A week or so after publication of the December News, we spoke to Director Geoffrey on Christmas Eve and the latest news at that stage was:

• Geoffrey's cataract operation has been successful. One eye is back to normal and the other, which was injured by flying glass in a vehicle accident some years ago, is at least letting in full light through the lens.
• At the beginning of November, following lockdown, 98 young adults returned to the RYDA centre to take up their studies again. This brought the total on campus to 178 counting the 80 who been there all through.
• Several students did not return, most because they had found work in the interim. For the most part it seems that work involved riding delivery motorcycles.
• Also 4 staff did not return and 5 more have since been recruited to replace them.
• Between December 18th and January 10th (the day all schools resume), RYDA is on an annual break. Usually that means students are taken to a relative's home, or a family of good heart, somewhere in Uganda, with just a few remaining at Buloba because they have nowhere else to go. However this year the rise in fuel cost and other factors meant that it was cheaper to keep the students on campus and continue to feed and care for them, than to deliver them all over the country. Training was not operating, but, day and night, a devoted skeleton staff cared for the health and well being of a large group of teenagers.

2022 Begins

We rang Geoffrey on January 18th with good news and caught him at a time when he needed an uplift. He had been home ill for a week after reacting to a COVID vaccination. At the RYDA centre training had resumed after the New Year break which also brought stresses. However he was extremely grateful to hear that the remarkable amount of $3338 was transferred the day before.

We shouldn't be surprised, but we were. After you gave so much through 2021 - a total just under $12,000 to the end of October - and with all the end of year, Christmas and COVID stresses in your own lives we would never have expected such an amount. It included:

• $1000 (anonymous donation at end of November)
• $1100 (Ron Can do since start of November)
  - a special shout of thanks to the people of Yarrawonga who make the effort to save and give their cans and bottles)
• $810 (Christmas Certificates)

Watch for Pirates

They will be coming from Penzance in the good ship Singularity. Meet Them At Mooroolbark, June 5th Cowes, June 12th Save The Date

March 2022

All of RYDA's young people (12-18 years old who are orphaned or otherwise disadvantaged) come voluntarily. Some are referred. Some approach RYDA because of its reputation. Some are invited as they are discovered during other outreach work. They come looking to create a future work opportunity through what is (usually) a two year training course in one of several trades or skills. They live and learn on site 24/7 and study through normal school hours 5 days a week. All training, living and basic health care needs are provided. There are no fees. Currently there are 250 students living full time within the compound - 105 female, 145 male. Mwase is one of these youths. He is 15 years old. He was born in Kyani village in the Eastern part of Uganda. The family consists of 10 children. He comes from a poor family where child labour is exploited. Mwase wants to become an electrician. At RYDA he is going to make his dream apparent.

A Bar of Soap The daily use currency in Uganda is the shilling. One month ago a bar of soap cost about 3000 shillings. On today's exchange rate that's $1·11 which compares well with the $1·10 Coles online store is charging for a bar of Velvet as I write. Trouble is that in Uganda today the price for a bar of soap has risen to between 8000 and 10,000 shillings. Soap costs three times more now than it did when we sent the January transfer! Mwase needs to wash his body, wash his clothes, even wash his eating utensils. He needs soap; as do each of the other 249 students. In Ugandan Shillings the amount just transferred to RYDA is 5,787,492 shillings. You do the body wash maths. Recent price rises like this have affected the cost of maize flour, beans, fuel and many other basics. We will continue to support Rubaga Youth Development Association, even though each of us is also facing significant changes in our living costs. The easiest way to give through St. Margaret's is by bank transfer using: St. Margaret's Uniting Church Bendigo Bank BSB 633 000 Account No. 157319310 Please: Include a reference to RYDA in the payment. Email doug@blackdouglas.com.au to confirm the transaction. Donors from outside Australia please contact Doug for alternative details.

Your Donations Sent On March 23rd St. Margaret's transferred $2,236·10 to support RYDA's on-going work. They will receive USD1,605 This wonderful amount has been given since our last transfer on January 17th and includes $445 from Ron and his Yarrawonga can and bottle collecting friends and large donations from two people that total $1100. The difference of just under $700 was made up of a myriad of other amounts from so many supporters. As you can see, a few dollars here and there, regularly or whenever you can, adds up to quite a difference when combined with the charity of others. THANK YOU

Late News

Email communication with RYDA has been difficult for months. Messages have been sent from their end but have not arrived at our end. Finally in March we have been able to exchange emails in a normal way, but fingers may need to be crossed. In this article we catch up on previous messages that have only recently arrived.

These were originally sent at the end of January / start of February after a transfer of funds on January 17th:

Dear Doug
It has been a while without communication but the eyes had not recovered well but at least now it is a little bit okay. Better late than never let me take this opportunity to write to you.

All RYDA extend our appreciation for your continued moral and financial support especially during the COVID era. These 2 years have been challenging as the needs are endless with water, food, training materials, hygiene treatment to mention but a few.

Our supporters have stood with us.

We resumed on 10/01/2022 fully. When we opened fully our food items costs increased tremendously as did water usage, electricity bills, fuel and firewood for cooking. The second challenge is our wage bills for the staff - both the instructor and support staff - also increased. Some instructors have left RYDA, so this week I have been busy looking for new instructors.

With the funds you sent it has helped to meet the critical needs at the center. Some of the funds was used to meet to the staff bills, water, food items and electricity bills.

Yours
Geoffrey Steven Kyeyune

On behalf of Rubaga Youth Development Association (RYDA) I write to acknowledge for financial transfer in January.

We need to salute our supporters for their continued financial support especially in the COVID 2 years period without which we will not have managed. Through you Doug please allow me to write to our supporters and donors with thanks for this support to RYDA.

Miracles have been made by you all. Special thanks to all those who have put in their time and planning for these fundraising events - Ron with the cans, Singularity choir and St John members to mention but a few.

We salute you all. May the Almighty GOD bless you abundantly.

Geoffrey Steven Kyeyune
Director RYDA

Who Will Wear This Costume?

It will be a Pirate Maiden. But who? the only way to find out is to Meet Them At St. Margaret's Mooroolbark June 5th OR St. John's Cowes June 12th Save The Date

April 2022

Reserve Your Seats St. Margaret's Mooroolbark 2pm Sunday June 5th $10 per person Afternoon tea provided Reserve with Janet: 0418 567 591 ... jacun@tpg.com.au Pay at the door St. John's Cowes 2pm Sunday June 12th $15 per adult ... $5 under 14 Afternoon tea provided Reserve with Lyn: 5952 5723 Pay at the door

May 2022

Can You Believe It? This Man Geoffrey Steven Kyeyune, Executive Director RYDA, is 60 years old on 25th May 2022 Happy Birthday Geoffrey It is poignant to remember that when Geoffrey first visited St. Margaret's Uniting Church in 1996, life expectancy in Uganda was 43 years. The photo was taken in 2015 in a bush village during a meeting of the Village Savings & Loan Association. This is a background part of RYDA's work. Supporting villagers to create income streams is designed to lessen the need for their youths to leave and become homeless on the streets of Kampala hoping to find work.

Dear Doug,
We are indeed indebted to our donors and supporters for their continued financial and material support over the years. Here below are the new developments at RYDA center.

1. The principal Suzanne Liz Nabirye has been enrolled for masters of Divinity and Theology at Uganda Christian University - Mukono. She will be working at the center two days a week.
2. Stephen Onyait has been elevated to the position of the deputy principal RYDA center and his position of Director Of Studies (DOS) taken by Musede Livingstone. These two members of staff have been with RYDA for over 5 years.

RYDA needs continuous prevailing but we always pray to God to consider our prayers. Currently at least water bill has been reduced because it is a raining season. Our tanks are full. The last donation you sent was used to buy the sanitizer, food items and fuel.

COVID-19 has not relented. The economy is bittering. Food items, fuel and electricity bills have increased, e.g. 1 litre of Diesel is 5500 shillings (AUD 2.14) and Petrol is 5400 shillings to mention but a few.

The exam time tables have also changed. We now have two exams set. Some students will be sitting on July 22 and then October - November. This calls also for the need for examination materials and other requirements. Let me end here for today.

Yours sincerely
Geoffrey Steven Kyeyune Kiyita
Executive Director.

We also are aware that Geoffrey was hospitalised again for almost a month until about ten days ago. The stay included an operation on his large intestine. However he sounded much more like his 'old' self when we spoke last week and you can tell from the email that he has returned to work, albeit for only two or three days a week. He has been able to pay half the hospital bill and hopes to soon clear the remaining 1,000,000 shillings (around AUD400).

NOT TO BE MISSED Reserve Your Seats St. Margaret's Mooroolbark 2pm Sunday June 5th $10 per person Afternoon tea provided Reserve with Janet: 0418 567 591 ... jacun@tpg.com.au Pay at the door St. John's Cowes 2pm Sunday June 12th $15 per adult ... $5 under 14 Afternoon tea provided Reserve with Lyn: 5952 5723 Pay at the door

June 2022

Dear Doug,
We have received your documents on the publicity for the concerts. We are indeed indebted to the Singularity choir for the annual fundraising for all these years. What a support to the RYDA activities.

Also St. Margaret Uniting Church and St. John Cowes congregations for always standing with us in this developmental work. Young people have been transformed and we are continuing doing this noble work. Your financial and material support has enabled us to do skills training and welfare for the needy children and young people.

In Uganda today fuel has now reached 6,000 shillings per litre. This has made increases on the essential goods hence making cost of living higher. To RYDA, food is becoming expensive. COVID cases have been sighted and recorded recently in the country. We are praying that we do not fall victim.

Next month, July, we are beginning the exams. The challenge is the examination test materials and electric power to facilitate the exam period.

Our Ugandan ambassador to Germany Mr. Ssozi visited RYDA center and we discussed many issues and needs for the center. He promised to tell people in Germany about what RYDA does to skill Uganda young people. We need to pray and keep our fingers crossed to see that this becomes into reality. I have been trying to get things done to make the girls bathroom usable again. It got damaged after a heavy raining season. Also we have a new nurse as now it's a requirement for the center. Once again we extend our sincere gratitude to Singularity choir and Cowes and St. Margaret Uniting Church for supporting the two concerts fundraising for RYDA activities and programs. Also to the two ministers we are thankful for allowing your church premises to host these concerts. We salute you all. Shalom Geoffrey Steven Kyeyune Executive Director - RYDA

Note 1: Ambassador Danny Mayanja Ssozi is the new Deputy Head of Mission / Trade & Investment in Berlin. He is an experienced diplomat who has previously served his country in Copenhagen, London, New Delhi and 2005-2008, in Berlin.
Note 2: The publicity Geoffrey refers to is articles in the Lilydale Star Mail and the Phillip Island & San Remo Advertiser. See how they retold the RYDA story: Star Mail ... Advertiser
Note 3: See photo gallery below for snapshots of the two concerts.

Girl's bathroom wall damaged at both ends due to a very heavy rainy season.

Meet Some of the Staff

New staff member ... Tumwebaze Prossy ... Nurse

Stephen Onyait - recently promoted to Deputy Principal

Namudu Prossy - school secretary

Singularity Support a Huge Success

The gallery of photos below - some from Mooroolbark, some from Cowes - will give you some idea of why about 80 people at each venue enjoyed themselves so much. Two wonderful, warm winter afternoons of musical treasure that through ticket sales and donations raised:

St. Margaret's $800

St. John's $1,130

Add to that $800

raised by Ron Seccull and the people of Yarrawonga

And then add $542.25

given bit by bit, in small amounts by many wonderful people since the last time we sent funds.

In Memory of Norm Brabazon In 1999 Gael and Norm Brabazon rode their bikes from Adelaide to Alice Springs to raise funds for Rubaga Youth Development Association. This was one of our earliest fund raising activities. It was their idea. They had heard Geoffrey speak when he had visited St. Margaret's in 1998 and they wanted to help. Read the full details by clicking the photo. Norm recently passed away, at age 84. We extend our sympathy and encouragement to Gael, family and friends who are grieving his loss and celebrating all they have shared through his life.

	Yes. Queen Victoria The resolution of the plot begins when the pirates declare themselves to be loyal to their queen, even to the point of certain imprisonment. They are slaves to duty.

July 2022

Ron Seccull wrote to us mid-month to report that he had a great can and bottle collecting week thanks to the good people of Yarrawonga. That's 1100 bottles and cans sitting there - $110. We hope your good weeks continue Ron. Acknowledgement of Funds On behalf of Rubaga Youth Development Association, I wish to acknowledge the receipt of the donation (sent June 27th) raised by our friends in Australia that was credited on our account a week a go. The funds you have sent will be utilized as follows:

Some of the money will go to work on the girls bathroom, some money will go to electricity and water supply to the Center and the remaining funds will be used to buy food items and the necessary drugs.

Shalom,
GEOFFREY STEVEN KYEYUNE

More on Ambassador Ssozi

In the June News we learnt that Uganda's ambassador to Germany had visited RYDA. Geoffrey has written this month with more information.

This week the Ambassador will be going back to Germany after three weeks in Uganda. Last week Friday we met with ambassador at RYDA offices to discuss in detail RYDA activities and programs. We discussed about possible partnership with donors in Germany. He promised to sell RYDA activities and programs to potential donors in Germany. Let us hope that this meeting will bare fruits in the future. We will continue interacting with him when he goes back to Germany.

September 2022

I know you are wondering why I have kept quite for a while. We have been busy with exams and rebuilding the RYDA girls dormitory. It has been our priority as we didn't want to close the center. We managed to revamp the girls dormitory bathroom, pavement etc at the level of 52%. We still need at least USD2450 dollars to complete the work as the Ministry of Education requirements. But with the donation we received we accomplished what we can. Please find here attached a copy of photos to show our donors' fund raising efforts.

The remaining work includes water connection to the bathroom, new water gutters, 2 solar lamps, one 10,000 litre water tank and three toilet sits.

Shalom,
GEOFFREY STEVEN KYEYUNE

Already On It

Before this update arrived St. Margaret's had received a $500 donation. (Thank you again to that person.) Other amounts from a range of faithful donors were also in the bank.

We contacted Ron Seccull to see how the can and bottle collecting was going and within a week he had sent $415. Such incredible dedication and consistency. Thanks again to you too Ron. On September 12th St. Margaret's treasurer was able to transfer AUD1127 which became USD732.10 and included an amount for bank fees as always. Not all that is needed but a substantial start and amazing that it came together within a week of the update above. The June news showed the sorry state of the girls bathroom after years of service in the rugged equatorial climate. These photos show stages of the redevelopment to date. It is always astounding how much RYDA can achieve with a little help.

For more information about RYDA or the Girl's Bathroom Project, contact Doug. Williams: doug@blackdouglas.com.au or +61 401 177 775 To transfer your donation to St. Margaret's account see the details at How to Support RYDA.

Girls' Bathroom Project The building in this photo is the girls' dormitory. It's getting a spruce up as part of the renovation of the bathroom area. The girls' bathroom area is in the grounds at the far end between the dormitory and the boundary fence. Part of your June donation was used to help kick start the construction shown in this month's photos. Then the funds ran out and work had to stop. At that point USD2450 was still needed to complete this project as listed above. We have just sent USD732. Now USD1700 (AUD2500) is all that is needed. Guided by God, do you think we could raise that amount by the end of October? Sooner perhaps? Think about the critical importance of hygiene in this 24/7 living, sharing and learning environment. Over 100 teenage girls (12 - 18) will be very grateful.

October 2022

The previous eNews was published on September 21st. It asked if it would be possible to support the renovation of the girls' bathroom by raising USD1700 (AUD2500) by the end of October. Guess what. It was. Our donors are amazing and so is the Spirit that infuses them. The story went like this:

• 1st week: publish the need through this News and the congregations of St. Margaret's and St. John's, who are our largest group of supporters.
• 2nd week: AUD2242 already collected.
• 3rd week: a further AUD620 given bringing the total to AUD2862.
• 4th week: another AUD555 received bringing the total to AUD3417, more than was needed even with the drop in the exchange rate that had occurred through the month. Then AUD55 more was given at the last minute.

Director Responds

At the beginning of the 4th week we informed Director Geoffrey Steven Kyeyune about what we had been doing and he sent the message below before we knew the total. You can tell that he was relieved and very pleased at that stage. A week later the transfer must have given reason for an even bigger smile on his face.

I am reliably informed by Doug about the RYDA fundraising efforts you have put together both at St Margaret's and St John's Uniting Churches to help us accomplish the on-going girls' bathroom project.

You don't know how grateful we are for this noble effort in making this project happen for the RYDA girls improvement. We are very excited to get this done before the end of the month. What an opportunity to do that job on time. It's amazing how much work has been done for the betterment of life.

Our donors you have stood with us in the most challenging times since COVID lock down. Without your support we don't know how we would have done it. We want to extend our sincere appreciation to you all for your continued support.

Wishing you all the best.

• Middle October RYDA was expecting an inspection visit by a representative of the Ministry. We don't have any information about that yet, but we know that one of their interests was the completion of the renovations.
• Early November the students will be facing their final government examinations. Prayer support is welcome.
• Spare a thought for our Yarrawonga Can Man, Ron Seccull, who turned 80 this year. Various medical conditions have led to his doctor insisting that he must stop the physical work related to the can and bottle collection for now. He tells us he will be back, but even if he had stopped work six months ago, he would have then done more than any of us could have thought possible.

Christmas Gift Certificates

November is about to begin and you know what follows quickly after that. Now is the time to remember this annual fundraiser. Choose the version you need.

We have given for you...	Do you struggle to find the right gift? Is it getting difficult to tell people what to give you for Christmas or birthday? Do you have all you need? Are you wanting to down size anyway? Are you a bit uncomfortable with the 'surprise' gifts you know cost too much? Do you receive gifts you won't use? ... With Gift Certificates everyone wins. Click the image you need, then print, Or save the file and take it to your local print shop.	I have given for you...
Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) St. Margaret's Uniting Church Bendigo Bank BSB 633 000 Account No. 157319310 Swift Code: BENDAU3B Code for donors outside Australia only. Contact Doug for alternative if your bank doesn't trade with this code.		Please: Include a reference to RYDA in the payment. Email doug@blackdouglas.com.au to confirm the transaction.

November 2022

• Government exams have been in full swing since the start of November. We believe they will be over by the end of this week.
• The Bathroom Project funds have so far purchased the water tank that will drive the system and other materials. Construction will begin after the exams so as not to disrupt and distract the girls.
• An Ebola variant, which has no vaccine, has caused two rural districts to be locked down and has reached Kampala. RYDA has entered a Covid-like protection routine with restricted access on and off the property and reinstated high level hygiene. So far no cases.
• Extra cleaning and hygiene materials plus inflating food prices are making it increasingly difficult to fulfil day to day needs.

Christmas Gift Certificates

• Do you struggle to find the right gift?
• Is it getting difficult to tell people what to give you for Christmas or birthday?
• Do you have all you need?
• Are you wanting to down size anyway?
• Are you a bit uncomfortable with the 'surprise' gifts you know cost too much?
• Do you receive gifts you won't use?
• ...

We have given for you...

I have given for you...

• Click the image you need, then print,
• Or save the file and take it to your local print shop.
• Print and include this RYDA Information Sheet with your certificate.

Donate to Add Value to Your Gift

Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) St. Margaret's Uniting Church Bendigo Bank BSB 633 000 Account No. 157319310 Swift Code: BENDAU3B Code for donors outside Australia only. Contact Doug for alternative if your bank doesn't trade with this code.

Please: Include a reference to RYDA in the payment. Email doug@blackdouglas.com.au to confirm the transaction. If a friend or relative asks what you want for Christmas, send them the link to this page. Tell them you want a RYDA Christmas Gift Certificate.

December 2022

Director Geoffrey Steven Kyeyune has just been released from hospital after a short stay to stabilise his blood sugar levels and related diabetic problems. The first thing he wanted to do was prepare this message for all of us.

Greetings from RYDA board, staff and the young people.

We need to salute our donors and supporters for their financial and material support. We also need to congratulate you all for your continued support towards the activities at RYDA. We think specially of the Singularity choir, St. Margarets and St. Johns congregations for your exemplary mobilisation towards the RYDA activities.

Am also glad to inform you that the washrooms for the administration block have been completed as per the health officer's specifications. All the materials to fit in the girls' washrooms have been bought and will be fixed after Christmas festivities. We are very grateful to our donors who have made it possible.

Shalom

Had it not been for the remarkable support shown by donors in October, and honoured above, it may have been that it would not be happening at all.

• Do you struggle to find the right gift?
• Is it getting difficult to tell people what to give you for Christmas or birthday?
• Do you have all you need?
• Are you wanting to down size anyway?
• Are you a bit uncomfortable with the 'surprise' gifts you know cost too much?
• Do you receive gifts you won't use?
• ...

We have given for you...

I have given for you...

• Click the image you need, then print,
• Or save the file and take it to your local print shop.
• Print and include this RYDA Information Sheet with your certificate.

Donate to Add Value to Your Gift

Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) St. Margaret's Uniting Church Bendigo Bank BSB 633 000 Account No. 157319310 Swift Code: BENDAU3B Code for donors outside Australia only. Contact Doug for alternative if your bank doesn't trade with this code.

Please: Include a reference to RYDA in the payment. Email doug@blackdouglas.com.au to confirm the transaction. If a friend or relative asks what you want for Christmas, send them the link to this page. Tell them you want a RYDA Christmas Gift Certificate.

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