Here Denis explains in his own words what impact the visit had on those involved.

I have been working in Devon for about two years now based in Teignmouth, but I am originally from Uganda.

I'm a trained teacher and youth worker and I run a programme called 'Experience Africa' which I use to communicate and help create awareness of the beauty and diversity of African life and culture.

My work is mainly in schools and colleges all over Devon. Over the last 15 months I have been working at Dawlish Community College running various activities including an African drum club.

Through this I got to know a lot of young people and they too got interested in my culture.

In July, with the support of the school, I helped to organise a trip for 34 people from Dawlish and the nearby areas.

The Devon youngsters with Ugandan children.

The school party from Dawlish took out medical supplies and other useful things for the people in the village and the orphanage.

They also attended a cultural music show and workshop in Kampala before going on a three day Safari.

The trip was a very big success and all people who went say they enjoyed it very much.

Below you can read more about the trip to Uganda from the viewpoint of two of those from Devon who took part.

Sam Jones
You could travel the world and stay in the best hotels the world has to offer, on the most peaceful, remote islands - but this does not compare to what I have seen and done in the last 10 days.

Uganda is a country which many people told me was unsafe and I had to be alert at all times. Let me say now that whilst I was in Uganda I did not feel threatened or unsafe, in fact I felt safer in Kampala than I ever did in London!

Collecting logs in a Ugandan village.

Whilst in Uganda, I worked in schools and an orphanage and every day was a new challenge emotionally.

It is hard to put into words what I saw and experienced, but I do know that it was the best experience I have ever had.

Not only did we help people and learn about a culture which is different from what we are used to, but I also met some amazing people.

The trip has inspired me and many of the other students from Dawlish Community College to go back and help some of the people in Uganda for longer periods of time.

Everyone who went out to Uganda had a fantastic time and if you ever have the opportunity to go there I would suggest that you go because it is an experience which you never forget.

Catherine
In July 2004 I spent 10 busy and fun filled days in Uganda with a group of people from my school.

Some were close friends, some just acquaintances, but we all came home sharing a fantastic experience and a better perspective of the wider world.

During those 10 days we did everything from working in an orphanage, meeting school children our own age and chilling out by the pool at local holiday resorts. But we learnt something new about Uganda every day.

There were so many opportunities to talk to people about their culture and in return tell them about ours.

We learnt so much from just looking at our surroundings and taking it all in. You can read about Africa and you can hear about Africa - but it isn't until you see Africa with your own eyes that you truly get an insight into a completely different way of life.

I can guarantee you will return with open eyes and a better respect for your own surroundings as well as some good friends.

Africa is full of a community of people who will welcome you with open arms and I think I speak for everyone who went on the trip when I say we had a fantastic time.

My advice to you, if you decide to take up the opportunity to visit Africa, is to look with your mind and not just your eyes to better appreciate and embrace the culture of Africa.