In preparation for researching and writing our masters thesis, we contacted THRIVEGulu in hopes of spending a few weeks with them, volunteering and learning about the post-conflict environment in northern Uganda. From the moment we arrived in Gulu, we were met with positivity and support. The staff and the community in Gulu welcomed us with open arms and shared the Acholi culture with us, through great food, traditional dancing, and other Gulu adventures (boda boda rides!). Despite our stay being limited to three short weeks, the experience was invaluable, and we got to know a lot about THRIVE’s work and the communities of northern Uganda.
We were fortunate to tag along with the staff for some of THRIVEGulu’s field activities. One of the most memorable was a trip to rural Odek sub-county with the USAID team for a community dialogue on mental health. It was exciting for us to venture out to Odek, not only because of the enlightening observations and conversations with the staff we had during the 2 hour drive, but also because it allowed us to see where Joseph Kony grew up – relevant for us after months of thesis research on the conflict.
Upon arrival, we were greeted by the community members, seated under the shade of a big, beautiful tree- it was already a hot day! We sat on a bench observing the meeting, and it quickly became apparent that there a gender divide. Men were grouped together on the left, while the women we settled onto mats on the ground on the opposite side. We were baffled by this divide and couldn’t help but ask if there was a specific reason for it. We were told that men, out of respect, could not mix with their in-laws. During the first part of the dialogue, the community participated in a discussion about what constitutes mental health, and were given information about how to identify cases of mental health and how to provide help. The second part of the dialogue, among other topics, focused on family planning. We were surprised by how few women raised their hands when asked who was partaking in family planning – only 3 raised their hands. Other women said they did not feel comfortable sharing that information while the men were present because it “could lead to trouble.” The men on the other hand, voiced their concern regarding the side effects of birth control, stating that it could “make women crazy.” The THRIVE staff patiently answered everyone and clarified misunderstandings. Through their work, we saw that THRIVEGulu is bringing about discussion about these important family and community issues, and through that, promoting empowerment and healing.
We are now back in Denmark, writing our thesis based on our findings in Gulu, and missing our morning ritual of working in the open hut, drinking African tea, and feeling the morning breeze. We miss the daily morning greetings to everyone at THRIVE (apwoyo!), and the many stories that were shared between us and the staff. Everyone at THRIVEGulu openly shared their work, life, and world with us, with constant grace and kindness.
We unexpectedly fell in love with Gulu and its people, and we were surprised at the close connections we made in such a short time. We’ll never forget the connections we made while at THRIVE, and although this was our first visit to Uganda, it won’t be our last!
Cheers,
Ashley and Hella
(Masters students at the University of Aalborg in Denmark)
If you’re interested in learning more about volunteering with us in Gulu, send us an email at info@thrivegulu.org!
