ON THE JOB SITE

September 19, 2009

Chad

I reported for work at 7:50am on Thursday morning to Watoto Fabrications (Nancy had gone up to the Tailoring shop) and by this time Gerry and Donna had already met with the workers (about 30 in all) to review the days work and were just meeting for prayer when I arrived. We gathered in a huge circle and everyone held hands and I was introduced to everyone. One of the workers prayed for the day and thanked God for our safe arrival. Greeting me on their way, everyone went to their work stations. As Gerry and Donna explained, when you are greeted by someone, they want to hold your hand and will look directly at your eyes and they will ask how it is with you and did you have a good night (or day) and might also ask your name. It is important to also ask the same of them (you are still holding their hand) and you know you are done when their hold on your hand starts to ease slightly. Than it is OK to move on to greet the next person (who has been standing waiting patiently).

After Gerry had everyone organized he and I went to visit the new “Baby House” that is under construction at Suubi Village. This is a massive building that will eventually house about 150 babies under the age of 2 years. We met the director, Annie, and discussed what she needed for cabinets in the kitchen and bathing areas (there are 4 areas). We took the site measurements and Annie wanted to see some drawings so that became my job for the rest of the day. I didn’t come prepared to do shop drawings so I had to improvise the best I could.

On the way back to the shop Gerry took me to the Medical Clinic, which is almost finished, to explain how they built the cabinets for there and to explain why the base cabinets and countertops are made out of concrete and not wood and laminate (water, water everywhere).

Friday morning Donna and I met with Livingston, the Director of Vocational Training to discuss ways to improve on what they are doing. There are almost 100 students in about 10 (guess) different trades being trained. Part of the training includes sending the students to work on the job at businesses that are willing to take them on for six months for free. This is not working well because the students do not learn very much because they are only given menial tasks like sweeping the floor and labor work. That is why Gerry’s shop is working because the students actually learn some skills. Most of the trades have 4 year programs that also include some academic classes as well as trade skills training. Students come to “Hope Vocational School” from the High School at Suubi, the nearby village and Gulu. I am very impressed with what is being taught here. I have been asked to teach the carpentry students the practical skills along with Joseph, who comes in two days a week to teach Carpentry theory and technical drawing. My first class is Tuesday morning. I’m very nervous.