TESS

In December 2010 we again ran the Annual Life Skills Conference (formerly 'the Retreat') in Teso.

This year the conference was held at Ngora Girls School in the Ngora District of Teso. We had over 160 TESS students attending (plus a few extras from the girls school!).

The format of the Conference was the same as in previous years. We started by having a day trip to Lake Kyoga where students learnt about fishing in the area and bought some fish for themselves. In the evening we went to the Ngora Rock Paintings where students were able to learn about their ancestors who dwelt near the rocks over 300 years ago.

The next 6 days were spent with the students having formal sessions in the morning which were facilitated by the Centre for Women in Governance (CEWIGO) who are a Non-Governmental organisation who run their programmes from a base in Kampala. CEWIGO ran sessions for the students on culture and identity, knowing your rights and respecting those of others, how to avoid gender based violence and how to search for the most appropriate job for your qualifications.

Please go to www.cewigo.org to learn more about what CEWIGO do.

In the afternoons students had a range of activities to choose from including time to rest, relax and speak with friends.

Students could either join a computing class, brush up on some science skills, make arts and crafts, play outdoor sports or play with board games and puzzles.

Students also had the opportunity to attend entrepreneurial workshops and to write small business plans which could attract a microloan which could be used during the school holidays.

There was an informal 'drop in' clinic for students who felt unwell or who had a long term medical problem they would like to discuss.

On the final day of the Conference students were given a t-shirt, toothbrush and toothpaste and medication for preventing malaria and to de-worm themselves.

In the evening we had the final celebration involving much dancing and laughing.

Finally - thank you so much to all sponsors and supporters who donated time, arts and craft materials, t-shirts and their finances to make the Conference a success.

On behalf of all the sponsored students please know that this is much appreciated!

Each year we are looking for donations of items to use at the Conference and we need to raise a total of around £15,000 to make sure it runs smoothly. Please get in touch if you can help (either by donating or coming to Teso to volunteer your time).

We look forward to seeing you next year!