BP House Meeting
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The meeting attracted a cross-section of those who have supported our work, particularly with Uganda 2000. We were pleased that Richard Harris and Heather Rainsbury took the trouble of coming to London from their respective universities, each having recently received their Explorer Belt. Congratulations to Richard, Heather and all those who also obtained their Explorer Belt.

The highlight of the day was the news and enthusiasm expressed for the continued work of Members of the Network and planning for future events.

At our next Network Meeting, over the weekend of the 11/12 and 13 May 2001 in Surrey, we will be formulating activities and opportunities for participation by Explorer Scouts and Members of the Scout Network in 2003. Why not book the date now and start saving to join the inaugural camp for these sections at Buwende, near Jinja, Uganda,  for an opportunity to climb Mount Elgon, participate in an Explorer Belt Expedition and visit a National Game Park. 

Keith Shackleton from Northamptonshire is returning to Uganda in March to monitor the progress on his County's support for the Outspan School, Bwaise, and Street Kids Project in Kampala.

Network Member Eddy Aroda, a Ugandan who lives and works in London, sent greetings from Uganda where he has been arranging for the unloading of a container vehicle that he shipped out late last year.  He was able to take chairs for the B-P Training Centre at Jinja for Avon Scouts  (sadly, some of the chairs went missing), together with 10 bicycles,

Avon advised that they have collected sufficient funds to fund a further container to Uganda in the summer and hope to take the remaining goods donated from Uganda 2000.

Peter and Betty Scurry from Berkshire reported on the preliminary arrangements they were having in connection with supporting the Bullangira Disabled Association Project in Bullisa.

SAFFE in Uganda

For five years Warren Farm in Streatley, Berkshire was run by the Kulika Charitable Trust as a vital training centre for predominantly Ugandan farmers. who were learning sustainable, low technology agricultural methods in order to increase the output of their small-holdings and ultimately, the wealth of their families. Since 1997 the farmers have been registered students of The University of Reading engaged on a Post Experience Diploma in Sustainable Agriculture and Farmer to Farmer Extension (SAFFE).

It was always part of the Trust's aim to transfer the training skills from Warren Farm to Uganda, making the knowledge more accessible to many more farmers via a network of key farmer trainers once they had graduated from The University of Reading. For the past three years Ian Wallace, Rachel Percy and the Agricultural Extension and Rural Development Department of the University have been consultants to the Trust: planning and facilinting that process.

The students were all chosen not only for their commitment to farming but also for their ability to communicate effectively with others in order to transfer the knowledge and skills they had learned to their fellow Ugandans upon their return. Between 1993 and 1999 approximately forty students graduated from the course and these farmers now train others in sustainable agriculture, liasing with local organisations, farmers, women's groups, marketing organisations etc. One graduate has even developed his farm into a training centre after further training from the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation.

The future of the work begun by the Kulika Trust and The University of Reading looks very hopeful as the returning graduates transform their small-holdings into profitable businesses and teach others that an organic approach to farming is best. As the founder and chairwoman of the Trust, Patricia Brenninkmeyer savs 'often people land up in debt because modern farming methods damage the ecological balance and ultimately create economic dependency.'

It is hoped that eventually Makerere University in Kampala will take over the recognition of the Diploma Award set up at Reading making it easily accessible to more students in Uganda. The University of Reading has a formal link with Makerere under the auspices of the British Council Higher Education Links, funded by the British Council in Kampala.

Charity Giving

DHL Offer

The DHL Moving Mountains Charities tariff offers up to a massive 60% discount on the standard tariff to charities, both inbound and outbound, who send high volumes of international document and parcel express.

Also included in the new package are special discounts in international postage rates.

For further information contact: Justina Hurley/Karren Piesley - DHL Press Office 0208 818 8049

If you are considering sending resources to Uganda you should be aware that this offer is not free of import duty and whilst the Network has been able to negotiate special import facilities which have been free of duty. This has been on a one off basis and it is by no means certain that this can be repeated. The news from DHL talks about charities who send high volumes - it is unlikely that the UK Uganda Nework is collectively sending high volumes to Uganda except during the Ugandad 2000 project.

If you are interested in this offer please make contact with the Network Co-ordinator - Alan Beavis.

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