Uganda Trip 2012 “An extraordinary adventure, discovering an impoverished land, rich in spirit.” - Michael McKeown “What blows me away about Mannya is seeing the hope, tenacity and power for change amidst heart wrenching poverty and injustice.” - Patrick McDonald
After graduating in November 2012, eight Year 12 students from St Joseph’s College and four from Clonard College, accompanied by staff members Ric Brodrick, Monika Ercoli and Patrick McDonald, and his brother Conor, travelled to the township of Mannya in South eastern Uganda. The following are some brief reflections on what was a unique and wonderful experience. Arriving in Mannya was a most amazing and humbling experience. The welcome of the community was so wonderful as they lead us down the road accompanied by the brass band, towards the presbytery balcony with children clinging around us.The kindergarten, primary and secondary students entertained us with music and songs. The whole welcome was so powerful and made us feel that we were truly part of an extended family. Fr Nestus, a man of vision and inspiration, made our stay a memorable one guided by his generosity and hospitality. The people of Mannya are the most generous and sincere people I have met in the world and this experience will remain with me forever Monika Ercoli - Year 11 Coordinator 2012 The ability for us all to witness how the less fortunate live, enabled us to see past the poverty and injustice which has plagued the country in order to recognise Uganda’s beautiful people and rich culture. It was a truly life changing experience which will ultimately make us think twice about how we too live our lives. Fr Nestus and all those associated with the community of Mannya have given me hope that with hard work and faith sustainable development can occur. - Taylor Meesen I left with the goal of making a difference in others’ lives. I returned home with the goal of making changes in mine. This trip has shaken me to the core and changed my view on life. - Connor Rawson Having the opportunity to be a part of such a unique experience is one that I will treasure forever. The smiles and welcoming dispositions of the entire community alone made the trip worthwhile. - Makayla Galbraith The feeling of welcome that Mannya produced was incredible. The people I have met have made a huge impression on me through their work and determination to improve
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the livelihood of all in Mannya. The foreversmiling faces will never leave my memory. - Ash McMaster Even though the people of Mannya can’t even imagine how much less they have than us, to see how happy they are regardless, is a perfect example of the fact that real happiness comes from much more powerful forces than material things. Mannya must be one of the most joyous places in Uganda and much of this can be drawn to the hope that Father Nestus inspires in his community. - Lachlan Crowe The generosity and compassion shown by all in the community of Mannya shows the beautiful culture that is Uganda. I will forever benefit from the amazing experience that I just shared with my fellow classmates. - Matthew Potter A beautiful country that has to be seen to be believed, with amazing people who have an overwhelming amount of generosity of spirit. A life-long lesson that will never be forgotten. - Harry Morgan Only after spending time in Mannya have I been able to grasp what it really means to live as a community. The driving force behind the amazing development of the Parish of Mannya, has been borne from a powerful sense of love shared between the people in the community. Fr. Nestus is an extremely inspiring man and being able to share a part of his life, even for a short time, has been an experience that will forever shape the way I think and act towards others. - Conor McDonald An amazing difference in culture. Massive difference between the city and country, rich and poor. - Kelsey Whyte By far the most rewarding experience of my life. - Tayla Ellis An experience of a lifetime. Mannya is working towards something great in the joy and motivation that the people give to their town. - Justin Estcourt In some ways Mannya seems the happiest place on Earth, however it was quite confronting due to the people having so little. It really opened my eyes to how much we take what we have for granted. - Josh Bushby
