The compound and life in Muyembe. Alfie returns today.

Jessica 80 Years Old!

Living in the compound near the trading centre of Muyembe.

I keep referring to ‘the compound’ which has been my home for 4 weeks. It’s a group of people from one family who live in a variety of dwellings. The main chalet was the first permanent house built in other than mud construction 30 years ago in the area. The family until recently have had high status and offer a’ good umbrella’ for AVS to operate from.

There are four brothers living here with their families. Paul, David, Edward and Sam. Head of the family group is Jessica who is 80 this month. We are taking her up the mountains as a group to celebrate and have a picnic by the waterfalls high above the plains.

 Jean came just in time for a leisure day out! Jessica is often in the sunshine watching her grandchildren work and play around her. Her husband died several years ago and is missed greatly by Marie and most of Muyembe. At present there is joy in her heart, with the laughter of children soon to go to school. Many go to schools in M’bale and afar. They save every shilling to get their children educated away .Each term costs £25.00, which is a ‘king’s ransom ‘here. All the poorer children go to local schools, some of which AVS deal with operating with up to 100 pupils in each class!!! Watch out Norbury and the rest of the village schools!

So living with them allows a unique insight into everyday life of a family comparative wealthy by local standards. Yet when famine, floods or disease occur even this family suffers.

Dwellings On My Compound.

Other dwellings not far from the road.

Would You Live In This?

Alfie's Back!

 Others have built newer dwellings, near the roadside. But within 200 hundred metres they return to shacks which some people in Britain would not put their chickens in. Nevertheless it’s their home and they are mostly happy and family orientated. 

Jessica's house.

Tractor On The Compound.

Alfie made a welcome return to the compound. He's been on a drip and has had lots of injections for an infection in his body, coupled with malaria. He's lucky to recover so well! Rather quiet at the moment. Will it last?      
Foot Note
Hope your eye is better Carol.                                    .