Teach Men to Fish - First Blog Post 

Patrick left for Uganda in early December to mentor and teach young people construction skills. This update provides a glimpse into the work that Patrick and the apprentices (20 young people from the Anglican Diocese of Mityana) have been doing since he arrived back in Uganda. The apprentices/students completed the first three month training during Patrick’s visit last year and have come back for the concluding three months of training. The following excerpts from his emails, along with photos, show some of their activities and accomplishments so far.

Dec. 7: “---I met with the volunteer trainers and discussed our curriculum and ultimate goals of the program. They were so optimistic and appreciative of what we are doing for the youth and willing to participate in sharing their skills with the young people. Next week we will work on the room that is going to house our workshop which needs installation of 2 doors and a window, plaster rendering the walls, concrete finishing the floor, and later installation of work platform for tools. All these activities will be done by the apprentices.”

Dec. 17: “---We are doing well, and reusing our resources wisely because the materials are a little bit costly due to the taxes imposed on them. At our sessions we’re focusing on Matthew 25:14-30 and the theme is how to multiply our God-given gifts or talents to share them with others, so together we can lift up ourselves by putting God first. These young people are so grateful and make our sacrifice worthy.”

Dec. 19: “---This morning we practiced brick laying around the new sign that was created by a local craftsman. There is a mama goat in the background.” (The next day half bricks were installed for a more finished, professional look.)

Dec. 21: “---We had the official opening of the workshop with a prayer by the Rev. William Kizito from the main Namukozi-Mityana cathedral. We were also visited by the Mityana development officer for youth affairs. She encouraged the apprentices to be a beacon to turn around the image of young people which is having a negative reputation countrywide. Both the Reverend and the community development officer urged them to stand strong on their faith backgrounds and that’s how God will continue to guide and bless them. During the service one of the apprentices was presented with an envelope of $50 given by Christ Church members who wanted to give the money they received during the distribution of the money envelopes to be a blessing to the world. Also, two sewing machines (donations from Christ Church members) were given out to two young ladies. We are so grateful for the entire church community for their generosity in helping us with funds for the shipments and the purchase of the materials we are using.

Any financial support is gratefully accepted as Patrick continues the process of teaching and mentoring students who most often have not had the privilege of attending school beyond primary education because parents cannot afford school fees (school is not free in Uganda). Patrick is providing free, hands-on training that will lead to broader opportunities for the apprentices as well as opportunities for those of us who might want to join him in this ministry of providing hope and a future to these young people.