Luba is a village on the East Coast of the tiny Island of Bioko in Equatorial Guinea and situated some 50 kilometres from Ureka at the Southern end of the Island. There is no road to the Bubi community in Ureka. The nearest secondary school and hospital are in Luba and you must get there by hiking or by boat. Village people are very poor and fishing is no longer a viable trade.

The Urekan children from age 11 upwards must attend school in Luba. The primary school children are all taught together in one school room in the secluded village.

In March 2002 I visited Ureka after walking for the best part of 10 hours through the tropical rainforest. I went in search of my ancestral family line - the Bubis, and found a baby who had recently lost his mother. Getting the right medication, check ups was proving to be difficult for the family. Between us we thought the baby could receive immediate care and attention from the hospital in Luba.

The plane hadn’t even landed at Heathrow and I was making plans to support the people in Bioko. It was soon arranged that our families and friends in England would find ways to help the orphanage in Luba.

On 2nd December 2002, Rivaldo Tehache celebrated his 1st Earthday. This has inspired me to find ways of fund raising, not only for Rivaldo who continues to improve, but also the other children at the orphanage and the local primary school in Ureka.

What the future holds…..

• To continue to provide support to the orphans and underprivileged children in Luba. This will include regular donations for salaries, for food, clothing and medical care for the children. To care for and feed an orphan costs around £20 a month. In the long run we wish to be able to provide resources and support for any sick child in Ureka needing treatment in Luba.
• To support the school in Ureka - teachers salaries, teaching equipment, repair and maintenance of the school.

Please contact Beaula McCalla
Email:kaymccalla@yahoo.co.uk