Nagalama – What immediately strikes you are the wide eyes of the children when they see us again after two years: “they are back!” After a very long lockdown, the strictest in Africa, we have finally returned to St Joseph’s mixed primary school in Nagalama. It was hard to recognize some of the children given how much they’ve grown, especially the girls, but they hadn’t forgotten us. They threw us a great celebration, especially as we opened the large boxes of new training kits for them. For two years, activities had been suspended, making it impossible to gather for classes or sporting activities. The school, which relies on the diocese and fees for funding, was on the verge of closing. But now everything is returning, slowly but surely. The coaches, who had stayed in touch with us via phone and video call, are back with us on the school’s green pitch. It didn’t seem real to be back hugging our friends and watching them in person as they hosted training for the 300 children in the project. It was thanks to MP Filtri, our sponsor who did not abandon us even during this difficult period for everyone, that we could come back to build hope together. Away from school, the children suffered greatly due to economic hardships that meant eating only once per day, the absence of their friends and classmates, and at times, a lack of health and social provisions. Consequently, some fell ill, and some very young girls, deprived of the protection of the school environment, even faced early pregnancies. These are hard stories to hear, but the school has taken on the responsibility for these various situations. Now, it returns with great resilience, both on the football pitch and in the classroom, to overcome all difficulties and build a future for this small rural community together, starting with its extraordinary children and educators. We’re back!