Alex is on his way to becoming one of the leading counselors in Northern Uganda. He holds a university degree in Guidance and Counseling, and has additional training in trauma and HIV/AIDS counseling. Alex came to THRIVEGulu by way of the USAID SAFE Grant. He has continued to work with THRIVE under a long-term grant from Save the Children International.
Alex is passionate about THRIVEGulu’s mission: “What I love about THRIVEGulu is the positive heart we all bring to the work of supporting neglected and mentally distressed people. Our clients have suffered from the long-term effects of war and other manmade atrocities. I love working for THRIVE because everyone here is important and everyone is treated equally as a family. I love the feeling of unity and togetherness at THRIVE.”
Reflecting on his impact, he shares, “Under the USAID SAFE project, I supported over 200 households which have family members who suffer from mental illness. Through mobile mental health clinics, I was able to work collaboratively with psychiatric nurses: I provided counseling support, while they prescribed medications. Together, we helped many mentally sick become productive again. In just one year, I offered specialized trauma counseling to 42 people who had attempted suicide in Omoro District – I helped them choose life over suicide.”
Currently, Alex works on the “I Am Learning” project under a grant from Save the Children International. In this role, he offers psycho-social support to children who suffer from depression and anxiety. Many of these children had poor academic performance because of their mental distress. Alex states, “Through counseling both the children and their teachers, I have helped many children improve in school and feel better about their lives.”
THRIVE has also left a positive impact on Alex’s life. He says, “Most importantly, THRIVE has exposed me to a wide network of friends both in Uganda and in the USA. I feel strong and confident, and I take pride in the work that I do.”
