We
are very grateful that the muzungu [white
man] is lowering himself to come and live in
our community," said Sister Teopista, headmistress
of St Michael's primary school for girls in Jinja.
Two English teenage volunteers
were teaching at her school in southern Uganda.
Each taught classes of about 100 children. Each
offered subjects, such as biology and art, of
which they had little knowledge. Neither had
taught before.
Sister Teopista's attempts
to court me, like her professed gratitude, seemed
misplaced.
The 18-year-olds had each paid
£2,590 - airfare not included - to Africa and
Asia Venture, a British company, for the privilege
of their "gap experience". Only £80,
about three per cent of the fee, which each student
is encouraged to raise from |
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Parents are unlikely to balk at
extras such as a six-day safari. Charity, it would
seem, stays at home |
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friends, families and charities,
went to the school.
Of course, parents, anxious for
their offspring's welfare, are unlikely to balk
at the ratio: they expect that insurance, a stipend
(at local rates) for food and lodging, and extras
such as the six-day safari should take priority.
Charity, it would seem, remains at home.
The lure of adventure and the
glamour of charity work - boosted by this year's
Live8 campaign - are such that the companies can
expect a roaring trade. Six companies sent volunteers
to Africa in 1994; more than 300 now send them.
An estimated 25,000 students join "structured
gap experiences" at present. The numbers of
school-leavers inspired to assist what they conceive
as poor, helpless Africans will no doubt multiply.
The young women sent to Jinja's
schools seemed to be enjoying the 
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