First 'Silent Voices' committee meeting of 2010

Last thursday 'Silent Voices' conducted the first committee meeting of 2010.

And obviously the update on 'Pro:Pig' was part of the Agenda.

The update was followed by the 5 parents representatives, and the 5 teacher representatives from each county in Bushenyi District discussing the options 'Silent Voices' was left with. They came up with 4 options (see photo):



1. accept the court cast
2. buying a different land
3. do away with Lions all together and start fundraising again
4. 'make peace' with Lions Bushenyi and accept that landtittle will be in their names

After members initional anger (and opting for the courtcase) it was discussed how long this would take, and how costly it would be. All four options when then discussed and weighted against eachother.... Followed by voting.



The vote results were clear... 9 out of 9 opted for 'buying a different land' and continue from there.

Now we just wait for your - Lions Students - official go ahead...

A Lost Case

Saturday 6th Feb was set for the land inspection by the land committee in order to process a Land Title for the land meant for the piggery for Silent Voices.

Unfortunately enough... with the history of the land... Lions Bushenyi had to be present as well, and moreover had to sign the forms in order to allow the Land Committee to bring out a positive advice to the Land Board.

Despite everybody's prayers, and the overdose of optimism amongst some of you... what i feared became reality: Lions Bushenyi pulled up in the biggest numbers (yet ever since November they held no meetings because of the zero turn out) and hijacked the meeting. The 6 lions showed no respect for the Land Committee members, neither to 'Silent Voices'- beneficiary, or to Thur Olav - who had traveled from Kampala as 'donor representative' and didn't allow any of the other stakeholders to make a point.



Result?? A negative advice from the Committee and a referral to the Court...

How we will continue?? Let's take time to let the current situation sink in, take time to discuss and receive feedback from members from LCBS and 'Silent Voices'... than after we shall report again.

Nathalie

Aid in Meeting 2008 Video

While you're waiting for Terry of Terry's Film Crew's newest masterpiece, "Aid in Meeting 2009", I suggest that you have a look at a much-treasured gem from his back catalogue, "Aid in Meeting 2008".

Featured in the video are Nathalie Jonkergouw Arinda, Patron of 'Silent Voices', and Wilson Tumwine, Mayor of Mbarara and Vice Governor of Lions District 411-B.

You may also find a few other videos about Lions Club Bergen Student and our work in Uganda on Terry's YouTube channel.

Hope on the Horizon

Goodmorning everybody!!

And another step is taken!! Yesterday Hilary and me (resp. Project Volunteer and Patron) traveled to Madam Lucia the Chairperson of the Landcommittee who are to inspect the piggery land on saturday in order to get the 'invitation letters' signed and stamped - see photo.

On saturday we have the challenge to bring a big group of people together at the same time at the same place: Me as Patron, Amanda as second signatory for 'Silent Voices', the previous owner of the land, both neighbours of the land, representatives of Lions Bushenyi, Witnesses, the Local Chairperson... etc etc... All these people have to agree that land will be owned by 'Silent Voices' and they will all have to sign our application form to the (currently none excising) landboard. A big happening so to say (not to forget that patron's small baby will be present as well... their patron carries her foodsupply arround...).

The prediction on how far Lions Bushenyi can still influence this process are unpredictable. When Hilary and I met the secretary of the land committee it was clear that the committee has been informed that others are trying to steal the land... but yesterday in our meeting with the Chairperson of that same committee she reasoned that instructions of donors outweight the stand of the local Lions Club... but if that local Lions Club will be persuaed to sign??? who can tell by now??

So... I am left with what we call 'hunting down'... hunting down all these neighbours, and owners, and witnesses in order to have them physically present on saturday.

I am sorry to all of you but this saturday NO LAYING IN!! you get up at 8am and pray!! that is our time 10am when this whole event should be taking place!!

Nathalie

It cost 20.000 to pay 20.000

The first fee is paid!! 20.000 ush for the land inspection fee (land inspection sceduled for saturday 6th).

What it took?? three times driving up and down to the Sub County Headquarters in order to get the right people, at the right time behind the right desk (10.000 fuel cost) and numerous phone calls to find out where people where, and when to arrive etc etc (10.000 airtime). So it has cost 20.000 to pay this 20.000.

The receipt is their though and an appointment with the committee chairperson is made for tomorrow to sign for us the letter to invite neighbours, witnesses, Lions representatives etc for the saturday occasion.

You pray with us that saturday comes with the miracle that Lions Bushenyi simply signs instead of creating confusion!!

Nathalie
Patron 'Silent Voices'