorship of student for law degree

Danny and I get many requests to sponsor students for secondary school or universities and since we haven't won the lottery and, therefore, can't sponsor them all, we have chosen a local girl. Doreen Nyamwija is 18 and has recently completed secondary school with good grades. Her mother has been a widow for 18 years and teaches at a school for deaf and disabled children. On a teacher's salary of 200,000 shillings ($100) per month she can't afford to send Doreen to university.

Doreen likes literature, especially the classics. Her favourite books are Romeo and Juliet and Jane Eyre. When she is not studying or doing tasks to help her mother she loves to read. Her ambition is to obtain a degree in law but is unsure yet which direction she'd like to go with a degree. The Bachelor of Laws degree takes 4 years with an additional year of internship.

The university she has applied for is Uganda Christian University.
http://www.ucu.ac.ug/

Uganda Christian University is located 23 kilometres from Kampala, in Mukono town, on the the main road to Jinja. It is a private university, chartered and fully accredited by the President of the Republic of Uganda, through the Ministry of Higher Education and Sports, and the National Council for Higher Education.

UCU is owned by the Province of the Church of Uganda, and has campuses in Eastern, Western and Northern Uganda.

The University was born out of Bishop Tucker Theological College. The college was founded in 1913 in response to a growing need for pastors in the Church.

Uganda Christian University has all the necessities for an excellent education. It is recognised internationally and nationally. The Most Rev. Henry Luke Orombi, Archbishop of the Church of Uganda is Chancellor, and the Rt. Rev. Dr George Carey is our Patron.

Uganda Christian University is the first African affiliate member of the Council of Christian Colleges and Universities in the United States, and a member of the Colleges and Universities of the Anglican Communion.
The cost per semester is as follows:
Tuition for Bachelor of Laws: 1,038,000 shilliings
Fees: 395,000
Room and Board: 500,000
Total: 1,933,000 per semester at 3 semesters per year

At today's exchange rate that would be an annual committment of:
$ 920.00 per semeseter x 3 = $ 2760
£ 622.00 per semester x 3 = £1866

Danny and I would like to share sponsorship of Doreen with other people. Tuition/fees/room and board would be wired directly from your bank to the university. Please contact me at: annie52lf-vso@yahoo.co.uk if you would like to help this deserving, intelligent young lady have a chance at a good future.
=========================
Correction to above costs as there are 2 semesters per year, not 3.

At today's exchange rate that would be an annual committment of:
If paying in US dollars:$ 920.00 per semester x 2 = $ 1840
If paying in British pounds:£ 622.00 per semester x 2 = £ 1244

If this is split between 2, 3 or even 4 people the cost is quite small.

Ummmm... a hardware bug?

Danny found this when he taking apart one of the college computers. He claims to have discovered the first 'hardware bug'. LOL.

Wasps make nests EVERYBLOODYWHERE! So annoying.