A Mourne man recently put his pastoral and carpentry skills to good use, helping a community thousands of miles from home.
Over the summer, Annalong’s William McConnell returned to Uganda for the fifth time, marking 25 years since his first visit. A lecturer in carpentry and joinery at Southern Regional College, William brought not only his professional skills, but also his deep commitment to pastoral care and encouragement—qualities which have made a lasting impact on all his students across the globe.
Travelling as part of a Boys’ Brigade volunteer team from the Newry, Mourne and Down area, William revisited the village of Kawondwe in Uganda’s Nakasongola district. Since his first trip in 2000, when he helped to roof classrooms and build desks for children who had previously gathered under a tree for lessons, he has witnessed remarkable transformation in the village.
What began with the construction of two classroom blocks for 97 children has grown into a thriving community with a medical centre, a secondary school, and the New Beginnings Charitable Foundation’s orphanage.
On his most recent visit, William’s work included crafting storage cabinets for the orphanage—which is part of the charity established by Kilkeel man Roger Annett—and the school. However, his influence stretches far beyond the carpentry workshop.
For William, returning to Uganda is about investing in people and showing them that they matter. “We’re not going out to change the whole world, but we can make a difference in one small part of it,” he explained.
He added that building the primary school “was a turning point.” “It showed local people the value of hard work, and it taught children the importance of education. But more than that, going back each time shows them they are not forgotten. It’s about encouragement as much as it is about buildings,” the local man continued.
Inspired by the individual stories of lives changed through education, William holds a special place for Ezra, a young man he met on his most recent trip. Ezra attended the then newly constructed primary school and went on to complete secondary school at the Bethel Royal High School. He is now in his final year of law school in Kampala.
For William, these personal journeys are a reminder that hope and opportunity can spread from even the smallest acts of service. “Sometimes we may go out thinking that we’ll be a blessing to the people there, but often they bless us more,” he pointed out.
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