The children we have supported in Uganda are from an orphanage called ‘Raising up hope for Uganda’ run by Patrick, who used to live on the streets himself. The children are from different backgrounds at the orphanage but have all lived on the streets at some point. The majority of them have suffered loss and trauma in their lives so having an orphanage is brilliant for them. Patrick is brilliant at what he does for the children, and continuously campaigns to help them each day. The children are very giving and it is a pleasure for Yebo to work with them.
The children on the street are also cared for and supported by Raising up hope for Uganda, and it is a pleasure for us to be able to work in partnership with them. The children are exceptional, have an eagerness to learn and to do the best for themselves. They want to live, and go as far as they can, but for some of them, this is never going to be possible. A life of crime, violence, drugs and abuse, puts them in extreme vulnerable conditions, so the work that we do with them, is well advised and guided by the owner of Raising up hope’ .
You meet many different characters when working with them, and such a wonderful experience it is, to meet these children. They have a passion for life, which when we ourselves have come from such a westernised world, can be something that we often need to be reminded about!
Learning to ride a pony is something that can be very rewarding and therapeutic. You are able to have a walk or trot around sitting on a pony with an experienced pony handler and rider helping you. You can even just sit on one of our ponies if you don’t feel confident to walk around. Learn how you ask a pony to walk, how to ask it to stop, go in a different direction and how to use the saddle and bridle so you and the pony are both safe and comfortable. Learning to ride is only part of it, it’s being able to have a friendship and a mutual respect between you and the pony which is a big part of learning how to ride. It is great fun, very enjoyable and can be very rewarding too.
Below: Toby being ridden
Learn how to tack up the ponies by seeing their different types of saddles and bridles, making them look smart and making sure that the person riding them will be safe. Learn all about headcollars, lead reins, how to tie up the pony to the fence safely and the different stages a pony goes through as it grows up and needs different types and sizes of tack. Keeping the tack clean and in good condition is really important so it’s great to see how we clean it and what with. This is a great learning experience and helps to keep you and the pony safe and happy.
Below: Rolo looks smart in his bridle, ready to go riding.
Ponies need to be cared for, and there are lots of different types of food that they can and cannot eat. You will be able to come and help make up their food, and learn about the different diets that they are on, and what is good and bad for them. They always enjoy their food so will make a happy neigh when they see you carrying their food bowl. They also need vitamins so you can learn about what sort of vitamins will help them stay healthy
Below : Jessie and Treacle enjoying their dinner
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Uganda, children and wildlife