It’s been a busy few months for The Mustard Seed Project, Uganda – the Ruddington based charity which was founded in 2017 by village schoolteachers Jayne Henson and Sally Squires after they visited rural Uganda to work with teachers on active learning activities.
In our last update we reported how ‘Ruddy Bear’ was due to set off again on his travels last October – this time to Uganda with Sally {pictured top right} along with some of his bear friends who had been sponsored by villagers to give to Ugandan children – one of them by RUDDINGTON.info {below}.
Along with the bears, Sally went back to live with rural communities there for a month to see for herself the massive impact of all their Ruddington fundraising. She and Ruddy report that a particular highlight of their autumn 2022 trip was visiting a girls’ football team sponsored by the charity through the provision of sheep.
Charles Obore, who runs the team for over 200 girls, told Sally: “The community now believes that we are not just playing football but we are working towards the future of these children. When we were beginning it was tough. The parents were thinking how can a girl come to the field when they are supposed to go and fetch water go and look for firewood, go and cook? But nowadays we don’t have such challenges. You know we are national champions. We don’t need to be fear anyone. So, I think their confidence level has increased.”
Sally reveals another high point was visiting the corral to buy sheep. Friends of the Mustard Seed Charity had been following her journey on social media and were keen to support the projects she’d been visiting. They donated over £500 whilst Sally was in Uganda so that she could buy sheep for an indigenous women’s farming group. Determined to share with them the story of market to farm, Sally ventured to the market to purchase 20 sheep.
“It was amazing to be immersed in everyday life in rural Uganda, but the best part was seeing the absolute joy of the women when we presented them with the sheep” she says. “A gift of a sheep helps them to start rearing and selling so they can buy basics like soap and sugar, afford school fees, and take any medication with a cup of tea rather than on an empty stomach. I felt very privileged to be able to offer the women our support and witness their happiness. I couldn’t wait to share the photos with our amazing supporters.”
You can see lots more photos from Sally and Ruddy Bear’s recent trip on The Mustard Seed Project, Uganda Facebook page >>HERE<<.
Next up, you can support these projects, and also celebrate ‘International Women’s Day’, by going along to this year’s ‘Mustard Seed Fashion Show’ on Friday 10th March 2023 from 7.00pm at St Peter’s Junior School on Ashworth Avenue here in Ruddington. You’re invited to enjoy a glass of fizz at the ‘Bra Bar’, and find yourself some bargains, for an entry cost of just £5. There are lots of great raffle prizes on offer, too!
Tickets are available right now through the Mustard Seed Project Facebook Page, from Perkins Hardware or Jaspers Cafe on High Street, or from either Ruddington school.
