above: Maya and Nic at Rubanda Solidarity School with Rosette and Benedite the students they are sponsoring.

[Editor’s note: Recently Maya Brookings, P.A., visited the Rubanda school with her then fiance, now husband, Nic. They both sponsor kids at the school and as they visited Uganda they spent 3 days in the school vicinity. She had a wonderful time (except for illness!) and wrote a beautiful letter expressing her gratitude for the wonderful reception they received. It sounds like it was a profoundly moving experience for all. The following is her letter:]

May 2, 2018

I struggle to find adequate words to describe our visit to Rubanda Solidarity School. What an incredible experience!!! Our welcome began from the moment we arrived at the airport where Peace, Debbie, and Hamid eagerly awaited us. They kindly guided us across the Rwanda border and onto our hotel in Lake Bunyonyi. Unfortunately, I became very sick almost immediately, but was able to spend a few hours with the administrators and children on Sunday. We felt like royalty upon our arrival with the children running down the road to greet us, waving branches, and singing. Admittedly, I shed many tears of joy on arrival. The administrators were incredibly welcoming and we were thrilled to tour the school. We were incredibly impressed with the quality of the dormitories, classrooms, offices, kitchens, livestock, and gardens. The children were glowing as the ran around the school grounds.  During our tour we crossed paths with my beautiful sponsored child, Rosette. Despite feeling poorly, I was overjoyed to meet this exceptional girl! After our tour, an incredible meal was laid out for us to enjoy with the administrators. Unfortunately, I was far too sick to eat anything, but Nic reports a memorable culinary experience! Peace and the staff kindly made me a bed to rest and rehydrate during lunch.

After lunch, the children performed their songs and skits to welcome us. They worked so hard in preparation and it certainly showed in their presentations. I was so moved hearing all of their voices join together to sing the school anthem. Nic finally got to meet Benedite as well, which was a beautiful moment for both of them.

The following day I was unable to visit the school as planned due to illness, but thankfully, everyone was very flexible and we were able to have our final visiting day on Tuesday. Tuesday was a very special day for me as I had prepared a presentation for the young ladies from grades 2-7, regarding human papilloma virus (HPV). Thankfully, many parents were able to join their own session after the time spent with the girls. HPV is the virus that can cause cervical cancer, which is unfortunately the highest cause of cancer death in Ugandan women. The exciting news is that there is now a vaccine that effectively prevents HPV infection. The even better news is that this vaccine is now available for free at a local clinic near Rubanda. The girls, the school nurse, and the administrators showed perfect attention during the presentation. Peace did an excellent job translating the information and I know that it was understood as everyone had very good questions. My favorite part of the presentation, was the question and answer time. The girls took the opportunity to ask many excellent questions about their bodies and the process of puberty. I was so proud of the brave girls who asked the first few questions as it opened up a flood of wonderful and appropriate questions. The parents, staff, and teachers gathered after the girls for their own session. Again, Peace did an outstanding job translating and there were many great questions and discussion following the presentation.

Maya with Rosette and her mother.

We joined the administration for another beautiful lunch and then made our way around the school to see our sponsored children and say good bye. Both of our children brought us wonderful, home-made gifts that we treasure. I was lucky enough to meet Rosette’s mother, which was a wonderful experience. Benedite’s mother had visited the day before, but we unfortunately missed her. She kindly left gifts and kind words with Peace. We also received wonderful gifts from the fundraising committee leader. She showed us the beautiful necklaces and baskets that the children are making to raise additional funds for the school. It was wonderful to see the children and parents so involved with the success of the school. We said our sad goodbyes at the end of these events, wishing there was more time to spend with the kids! Nic came prepared to pla football, but with the rain and changed schedule due to my illness, we weren’t able to coordinate this. Next time!

Overall, we left the school overwhelmed by the graciousness of the administrators, staff, teachers, and children. Peace deserves special thanks for all of her incredible work in coordinating our visit and translating the presentations. We also wish to thank Father Dominic, Rogers and all of the administration for their welcome and coordination of our visit.

We look forward to our next visit and are so proud to be a part of Yamba Abaana!