Volunteer Swimming Instructors…In Uganda?

By Kate | Permalink | No Comments | February 23rd, 2007 | Trackback

After AIDS and malaria, what is the leading cause of death in landlocked Uganda? That would be drowning.

The Associated Press reports that the country’s lakes are essentially a lifeline for residents, providing fish, water, and fertile ground for crops, but as it’s common to use homemade boats which are often unstable or just overcrowded, the lakes can also be dangerous places.

The non-profit Lake Bunyonyi Development Company has taught 2,200 people to swim since 2003. It also funds programs for HIV/AIDS education, orphan care, agro-forestry and small livestock distribution; student scholarships are also offered.

The Lake Bunyonyi Development Company still has its work cut out for it, as the majority of Uganda’s 25 million citizens can’t swim.

Simon Peter Okoshi, the marine police chief, who is just learning to swim himself, was quoted as telling the Associated Press that “Swimming is not in the culture here, many people are hydrophobic.” At first, the article reports that women in particular were nervous about feeling that they were exposing themselves, but now actually enjoy swimming.

Today “twenty-two local and international instructors are providing lessons to children and villagers in Lake Bunyonyi. Money for the program comes mostly from profits made by an associated eco-tourism lodge.”

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