A Step Back in Time
Elspeth Dugdale | March 4, 2025
'Turning the clock back' became a reality last weekend with an impromptu trip to the old site last week. Although we rarely go back, our excuse was to show our new visitor, Simon, 'how things used to be'. Taking a good look around and seeing the physical location definitely shows how far WTA has come since the start in 2005 - long before ServeDirect.
Since 2011, the vacated site has been turned into a secondary school, an orphanage and a vocational training school - none of which lasted very long. Today, it is truly deserted - but, if you look carefully, there are still a few indications that WTA was located there - the remains of a painted map of Uganda, the drawing of an atom and some faded song lyrics on the wall, the blackboards and the dilapidated remains of the kitchen, not to mention the infamous, grim pit latrines.
As a reminder, (and for those who missed the character-building experiences), WTA started with only 4 classrooms, one small office, one small staffroom, two dormitories, some latrines.
In short, there was no power, no water, no laboratories, no library, no computers, no main hall, no art room, no Administration offices, no health centre, no A' level classes, no bathing areas, no sports pitch, no gates, no fences, no security - and no paid or fully qualified teachers - only local volunteers.
Boys' Dormitory - where the roof flew off Remains of the Outside Kitchen
It is a testament to the resilience and fortitude of both staff and students that anyone passed exams at all during those years - but they did!
Most ServeDirect team members still have great memories of the 2 week working trips - a mixture of the positive, the inspiring, the hilarious and the thought provoking, despite the difficulties and real, physical challenges of the visit. For some there were even life-changing experiences and 'crossroad moments'.
Although it is only 6 kilometres away, the old site is a different world and a different time zone. There is a huge sense of gratitude and relief to be on the 'new' site at Lukomera!
