A recent letter from mum and dad in Uganda. They’ve been there for almost 3 years now (as long as I have been in NZ). Their blog is always good for a read – recently the Presidents Wife (First Lady) was visiting.. so all quite exciting.. anyway – rest of this is from mum.
Pat and I have now been working in Uganda for 2 1/2 years and are beginning to think it is time to make plans to come back to Ireland and our families.
However, it is not quite so simple, in spite of having a contract that expires in November!
Having set up a functioning “University” with six sets of courses running and second year intake enrolling, Pat wishes to hand over to someone who shares the commitment and enthusiasm that he has put in.
IF ANY ONE KNOWS OF SOMEONE WHO WOULD RELISH A STIMULATING, VARIED AND REWARDING STINT as Vice Chancellor of the Mountains of the Moon University, Fort Portal, Western Uganda, please contact Pat asap !
pj-kmdXXX@infocom.co.ug(remove X’s) . The person must have a PhD and preferably should have an interest in applied science.
The second snag is for myself ! I have been working as “Funding Coordinator” for a project to set up a unit to produce Intravenous [ IV ] Fluids here in Fort Portal. It is has been tried and tested most successfully in Moshi, Tanzania for the last 30 years but we have been finding it very difficult to raise the necessary funds. This is partly because some charities do not like the fact that it will have to charge commercial prices for much of its product in order to be sustainable and also to provide, out of such surplus as may be generated, the fluids to those who cannot afford them, who otherwise would simply die.
Building is about to start [ 28th Aug.] . There is £119,000 in the kitty. The building will cost a total of £206,000 to complete, leaving a gap of £87,000 !
Looking at the whole picture, ie the cost of equipping, training and to the start of production there is a further need for £93,000 to complete the project.
So you can see, it is quite an act of faith to have decided to start building.
There are one or two irons still in the fire for funding and it is hoped that VAT [ at 18.5% ] may be waived.
This is a plea that if you may be thinking of “Send a Cow” at Christmas, and would like to anticipate your work of Charity please “Send a Brick” to the IV Fluid Unit, knowing that it will go straight to the building site. I mention this just to let you know the situation and give you the opportunity to contribute if you wish; no hard feelings if it doesn’t suit you ! Maybe you know of funding I could apply for or individuals who would be in a position to help, or maybe you could consider doing a fundraiser? Any amount will help and be very gratefully received. Our money goes so much further out here!
I am attaching a brochure which outlines the project, but I will be happy to give you any further information. (download brochure here)
Finally, though we look forward to being back with family and friends we know we will very much miss the life here, full, varied and frustrating as it is. It is a wonderful experience to have had?….highly recommended !
Looking forward to meeting up again one day,
Best wishes, Kathie and Patrick Davey
PO BOX 809, Fort Portal, Uganda
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