A Day in Bududa
Part 2 - Read Part 1
Upon reaching the Bududa Learning Center office, my day unfolds in a vibrant tapestry of interactions and responsibilities. The first and foremost ritual is to greet our dedicated accountant, Paul Nindya, and our indispensable COO, Robert Kotaki. Robert's been with us since 2007, starting as the bricklaying teacher. It's funny how life weaves these stories!
Speaking of stories, let me rewind a bit. In 2007, during a crucial period for our school, we had a retired American headmaster, Eric Goldman, working at BLC. He spotted our hero in the making—Robert Kotaki. Eric couldn't stop singing praises about Robert's skills, work ethic, and how he genuinely cared for the students. Fast forward to today, and Robert's still our go-to guy.
Once we're done with the friendly hellos, it's time to dive into the world of emails. The school's internet is our lifeline, connecting us with tasks, people, and daily plans. It's a bustling day, from tackling assignments to meeting district officials, visiting the kids in our Children of Bududa program, and chatting with students and grads.
In the role of 'Coordinator,' a title resonant with my Quaker values, I collaborate with key players both in North America and on-site. Sheila Havard coordinates the Children of Bududa Sponsorship Program (COB), Court Young serves as the Executive Director and grant writer, and Rachel Tanner steers the ship alongside our dedicated staff and faculty in Bududa.
Our collective efforts revolve around deciphering the trajectory of Bududa Learning Center. How many students can we expect in 2024, and how can we accommodate them? What strategies will we implement for the COB program if crops fail again?
The heart of my love for this work lies in the people—the incredible individuals I've come to know and love. In this diverse tapestry of life, the contrasts are stark—rich versus poor, urban versus rural, abundance versus scarcity. Yet, in this mix, I've discovered a profound simplicity and joy in their pursuit of success for their children.
Do these disparities keep me coming back? Perhaps. What I am sure of is that I am on a continual journey of learning—a journey into another way of life. The simplicity I've come to love is not a lack but a different kind of abundance, and I find myself yearning to infuse more of this simplicity into my own life.