Cycling for GCV and another charity! 

Simon and his friend Paul have been cycling for fun for some time, usually weekends and /or after work when they decided to take on a bigger challenge, try their strengths and have a good time too. 

They have chosen two charities to fundraise for: Macmillan- because a lot of people suffer from cancer and Simon's family unfortunately has had to face this unforgiving illness as well. And Grace Children's Village, Uganda, because Simon is crazy about Africa and bringing positive changes to the poor communities. 

Please sponsor their combined passion for cycling and good causes, their commitment to make the world a better place to live! Follow the link and donate now :-) 

http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserProfilePage.action?userUrl=simonpaulchallenges&isTeam=true

Liz is throwing herself out of the plane for GCV!

This really is a cause that is close to my heart, after spending 2.5 months in rural Uganda several years ago I have seen the effect that poverty can have but was also encouraged by the positive impact that organizations such as this can have (if they have the right approach).  One of the things that stands out about Grace Children’s Village is there is a real focus on self sufficiency and sustainability (another cause that is close to my heart).

Another great thing about the project is that all the people employed by the project are local Ugandans including co-founder Dave and it is the local people who have a say in how the project is run.  Any other work carried out outside of Uganda is done by volunteers (mostly I think from Dave giving lots of his spare time).  So you can ensure that the money you give will be going towards the cause and not to line other people’s pockets. 

Jumping out of the plane for GCV!

Jonita has written why she has chosen to fundraise for GCV and told us about her passions:

"Coming from an Indian background, I had seen lot of poverty and under privileged families around, however, I always had the advantage of getting what I wanted. I, along with my family, engaged my self in various voluntary work, anything as little to keep my contribution scale up to my level of satisfaction.

When I heard of GCV, I was totally inspired by the ideas and determination of the co founders. And then I found out about the fundraising sky diving event that GCV organises..and that was it! I knew it then that I am going for it!! Sky diving was on my bucket list since many years but my fear of jumping from 12,000ft high always stopped it from happening! GCV gave me the courage to go for my dream by motivating me to raise money for these little kids back in Uganda who also dream for a better life! My fear has now been replaced by the smiles of these little kids! I'm ready for the jump with the BIGGEST smile ever! Thank you GCV for giving me this opportunity. This has taught me how I can overcome by fear by changing the focus of attention to a greater purpose and enjoy the ride!"

We wish you to enjoy every single second of the jump!!!

Long waited trip to Africa-Uganda

As someone who has always been fascinated with Africa, I was, to say the least, more than a little envious of the 'experience' I knew my son, James, would have when he embarked upon his volunteer year at Grace Children's Village, Uganda. What I could not possibly have comprehended back then, and having since visited GCV for myself in February 2013, was the sheer passion that emanates from everyone involved in this amazing project! I travelled to Uganda anticipating an adventurous (I'm a mum, don't forget!) visit to see my son. What I came away having had was a truly life-affirming, if not life-changing, experience! I feel privileged to have been a small part of this awe-inspiring project. The highlight of my 'journey' was the time I was able to spend teaching Class P3 (8-9 year old) - the joy and radiant smiles on the childrens'  faces as we chatted and sang will stay with me for ever! ...I can't wait to go back!

When small contributions make a big impact

Following the project for the last four years, I was fortunate enough to spend one week at Grace Children’s Village in February 2013. Arriving with no expectations, I was immediately moved by the progress, the foresight of the co-founders, the impact on the community and the warmth of the people. It was amazing to how seemingly minor contributions can result in significant changes on the ground. My time onsite was not only one of the most enjoyable experiences of my life but also the most rewarding. 

 

In the community like no other

What a great time in Grace Childrens Village. I felt a part of the community and did my bit including teaching, eye testing, demonstrating teeth cleaning, milking cows and goats and some labouring on the farm. They have so little but are so generous in their outlook. We can learn something from the way the community looks out for everyone. In the picture I have just picked up a young one who was lost and the other kids have come to tell me where he should be. They were having a great time with that wheelbarrow (health and safety!)

Planning to see the next closest relatives to humans? 

The project is 500m from the road that many people will take when going to visit the mountain gorillas. If you're coming to Uganda to see the gorillas - you'd be welcome to visit Grace Children's Village too. If you're already coming to see us and want to see the gorillas too, get in touch with GCV Co-Founder David Bakeine, who is also a tour guide and can advice how it is best done.

Guest house with the view!

This is the guest house that you could stay in if you visit our project.  It's got beautiful views across the valley and you could wake up to the sounds of rural Ugandan life - truly a remarkable experience.  With Uganda being known as the 'Pearl of Africa' and the local area being known as 'The Switzerland of Africa', please come and find out why for yourself.

It's not just about teaching! 

Federico Testa is kindly sharing his unique experience at GCV which shows how enthusiasm and big heart are the most important things when volunteering.

"I was a guest of David Bakeine for a month. Being Italian, I could not teach children because I'm not well prepared in the English language, but I still have to make my contribution to the project: manual work of digging, carpentry, etc... (which is what I do best!).  The reward of the hard work has been seeing the growth of the community's dream at GCV. It 'was like being part of something very important."

One of our parting gifts to the GCV school! :-) 

The home is where the heart lies

Liam Scarth, a former volunteer at GCV says:

“I spent one year at GCV during 2011-2012 - it was one year with some of the most generous, kind, loving people I have had the fortune of meeting. An unforgettable time spent with some extremely talented children and in an organisation that is making a huge difference in the community. A relatively short time; and now it feels like my second home. This is a fantastic project with so much life in it with a very bright future ahead.
The picture is of the children (6-8 year olds) that I taught having a break before their debut performance in front of their parents, about to act out some Ugandan Folk stories".

James Rayner, another enthusiastic volunteer who’s had a great experience on the project has shared his thoughts in a few words:

“In January 2011 I set off to Grace Children’s Village to contribute to the construction phase of the new classrooms, general maintenance at the school and associated farm, and share my ideas on the progression of the project towards community self-sufficiency.

The relationships I made with the local community were unforgettable, particularly with village teenagers Andrew, Arod, Amon and Roland, who I spent a lot of time working alongside. Without knowing any of the local language, Rukiga, and them knowing very little English, we had to develop our own method of communication and slowly began learning phrases in each other’s language.

The GCV vision of self-sufficiency and sustainability is one that is simple yet unfortunately not always implemented in charity based projects. Educating adults to become self-sufficient through efficient, integrated and sustainable agricultural practices, rearing of livestock, and through tourism focused initiatives is, to me, the secret to the on-going success story.

I gained a great deal of satisfaction knowing that I was making some form of difference to the lives of these poverty stricken people and am grateful to have had the opportunity to be a part of it.” 

One of our former volunteer, Sam Degg shared his thoughts on the project:

“In 2011 I went to Uganda as a boy; I came back one year later as a man. It was the most amazing experience of my life and that was all down to the time I spent at GCV. I was welcomed into the community with open arms and made to feel as if it were my home. I had the pleasure of teaching some truly extraordinary kids, meeting some wonderful people and making some life-long friends. Grace Children’s Village is a project full of life and promise and is a place that will always be close to my heart.” 

1. The Launch!!

The Grace Children’s Village is proud to launch their volunteers’ blog and post its first post! This has been set up to allow visitors and volunteers who have been to GCV  (like the ones you can see on the right) to share their experiences and inspire others to step out of their comfort zone, explore the possibilities of helping others and become a part of the unique and tight community!

Just a little bit about us and why we exist.

 Enjoy!