Testimonials from visitors to the Kanyike Project

 John Procter, Chairman of Governors St Francis' College

St Francis' College has been associated with the Kanyike project for many years and is proud to continue that association into the future. As Chairman of Governors at St Francis I visited Kanyike in June 2010 and witnessed how this project has transformed the lives of those living in the area. Local people, in a sustainable way, have developed farming through their livestock and crops. Healthcare is improving rapidly and the local primary school is thriving.

The pupils at the college raise funds enthusiastically knowing that their contributions are helping those less fortunate than themselves in a very direct way.

Natasha Lee

 I first visited the Kanyike Project in the summer of 2007. Whilst studying for my degree in Geography, I decided to visit the Project for two reasons. Firstly, I was fascinated by the stories that Alice had told, and wanted to immerse myself into a world in which I was unfamiliar, but in a place where I was able to help and be involved in the daily activities occuring in the village. Secondly, I chose to conduct research for my dissertation within the Project, focusing on their ethos and passion for sustainable development.

Whilst visiting the Project, I spent a lot of time in the school teaching English to the children.  I would spend my days at the school, preparing lessons and marking school work. In one memorable weekend, I attended a function at the school where the children sang a song for me, expressing their gratitude for 'Madam Natasha'! In the evenings I spent most of my time in the Dispensary, where I learnt a great deal from the nurses, and had language lessons! 

I visited the Project again in the summer of 2009, two years after my previous visit. I spent time in the school, but the majority of my time was spent with Dan in the HIV/AIDS Clinic, which was a new addition. It was fascinating to learn about the new projects being run, and helped me to understand where all the funds are being spent. The improvements I noted were immense - our donations are truly making a difference. For this reason, I would encourage everybody to keep fundraising and helping the community in Kanyike - the rewards are indescribable.

Alice Rochester

I was one of the first volunteers to visit the Kanyike Project from the UK; I visited in 2000.   I went for three months during my gap year between Sixth Form and university, having decided to first complete a TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) course in London.  I knew I'd be helping in the school, but my involvement ended up being more classroom assistant than English teacher since Ugandan English is not the same as English English.   Education is such an integral part of the Kanyike Project and everyone at the school was wonderful to me.  I also spent a lot of time in the fascinating Skills Centre, watching Julius and Deus work and I even learnt how to make my own sandals.

I was so impressed by the development initiatives and the inclusive nature of the way the Project works that I have never left it behind me - Sr. Joan asked me to join the Board of Trustees in 2008 and I readily accepted.  The people I met in Uganda may have very little but they are the most kind and generous in the world, and they are willing to work hard to achieve their dreams... I'm honoured to feel like I might be able to help them do this.