Blog Post #2

Here is another update from Patrick that describes the activities and progress the apprentices have been making in their construction course in Uganda during January.

Dec. 31: Happy New Year to all! We ended 2018 today with safety training about ergonomics. We practiced proper lifting techniques and everyone did well. The apprentices also learned a lot about ladders, including styles, material types, ratings, and proper use. We were able to build a “job-built” ladder and everyone participated.

Jan. 3: It was such an exciting day for apprentices! They learned to set tripods and a builder’s level. Getting to use more advanced equipment is a great opportunity for them and reminds them of how much they are learning and progressing.

Jan. 9: We had a field trip yesterday to a new building site which is about 6 miles from where we hold classes. It’s a brand new four story building still at foundation and excavation, which conveniently fits our training program. It was a wonderful experience for the apprentices who were so anxious and excited to ask so many interesting questions. The site manager was very enthusiastic to counsel them about what the business is about. He pointed out that it’s hard work. It requires curiosity to learn all the time through mistakes. He pointed out to them a saying which translates in English to “One fall for a baby doesn’t prevent him from getting up to learn to walk.” He also stressed to them about honesty and integrity in all their endeavors because that’s what is going to sell them to the next job.

Jan. 18: It was such a beautiful morning here at St. Andrews, Church of Uganda. The sermon was so touching and encouraged us to be a sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God. We were encouraged not to conform to the patterns of what is going on in the world, but be transformed by renewing our minds and behaviors by the Grace of God. In Romans 12:9, emphasis was directed to living a humble life of service to God through the gifts that are given to us by his Grace.

Jan. 21: We are working on blueprint reading and how to set reinforced concrete stairs. This morning I am picking up some lumber so the apprentices get to know how the stairs are laid out, formed, poured and finished. It will be a good experience.

Jan. 25: We continued to go over blueprint reading, specifications, and layout of the concrete stairs. Not everyone was on board at the beginning, but we were able to determine the main factors of laying out stairs, and formwork for the reinforced stairs. Participation was exciting but everyone was just wondering how we would come up with stairs out of the formwork and couldn’t see that until we poured them.