Nyakabungo Girls Secondary School
Mary Wood Day 2017
This year it was agreed that Mary Wood Day would be held on the nearest Saturday to March 8th, to allow for Old Girls to attend if they were able. Unfortunately, it clashed with an important celebration at Bwindi Nursing School which meant that several Diocesan staff could not come, including Bishop Dan. However, his wife, Mama Florah came instead., which was great.
We were blessed with dry weather which allowed all the sports and games to go ahead without interruption.
The day started with a Thanksgiving Service for Mary Wood - who was the inspiration for this charity. In remembering her, we also remembered all strong women who strive to help those less fortunate than themselves, and who realise how important education is, for girls especially.
During the offertory, it was very moving indeed to see the generous giving
from people who have so very little. Chickens, pineapples, maize, cabbages,
sweet potatoes, honey, sugar cane, and then finally a young calf. These
were all then auctioned off and the proceeds used to benefit the school.
An amazing example of generous giving, from the heart.
The various speeches on that day carried the same theme - the importance
of education for girls and the need to encourage girls to stay on at school and not
to drop out. Parents were also reminded of their responsibility to discourage early
marriage. We have seen a couple of our girls recently who have not completed their
education because of this.
The rest of the day was spent enjoying the girls singing and dancing, eating a
good lunch, watching various races and playing a short football match For once
the rain did not stop play and it was obvious that football is a cause for much
excitement, hilarity and seriousness!
Bearing in mind just how needy all the girls at the school are, the MWT had
managed to raise some funds to be able to provide some small necessities for
everyone. And so the day was completed by a handing out of sanitary towels,
hard backed exercise books, bath soap and a pen to everyone. Everyone was
very happy indeed.
A perfect end to a perfect day.
