Big Blue Machine
Patrick Lutalo • September 23, 2019
Now that Teach Men to Fish has worked with young people in the community of Mityana for two years, we are thinking about sustainability and what might help the apprentices make money and also help the community. We would like to purchase a machine that makes bricks and concrete blocks (see photo of the “big blue machine”). This machine is eco-friendly. It doesn’t use electricity or wood fire to process or make the bricks. Deforestation is an ongoing problem in Uganda because electricity is rarely found in rural areas. People use wood fires and charcoal for cooking, heat, and light. In the traditional way, bricks are made by baking them in a kiln, or wood-fired oven for many hours, which uses a tremendous amount of wood for the number of bricks produced. The brick-making machine we propose buying costs $5000 and will provide an income for the apprentices throughout the year. While some apprentices have been and will be hired by local construction companies when their training is over, the possibility of making and selling bricks locally will be a great benefit to the community as well as the apprentices, and will also help preserve the environment. As builders buy bricks, they will also be encouraged to hire the newly trained construction workers (graduates of the apprentice program) who made the bricks.
If you would like to contribute to buying the “big blue machine,” please go to the “Donate” page. And thanks for checking out this blog!
Field Operations Manager Patrick Lutalo Expresses his Gratitude and Appreciation to Teach Men to Fish Supporters
We are deeply honored to receive this special community award and grateful to everyone who has supported the mission of Teach Men to Fish. This recognition is not simply a celebration of one individual, but of the apprentices, volunteers, families, mentors, donors, and community partners who have made this work possible. As Patrick Lutalo shares in his appreciation report, every milestone has been achieved through the dedication of countless people working toward a common purpose. What began as a construction skills training program has grown into something far greater. Apprentices are not only learning valuable trades that provide sustainable careers, but they are also using those skills to transform their own communities. From building a much-needed maternity facility in rural Uganda to constructing a new Community Healthcare Center that will eventually serve more than 500,000 people, these projects demonstrate the lasting impact of investing in people and practical education. Although time during the award ceremony will not allow Patrick to share the full story, we invite you to read his complete appreciation report below. It highlights the journey behind Teach Men to Fish, the remarkable accomplishments of its apprentices, and the vision for creating stronger, healthier communities through education, opportunity, and service. Thank you for being part of this journey. Your encouragement and support continue to empower lives and inspire hope for generations to come.
Topping Out Ceremony Sunday, October 12
Progress Report after a Month of Work
Building Success Through Strong Vendor Relationships and Team Spirit
