THRIVEGulu’s Country Director Dora has an impressive academic resume, including a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology from Makerere University and a Master’s in Development Studies from Uganda Martyrs University (Nkonzi). She has numerous Certificates in areas ranging from Human Resources to Law to Education.
Dora recognizes that her diverse educational background is very helpful for her job at THRIVEGulu. She shares, “I am very passionate about mental health and psycho-social support work. Whenever I hear the painful stories of clients, I want so much to help them see that there are ways to get out of the pain they are feeling. I love to help people renew their minds.”
As a skilled counselor and manager, Dora has used her skillset as an invited speaker at conferences throughout Uganda. She has presented at the International Criminal Court Review Symposium in Kampala, and spoke on “Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Groups for Treating Depression in Children” at the 1st Mental Health Conference of the National Psychiatric Association.
When reflecting on her work at THRIVE, Dora identifies three things that matter most: “I love working with THRIVE Gulu because the work is in line with my career growth; I love working with our board members in the USA; and I love Mama Judy who is the founder of our organization.”
Dora believes in maintaining integrity, accountability and stewardship across all of the programs and activities at THRIVEGulu. As Country Director, she wants to build on the strength and capacity of other staff and she wants to see all of THRIVE’s beneficiaries THRIVE! Dora finds great strength in her faith sharing, “I am resilient and always focus on solutions moving forward. I do not like to waste time looking back. I love the bible verse in Paul’s letter to the Philippians 3: 13b: ‘But one thing I do: Forget what is behind and straining towards what is ahead.’”
