Rotaract interns in Uganda

Wed, Nov 12th 2025 at 12:40 pm - 2:00 pm

Leonie, Callum and Alexandra (on line from abroad) reported on their summer internship teaching in a school in Uganda

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For 7 years Rotaract students have interviewed other students for the opportunity for an internship to a school abroad to teach disadvantaged children.

Guest speakers were Leonie Grosse Osterdahl, Callum Nelson and Alexandra Hagleitner Vazquez (via video-link), three Rotaract students, selected from thirty interviewees, to teach at Kings Norton School in Uganda for three weeks in May/June this year and sponsored by the Club. They described an ‘intense’ introduction on arrival -the heat, the mosquitos, fruit and vegetables, having no phone connection! A visit to the Rotary Club of Wasiko was full of fun with dancing and music. Then it was on to the school - very welcoming, full of colour, with incredible teachers- where they were placed one each in a class to give special support to those children in need of help. Their host was founder of the school, Madame Sylvia (wife of Wilbur Sabiti who is a regular visitor to Rotary in St Andrews) full of energy, commitment and kindness. Lessons were regular punctuated with enthusiastic singing and dancing and included trips to the swimming pool. Leonie, Callum and Alexandra were also able to learn about Uganda’s culture and history with visits to the Kasubi Tombs, Kampala, a safari and a trip to Jinja, the source of the river Nile. They showed an entertaining video of their visit. This was a hugely rewarding three weeks for them which they described as ‘overwhelming’ and where they created incredible and unforgettable bonds. Would they go again?……absolutely! John Christie gave the vote of thanks and stressed how important it was that the Club continue to sponsor young people in projects like this.