This past week has been largely productive. Monday began with Maama Sarah’s phenomenal freshly squeezed fruit juice that has stolen our hearts and a training led by Agriculture expert Hakim, who taught us about the transformative role of corn in Uganda’s economy and the various methods that can lead to high percentage yields. We also had a team meeting with the CCUg staff to discuss the week’s activities. We discussed our proposals in detail and we each garnered new ideas of implementation for our projects. I learned about some improvement strategies for the Group Savings Program that I want to focus on, Or’el shifted his focus to finding a more sustainable method in utilizing compost to benefit the Nakalanga community instead of our original plan to distribute high-yield corn seeds, Diana honed in on a project about nutrition (and is teaming up with Or’el since both are looking at the most common crops in Uganda’s diet), and Gabriella is hoping to implement a youth-group in a community to build closer relationships between the kids in the neighborhood and foster more supportive networks.
Tuesday was spent doing construction on the house for Margaret; it is almost done! Additionally, we worked on our proposals during our breaks from cooking, carrying jerricans, and shoveling. We also had an amazing dinner that night at Maama Sarah’s house. Each night, the other interns and I have a reflection in which we discuss the insights learned and challenges encountered during our day and something we are looking forward to the following day. We each take turns leading the reflection sessions and it is mainly focused on team building and “checking in” with everyone to make sure we are all on the same page. Tuesday night was especially memorable as we learned new things about each other, highlighted each others strengths (because everyone is awesome and should know it!), and set challenges for positive group development. I am so excited to see everyone continue to grow from this experience and I’m really grateful for having such an amazing team 🙂
Wednesday marked the beginning of our interviews with the vulnerable women and children involved in CCUg’s programs. The first home we visited was that of Biyinzika Sarah, the mother of Brian, Gift, and Soloman. Although incapable of feeding her family regularly as a single mother, hope and faith shines through Sarah’s eyes and the eyes of her children. It was truly humbling and inspiring for us to hear Sarah’s story and talk to her three hardworking children. We also had the chance to speak to Sam who suffers from chronic osteomyelitis, a rare bone infection, that has forced him to undergo 2 painful leg surgeries. Yet, from the very first moment we met him, Sam wore a bright smile, enthusiastically talking about his dreams, and determined to look at the positives in life. Sam is 18 and that day, for the first time in his life, his home got electricity. Through Sam’s sponsor, Carol Parker, Sam’s house was installed with solar panels! It was a monumental event for his family and the joy that radiated in everyone’s face was so beautiful to watch. As the solar installation took place, we were able to interview Joseph, the Eastern Region Representative for Solar Now – the solar power company spearheading this execution. Joseph was very informative about his job and he had a lot to say about the importance of investing in renewable energy. There is no doubt he is creating a lasting change in the lives of Ugandans.
On Thursday, Gabriella led her second Parenting Workshop and Or’el supported her as she conducted interactive discussions with the women and modified the dynamics of the classroom to increase participation amongst them. Diana and I, during this time, had the opportunity to speak to 19 year old Slivia, another of the vulnerable children sponsored by CCUg. Slivia has been HIV positive for over 10 years of her life and has been fighting a tough journey. Slivia wants to be a lawyer and is eager to develop her reading and writing skills as she continues in her education! We also had the chance to speak to Joel, our second visit of the day. Joel was very articulate and had a vivid sense of determination as he spoke about his goals to become an electrical engineer- following in the footsteps of his late grandfather. “I’m gonna fight for my dreams,” he says. “In America, that’s where my dream is.” Joel is studying physics, economics, and math in Senior 4 (10th grade) and does causal labor during the holidays to help his 73 year old grandmother sustain their family with food and a source of income. “For everything that I do, I put God first. And I know that one time, one day, I will be somebody!” We were very inspired to speak to Joel and we wish him the best in all of his endeavors. With God, anything is possible. and we know that his faith will carry him a long way!
Friday was mostly spent working on research and creating a presentation about the progress of our proposals for Michael, our supervisor at CCUg. All in all, this week has been absolutely amazing and we are very thankful to CCUg and the programs they have established to address such severe circumstances in the lives of those they help. We were also very excited for our trip to the source of the Nile River on Sunday and had a great football (soccer) match amongst the CCUg staff! It was a great way to relax, see the Nile in all its splendor, and have a competitive game to encourage teamwork.
