Back from Gulu!
Dear friends, On 7th October, I sat perched on the edge of a rickety chair in a dimly lit poolhall in Gulu, Uganda watching the national football team play Ghana for a chance to qualify for the World Cup. For us Americans, it may seem like just another soccer match – for the 50 or […]
“You are most welcome” – Chairman of the Board’s visit to Gulu
It has been 2 years since I last visited Uganda which made it a special pleasure to once again embark on the long ride north from Kampala to Gulu. I was thrilled to be reacquainted with the beauty of rural Uganda, which Winston Churchill once dubbed, “the Pearl Of Africa”. As we drove, the sights […]
Vicky’s eye opening experience with her group
It takes a lot of hard work, courage and pride to face the challenges that Vicky has. She never got the chance to go to school because her parents could not afford to pay the school fees. She got married when she was 20 years old, and she and he husband had six children. It […]
Tackling mental health in rural school communities
The conflict in Northern Uganda caused widespread trauma and destroyed systems of care and support. Mental health services are often virtually inaccessible to those suffering from trauma, depression, and other mental health needs in Northern Uganda. We at THRIVEGulu, in pursuit of our post-conflict trauma healing mission, are working hard to change this. In partnership […]
Albert’s drive to success
Albert is a member of “Rubanga Miyo” savings group. When THRIVEGulu introduced its programs to his village in 2012, Albert saw the promise of coming together with other members of his community to support one another. He joined the group and started saving everything he could. During his second year in the group, members began […]
8 years later, Jacky and her husband are THRIVING
Jacky and her husband where abducted by the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) during the conflict. They were both in captivity for more than 5 years, where they suffered through horrific conditions before they were able to escape and make their way back home. However, when they returned home they continued to struggle. Jacky and her […]
Jane becomes her family’s main provider
Jane has improved her business and her family’s life since joining THRIVEGulu’s Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) program. Before joining the VSLA, Jane had never participated in any community groups, had not followed a regular savings plan, and never had an opportunity to generate her own income. Jane is married, a mother of three […]
Grace saves to support her family
“I used to work in my restaurant from 8:00am to 9:00pm every day, but no matter how many hours I worked I could not earn enough to provide for my four children and my deceased brother’s five children,” Grace, 34, says. Two years ago, her close friend helped her join Akwo Kwene VSLA group. Since […]
With mixed feelings…
Dear THRIVERs, It is with mixed feelings that I announce that I am leaving THRIVEGulu effective June 2nd. It has been an honor to lead this incredible organization. The contributions and commitment of our staff, supporters, and volunteers have been nothing short of inspiring. THRIVEGulu could not do the work we do without you. Thank you. During […]