Back on May 20, 2013, THRIVEGulu celebrated the opening of the permanent Trauma Healing and Reflection Centre. It was a special day as the Gulu staff hosted the Board of Directors from the United States. Over 400 Gulu people attended the event. The THRIVEGulu gates were officially opened by the Vice Chairman Gulu District Local Government, Honorable Ojok Isaac Newton witnessed by the Chairman LCIII Layibi Division, area councilors Layibi division and all the other guests.
At the celebration, the excitement from beneficiaries could not be hidden. They danced and chanted songs of praise to THRIVEGulu for the great work the organization is doing. They sang the song “Mama itiyo jami weng mamite pira” meaning: Mama you sacrificed everything for my sake. This was dedicated to the loving and smiling president Judy Dushku as they continued to dance at the newly built Trauma Healing and Reflection Centre in Gulu.
With her heart full of joy, Mama Judy welcomed the visitors coming. She greeted the women from our women’s groups and was excited to see them participating in this event. Her love for these vulnerable women cannot be hidden. She identifies with them and feels their problems deeply in her heart. She wants to know everything about each of the women in the groups. With love such as this, even the most hurting person finds relieve and this is what THRIVEGulu desires to offer to the community of Gulu, who have had multiple injuries; physically and emotionally.
We were joined with one of the elderly women who is part of a women’s group who sold their land to THRIVEGulu to build the Centre. With joy, guest danced together as a sign of solidarity. Papa Jim joined in the dancing to make sure the men didn’t lose. There was much joy in seeing dreams come true.
By Dora Alal Single
