Jimmy loves to laugh. This, in part, is why he was able to jump right into the THRIVE Gulu family. He immediately felt at home with his colleagues, finding in them people who he respected for the important work they do helping others: “All the staff in both Uganda and the USA are so caring in all they do. Everyday, they help people disturbed by the insurgency of the Lord’s Resistance Army to recover from lost hope. And, among the staff, everyone is willing to help each other out, particularly when staff face individual life challenges. Truly, the THRIVE Gulu staff knows their work!”
After completing his early education, Jimmy enrolled in the Nakawa Disabled Vocational Training School in Kampala. There, he acquired the knowledge and skills on how to operate and repair motor vehicles, being awarded a certificate in Motor Vehicle Mechanics. Soon thereafter, Jimmy realized it would enhance his knowledge and career possibilities if he learned computer skills. Accordingly, he pursued a Certificate Course in Computers from the Daniel Vocational Institute in Gulu. Jimmy says, “My educational background has shown me the way to where I am today.” Because Jimmy is such a “people person,” he has embraced professional driving as his calling: “The driver position was a call for me, something that I wasn’t expecting, but which just naturally felt positive for me.” He enjoys driving his colleagues to and from their often difficult to access field operations, particularly because he engages in friendly conversation along the way. Despite the enjoyment, Jimmy takes his job seriously. He has completed Certificates in Road Safety and Defensive Driving, which he regularly renews. Within the first few months of joining THRIVE, Jimmy demonstrated his concern for everyone’s safety and security by helping to install a car alarm and ensuring the THRIVE vehicle is equipped with a fire extinguisher.
Jimmy feels blessed to be a part of the THRIVE team: “I think the work of THRIVE Gulu is amazing, especially because of the balance between the counseling component and economic empowerment. Also, I appreciate how everyone at THRIVE takes their work seriously – THRIVE stands for truth and accountability. All of my colleagues have a brilliant heart for serving the community!”
