Rotary International Humanitarian Project in Uganda
Rotary International sent a nine-member team from northwest Illinois to Uganda last month. The northwest Illinois Rotary District partnered with Gaba Rotary in Uganda to create and implement the grant for this project. Carter Newton, of the Galena Gazette, co-wrote the grant. I was part of the team.
In Uganda, girls drop out of school at an alarming rate. This contributes to the disadvantage of women. The purpose of the grant was to impact the lives of girls and young women so they have greater opportunities to stay in school and to improve their overall health and welfare.
I wrote an earlier article entitled “Can Humanitarian Projects Really Enact Positive Change in Two Weeks?” The answer is yes. The mission of the trip was a success. The team worked within the Angal Hospital, Angal Secondary School and the community. We worked directly with doctors, nurses, counselors, teachers, students, farmers and community members. We contributed toward the improvement of girls’ education. Our doctors advanced medical knowledge and technique in the area of pediatrics and obstetrics. I worked to improve the knowledge and treatment of mental illness. Our nurses improved nursing protocols. One of our doctors, who is also a farmer, expanded upon their knowledge of nutrition and food safety in agriculture. Our librarian greatly enhanced their library. Our educator addressed empowerment through literacy. Additionally, Rotary donated and installed a solar panel to the library as well as computers, software and a printer. They donated books and shelves and chairs. That’s an amazing amount of work in two weeks!
Is the work sustainable? Will the project create lasting change in Uganda? The answer again is yes. The local Rotarians will work with the local population to make sure the investment bears fruit in coming years. Some members of the team intend to return next year. There is talk of sending equipment and materials back to the area. Friendships have been formed. All of this creates a ripple effect of positive change.
What can you do to help the cause? Not everyone can travel to Uganda on a humanitarian trip. But you can make a difference in the lives of Ugandan people. Each of our team members has a wish list based upon the needs of the people they worked with. Whether it is donation of books, medical equipment, training and education materials or financial donations, there is ample opportunity for help.
The Nebbi District of northwest Uganda is seated in the Alur Kingdom. On our final day there, the Alur King, Rwoth Ubimu Rauni III, attended our closing ceremony. He welcomed our participation. What change would he like for his kingdom? He is going to support any investor who will show interest in his kingdom, adding that he is keen on private-public partnerships which benefit the greater majority.
Towards this objective, my personal wish is providing financial loans to Ugandans through KIVA.org, a micro-finance organization. This will help build the infrastructure. You can empower people with a $25 loan. You make a loan to a specific person or group for their small businesses through the website. The loan is monitored by field partners who administer and disperse the loans. You get updates on the progress of the loan and you get paid back.