Perception: My Ugandan ePal

A few weeks ago I decided that my family needed to sign up for ePals to broaden our understanding of cultures from around the world.  Our first ePal is a teacher from Uganda, Jumba.

My daughter attends a Chinese Immersion Public Charter School and has access to opportunities, technology, a group of diverse peers and a beautiful physical plant that continues to develop by leaps and bounds.  When Jumba described the school conditions in Uganda, I was appalled and saddened by some of what he relayed.  He mentioned that parents don't have much money, but they work as many jobs as they can to scrape together enough funds to pay for an education for their children.  I can see why immigrant peoples perceive native born Americans in a negative light as we seem to undervalue our education and opportunities.  Students in Uganda must bring supplies with them to school.   That list could include shoe polish, blankets, brooms and etc.  More importantly, if a student does not attend their first day with the required supplies then they are simply sent home.  The physical plant of the school reminded me of something a little better than a shantytown, but these students attend school everyday from 7:30-5:30 pm and come eager to learn.

How are people to move forward and break the vicious cycle of becoming a permanent underclass, if they cannot educate themselves?

Jumba has two foster boys...the elder was abused and the younger neglected by relatives after his parents both died from HIV/AIDS.  He has opened his home and heart to these two boys.  Jumba has also started a non-profit organization to support displaced children as a result of Ebola virus.  He also said that there are parts of Uganda plagued with landslides and citizens lose their homes.

Our correspondences with each have become a door of opportunity for learning.  While people may feel there is a gulf that divides people of different cultures....I think of what Spencer Wells said on August 13th as he spoke to staff, students, and parents on our first day back.  The human race is a huge family that is connected to one another by genetic markers.  We all originated from the same place...we migrated for a variety of reasons and as the climates were different....we adapted in order to survive.  I say all of this to say that underneath it all....despite the differences between Jumba and I culturally....we are brother and sister.