James, a deaf boy, living in Uganda

JAMES 1.Travel report “Project in practice”

26 January 2010

The foundation with which the Lejofonds realizes the project “Goat to Goat” consists of six disabled adults. With two members, Fred 1 and Fred 2, we go into the interior to visit a number of families who have given birth to a goat.

On our first visit we meet grandpa and grandma with their son. The son is divorced and has four children with him, including a big deaf boy of 11 years old and a mentally handicapped girl of seven years old. She cannot talk.

One daughter is divorced and remarried. Her husband does not accept her two children and they are now housed with grandfather and grandmother.

The conditions in which these people live are poor.

More help is needed here than just giving a goat. We therefore decide that the deaf boy will go to the boarding school of the Bishop West School at the expense of the Lejofonds.

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The girl also needs special education. We are looking for a sponsor for this.

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2.Travel report “You can't stay deaf to that�

January 30, 2010

We are in the loft, which passes as the office, of Henriette, head of the deaf department at the Bishop West School. As reported, it was decided to send 11-year-old deaf James to school. The first year the school fees are paid by the Lejofonds, after which a goat from the project must provide the necessary income.

James now turns out to be 14 years old instead of 11. That age also suits his stature better. But how should that be when he will be in the classroom with little ones? We will follow it.

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From Travelogue “Partir, c’est mourir un peu”

April 16, 2010

And then we have to say goodbye to our deaf friends at Bishop West School.

A few days ago we already asked Monica to make it clear to them that we are leaving. They got it.

When we come for the last time, several children sign in sign language that we are going to fly. A few children have yet to feel our white skin for the last time, which we ourselves think is already nicely colored.

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Herma pastes plasticized photos of “our deaf children” in their metal box. In this box they have their only belongings. We took pictures and reordered their family. They now always have them with them. The smile on the face of these children when they see the photos is intense, from within and says it all.

From Travelogue “Washing pigs”

18 October 2010

Then it is finally time for a visit to the Bishop West School. We look forward to seeing our deaf friends again.

At the beginning of the site we see Moses, the director of the school. When he sees us, he starts to smile, arms are spread wide open and before we know it, we are sitting at his house on the couch.

We have difficulty declining the invitation to stay for dinner. We really want to see the deaf children

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And yes, as soon as a child is recognized, the transmission starts. Before we know it, “our children� run up to us and literally fly around our necks. Moving moments. The stay with the children is a big party that passes far too quickly. But we still have the photos. During our stay we will visit them regularly.

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From Travel Report 16b “Hopping goats, grunting pigs and blaring goats�

6 December 2010 We are facing a major operation. Pigs have to be brought to different families with a disabled child. For us, bringing the pigs also means seeing our deaf friends again, who are now home on summer vacation.

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From Travelogue “Retrospect”

December 12, 2010

We have shown performances of theater Lejo to the deaf children with great success.

From Travelogue “Coming Home to Bishop West”

November 29, 2011

We are back in Mukono, our base. We look forward to seeing our deaf friends again, who are staying at the Bishop Westschool with the support of the Lejofonds.

When a deaf child from the boarding school sees us, the tam-tam starts working. In this case, the tam-tam stands for sign language.

It is no different this time. We enter the site and immediately see some children pointing and gesturing.

James comes running from an unexpected corner. He flies around Leo 's neck, then grabs his hand so as not to let go of it for the time being. James uses the other hand to enthusiastically pat Leo on the shoulders.

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In the wake of James comes Batu, the boy who is on the opening page of the website of the Lejofonds. They are the vanguard. After that, there is no stopping it.

It is a bustle around us of all famous children who all want attention.

Enthusiasm everywhere, but it remains deafeningly silent. Apparently to compensate for that, you are being pulled and plucked.

Herma hands out photo books. We have provided text for the photos shown.

Batu and James can read the lyrics. They do that with sign language. The other children watch carefully and some follow the sign language. Beautiful to see.

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From Travelogue “The muzumgu’s are back” January 30, 2013 The reunion with the families is a celebration and in a number of cases is accompanied by hugs.

Travelogue “James”

February 4, 2013

A few years ago we paid attention to the Friends of Larouche Foundation under the title “From Mamba Point to Larouche”.

La Rouche is an alias for Jan Crins. He passed away in 2009 after a short illness. A few years earlier, when there was no question of illness at the time, he asked his friends, if anything ever happened to him, to ensure that his estate will be spent on good causes. This resulted in the Friends of La Rouche Foundation.

Entirely in accordance with Jan Crins's wishes, his legacy is spent on charities. The Friends of La Rouche Foundation is responsible for this and has chosen the Lejofonds as one of the charities. Training is the keyword to spend the donations received in the spirit of Jan Crins.

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The donations obtained have enabled the Lejofonds to send disabled children and underprivileged children to school. One of them is James, a deaf boy.

James we find in 2010 in the countryside around the village of Seeta Nazigo.

He makes an unkempt, burnt-out and lifeless impression. His eyes are dim.

James lives with his father, but he doesn't really care about them. James can usually be found with his grandparents who live nearby. Grandma loves James, she is her godson. but she is unable to take good care of him because of her age.

James is 14 years old when we meet him for the first time. He has never seen a school inside.

Thanks to donations from the Friends of Larouche Foundation, it is possible that James will be placed at the boarding school of the Bishop West School. A department for the deaf is connected to the school.

When we visit James again after a few weeks of education, a radiant boy comes running towards us. James is enjoying himself again.

James enjoys teaching despite being placed in the first grade between 6 and 7 years old.

James knows who Jan Crins is and what he owes him. He is in the photo together with a photo of Jan Crins. That photo is also on the opening page of the website of the Friends of Larouche Foundation.

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We keep following James. When we stay in Uganda, we visit him as much as possible at the boarding school. We become best friends.

James turns out to be a bright boy. When we bring craft supplies for him, he quickly realizes what it is meant to be. He enjoys the fretsaw material he has brought along and is immediately very handy with it.

James is enjoying and we are enjoying James.

James is now able to read and write and he is fluent in sign language. Before leaving for Uganda, we receive reports that James no longer feels at home at the Bishop West. And that has everything to do with his age.

As a 17-year-old boy, James no longer feels at home among the little ones.

He himself indicates that he would very much like to go to a school for preparatory vocational education.

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The school is nearby and James can walk there. We can well imagine this.

We visit James to arrange the transition to pre-vocational school. When we arrive at his grandmother's house, James cannot be seen. But the tam-tam works. Children point. And there we see someone running in the distance.

He almost stumbles because he runs past himself, as it were. It's James. A long hug follows.

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Together with grandma and James we go to school to enroll James. The school is beautifully spacious. James will be trained as a carpenter. The classes are small, only six students. So the students can get all the attention.

Now that James can read, we can communicate with him by writing short messages on paper. James is looking forward to his new school.

And then there is a wonderful message for James. A deaf boyfriend is also given a place at the school.

James does not know yet that another wonderful message will follow for him.

The Lejofonds is again being conceived with a wonderful donation from the Friends of Larouche Foundation. James is assured of his carpentry training.

Travel report “James is happily working on it�

2013

21 February

When we gave up James, our deaf friend, at his new school, we agreed that we would come back to see the school in full swing. We especially want to see how James fares between his classmates.

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Meanwhile, we have ordered overalls for James from the capital Kampala. We have passport photos made of a few photos of James we took. We take these missing items with us when we visit.

The school is beautifully situated. Once through the gate we have to go through a long driveway to get to the first buildings. No beautiful buildings here either, but because of the embedding in nature it gives a very peaceful impression.

It is remarkably quiet. Last time we visited some theory classrooms. We suspect that the students are now being taught there.

The administrator takes care of us. After handing over the passport photos and some other duties we are ready to visit James. To our surprise we do not go to classrooms, but we walk down the driveway again.

The administrator tells that there will be a big party at the school soon. Sixty students who have passed their final exams are honored. That seems a bit strange to us. Last time we heard that the entire school has only 26 students.

It turns out that this event takes place once every few years. Students from a number of grades are invited at the same time.

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And then at the end of the drive up a hill see James. He's sawing and doesn't notice us.

But a fellow student does. He gives a signal. James is looking our way. When he realizes who the visitors are, he abandons everything and runs towards us.

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An embrace follows.

James is making a table together with a deaf friend under the guidance of a teacher. The teacher, a friendly older man, indicates that he gets along fine with his two deaf students and that the deafness is no obstacle for him.

Awesome.

But he will have to divide his attention among all the children. How does he do that? Much to our surprise and surprise, James and his deaf friend turn out to be his only students.

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We get a tour. This also means that we visit a building where previously made products are displayed. The most common product is a coffin.

Apparently this is the specialty of the teacher. It is also a much sought after product. That could also be a reason. James's deaf friend is walking around in scuffed slippers. We have the shoes that were too big for Batu with us. And those shoes fit wonderfully.

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To this deaf friend it seems like a miracle has happened. He is over the moon with his shoes.

We are enthusiastically waved goodbye. On the way back, we still want to know where to find all the other students at the moment. And then another big surprise awaits us. The entire school is currently made up of the deaf friends we just said goodbye to.

It is expected or hoped to be able to welcome new students in the near future. Hope brings life could be a nice slogan for this school.

James and his friend are completely at home here. They are happy here and we are happy that they feel at home here and receive a good education.

Travel report “The Lejofonds wants to make education possible…”

2 February 2015 The Lejofonds wants to make education possible for underprivileged children in Uganda and offer them a hopeful future.

Under that title we report in newsletter 29 how the Lejofonds has supported our deaf friend James in recent years.

Today we visit James again and we look forward to it.

We visit the school where he recently graduated as a carpenter.

James is a carpenter. Awesome. Now he has to find his existence in it.

We have a cell phone with us for James with a solar charger. James can communicate with others via text messages.

When we arrive at school, we are welcomed by James's old teacher, a friendly old man who communicates with James using a sign language all of his own.

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The man immediately takes us to a large workspace. There is all kinds of furniture on display. We commissioned James from the Netherlands to make a toddler seat. We now see the result. It's great class.

It is as if an experienced craftsman has been at work here. The teacher says that he immediately had James make some more seats.

And then he comes up with a surprising announcement. James delivers craftsmanship. The school has therefore hired him and is now paying him a salary. Splendid.

James uses the school's workspace as well as the tools. In time, however, he will have to provide tools himself.

A second surprising announcement is that James is now here. However, he resides in a different part of the immense terrain. It's lunch time.

James has now been notified that we are there. A little later we see him coming. James has grown. Not so much in length. He was tall. But here comes a muscular guy. The last part is done running. A firm hug follows.

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We offer James a t-shirt.

We are proud of James and proud of his teacher. We say that too. The teacher is also proud of himself that he has achieved this result with James. He brings in other products that James has made.

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We're all going to James' house now. As described earlier, James's father does not look after him. It is the grandparents who have always cared for and guided him. Grandma especially loves James.

When we get out of the car, Grandma is also the first to greet us. She is very thin.

Grandma appears to have cancer. That is a shock.

James wants to show us the goats right away.

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After admiring it, we would like to know where James lives now. We go to his father's house. However, he no longer lives there. Close to his father's house, James has built himself a turf hut.

He proudly shows us the inside. The walls are covered with newspaper.

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Outside is a large pile of stones. James literally pulled the stones out of the clay himself. James wants to build his own house out of bricks. We think this is the beginning.

That is a misunderstanding. James made these stones for his father, who never cared about him. Typically James!

Travelogue “Review of stay Uganda 2015“

April 1, 2015

In travelogue 1.1 we told about our deaf friend James, who, thanks to the Lejofonds, trained as a carpenter and was employed by the school.

We come back to James several more times. He is commissioned by us to make a solar box out of wood. We also let him make new school furniture.

Then we hear that on the day the salary is paid, father reports to receive the salary from James, father who has never cared about James. So we put a stop to that.

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Newsletter 32

October 2015

James is a deaf boy. We have written about him several times. Thanks to the support of the Lejofonds, James has now successfully completed a carpentry training course.

The goal now is to create a workshop for James, to provide the necessary tools so that James can build his own life. A place has already been selected where the workshop should be realized.

A former teacher from James' carpentry training course has agreed to keep an eye on things and provide guidance if desired.

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The Jozefschool on Texel has raised funds to be able to purchase furniture for schools. We promised James to make this furniture.

Previously, James has already taken an aptitude test.

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At the end of July, James sent us a short note.

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Oops, it is clear that his writing skills have slipped. What about reading skills? We are concerned and eventually turn to Monika, his former primary school teacher.

They are still good buddies and it shows. Monika is researching his reading and writing skills. That is why James came to Bishop West School in Mukono.

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The research drew the necessary attention from the other deaf children at the Bishop West, including Faizal and Falouk, two deaf boys who, thanks to the support of the Lejofonds, are studying at the Bishop West school and also being taught by Monika.

After the investigation, it was decided that James would come to Bishop West School for several weekends, where Monika would give him a refresher course in reading and writing, as well as expanding his vocabulary directly into his carpentry profession.

Coordinator Dan Kibago of the Lejofonds reports the following:

“I organized for James's visit to Bishop West. in the evening when Monica was done I went there to see how the day was and also to take some pictures.

Monica told that James with time will master many things.

She told me that besides day to day communication, they looked at the different items especially that are familiar with carpentry and in the pictures you will see that James could now draw all after being signed to, that they also looked at different denominations of money and he knew almost all.

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From left to right: Monica, James, Dan Kibago, Faizal

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Home with the boda boda Due to various donations, it is now possible to set up a workshop for James including the necessary tools. We are busy discussing how we can achieve this with various people in Uganda.

Newsletter 34

February 2016

Several times we have reported about James, the deaf boy who went to school thanks to the Lejofonds and who has now completed training as a carpenter.

In newsletter 32 we report that thanks to various donations it is possible to set up a workshop for James. The Lejofonds is in consultation with various people on how to achieve this.

The workshop is there. A lot has gone before that. A suitable piece of land has been searched. The rental price has been negotiated with the owner.

Contracts have been drawn up, approved and signed. The documents have been signed in the presence of, say, the local mayor. And all that takes time.

In Uganda the mills grind slowly.

Then the construction of the workshop starts. James gets help from his former carpenter teacher.

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The first tool has been purchased. There are also safety shoes for James.

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An overall is also not missing.

James will soon be in for a surprise. Natalie Kroef, former volunteer of the Lejofonds, is currently in Uganda with her parents and will visit James soon.

And they don't come empty-handed.

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James has been on the road with his former teacher to buy wood. The Lejofonds has placed an order for the manufacture of school furniture, a number of tables and chairs.

James has been given an agenda for taking necessary notes and keeping orders and their execution.

After a long day at work, James closes his workshop and can go home.

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Travelogue “James”

March 21, 2016

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We have written about James several times, in the last newsletter. James has completed training as a carpenter thanks to the Lejofonds. The Lejofonds has built a workshop for him and has placed a first order for making tables and chairs.

In the first week of our stay in Uganda, we visited James.

Not long before, other people from the Netherlands honored James with a visit.

Natalie was in Uganda with her parents for several weeks. Natalie has previously been to Uganda and then also volunteered for the Lejofonds. Now that she is back, she would like to show her parents the places where she went back then.

In consultation we make a program of a few days in which all projects and activities of the Lejofonds are discussed. Daniel Kibago, coordinator of the Lejofonds will provide guidance.

A visit to James is also on the program. Natalie and her parents do not come empty-handed. They attack James in a very pleasant way with a suitcase full of tools.

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Natalie opens the trunk containing many tools for James. James's grandfather is watching.

James and his grandfather look at the things.

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Thank you grandpa…

.. Coordinator Dan Kibago reports the following: “With James it was very massive, James and the grandfather could not believe what they were seeing, the way James was looking was like he was puzzled and very much surprised, you could see on his face that he was very happy, he was checking all the tools while shaking his head.

Natalie’s father was very happy because James knew how to use almost all the tools and those he did not know he directed him how to use them, they were very happy with James that he is such a cool handsome and bright boy,

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James even gets a tool belt. James is wearing a t-shirt with an appropriate inscription. It could be a gift from the Lejofonds. That is not the case.

Children are curious about what is happening inside. But people are also interested outside.

Daniel Kibago: On the land lord's place they were preparing for a party but many people came and joined us and they were very appreciative for what we had done for James and promised to support him.

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The grandfather was extremely happy that he was lamenting many words that “…for me all in life is now complete because James is my friend apart from being a grandson.” He promised to protect his tools and also always advise him accordingly”. From there we went for distribution of the goats, the distribution was done from Rachel’s place.

Because that was a second big surprise for James. He got a goat and two goats. James can also generate income with this.

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James was again happy to receive his own goats the grandfather again said that Leo and Herma and their friend need endless thanks and prayers In the meantime we have also visited James. A very happy James who showed all his tools again. We had a nameplate designed for James' workshop.

Unfortunately the delivery was too late. To give you an idea, we printed text on paper and laminated it. James attached it to the outside of the workshop.

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James was raised by his grandparents. His father, who lives nearby, did not care about him. A visit to the grandparents shows that they are extremely happy about what was done for James. They are short of words to convey their gratitude.

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Travelogue “Review of stay Uganda 2017”

28 March 2017

Work to be done for James

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James is a deaf boy who has been able to train as a carpenter thanks to the Lejofonds. The Lejofonds has also set up a workshop for him. Last year, the Kroef family brought the necessary tools for James. We have reported on this under the title James.

We visit James towards the end of our stay in Uganda. It turns out that his reading skills have deteriorated considerably. James can still hardly read a simple message. However, he is no longer able to write anything back.

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We contact his former teacher at the school for the deaf. She is willing to teach James on the weekends. However, travel and salary costs are an obstacle.

To still be able to do something, we contact Gods Glory nursery and primary school, the school closest to James. James can participate in the My Book Buddy system. That means he can come and get a book every week to read at home.

Coordinator Daniel Kibago will keep us informed of the results.

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Travelogue 5

18 February 2018

Carpenter James is missing the point!

James, a deaf boy, is found in 2010 in the countryside around the village of Seeta Nazigo. He makes an unkempt, burnt-out and lifeless impression. His eyes are dim.

James lives with his father, but he doesn't really care about them. James can usually be found with his grandparents who live nearby. Grandma loves James, she's her godson. but she is unable to take good care of him because of her age.

James is 14 years old when we meet him for the first time. He has never seen a school inside.

Thanks to the Lejofonds, James gets a place at the boarding school of the Bishop West School. A department for the deaf is connected to the school.

When we visit James again after a few weeks of education, a radiant boy comes running towards us. James is enjoying himself again. James enjoys teaching despite being placed in the first grade between 6 and 7 year olds.

That's how we first reported on James at the time. We have continued to follow James and have told about it many times in newsletters and travel reports. We ensure that James can successfully train as a carpenter.

We become best friends.

The Lejofonds is building a workshop for James. A Dutch family provides the necessary tools. The Lejofonds gives James the first assignments, making school furniture.

James's former teacher still keeps an eye on the processing of assignments.

There will be problems in 2017. James' skills in reading and writing have slipped. That hinders him in the performance of his work. We try to get James to follow lessons and try to connect him to the My Book Buddy system of the Gods Glory school.

James's grandmother passed away in 2017. She has been ill for a long time.

During our stay in Uganda now we pass James's workshop. James isn't there.

The workshop looks run down. In many places the wood has been damaged by insects.

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We meet James near his grandfather. He has a different look.

With gestures James makes it clear that working in the workshop is over.

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Grandfather's stories reveal that James has gone wild since his grandmother's death. He is no longer willing to do anything for his grandfather, only for a fee. It is everywhere and nowhere during the day and at night. He's coming home late. He joins wrong friends. He makes a few pennies by lugging water for others.

It's sad to hear. The intelligent, always friendly James, happy with the opportunities offered, who now misses the point completely.

We make it clear to James that we want to meet him again to return the carpenter's tools.

When we leave, Grandpa waves to us from afar. James, in his newly acquired t-shirt, makes a smile.

What now? We don't have an answer to that (yet). After eight successful years of coaching, this story shouldn't end like that.

We order a carpenter to tear down James's workshop or what's left of it. We can use the roof plates for the storage of the tricycle. The wood, affected by insects, remains and serves as firewood for the owner of the land.

We will return the next day to collect the tools. We asked Grandpa to make sure James is home. Grandpa has nothing more to say about James. James is not at home.

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We search and find James with a family of children in the neighborhood. To our surprise and surprise, one of the children appears to be able to communicate well with James via sign language. We'll take him.

We go to the workshop or rather to the place where the workshop used to be.

The workshop has since been demolished.

The only thing that still reminds of the workshop is an inscription that is now somewhere on the floor.

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Inside the house of the owner of the land is another chest full of tools. James must give it up. It is a sad event. That can also be seen in James's face.

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At home, James has a suitcase with some tools. He must also hand that in. In the meantime, we have a chat with Grandpa who is sitting on the ground in the shade of a tree.

It has become clear to us that things don't really go together between Grandpa and James. We ask Grandpa how we can still help James. There is nothing more you can do. You have done everything you can do. Then grandpa thanks us for all the efforts over the years. James is completely crazy that he now shows such behavior, he argues.

When James has handed in all the tools, goodbyes await. We shake hands with James and try to indicate with gestures that we did not want this. James turns and walks away.

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We don't like the whole thing. When we review everything again later that afternoon, we believe that it cannot end like this. Our idea now is to put James in touch with Monica, his former teacher at the school for the deaf, deeply committed to children and masterful at sign language. She may be able to find out a little more about what is moving or bothering James. We consider the latter quite possible.

Travel report 5

17 February 2019

Carpenter James is now making bricks "Carpenter James misses the point". Under this title we told last year how after eight years of successful coaching of the deaf boy James, in which he has followed a carpentry training course thanks to the Lejofonds and has his own workshop at his disposal, eventually things still go wrong with James after his death. from his grandmother.

We would like to know how James is doing now. We want to hand over a photo to Grandpa showing him with his deceased wife.

Grandpa meets us with a smile. He says that his handicapped granddaughter makes him aware that there are visitors.

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The granddaughter is now crawling over to us.

Grandpa is clearly very happy with the photo.

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It also leads to reflection. “The death of a father or mother is bad. But the death of a wife you've been married to for 54 years is terrible and leaves a great void, "Grandpa argues.

Grandpa looks good. That has been different. We hear that he was in hospital for 2 months. During that time, Granddaughter had an accident. Her leg is doused with boiling water.

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Grandpa shows the injuries.

We ask for James. He's not at home. However, he still lives a little further.

Grandpa guides us. Last year, his father lived in the house where James now lives. Father has moved to Mukono. James lives there now.

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James is now busy making bricks to earn such a thing.

Last year, we took all the carpenter's tools away from James. Grandpa says that James thought he gave us this advice. James has been very upset about this and has not greeted Grandpa for two months.

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We ask if James has any ambitions towards carpentry. Grandpa thinks so. He shows how James repaired a door on him with hardly any tools.

Daniel still has the tools that James received. Grandpa sees opportunities if James can return to work close to home so that he can supervise.

We don't promise anything. Or still, we will be back to meet James.

Grandpa gives us a warm goodbye. Granddaughter looks after us.

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Travel report 6

24 February 2019

In the previous travelogue we told under the title “Carpenter James now makes stones� how things are now with the deaf boy James. On our last visit, James turns out not to be at home. We make a new appointment with grandpa. Grandpa makes sure James is home.

We have to go inland. Narrow roads where you don't expect a car.

James' disabled sister is waiting for us at Grandpa's house.

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She is sitting under a tree with beautiful flowers.

We are 45 minutes late. James has been home, but has since disappeared.

Grandpa starts calling. And that is successful.

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Fifteen minutes later we see James arriving. He comes up to us laughing.

Hugs follow.

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James is wearing a t-shirt that we gave him last year. The Lejofonds acquired the t-shirts through a former colleague on Texel. It turns out that the t-shirt on the back has a striking text for James situation.

We face the problem of how to communicate with James? We ask him to pick up a notebook.

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But James has forgotten a lot about reading and writing. He can still write his own name with difficulty.

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Grandpa follows everything from a distance.

Then suddenly there is the little boy that we saw walking around upon arrival. Perhaps scratching is a better word. The boy walks with difficulty. There is clearly something wrong with his leg or hip. I t's neighbor Rymon. And to us totally unexpected, he can communicate with James through sign language.

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That makes everything a lot easier.

We now find out what James does during the day. He fetches water for others on a borrowed motorcycle. He earns 75 cents a day with that.

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Via Rymon we gauge whether James is still interested in carpentry. That turns out to be the case.

We indicate that we want to help James again when he undertakes his activities near the road, in front of his grandfather's house. People passing by can see James products. Grandpa can keep an eye on things. And neighbor Rymon can take care of the communication.

Grandpa immediately comes up with a plank. The beginning of a workbench.

Then we realize that there is still an amount of usable wood on Kisimbizi, from the construction work. And soon when tables and chairs come, the benches will be redundant. That wood is good to use. We'll arrange with Director Spencer for all of this to go to James.

Then it's time for Rymon. We indicate that we want to talk to his parents to see how we can help him overcome his disability. Rymon is visibly pleased with that.

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We're going to Rymon's house and meeting Mother there, we think. It turns out to be grandma.

Mother lives elsewhere and got married again. As often happens, the spouse does not accept the children who are then placed with grandmother.

Grandma indicates that Rymon once went to a hospital. She feels that nothing can be done about Raymond's disability. We want to be sure of that.

We advise her to go with Raymond to a specialized children's hospital in Entebbe.

We'll contact the hospital to see when Rymon can go there. And we inquire about the travel costs.

Rymon will be going to hospital soon. He is clearly pleased with our interventions.

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Travelogue 7

March 4, 2019

The Lejofonds enlarges their world In Seeta Nazigo we meet a former member of the Goat to Goat project.

Mother has a disabled daughter, Nakato. A few years ago the Lejofonds gave a buggy so that mother can take a walk with Nakato now and then.

We now hear that the buggy is worn out. Nakato is shackled to his home again. Whenever we have time, we visit the family.

On arrival we see father and daughter already in the doorway.

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Herma briefly contacts Nakato. Nakato looks blankly at Herma.

Inside we see the remains of a wheelchair and a buggy.

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Nakato no longer comes out. We find an untenable situation. A new wheelchair or buggy must be installed here. Father prefers a buggy because a buggy is more manoeuvrable on the rough dirt roads.

We promise to go to Kampala for a new buggy. When we leave, father beams after us.

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A few days later we visit a rehabilitation center in Kampala. Upon arrival it is immediately clear that we are dealing with a rehabilitation center.

We are referred to the workshop. They are busy manufacturing artificial limbs.

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The wheelchairs are in the same room. We get to see different models.

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It is clear that the wheelchairs are indestructible. We therefore abandon the idea of purchasing a buggy for Nakato.

We order two wheelchairs. One for Nakato, but then there is also Agnes, the handicapped sister of our deaf friend James. When she gets a wheelchair, she no longer has to crawl on the ground. Grandpa, brother and neighbor children can take her for a walk, which will enlarge her world enormously.

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But we still have to pass on a number of sizes of both girls. And so we visit them again. We find Agnes sitting at grandpa's house.

She experiences the recording of the measures as funny. She laughs.

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We find Nakato's father on the way. Father is gathering wood. Mother is shopping. Nakato is home alone.

Father is going back home with us. He is helpful to Herma in obtaining the correct dimensions necessary for the manufacture of the wheelchair.

It will take another month for the wheelchairs to be ready.

When we leave, father watches us. Clouds of smoke rise from the kitchen. It is fired with wood. An unhealthy situation. Green charcoal from the Lejofonds would be a godsend here. That does not smoke.

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Travelogue “Farewell�

25 March 2019

At the Kisimbizi school is a large pile of usable wood from the demolished buildings. We seize that. We order a truck to take all the wood to our deaf friend James. He can then build his own workshop.

In our last week we want to visit James to see how far he has progressed. We hear that James is not present.

His father had an accident with the motorcycle and is seriously injured in hospital. And as is the custom in Uganda, a family member must be present to provide a drink and a snack. James is now in the hospital with his father to take on that task.

A bizarre situation. Dad hasn't looked after James for years and now James is taking care of his dad. Who knows what good will come from that.

We're going to James's house anyway. We want to see what he did. But we also want to say goodbye to James's grandfather. And we want to see his disabled boyfriend. Thanks to the Lejofonds, he went to a specialized hospital where a special shoe was made for him, which made walking easier for him.

Arriving at James's house, we immediately see the new structure.

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James grandpa walks up and proudly tells that James has done everything himself.

The tools are stored in a nearby building. Grandpa shows us.

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Grandpa is wearing a shirt that we have known for years. But the cracks are now so big that everything flutters around his body.

As every year, we leave all kinds of things behind at the end of our stay. We have various items with us that we want to distribute to the workers in the charcoal factory of the Lejofonds. There are also two good shirts in the car.

We now decide to give it to grandpa.

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Rarely have we seen someone so happy. Hugs follow.

Grandpa wants to try on the shirts immediately.

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We say goodbye to Grandpa.

Newsletter 48

December 2019

In addition to the workshop, now also the factory We have often written in newsletters and travel reports about James, the deaf boy, who, thanks to the Lejofonds, is given the opportunity to go to school and eventually train as a carpenter. James is given a workshop so that he can earn his own income as a carpenter.

James was largely cared for and raised by his grandparents. James is Grandma's favorite. After the death of Grandma a few years ago, James becomes unhinged. It costs him his workshop In 2018 we write about this in travel report 5.3. Carpenter James is missing the point!

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During our stay at the beginning of this year we visit James's grandfather and later James himself. We report about this in the travel reports 5.3. Carpenter James is now making bricks and 6.1. Two disabled boys complement each other well.

James has changed a lot and gets a new chance to practice the carpentry trade.

James also has a disabled sister, Agnes. Every time we visit Grandpa, Agnes sits in front of the house and crawls over to us.

Thanks to the Lejofonds, she and another disabled girl have access to a wheelchair. See newsletter 45, 1 A world is opening up for them.

A few weeks ago, James suddenly appears at the factory and helps out all day long. Coordinator Daniel Kibago informs us that the workers are very happy with James because he is a hard worker.

We decide to ask James if he has the opportunity to work permanently in the factory. When James hears that, he is very happy.

Especially when he hears that he can also get a bicycle to cover the distance from home to the factory. When asked, James indicates that he can do his work as a carpenter on weekends.

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The only problem is that Grandpa is very sick. James has to lift him out first thing in the morning. Reason enough for Daniel Kibago to take a closer look. He finds Grandpa and Agnes in front of the house.

Daniel posts: “The grandfather looked very weak, the stomach is swollen and also the face. I asked him what the problem is and he told that he was in hospital and they told that the problem he has is that his liver is seated in water.

They told him that they can drain the water and then he feared to die because he has seen many people after getting such treatment they die after a short period.

Agnes was not in the wheel chair and I asked the grandfather why and he said that the people like James who can help to carry the girl do not do it. I asked him why Agnes was not in the wheel chair and he explained that Agnes has no energy to push the wheel chair.

I told him that Agnes does not have to push the wheel chair but she can sit in it instead of sitting on a rough ground and then once in a while they can push her around in her wheel chair.

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I immediately told James to help Agnes take a shawer and put her in the wheel chair so I left Agnes in her wheel chair. When I will be in Seeta Nazigo again I will visit the home to see if Agnes is in her wheelchair.

I asked the grandfather that what will happen to Agnes when he becomes weaker and weaker and then he said he does not know and that he is already worried about what will happen to Agnes when he dies. ” For now Agnes is taken care of by James but the problem is that James many times is not at home.

Newsletter 50

April 2020

Green Charcoal Lejofonds Expansion “factory” There is also a need to expand the factory building. The production area needs expansion and more storage capacity is needed.

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James, the deaf boy who was trained as a carpenter thanks to the Lejofonds, is involved in the expansion work.

James has recently been one of the employees on the project. He is a hard worker and therefore highly appreciated by the others.

James has to walk a few miles every day to reach the factory. He is therefore given one of the Lejofonds bicycles.

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After the felling and clearing of trees, the extension work can begin.

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Inside, new racks are being installed for storing bags of charcoal.

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For the production area, another briquette machine and a mixing machine are being considered. This is discussed with various experts.

Newsletter 50

april 2020

Impression visit projects and activities Lejofonds In newsletter 49 we have already indicated that the board members of the Lejofonds, Leo and Herma Annyas, will not be traveling to Uganda for the Lejofonds at the beginning of this year, as every year.

A friendly Belgian couple, Herman Longin and Ria Coppens, experienced Ugandan travelers (they are going to Uganda for the 40th time) have been prepared to do the honors.

They spent three days in February with coordinator Daniel Kibago and took a critical look at the projects and activities of the Lejofonds. They have reported on this in detail, accompanied by many photos. In this newsletter a short impression.

Handicapped In newsletter 48 we described the situation of our deaf friend James and his handicapped sister Agnes. Grandpa who takes care of Agnes is sick.

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It would be good if Agnes could be placed in an institution. Together with coordinator Daniel Kibago, Herman and Ria visit a home where care can be arranged.

b They are received by a friendly sister, who then makes it clear that they are not at the right place. They are referred to an institution in Kampala. When saying goodbye, Ria cannot fail to inform the sister about the Green Charcoal Lejofpnds project and the benefits it offers.

The report says the following:

“…. The nurse guides us back to the car. Meanwhile, Ria can't resist talking about Green Charcoal again. Daniel joins the conversation. When hearing about the profit they can make from using the Green Charcoal, the sister appears even more interested. Daniel also says that there are already schools in the immediate vicinity that use charcoal. The sister is surprised about this.

In the end Daniel exchanged contacts and can come back for a further conversation… ”.

Message coordinator Lejofonds, Daniel Kibago

8 February 2020

“……From there I proceeded to Seeta Nazigo to find the place where James' grand father is.it was late but Iwanted to finish also with this we reached there when it is already dark and the road was very bad because it had rained but I managed to drive there.

I went with Alvin and also James, we reached there and found the grandfather very ill but he was able to recognize us soon as he heard my voice.

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He asked how I discovered where he is and then he said he is happy that I keep following his family. I told him that I do this because of your good friends Leo and Herma and the asked me if you came this year and I told him no but they sent you many greetings and he also said that I should also tell them that he is happy that you are helping his grandchildren Agnes and James because the father is a fool.

He is now living at the house of his young brother called Malanti and they are leaving on a village called Busaale, I explained the reason why we were there that James was worried that the land will be sold by his father and uncle and for him he will remain with nothing just in case his grandfather died because hehas been taking care of them.

The brother to James 'grandfather said yes James' feeling is possible I told him them that Leo and Herma have a suggestion that may we can use lawyers to see that James can get a portion but first we want to hear the opinion of the grand father.

The brother to the grandfather said that yes we have a very big point but like we said we need to hear from the grandfather himself. He said now its late he is tired and has just taken some medicine so he advised me to come back some other day during day time when we have enough time because for him he does not want to involve in that. He wants James's grandfather himself to handle this because he is still arrive and and he understands every thing.

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He told me that the only day he is not at home is Wednesday but on all other days he is always there and James's grandfather is also always there.

He told me that it's also necessary that the LCs are involved in this and I told him that its very right.

So we left and I told him that I will organize and came back I also took him phone number

Message Daniel Kibago

March 4, 2020

“This morning I visited the place where Agnes could stay but they told they are full.

The in charge directed me to another place after Kampala called Wankulukuku that there is another home called missionaries of the poor that may be there can be a free place When I'm in Kampala I will look for this place .”

Message Daniel Kibago

March 13, 2020 “Yesterday i visited the place where James' grand father stays, Unfortunately by the time we arrived there with James had been taken to hospital because his condition was not good …”

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Message Daniel Kibago

April 14,

2020

“This morning the grand father of James died and he has been buried at 12 pm just a few minutes from Now by a few people because of corona when i had the bad news i immediately called the brother who has been taking care of the late and i reminded him that its bad that he has passed on before concluding James' issues. He said that the late will be buried on his land and its also where his wife was buried so it will not be possible for the whole land to be sold because of the grave yard He added that even if a part will be sold the house and some peace will have to remain because of the grave yard so James should not worry, they (with the sister) will have always a place to stay

Production stop

July 2020

The schools in Uganda have been closed for some time due to the corona virus. No more charcoal is taken. In July, we decide to stop producing charcoal, with the factory closing temporarily until mid-December.

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Message toDaniel Kibago

16 december 2020

The Skype talk we had with you was very good. We appreciate it very much. .

We were very excited to hear that James has become a father. Did you know that he is now 25 years old? We would love that the next time you go to the factory that you go home with James.

We would like to know more about his girlfriend. Do they live together in grandfather's house? Are her parents happy with the new situation? Can you take pictures of the baby with both parents? That would be great for the next newsletter. Many people have been very sympathetic to James. Especially when we took all his tools away. How's his sister? Do other boys live in James's father's house?

Message from Daniel Kibago

2 januari 2021

“In the attachment you can find pictures from james and his family and also Agnes The wife from james told that Agnes sometimes tries to make mats like you can see in the pictures. I asked her who takes care and she said they do it together with James.

James told me that he loves his wife very much because she is very hardworking, he showed me maize the wife planted and that the compound is kept clean.

The family looked happy. The wife thanked you for the money you gave to the baby and also thanked you for always supporting James.�

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Agnes learns to weave mats

James built this house for his wife, daughter and himself.

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Leo Annyas

januari 2021

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