Coalition Against Poverty

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Edith Wakumire visit to Pontypridd

Thank You Ponty

    On Wednesday August 31^st the Mayor of Pontypridd Councillor Cheryl Hull and members of the town council welcomed Mrs.Edith Wakumire the first official dignitary from the Mbale, Uganda, since the twinning of the towns took place. Edith thanked the council for the reception and the people of Pontypridd for the welcome received and the generosity afforded to her community. Since the partnership started over 120 goats have been given to the families of orphaned and vulnerable children so that they could help themselves to provide for school fees with the hope of a better future. Over 300 mosquito nets had also been provided, the possible consequences of which could be, the saving of the lives of over 1000 children through malaria. 8 secondary and 4 primary schools have already set up partnership links with schools in Mbale, and the churches have forged strong links as well. The council responded with a donation towards these worthy projects.

    During her visit, Edith met with Kim Howells and Jane Davidson, visited Coed-y-lan Comprehensive School and Hawthorn High School, along with local medical practices. She addressed a gathering of representatives of the ladies groups of the area and showed the work among the women and girls of Uganda to raise their status in society, and to educate them about HIV/Aids and health care. She met with church leaders, teachers involved in partnership schools and medics linked with ongoing projects in Mbale.

    Edith was interviewed by GTFM and said how warm and welcoming the people she had met had been. There were many similarities between the peoples of  the two regions. Blackberries grew in both areas, and that music played a part in both cultures.

    One of the highlights of her visit was a Gymanfa Ganu (Songs of Praise) at Capel Rhondda Hopkinstown with Cor Meibion Pontypridd and soloists Menna Davies and Craig Jones. The evening culminating with a rousing rendering of “Cwm Rhondda” accompanied by the organ on which the famous hymn tune was first publicly performed.

    On Sunday Churches joined together in the morning at St. Catherine’s, and the evening at the Gateway Church for united services, where she addressed the congregations.

    Edith said she was “overwhelmed by the welcome, friendship, love and generosity shown by the people of Pontypridd, and would like to thank everyone who made this first visit, of what is hoped will be many, from our twinned town in Africa, such a memorable one”.