2017 - 10 years of Friends of Bulenga!
2017 marks 10 years of Friends of Bulenga, a point that I have often thought would never happen! As I work full time and as my own life has got busier (including buying our own house, planning a wedding and starting a new job this year!) it can be difficult at times to keep on top of things such as updating the website as frequently as I would like... Every year I worry about having enough sponsors and donations to keep the project expanding or lately, just to keep it going. I made a promise to all families who take part in the sponsorship project that a child's sponsorship would never be stopped. Although this certainly causes some sleepless nights I have been extremely fortunate that this is a promise I've been able to keep. That is entirely down to the incredible generosity of the lovely people who sponsor and support the project. Along with hearing the stories of children and families whose lives have been changed by Friends of Bulenga, I have also been fortunate to come across some of the kindest people. So, to everyone who has sponsored, donated and ceilidh danced for us, thank you!
Please watch our 2017 summary of everything that has been possible these last 10 years and (fingers crossed!) here's to another 10! |
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Highlights of 2015!
Watch our video on the right to see a summary of everything you have made possible in 2015. A wonderful 84 children were sponsored in 2015, thank you! We've also been working on some exciting projects helping parents to improve the lives of their families.
With lots of ideas in mind I'm really excited to see what 2016 will bring for Friends of Bulenga - hope you will join us! x |
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Banchory Scouts Fundraising!
In December 2015 Banchory Scouts held a Christmas Fayre and kindly donated the funds to Friends of Bulenga. I was delighted to be invited to their Burns Supper where I received a giant cheque for an amazing £1050! On behalf of the children and families of Bulenga I'd like to say a huge thank you to everyone who helped to raise such an incredible total at the Banchory Scouts Christmas Fayre!
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Bulenga Christmas Ceilidh 2015!
I'm delighted to say that we had get another incredible Ceilidh in Banchory on 27th December. It was a great night with a full dance floor and we raised an amazing £1690 which will make a huge difference in Uganda! Thanks to everyone who came along and those who helped to make it possible! x
Trip to Uganda October 2015
In October myself and Ross spent two weeks in Uganda, six years after I had last been there and unbelievably eleven years since I first set foot in the country. It was wonderful to visit the school, to see old friends and meet new teachers but most especially to spend time with the children at school. I was speechless at times hearing their stories and I have a renewed appreciation for just how influential sponsorship can be, not only for a child, but for their family also. I was also reminded that there are so many more children who would benefit from sponsorship and I really hope to find more sponsors over the next couple of years. There are also many parents and carers who would welcome support to improve their families' lives. Myself and the school staff have set up a project called SEED with the aim of helping parents and guardians access training and funds to set up small enterprises. We hope that this will allow them to make a small income for their family and perhaps save money to support their children's further education.
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Our Welcome at School
Our first day at school was incredible and completely overwhelming (as you will see in the photos above!). Pupils lined our entrance dancing and drumming and some threw flower petals in front of us, I have never seen anything like it! We were treated to an afternoon of dancing, drama, poems, cake and lots (and lots!) of speeches although by some miracle we weren’t made to dance! There were a few particularly emotional moments including a beautiful poem written and read by Carol, now a P6 pupil who was abused and effectively abandoned by her family and has been supported through sponsorship and cared for by a teacher thanks to money raised through Friends of Bulenga. Some of my former "wee" P2 class also came to welcome us, they are now grown up adults (as you will see in the photos) and many have recently sat their S6 exams. They made yet another speech which left me teary eyed and speechless but even more powerful was the small things they remembered about my time in Uganda in 2004; they could remember stickers I put in their books, songs we had sung, "I before E except after C" and all sorts. It just shows how incredibly powerful the seemingly small things that we do can be. Some of these young people had been sponsored towards the end of their primary education after their families hit difficult times and they are wonderful examples of how with sponsorship and the chance of education in difficult times families can often recover and manage to find ways to educate their children even further. Parents (and grandparents, aunts and uncles) of the sponsored children also came to our welcome day. Although I had been told that the parents had prepared a gift for me I was completely overwhelmed when many parents and guardians lined up to give me gifts from their families individually; mostly handmade bowls and mats. We left with bags of presents from mats to pineapples, china plates to carrots. I’m not sure I have ever received such sincere words of thanks either and much of that is really for sponsors and supporters, I can't say enough just how grateful the children and families in Bulenga are for everything that you continue to do for them and the school.
Our first day at school was incredible and completely overwhelming (as you will see in the photos above!). Pupils lined our entrance dancing and drumming and some threw flower petals in front of us, I have never seen anything like it! We were treated to an afternoon of dancing, drama, poems, cake and lots (and lots!) of speeches although by some miracle we weren’t made to dance! There were a few particularly emotional moments including a beautiful poem written and read by Carol, now a P6 pupil who was abused and effectively abandoned by her family and has been supported through sponsorship and cared for by a teacher thanks to money raised through Friends of Bulenga. Some of my former "wee" P2 class also came to welcome us, they are now grown up adults (as you will see in the photos) and many have recently sat their S6 exams. They made yet another speech which left me teary eyed and speechless but even more powerful was the small things they remembered about my time in Uganda in 2004; they could remember stickers I put in their books, songs we had sung, "I before E except after C" and all sorts. It just shows how incredibly powerful the seemingly small things that we do can be. Some of these young people had been sponsored towards the end of their primary education after their families hit difficult times and they are wonderful examples of how with sponsorship and the chance of education in difficult times families can often recover and manage to find ways to educate their children even further. Parents (and grandparents, aunts and uncles) of the sponsored children also came to our welcome day. Although I had been told that the parents had prepared a gift for me I was completely overwhelmed when many parents and guardians lined up to give me gifts from their families individually; mostly handmade bowls and mats. We left with bags of presents from mats to pineapples, china plates to carrots. I’m not sure I have ever received such sincere words of thanks either and much of that is really for sponsors and supporters, I can't say enough just how grateful the children and families in Bulenga are for everything that you continue to do for them and the school.
Resources - Thank you!
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Prior to our trip we fundraised for reading books and school materials and incredibly friends, family and colleagues donated over £1000! It was very well spent! We took out 70 lovely story books and reading books, lots of educational games, colouring pens, pencils and crayons for each class, frisbees, skipping ropes and play parachutes (among lots of other things!). Time seemed to fly by at school but we managed to find time to play with lots of the games (parachutes and bubbles were particular highlights!). We also raised enough money to buy new Afripads sanitary towels for 30 girls in the school.
I must also say a huge thank you to Banchory Dental Practice for arranging for 400 toothbrushes to be donated to the school. I have literally never seen children as excited about toothbrushes in my whole life and the school was buzzing (and noisy!) long after these were handed out at assembly. |
2014 Update
Thanks to sponsors and supporters we have been able to make some amazing developments in Bulenga this year including supporting 80 children to go to school. Along with lots of good news, there has been some sad news this year in Bulenga however, this has only made us more determined to continue to improve the lives of many more children and families. As a result we have many ideas, hopes and plans for the years to come.
To watch a short video of what we have been able to achieve this year and what we hope to in the future, click the video on the right. Thanks again to you all for your support, this would not be possible without you! x |
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Christmas Ceilidh 2014!
This year was the third Bulenga Christmas Ceilidh on 27th December and we raised an amazing £1720 for Bulenga along with receiving £900 in donations from the Banchory Churches Friday Coffees Group and Wood Group PSN. All the money raised will go directly to the project in Bulenga and our efforts to support children and families at the school.
A huge thank you to everyone who came along on the night and all of those who helped to make the night possible (special thanks to my parents and brother, Ewan, Ross, Julie, Margaret and Annette for all their help. Another big thank you is due to all those individuals and businesses who donated wonderful raffle prizes and helped us to raise over £450! Your help and support (and enthusiastic ceilidh dancing!) are all much appreciated! x Watch this space for Bulenga Ceilidh 2015... |
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Click here to watch our latest video and to see how your support is changing lives in Uganda - http://www.flickr.com/photos/113329005@N04/12310121473/
Another Ceilidh Success - 2013!
Thank you to everyone who came along on the 28th December to our second Christmas Ceildih for Bulenga! Once again it was a great night with some wonderful (and at times, original!) dancing and the amazing Ceilidh Stomp band! We raised an incredible total of £1180 in profit, all of which will go directly to support the sponsorship project in 2014 and will help to change the lives of many more children in Bulenga.
To see just how much impact your fundraising has, watch our 2013 video by clicking on the link below: I would also like to say a special thank you to everyone who helped to make the night possible and to run smoothly (most especially my Mum and Dad, Julie, Annette, Margaret and Ross - I couldn't have done it without you all), the individuals and local businesses who donated raffle prizes and finally thanks to everyone who helped to tidy up the hall at midnight - you made our lives much easier the next day! :) It was wonderful to see you all there and I really appreciate all of your help and support for Bulenga. Pencil in the Saturday 27th Dec. 2014 free in your diary for next year's Christmas Ceilidh...! |
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A Huge Ceilidh Success!!
We held our very first Christmas Ceilidh for Bulenga on the 28th December and I was completely overwhelmed by the great turn out and our amazing total of £1700 raised for Bulenga! It was a wonderful night and lovely to see so many of our supporters having a great time together. I'm almost booked up for 2013 so check back soon for a very early date for your diary!
Thank you so much to everyone who came along on the night, danced their wee socks off and made it such a great night! Also, a huge thank you to everyone who donated raffle prizes and those helped on the night, most especially: Julie & Gavin, Jackie and Mike, Adam, Annette, Ross, Carol, Margaret, my Dad and finally my very very wonderful Mum - you are all stars!
Thank you so much to everyone who came along on the night, danced their wee socks off and made it such a great night! Also, a huge thank you to everyone who donated raffle prizes and those helped on the night, most especially: Julie & Gavin, Jackie and Mike, Adam, Annette, Ross, Carol, Margaret, my Dad and finally my very very wonderful Mum - you are all stars!
Tickets now on sale for Bulenga Christmas Ceilidh!
Please come along to our fundraising ceilidh for Bulenga on Friday 28th December, 8pm - 12am.
Banchory Scout Hall and the great 'Ceilidh Stomp' band playing!
Tickets are £15 (including stovies at 10pm). Please bring your own bottle (or two!).
If you would like to buy tickets please email me, [email protected]
Hope to see you there!!
Rona :) x
Banchory Scout Hall and the great 'Ceilidh Stomp' band playing!
Tickets are £15 (including stovies at 10pm). Please bring your own bottle (or two!).
If you would like to buy tickets please email me, [email protected]
Hope to see you there!!
Rona :) x
Watch our new video to see the huge impact sponsorship has for the children of Bulenga!
Just click the link to watch: http://www.facebook.com/v/610720331631
Please sign up to our mailing list below to hear the latest news from Bulenga and about all our fundraising plans!
August 2012 Update
School News - We have water!
The big news from the school comes as a result of the kind support of the Aberdeen Bon Accord Rotary Club. Back in February the club pledged to raise money the next two years to fund projects at the school. The first project we chose was to build a water tank at the school to provide clean water for the children.
During the holidays between 1st and 2ndterm some hardworking builders got to work, digging a trench for the underwater tank. There was a slight set back after a lot of rainfall when I received an email titled “tank falls in”! Luckily, the headmaster, Daniel was around to help out and the work continued; lining the tank with bricks and concrete. At the start of June I received a wonderful email to let me know that the tank was completed and the children were excitedly waiting for some rainfall to fill it up! The slideshow below shows all stages of the project...
During the holidays between 1st and 2ndterm some hardworking builders got to work, digging a trench for the underwater tank. There was a slight set back after a lot of rainfall when I received an email titled “tank falls in”! Luckily, the headmaster, Daniel was around to help out and the work continued; lining the tank with bricks and concrete. At the start of June I received a wonderful email to let me know that the tank was completed and the children were excitedly waiting for some rainfall to fill it up! The slideshow below shows all stages of the project...
Fundraising News
I am delighted to say that this year we have been able to support sixty children at the school, the most children we have ever supported which is wonderful! In addition to our much appreciated sponsors, a number of children each year are supported through money raised from fundraising events and our Easy fundraising website.
Zumba Event – 31st August
A lovely colleague and friend of mine, Jo Storrar and her friend Donna Giffen are holding a Zumba masterclass in Glasgow on 31st August and have very kindly offered to donate half of the proceeds to Bulenga. I'm sure it will be a great night!
Festive Fundraising Ceilidh
I am hoping to organise a fundraising ceilidh in Banchory around the 27th or 28th December, all a work in progress so I'll keep you posted!
Charity Status
I’m also looking into applying for charity status for the project. This will allow us to benefit from Gift Aid, which increases
donations from UK tax payers by up to 25% at no extra cost. It would also mean that we might be able to access other funds which are only available to registered charities and would be able to set up an online fundraising and donations site which would make it easier to get sponsors from outside the UK. Fingers crossed that all the paperwork goes through ok!
And last but not least, an award...
A few months ago I was very kindly nominated by the Aberdeen Bon Accord Rotary club for the Junior Chambers International (JCI) Outstanding Young Person Award. The award ceremony was held in Edinburgh on the 28th June and I was extremely surprised and delighted to win the award along with another nominee. It was a very surreal night for me however, hearing the
introduction about the project really made me think about how far we have come already. In 2006, when I first started the sponsorship project we supported only 25 children and paid for only their school fees (school lunches were not even
given at the school back then!). The project is still small but every year it is growing steadily and we have been able to support more children each year and to support them better. Over the years, with the support of other organisations and the
help of individuals we have also been able to improve the lives of all the children at the school from the recent water tank to providing books and computers, pens and pencils.Although I always feel that I could or perhaps, should do more, when you take a step back, even I realise what a wonderful achievement it all is. Thank you all for your support and also for being part of it!
Zumba Event – 31st August
A lovely colleague and friend of mine, Jo Storrar and her friend Donna Giffen are holding a Zumba masterclass in Glasgow on 31st August and have very kindly offered to donate half of the proceeds to Bulenga. I'm sure it will be a great night!
Festive Fundraising Ceilidh
I am hoping to organise a fundraising ceilidh in Banchory around the 27th or 28th December, all a work in progress so I'll keep you posted!
Charity Status
I’m also looking into applying for charity status for the project. This will allow us to benefit from Gift Aid, which increases
donations from UK tax payers by up to 25% at no extra cost. It would also mean that we might be able to access other funds which are only available to registered charities and would be able to set up an online fundraising and donations site which would make it easier to get sponsors from outside the UK. Fingers crossed that all the paperwork goes through ok!
And last but not least, an award...
A few months ago I was very kindly nominated by the Aberdeen Bon Accord Rotary club for the Junior Chambers International (JCI) Outstanding Young Person Award. The award ceremony was held in Edinburgh on the 28th June and I was extremely surprised and delighted to win the award along with another nominee. It was a very surreal night for me however, hearing the
introduction about the project really made me think about how far we have come already. In 2006, when I first started the sponsorship project we supported only 25 children and paid for only their school fees (school lunches were not even
given at the school back then!). The project is still small but every year it is growing steadily and we have been able to support more children each year and to support them better. Over the years, with the support of other organisations and the
help of individuals we have also been able to improve the lives of all the children at the school from the recent water tank to providing books and computers, pens and pencils.Although I always feel that I could or perhaps, should do more, when you take a step back, even I realise what a wonderful achievement it all is. Thank you all for your support and also for being part of it!
I would like to say a huge thanks to the lovely Claire Watson of Claire Watson Photography for giving me copies of some of her photos of the evening and for her very kind words about the project. You can visit her website at: www.clairewatson.co.uk
January 2012 : New year, new children, new sponsors!
It's that time of year already when another new school year starts in Uganda. This means we're looking for as many new sponsors as we can find! We would love to support even more children to go to school this year but we can't do this without your help. If you would like to sponsor a child please get in touch for more information...and if you are already a sponsor please spread the word! Thanks! :) x
This is one of our newbies, Cathy who is starting her second year of nursery at Bulenga Modern...how could you resist?!
This is one of our newbies, Cathy who is starting her second year of nursery at Bulenga Modern...how could you resist?!
Merry Christmas!
From everyone in Bulenga, I would like to wish all of our kind and generous supporters a very happy Christmas and a wonderful New Year! We really appreciate all your support, nothing we do would be possible without you!
Lots of love from Rona & Bulenga Modern Primary School xxxxx
Lots of love from Rona & Bulenga Modern Primary School xxxxx
Fundraising News
Christmas Gift Sale
A huge thank you to everyone who came along to our Christmas fundraiser on Sunday 6th November. We managed to raise an absolutely amazing £1240 on the day and the total is still rising. This money will be invaluable in helping pay for fees, lunches and uniforms for more children next year.
We still have some beautiful gifts left over, if you would like a cup-candle or cake stand please give me an email and I can send you some more photos.
I'd also like to say a big thank you to my very talented Mum, Auntie and Uncle for their hard work making, knitting and baking. Thanks also to Julie Sayer for encouraging lots of generous friends along and to Annette Harvie for all her help on the day. We couldn't have done it without you all! x
A huge thank you to everyone who came along to our Christmas fundraiser on Sunday 6th November. We managed to raise an absolutely amazing £1240 on the day and the total is still rising. This money will be invaluable in helping pay for fees, lunches and uniforms for more children next year.
We still have some beautiful gifts left over, if you would like a cup-candle or cake stand please give me an email and I can send you some more photos.
I'd also like to say a big thank you to my very talented Mum, Auntie and Uncle for their hard work making, knitting and baking. Thanks also to Julie Sayer for encouraging lots of generous friends along and to Annette Harvie for all her help on the day. We couldn't have done it without you all! x
News from the School
Sponsored P7s and Madam Jane on their last day before exams!
Bye bye P7s!
This year's primary sevens completed their PLE (primary leaving examinations) at the start of November and are getting ready for a big farewell party next month. I hope they all get the results they deserve and wish them all the very best for the future!
The P7 children who are sponsored recorded some beautiful messages to show their gratitude...I am hoping that I am clever enough to put them onto a DVD for our sponsors...watch this space.
This year's primary sevens completed their PLE (primary leaving examinations) at the start of November and are getting ready for a big farewell party next month. I hope they all get the results they deserve and wish them all the very best for the future!
The P7 children who are sponsored recorded some beautiful messages to show their gratitude...I am hoping that I am clever enough to put them onto a DVD for our sponsors...watch this space.
If you would like more information or to sponsor a child at Bulenga Modern
Primary School, Uganda, please do not hesitate to contact me; Rona Craig,
email: [email protected]
Primary School, Uganda, please do not hesitate to contact me; Rona Craig,
email: [email protected]