Fields of Life is committed to changing lives and building sustainable communities in East Africa through teaching the Christian faith and through the provision of quality education, health care and income generating projects.
Newsletter 1
Issue 13
turn on Trevor writes: read a newspaper or tain times. When you cer es, and un y tax ver her in hig ng , livi ses We are financial crisis, job los of s new is re be the ’t the television, and is endless, and one can ing. The list of calamity o have lost salary cuts, it is alarm ir. For many people wh pa des and om glo h wit d their fille rt blamed for being y struggle to suppo ficult situation. As the dif y s on loans ver a ent is s aym thi rep s, their job attempt to make and es, tim e ers ir adv se re is a sense of despa families through the it is no wonder that the ns, tio liga ob ial anc and fulfil fin that around. again by the injustice ica, I was challenged Afr t we Eas as e to it her vis nch ent cru rec After a ere is no credit e man said to me, “Th ere Fields wh ies nit mu com many people face. On the of dit to crunch�. In many w crops to have never had any cre nt farmers trying to gro asa pe are le op pe al children are ny ma as, are er of Life works, the loc their families. In oth d fee to d foo and the h ug age vill produce eno ool in the local because there is no sch l over one oo g sch win ing kno end of e att t stic no re is also the inju The ay. aw far nking too dri is l an nearest schoo access to safe, cle rld today do not have wo tances dis the g in lon le ter op pe wa ty ion bill old people carrying dir and ng you ny ma water. Seeing ical. of even the most cyn would touch the heart d here in the Western ngs we take for grante thi are se the t s, and being tha ng It is amazi flowing from our tap to school, clean water ing Africa and go t en Eas ldr in s chi , nd rld frie wo shops. But for our the in d foo r is totally ou life ase to able to purch gle. The approach rld, daily life is a strug uggles of wo str h the ug of rts eno pa has er oth t tomorrow as today ou ab rry wo y is the t ert no Pov do different: you real challenge. e day to the next is the on m fro ing viv Sur . n. on its ow n situati kes the best of their ow thing norm and everyone ma now finds itself in, the rld wo the and nomic situation nks eco ba the in t of los nk en thi I be en has t Wh ount of money tha am the is st mo or t me ou that disturbs s of dollars wiped the world. The trillion every stock markets around tems would have solved sys t rup cor greedy and throughout re ctu tru ras inf squandered through and n cation, water, sanitatio in our problem of health, edu t the economic mess w as we try to sort ou No . rld wo even more. fer suf to ue the developing tin con or the poorest of the po w we are respective countries, ad. As we think of ho ahe ges llen cha lt ficu dif e fac es very y, iet com We, as a soc years, our focus be the next few difficult gh g about our ou tin thr get get for to are ing go this approach, we ing tak In e. ctiv o are pe wh ros inward and int in the third world ll as the many others we d. So as nee urs in bo gh and nei ed n Africa impoverish ask you to forgive me if I humbly who need continue to help those ary in we er it most; further, nev n to ssio pa com r extending you Help make a . ate tun for s les se tho perfect difference, now is the ping hel to mit om rec to time es. elv ms others to help the Very best regards, Trevor Stevenson
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he story behind the Joan Jordan School is the story of a longawaited journey to Africa. One of the many blessings of my life is to have discovered Fields of Life and to have gotten to know its founder, Reverend Trevor Stevenson. In the five years since I first learned about this organization, I have come to call this man my friend. My involvement with FOL has brought me to know the joy of service in a way for which I can take absolutely no credit.
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When Trevor eulogized Tom Carroll five years ago in Cabinteely, the Republic of Ireland, little did I know
The Joan Jordan Primary School (The Journey of a Lifetime) by Nick Jordan that one day my journey with Fields of Life would venture down a road where I would end up dedicating a school in Uganda to the memory of my late sister, Joan. Call me strange, but I hold a place of great distain for graveyards. I simply do not like what they signify, or maybe it’s just the fact that they resonate without any music or life. When Trevor came up with the idea of honouring Tom’s
Tom and Margaret Carroll School
New foundation for Joan Jordan School 3
life with the memorial of a school, I took notice. The idea of honouring the lives of loved ones with the laughter of children echoing through buildings took deep hold and developed into a passion. The living legacy of dedicating a school to a loved one’s life resonated within me. My sister Joan was a children’s nurse, a neonatal nurse to be exact. Joan was a woman full of life and involved at the very earliest part of a child’s entry into this world. It came as a tremendous shock when my sister was diagnosed with brain cancer. Joan had a tremendous will to live and for nine years that is exactly what she did. With her husband Padraic by her side, she lived every moment given to her with grace and dignity. Padraic and Joan inspired all of us by demonstrating how to weather the most challenging of challenges. With Fiona, Dairymaid and Sun they showed us the fragility of human life and the raw courage of coping with the reality of a life cut tragically short. Joan’s passing touched a lot of people, and it seemed perfect to dedicate our fourth school to her and the legacy she left behind.
As things turned out, 2008 was not a good year for raising money for schools no matter how significant the life being honoured. There was more than one occasion when the vision for my sister’s school was threatened. Fortunately, the project would not go away without a fight. It may have had a little to do with making the promise to my mother, or it simply may have been that my sister’s strong-willed spirit guided the outcome. Whatever the reasons, through the amazing generosity of wonderful people, the funds were gathered over the months. To-date, the funding required for the school, teacher’s house and a well have been raised. What is most amazing is that we did all of this without putting on an event! In addition, every penny raised went directly to the project. Finally, with the school constructed, in late November of last year, I travelled to Africa and dedicated the school. This was the experience and journey of a lifetime. Trevor and I left Dublin in mid-November, and although I was willing to expand my comfort zone, nothing could have prepared me for my upcoming African experiences. This trip reconfirmed my assertion that if you want to get to know a person agree to travel to Africa with them. In many ways my whole
Nick laying the cornerstone
Old school
life had been leading up to taking this trip. It is true, “If you want the experience of a lifetime go to Africa”. I travelled with Trevor and four directors of Fields of Life. We travelled in a van across three countries, traversing terrain and distance well outside of my western comfort zone. Thankfully, I wrote extensively about my entire trip to preserve the many experiences, impressions, and feelings. I was enraptured by the awesome beauty and 4
reduced to tears by the mind-numbing pain and suffering experienced by so many people there. I had a crash course in getting to the core of what is important in life. I saw things words cannot describe – life in its most rudimentary form and smiles on children’s faces that brought tears of joy to my eyes. I also had a ringside seat for the work being done on a daily basis by FOL. I was just another sweaty body in the van making use of every hour available
in the day. I experienced the joy with which the Fields of Life staff work. I was just knocked over by the sheer productivity of the organization! The value they deliver to the FOL donors is profound. We laughed and enjoyed the time spent at every one of the eleven schools we visited. Each visit was charmed with genuine welcome as each school told its own story and sang to us through the voices of the children. Like all good adventures, Trevor and his team kept the surprises coming, and the excitement mounted as each day drew to a close. Anticipation mounted in me as the day to view the site for the
Joan Jordan School drew near. I was giddy with excitement as we headed out of Kampala on our last day of travel. The 9,000 mile journey just faded away as did the economic recession and all the comforts of home I had managed to take for granted. I can vividly recall that day as if it was happened in slow motion: Our van reaching the site; the beauty of the rural countryside; Trevor playing soccer with the children; and the buzz of excitement as we began walking towards the already laid foundation. The ceremony that took place was one I will always remember: Thinking of
Joan, my mother, and so many contributors who time after time contributed to the realisation of this dream. Of special note was the site for the well (borehole). It touched me to know how happy the women of the area would now be to have clean water available to their children and to the community. The Joan Jordan School was now ready to receive children. There is a feeling of peace in that spot and a feeling of hope. It will become a fountain of hope through education. I am very thankful to those who made this school possible. My sister’s legacy has found a beautiful resting place in this school that bears her name. I will always know where to find her and know that her indomitable spirit watches all who are fortunate to attend this beautiful oasis of learning. On behalf of Joan’s family, know that we are deeply thankful for the wonderful gift.
The Joan Jordan Primary School under construction 5
Climbing Everest to Build Kitandwe School raham Kinch and Ian Taylor from Dublin have taken on Mount Everest and won! The two Irish climbers, Graham (29) and Ian (29), had undertaken the gruelling ten-week challenge as the final leg in their goal of climbing four mountains on four continents in one year. Although the two have partnered with Fields of Life for the Kitandwe School project and faced the challenge as a team, Graham was forced to turn around just above The Balcony at 8,600m. A torn chest muscle had plagued him for weeks, and he felt that he could not continue, “We've been thinking and planning for this trip for over two years”, said Graham Kinch, “I’m disappointed I didn't get to the top, but we always said that if we got one of us to the top that it would be a success. On summit night, I knew I was running low on energy and whilst I might have had enough to get to the top, I wouldn't have had enough to get back down. I think it's better to know your limits than to be shown them, and unfortunately in this year alone Everest has shown several people their limits.”
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Graham Kinch and Ian Taylor
Ian, however, went on to reach the summit (8850m) at 12:02am, Irish time on Friday, 23rd May. In achieving the summit, he has become the youngest Irishman and the first Kildareman to stand on the top of the world.
Ian Taylor on top of the world 6
In a recent interview, Graham talks about the history of their choice of Kitandwe: “Whilst we were in East Africa in September of 2007, we had the pleasure of visiting the village of Kitandwe in Uganda. It was such an amazing experience to meet the villagers and understand their vision for the area. In Ireland we have been so lucky with the education system we have enjoyed. Ian and I feel that education is the key to ongoing community development. Indeed the Queen, whilst in Uganda in November for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, said that education was the key to Uganda's future.” In March, Graham and Ian travelled to Uganda to visit the school and to meet some of its pupils. Indeed,
Ian in the icefall
The entire project is a yearlong quest which began in June 2007 and many at Fields of Life monitored Ian and Graham's progress as they completed Mount Blanc in France, Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania and Aconcagua
in Argentina. The team planned to raise one euro (€1) for every foot they had climbed over the year, totalling the €85,000 needed to build the primary school in the Ugandan village of Kitandwe. work is already underway to identify children in need of sponsorship within the school. If you wish to applaud Ian and Graham's monumental accomplishment, please support them by donating to their school building project for Fields of Life. The school is still in need of a staff house and another block of schoolrooms.
Old school 7
There are two ways that donations can be made: (1) By electronic funds transfer to account number 42792240, sort code 93-3392; or (2) By sending a cheque made payable to Fields of Life No 2 Account, Fields of Life, Brides Glen House, Brides Glen Road, Shankill, Dublin 18. Please include a note to us to indicate your support of Kitandwe School with any communication/ donation.
New school
Children at one of our schools 8
t was a great delight to be the guest of honour at the opening of Rock High School in Burundi. It was the first school in Burundi where I was able to attend an opening and it was a very happy occasion for the whole village community. They never thought for one moment that they would have a secondary school in their village so there was a great celebration of singing, dancing and drumming. Local people drummed and danced while the students sang. I was so humbled to witness such an occasion and to hear the warm tributes to Fields of Life form many politicians and local community representatives present.
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Rock High School in Burundi
Fields of Life made a commitment to build twenty schools in Burundi over a two year period. With just less than a year to go we are now building our eleventh, twelfth and thirteenth school. Thank you most sincerely to all who have made this possible.
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The Power of Water – a True Gift of Life by Nick Jordan - Co-Founder, Wells of Life t is said that before anything great comes into being it takes shape in the mind of man. What was once a dream has now taken flight and forms the spine of this article. In January 2007, a meeting took place in a Dublin hotel which formed the basis of the first of my steps in my Wells of Life journey. The outcome of that meeting set in motion a series of events that culminated with my commitment to the development of Wells of Life. In addition, for some time many people with close links to Fields of Life have debated the injustice of over 1.8 billion people living without the basic, life-sustaining imperative – safe, clean drinking
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Existing unclean water
water. In East Africa, we have personally seen many children and their parents carrying dirty, diseaseinfected water long distances. According to the UN, waterborne diseases kill four children worldwide every minute and over 70% of East African hospital visits are caused by unsafe drinking water. Clean accessible drinking water is a luxury in many parts of East Africa.
I have found that we can easily overestimate what can be done in a year and greatly underestimate what can be achieved in a decade. With this in mind, the business plan for WOL was created with a tenyear horizon firmly in mind. I live in a country where the late President John F. Kennedy challenged his greatest scientists to successfully put a man on the moon and bring him back safely
A new Well of Life at David and Mary Young Memorial School 10
to earth. What seemed like an impossible goal at the time was achieved well before that decade had elapsed. That goal stands as one that not only inspired a nation, but is used to inspire individuals to envision what is possible when we fold together commitment, passion and the desire to change the world. As World Water Day (March 22nd) is observed, solving the problem of lack of access to clean water stands as one of the singular most attainable goals. It appears substantially less challenging that putting a man on the moon, yet it waits impatiently (as children and adult die from disease) for our attention. Wells of Life was created to attack and defeat the lifecycle of poverty and pain perpetrated on the poorest of the poor due to the lack of access to clean drinking water. Close to four times the population of the United States of America go without what I consider to be the most basic of human necessities. I am even willing to say that it seems unimaginable that we should be walking around the surface of the moon while this basic human right goes unanswered. The funding for even a part of the space program would have put us well on the way to solving the problem and associated problems of lack of clean drinking water.
I have often heard it said that nothing is more powerful as an idea whose time has come. I have complete belief that there is more than enough human compassion and financial means to solve the water challenge by the end of a decade. With that in mind, WOL has taken the challenge to make a bold beginning on tackling the problem by committing the resources to drill 1,000 water wells within the next decade. We are in the process of purchasing a drilling rig and training the team of drillers. Our goal is to commence drilling wells by late 2009. We have drilled a small amount of wells to-date using a contractor, however, the cost of this activity is very high, and so having our own equipment will reduce the price of the wells significantly. . Surely the time has come when we can no longer stand by and watch a child die from the myriad of infectious diseases contracted from drinking contaminated water. Shall we stand by and allow any mother to heartbreakingly choose dirty drinking water simply because there was no other option for her child? It is hard to pretend ignorance when we know that by providing a well (borehole) will decrease the infant mortality rate by as much as 50%. We believe that providing water is the very cornerstone of life and 11
living. In many African communities women walk 5km each day to fetch water. Once a well (borehole) is provided those hours are freed to be used in many other productive ways. For example, Fields of Life can engage these women in micro industry and gives them the opportunity to generate an income for their families. With income comes the possibility of sending their children to school. These children thereby are empowered to reach beyond their community to the infinite possibilities education offers. The future doctors, teachers and business professionals will grow from the small communities where a decade of building sustained growth one step at a time offers hope for all. The upward cycle of growth begins with a water well. Additionally, the power of providing water to a community becomes the dynamo that will drive communities into a place of sustained growth in a very short space of time. There is nothing that will
The Power of Water continued from page 9 have a more profound effect on a community nor offer such tremendous results to those who are in a position to give. I speak with many people about the work Fields of Life and other organizations are doing in the third world and I am struck by the one question that comes back again and again. That question is; “How do I know that my money is used to do effect change for good”? Let me take a moment to outline the aims of the programme: The Wells of Life water programme will choose specific communities that lack access to clean water. We will own and operate our own drilling equipment and maintain the best cost structure to deliver the wells drilled. The well (borehole) you underwrite will be a one-time cost that will serve a community of as many as one thousand people. This well, in effect, becomes part of your legacy and provides you with measurable results for years to come. It becomes a life force operating in your name bringing the gift of life to a community in Africa. This gift planted in the African soil, as a seed of hope, will grow in our lifetime to be a tree of abundance. Looked at through the viewfinder of the decade plan, this well will cost you less than one
dollar a day to provide water to an entire community. That I believe is very good value for money. In launching WOL, we see the possibility of changing over one million lives in a way that simply cannot be measured in terms of money. Our slogan for Wells of Life is, “Every drop matters”. We invite you to make sure every drop matters by helping us to provide the funding for this work. The big picture is ambitious as our target is to transform the lives of one million people. We firmly believe that once 12
the challenge is put to you regarding water, you will respond with the indomitable will to effect this change, and communities will spring to life all over East Africa. We ask you to consider sponsoring a water well. This well will be dedicated in your name, your family’s name or perhaps to honour the life of a loved one who holds a special place in your heart. What an amazing way to be remembered. For information, including the costs involved, please contact me at wellsoflife@fieldsoflife.com.
he first rung on the ladder to selfsustainability is a source of income. Therefore, agriculturally-based gifts such as hens, pigs and goats, and more practical gifts such as sewing machines and bicycles assist families to establish this base of financial self sustainability.
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Over the Christmas period we were encouraged by the response to the Gifts of Life appeal. Your response to the challenge of helping others to help themselves was awesome. Here is a list of gifts that we have been and will continue to give out over the course of 2009: 1,835 chickens, 136 pencil cases, 997 bibles,178 mosquito nets, 156 garden tools, 142 fruit trees/seeds packs, 54 turkeys, 143 exotic pigs , 50 bicycles, 9 knapsack sprayers, 47 milking goats and 23 sewing machines. Here are some stories of how the Micro-Finance/Gifts of Life helped some villages: Doscovia has three children and she received a female pig from the Gifts of Life
project. Her pig was well fed and it was one of the best pigs in the village. Many people go to her home seeking advice as to how she is looking after her pig. She thanks God for Fields of Life because she even plans to grow the project. She hopes to be able to increase her market. It is her hope that with this project her children will not lack in the near future.
Gifts of Life
The Tabiro ginger growers were very excited and thanked Fields of Life for buying them seeds and fertilizers. They had a very good harvest and they are all ready to pass on seeds to another 20 families in the community of Tabiro. Forty people registered a farmers association in 2008 in Birongo. They started cultivation last year and the Fields of Life field worker visited and was taken around the gardens and the association. He was very impressed by the farmers’ commitment to the work and with the job creation which results in new employment in the community. They have 40 members already employed
Gift of a pig
Harvesting tomatoes which resulted from Gift of Life seeds and garden tools
at the association’s farm land. The association is so happy because they managed to harvest 700 kgs of maize and 500 kgs of groundnuts. This was an excellent harvest for them and they plan to sell the harvest and expand so that they can harvest even more in this year’s season.
Gift of hens 13
Hope Builders “You let me worry about that”, David Charleton told me many years ago as I wondered how he was going to manage to bring over forty men to Uganda on a building trip and keep them all busy at the same time. At that time and essentially to this day, I take David at his word and let him do all the worrying. Earlier this year, and with numerous buildings successfully completed under David’s capable planning and supervision, forty-five (45) men from Hope Builders travelled to Wandegeya, Luweero to take on the challenge of helping a community in need. The task at hand on this trip was to replace an existing mud and thatch school with a sturdier block structure. It is amazing what a welldisciplined team of men can do under good leadership. When the team arrived, only the foundations had been laid. However, after only twelve (12) days, and much to the amazement of the local community, a lovely new school was in place. This consisted of one classroom block of four
Before - Staff House
classrooms, two blocks of three classrooms and offices, and three staff houses to accommodate all the teachers, new toilets and bathrooms, and a new brick cookhouse. In addition, the following was complete: 105 new desks were made; the painting of all inside walls, doors and windows; 48 glazed windows were installed; a retaining wall constructed; concrete paths were laid around the buildings; and two concrete bases were poured (to hold water tanks). If this was not enough, 45 suitcases of clothes were given to the local community and the doctor on the team saw 1050 patients in the community. The team brought with them 300 new cups which were given to the school along with cooking utensils. In addition, money has been left to drill a borehole to provide safe, fresh water to all in the village.
During construction 14
Before - School
What an incredible story of a group of men who want to make a difference in the world. They realize they cannot help everyone who is suffering, but will attempt at least to help one village community at a time. It would be so easy to look at the world’s problems and say the situation is too overwhelming and so why should we bother or care? But thank God they saw that they could envision that change can be effected one brick, one building block at a time. This village will never be the same again as the local people saw love in action in a very practical way. Men from another country, another culture, scorched by the heat and at others times drenched with torrential rain, worked together to help villagers who they had not known. What an inspiration these Hope Builders are not only to Wandegeya Village, but to all of us who grumble
and complain when things don’t go our way. It has been said of Hope Builders that they take good men to Africa and bring better men home. What they share and experience together as a team is life changing. Please consider going on a team with Hope Builders and experience the privilege of serving your fellow brothers and sisters in a very practical way. Fields of Life wishes to thank Hope Builders of 2009 for their unstinting work, and for their yearly dedication to making a difference in the lives of so many. In addition, a special thank you to the Ugandan brothers and sisters for all their help, support, good humour and love in setting up the project.
Faith and Life Primary School New Staff House
Hope Builders
School children 15
2nd Annual Fields of Life Head Teachers’ Conference Patrick Manning, Chairperson EAG and Fields of Life Educational Consultant 1. Financial Accountability
Patrick Manning & Bernard Masaba
he 2nd annual Conference for Fields of Life school principals and directors was held in Kampala on December 3rd and 4th 2008. The title of the conference was “Transforming Education Through Compassionate and Christian Leadership”. A total of 155 delegates from five East African countries attended, with the majority coming from Uganda with an increased representation from Burundi this year. In contrast to last year’s conference, there was a more significant contribution to the sessions from our Ugandan staff, with the main keynote speech being delivered by our Educational Advisor, Bernard Masaba. All of the working groups were facilitated by 13 staff from the Kampala office.
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The need for schools to manage within a defined budget provided the basis for a significant session on keeping sound financial records so that FOL would be able to identify the greatest areas of need. A new financial report form was devised and introduced to delegates to simplify the process of providing financial information.
2. Special Needs This session concentrated on encouraging schools to cater for the widest range of pupil ability by adapting their teaching approaches and strategies to include those who are at different stages in their learning. It was emphasised that schools have a responsibility to include these pupils rather than exclude them on grounds of their minor learning difficulties.
It is clear that this year’s conference was an outstanding success and the following key areas were covered: 16
3. Keynote Address The Keynote Address, delivered by the FOL Educational Advisor, Bernard Masaba, was exceptionally well received. Based on his first Annual Report of the state of education within the FOL schools, it was an excellent representation of the strengths of the organisation in providing good quality education and also focussed on where the major shortcomings were. Some of the difficulties encountered included: the quality of management in some of the schools, the inability of some schools to pay their teachers on time, the problems schools faced in feeding their pupils with the rising cost of food and the failure of many of the schools to account properly for their financial resources. Positives included: the good quality of teaching and learning in the majority of schools visited
7. Child Protection
throughout the year, the dedication of head teachers, their staff and directors in maintaining high standards in the face of increasing difficulties and the developing involvement of parents and the local community in the life and work of the schools. Bernard also reported on the success of the Zonal Workshop Training Programmes he had carried out during the year. Out of a total of 18 school districts, he has managed to provide training for head teachers and senior staff in nine of those geographical areas. There was a general welcome from delegates for this type of training since it provided opportunities for networking and closer collaborative working between schools.
4. School Standards This session followed on from the Keynote Address and focussed on the issues raised within Bernard’s Annual Report and included, effective management structures, school development plans, the monitoring of the
quality of teaching and learning in the schools, the raising of school standards in relation to pupil achievement, and the establishment of effective procedures for dealing with unsatisfactory teacher performance.
5. Child Evangelism The need for schools to be diligent and effective in ensuring that CEF was given a proper place within the curriculum was emphasised. This will require schools to ensure that their staffs are trained to deliver the programme and that sufficient Christian teachers were employed to deliver the programme effectively.
6. Health Professor Scott Brown emphasised the need for basic standards of hygiene in FOL schools with preventative measures taken to reduce the risk of contamination and infection from using dirty water and unsanitary conditions. The Love for Life input emphasised the responsibility of schools in teaching the pupils the dangers of sexual activity. 17
A Ugandan Assistant Police Superintendent emphasised the need for schools to provide a safe and protective learning environment. This message was particularly relevant given the recent publicity in Uganda surrounding the abduction of children for sacrificial purposes relating to black magic practices. Despite the initial misgivings that the cost of the conference would be prohibitive, the positive feedback coming from both delegates and presenters confirm that much good work was done. The emphasis on the Christian responsibilities of our schools in providing quality education within properly accounted for budgets was well received. The further development of the Fields of Life Schools’ identity provided evidence of the developing cooperation between schools and increasing the knowledge schools have of each other’s problems and strengths. There was also the developing confidence of the Kampala office staff as they worked hard to prepare for the conference and their increasing skill in taking a much more active role in presenting and facilitating duties. Their work was very impressive and of the highest standard.
STAFF NEWS Anna and Ednar
Australian Fields of Life Opens! ields of Life is pleased to announce the addition of Darcy Vaughan to our staff. Darcy has taken on the role of Australian Development Coordinator, and as the job title implies, is responsible for the setup and running of Fields of Life Australia. To say that Darcy has embraced the role doesn’t adequately illustrate the breadth of his energy and enthusiasm.
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nna Flanagan has joined our staff in the Portadown office as our accountant. After 15 years with her previous employer, Anna comes with great experience in the accounting field. She previously graduated in business studies from the University of Ulster. Anna is married to Mark and has two children, Luke and Meg. We are all very happy and excited to have Anna as part of the Fields of Life family.
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Ednar
e are delighted that Ednar Nyakaisiki has joined our Ugandan office in a similar accounting role. Ednar is fully qualified in accounting, and joined our staff at the end of last year. Previously, she worked in London for eight years, followed by two years in Kampala. We are pleased to have Ednar as part of the team, and know that our accounts are in the very capable hands of both Anna and Ednar.
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Let me give you a brief bio so that you can get to know him: Darcy was born in Sydney and lived in five (5) houses before the age of five (5). His family settled in the inner city where he attended Orange Grove Primary and then Trinity Grammar School. Darcy’s father is a pastor and the day he received his secondary school final grade, he was informed of his parent’s quick and remarkable decision to move the family to Ireland. Darcy decided to go with them for a year, but found it very difficult being away from friends and everything Australian. He returned to Oz after a year in Ireland, and went on to complete a Bachelor of Advanced Arts at the University of Sydney, majoring in Film and Performance Studies. Towards the end of this degree, he made a trip with two friends to Uganda through Fields of Life. While in Uganda, he and his 18
Darcy Vaughan
friends met and spent time with Trevor. They sat one evening on the balcony of the guesthouse, and Trevor told them the story of Fields of Life and outlined his vision for the future. There was an open discussion and the sharing of ideas of how to respond to the overwhelming need they had all witnessed firsthand. As Darcy drew near the end of his degree, he was contacted by Fields of Life and asked if he would consider taking on the role of Development Coordinator for Australia. Darcy has told us that he views the role as a blessing in that he will be able to do such meaningful work.
In addition, the Fields of Life staff wish to congratulate Darcy on his engagement to Pip. We wish them all the best with their upcoming wedding in August!
Wedding of Denise and Rory t was a great joy to be able to attend and take part in the wedding of Denise and Rory in Uganda last December. Denise had been our Operations Manager in Northern Ireland for two years before going to work in our Ugandan office. We miss Denise and all that she meant to us in Fields of Life, but we wish her God’s blessings as she begins her married life and also a new ministry at Kiwoko Hospital where Rory is the medical superintendent. Rory and Denise are true friends of Fields of Life and we are glad that there is still a strong link between us. In addition, it is exciting to see the health pilot project progress under Rory’s leadership at Kiwoko.
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Zion
Congratulations to Lydia and Samuel
ongratulations to Judith and Fred on the birth of their twins Zion and Zoe. We were all so happy for Judith and Fred, but then saddened a week later to hear of Zoe’s death. They are very much in our prayers and we thank God that Zion is strong and healthy.
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ongratulations to Lydia and Samuel on their recent marriage. We wish them every happiness and God's blessing on their lives together.
C Zion 19
Voices of Life Choir n the autumn of 2007, The Fields of Life Celebration Choir toured Ireland thrilling audiences with their singing and dancing. These young performers were a group of Ugandan secondary school youths who had been students at the first Fields of Life schools. Since this memorable visit, many people have frequently asked when another choir would be returning to Ireland. Well, it is a pleasure to report that at present, the Voices of Life Choir are preparing for a tour of Ireland in September!
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We are bringing another choir to thank all those people who have supported Fields of Life’s children over the years, and to attempt to personalise the lives of children in East Africa to both the young and the old here in Ireland. We tire of pictures of African children with swollen bellies; for although these
images are a reality, they are not the elusive reality of the African experience. Progress can be made. People can be helped, educated, and provided with clean water which can change the daily lives of many who live in rural communities. These talented children personify how effectively and positively your support has impacted many lives for the better. Many of these children know what it is to have little or no hope. Many of these children have seized the opportunity to receive an education openly and gladly. Many know that an education is the antidote to the poverty trap and deprivation that
cripples many within the villages where they live. These talented young people will represent the 35,000 children that the Irish public has helped through Fields of Life over the years. They will not only thank you, but will hope to share with you their love of their culture through song and dance. If you would like the singers to come and visit your community or church of school, please contact either the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland office, and we will see if we can help you in any way. For information updates on dates and venues, please visit our website www.fieldsoflife.com
Fields of Life Rev. Trevor Stevenson - Director Tree Tops, Brides Glen Road, Shankill, Dublin 18. Tel: + 353 1 282 7777 Email: trevor@fieldsoflife.com Fields of Life, 25 Carn Road, Craigavon, Co. Armagh BT63 5WG Tel: +028 38 390 395 Email: info@fieldsoflife.com
www.fieldsoflife.com Ross Print Services - Tel: +353 1 287 6612