Community Involvement
In the Beginning
This is the story of the true spirit of rural Australia; the spirit that is unwavering, full of strength and runs in the blood of the people who choose to make the country their home.
Country Australian’s, who are facing hardship of their own, are still able to see beyond their own circumstances and realise how lucky they really are.
Two and a half hours south of Adelaide in the South East of Australia, an amazing link is being forged between two rural communities that are worlds apart; in fact, thousands of miles across the mighty Indian Ocean.
In the middle of Africa, lies the poverty stricken village of Atirir in the Katakwi District of Uganda. On the other side of the world, the community of Keith is tackling their third declared year of drought.
And now, an unbreakable bond is being forged between these people and the union has begun with one man, Dr Joseph Odeke.
Diversity
People throughout the rural communities of Keith, Tintinara, Padthaway and Mundulla have come together on this project, with many meeting for the first time.
The diversity of the committee members and volunteers is huge with younger and older members of the community from many different backgrounds all coming together to work for a common cause.
In essence, the three wishes project has united a community and brought together friendships that will last a lifetime.
School Involvement
Schools across the district have jumped at the opportunity to be involved with the project with students being given valuable insight into life in a third world country.
Keith, Tintinara, Coonalpyn, Padthaway and Naracoorte schools have worked diligently collecting donations of educational supplies and clothing as well as some sporting equipment to send in the container for the children of Atirir.
Naracoorte Primary School children have sent letters across the ocean to Ugandan school children and have already received their first replies. Ugandan students have touched the hearts of the school community at large with comments such as:
“Do you have a Mum and a Dad, because I don’t” and
“If you will be my pen-friend, I will give you a chicken”
Padthaway Primary School has been busy with an initiative of their own, directed by Year 6/7 teacher, Pam Steer.
Year 6/7 boys have been working with Christian Pastoral Support Worker, Stephen Edwards repairing old bikes which have been donated to the project from people around the district. The bikes have had tubes replaced, chrome sanded, oiling and students have generally been ensuring they are in sound condition.
The project gives students an opportunity for hands-on learning whilst building confidence and painting a picture of what life is like for the children of the village of Atirir.
With bicycles being the main transportation, they are a valuable donation to the people of Uganda.
Clothing Shed Crew
Win Hunt and her ‘band of ladies’ are in charge of the clothing shed at Keith.
All donated clothing is checked, sorted and re-packed ready to be packed into the next container.
Mrs Hunt is also busy sourcing more and more second hand clothing to be sent to the people of Uganda.
Machinery Crew
Tintinara identity, Frank Brock together with Padthaway men who were the first to come on board and help Joseph with his quest, Bryant Giles and Kevin McMahon and young Keith farmer, Simon Allen take charge of sourcing and arranging for repairs of machinery.
With the help of talented mechanic, Ian Windebank from Padthaway, a group of young Keith farmers and the crew at Tinty Auto and Ag, the men have ensured tractors and other mechanised equipment are in sound working order and all implements are ready to go.
Many, many more
There are many, many others throughout the community who have helped in various ways achieve the success of the first containers arrival in Uganda.
People have organised fundraisers, trash and treasure markets, fun run’s, knitted dolls for sale and much more to help raise the necessary funds for shipping the container.
Also vital to the success are the hundreds of people across South Australia who have dug deep to support the worthy cause, donating money that has enabled the first wish be achieved.