A School Opening and Serengeti

 The intrepid tour group was scheduled to spend the day driving through the Serengeti National Park, while I and one member who had to return to Australia for a meeting later this week drove straight to Bunda for the opening of Shalom Pre and Primary School.

The intrepid tour group was scheduled to spend the day driving through the Serengeti National Park, while I and one member who had to return to Australia for a meeting later this week drove straight to Bunda for the opening of Shalom Pre and Primary School. My drive all on tarred road was about an hour. The Serengeti was rain affected so the tour group had to retuen to the gate they entered through for an extended drive.

They were up at 4.30am for early breakfast, then a three hour drive to the park entrance via Mugumu Safe House which the church operates to support girls fleeing FGM. An interview with a girl resident since 2019 is disturbing (trigger warning).

John Sandeman has written about the Serengeti in “The two sides of Africa: a safe house and Serengeti” so have a read of the Other Cheek to get his take on the day. Tourists visitin the national park would be horrified to know this ancient practice is still practised where they are visiting.

As I indicated the rain required alternative arrangements for baggae for nineteen to be conveyed to the next accommodation in Bunda. Bishop Mwita Akiri generously provided a school bus for a school opening in June for the cost of petrol.

Two police roadside checks and a customs border stop and we were in Bunda in time in time but the Bishop and special guest of honour opening the School Archbishop Kanishka Raffel from Sydney were running a bit late.

The day was full with speeches and children entertaing guests after the opening. If you would like to see all photos and video click the link. The kids dance welcoming us can be viewed separately. Here are some to to look at.

Ret Bishop Hilkiah Omindo, Canon Helen Hoskins, ABp Kanishka Raffell, Bishop George Okoth and diocesan and school staff. Principal Joyce Baringere left in red and green

The Serengeti group saw animals and lots of rain. The park had few tourists which I have since learned is not unusual during the wet season. They did not arrive back till 7pm two hours later than planned. Dinner and an early night in a hotel.