James Savory - Uganda Oct 2011

1. How did you hear about CWB?

Via the EBC website, I saw that CWB was looking for volunteers; from there I checked out the CWB website and was very impressed. I emailed the link to my fiancée Michelle and we both thought it was something we would like to do.

2. What were your reasons for going on a CWB project?

I have always wanted to visit Africa and help out on some sort of charity project, but I didn't think I had the skills. I have also always wanted to coach cricket in another country to see the different abilities of the children compared to here in England. I liked the way that CWB would give me the opportunities to use my coaching skills and at the same time tackle the serious issue of HIV/AIDS by raising awareness and helping to stop the spread of this disease.

3. How did you raise money for the trip?

Michelle and I worked together to raise the money, and most of the credit must go to her. One of our main fundraisers was doing car boot sales, in the current climate where many people don't have so much spare cash they were able to donate items they no longer needed and we were able to sell them. We were also indebted to the kindness and generosity of our family, friends and work colleagues who donated money. Use of social network sites and justgiving.com were invaluable tools in reaching out to people and making it easier for them to donate.

4. Describe your CWB experience in 3 words?

Wanted to stay!

5. Favourite moment of the trip?

It's hard to narrow it down to a favourite moment of each day, let alone the entire trip! The welcome at the Family Spirit orphanage in Masindi was pretty special and something I will never forget.

6. Biggest challenge of the trip?

The thing I found the hardest was not having enough wristbands and t-shirts for all of the children that we coached, one day when the our team was split up we ran out of wristbands and a group of the children had to go without, having to explain that we didn't have any more was heartbreaking for me.

7. What three things did you learn from your trip?

i) You CAN make a difference to people and help to fight HIV/AIDS with a bat and ball!

ii) Uganda is an amazing place!

iii) You CAN transport a three-piece-suite on the back of a boda-boda! (motorbike)

8. What was the best thing about the country you visited?

Everybody always says the people, but I would have to say ..... the people! Especially considering Uganda's turbulent history the people really are so happy and friendly despite in most cases having very little.

9. What is the best advice you could give to potential volunteers?

Get involved, whether you are a cricket coach or not, there are roles for everybody so long as you give it 100% effort with a smile and enthusiasm. The rewards and the experiences you gain vastly outweigh the time and effort you put in with the fundraising before the trip.

10. Have you continued to be involved with CWB since returning and would you go on another trip?

I hope to stay involved with CWB and would certainly love to return to Uganda with the charity in the future.