Journal Entry, 21st June 2010

So it's been a little while since i've done my last journal entry, but i've been so flat out lately with volunteering and then a few family issues that arose.

So whats been going on!?!

Well as you know i've been the program co-ordinator for the sudanese mens english classes here at the HARDA office in Homebush West. These are held on Monday and Tuesday from 10am to 12.30pm. I've met some wonderful Dinka and southern Sudanese men since i've started. All each with a tale to tell of back home life.

Sadly, i've seen how hard it is for them to change their lives from what they are used to, to what we have to offer here and the change for some has been overwhelming. The stories i've been told of how some of our refugees have been treated, victimised and such is disgraceful. We need to join together to create an understanding of eachother. For us to understand what they have suffered through and for them to understand how to live a new life in our country (which is completely different to theirs!)
In between all of this i've been dealing with issues closer to home, such as my dearly beloved dog falling ill and becoming a paraplegic. We sadly had to lay him to rest. RIP Spike 2005 - 2010.
It also looks as though i will have to delay my African trip for a few months as i have not reached the level of sponsorship that i require to be able to cover the costs of this volunteer trip. I do hope to make to africa in 2011. A goal i really want to achieve. This afternoon i will be sending out the final batch of my sponsorship letters.

I will also be heading to the Blacktown Sudanese Settlement centre to start co-ordinating the mens english groups there so that we can start next term with new english classes. If anyone from the Blacktown Area is interested in being a program co-ordinator each thursday for english classes it would be much appreciated! simply EMAIL ME!

So that is it for now i must be getting along and doing some other things but ill update some more news this afternoon when i return home.
Peace to all.
Freeuganda