Okay, so I don't know if this link will work please let me know but this is the progression of the Lyantonde Vocational School student's building a dew pond. The pond is a 9x9x5 hole in the ground that is insulated with hard rock and cement (with a water proofing agent additive). The point of this is for the pond to be cooler than the surrounding earth so that it will release the heat absorbed throughout the day quickly so that dew can then form on the water surface; thus, replenishing the pond in the dry season. It is a replica of the ponds built in England; as the climate here is very different this is an experiment. Nonetheless, a great experience for the students!

http://www.mydeo.com/videosavecopy.asp?ZID=833&CID=293229

http://www.mydeo.com/videorequest.asp?XID=10113&CID=293229

So, the following are the projects that I have presented and discussed with my organization. The demo of the Dew Pond is already half way finished!! I will write more on that at a later date. Next week RACOBAO is becoming an official Youth Link member through partnership with Red Cross so I will be commenting on that at a later date as well. I will be traveling to Mbale tomorrow morning through Tuesday to volunteer in an effort to help the landslide victims. Peace Love and Green M&M's:

BRIDGE FINANCING INITIATIVE

- A modified bridge loan is a method of temporary financing used to maintain liquidity while awaiting an expected cash flow.

- It is a short term loan that grants small amounts of money.

- It may be closed: having a predetermined time frame.

- It may be open: meaning that there is no fixed pay off date.

- The purpose of this loan is to offer starting capital to a small business or to IGA projects.

- The long term goal of this loan is to act as an initial ‘start up’. The contracted funds should be used to purchase all materials needed for the project. Once the project begins yielding a return, a portion of that money should be given to the lender until the full amount is repaid. After the money has been fully restored to the lender, all earnings accrued thereafter will belong to the recipient of the loan.

- A bridge loan is high risk; therefore, the following stipulations must be integrated in order to secure a timely return:

-High interest rate

-Collateral (used as security and is legally signed over)**

EXAMPLE: A farmer desires to pioneer a maize plantation; however, he needs money to buy the seeds, farming equipment, more land, etc. RACOBAO would grant him a small loan in order to purchase these required items. The farmer would sign a legally binding document stating that he will pay back X amount of money by X date. Additionally, the farmer will sign over the rights of his land, a cow, or something similar of value as collateral; therefore, if the full amount is not repaid, then RACOBAO will have a cow or land in place of the unreturned money. Ideally, the farmer would repay the full amount and, in turn, have a lucrative business from which he is now acquiring a steady income.

SIDE NOTES:

§ A criterion would have to be created to act as a guideline for any loan given.

§ The lender should have to provide proof that the project has the potential to yield return and is sustainable.

§ Every circumstance is different; therefore, the financing should be flexible.

§ This type of initiative will help the community by offering enterprising individuals the chance to ‘own responsibility’. Loans, when utilized correctly, instill a sense of ownership to the project or endeavor pursued by the individual.

§ Additionally, initiatives such as this can help RACOBAO steer away from donor dependency.

IGA WATER ENTERPRISE

1) Rain Harvesting Project:

The focus of this project would be to equip X amount of community leaders with the supplies needed to have their own rain catchment systems. RACOBAO would endow the selected members with the materials needed in order to create this water system. In partnership with RACOBAO, additional members of the community would be selected to buy water from the chosen community leader for the same price that one normally would pay to retrieve water from the nearest water source. This small circle would buy exclusively from the selected leader; in turn, creating a local water source and an IGA. An agreement would be made that the local leader(s) chosen will pay RACOBAO back for the cost of materials to build the system. After the debt has been paid, those leaders will benefit through a profit from those who use his/her water source.

a. OVERVIEW

i. Area can be selected after scrutinizing the following:

§ Distance from the nearest water source

§ Reliability of the entrepreneur(s)

§ The degree of need for a water source

§ Asset (human and monetary) availability

ii. Supplies needed (monetary):

§ A gutter system (preferably plastic)

§ Barrels to catch the water

§ A security system (pad locks/chains)

iii. Supplies needed (human):

§ A reliable entrepreneur(s)

§ A reliable and constant partnership with community members (numbers may vary)

b. LIMITATIONS

i. The leaders could choose to be dishonest and keep the water only for themselves.

ii. Thieves could steal the barrels or parts from the system.

iii. There is a possibility that community members would not stay loyal to the leader; inevitably resulting in no profit.

iv. Too many people would want to buy from the chosen leader; hence, producing a shortage of water.

c. BENEFITS

i. A lucrative business and IGA opportunity

ii. Community ownership

iii. Convenience

iv. Development of a new water source

2) Dew Ponds

The focus of this project would be to equip certain areas with Dew Ponds. A dew pond is an artificial pond usually sited on the top of a hill, intended for watering livestock, or in some cases to act as a water source for drinkable water. Dew ponds are used in areas where a natural supply of surface water may not be readily available. They usually are shallow, saucer-shaped, and lined with clay or cement, and banana leaves or bamboo shoots to insulate the bottom layer. To deter earthworms from their natural tendency of burrowing upwards, which in a short while would make the clay lining porous, a layer of soot would be incorporated. The clay is usually covered with the banana leaves or bamboo shoots to prevent cracking by the sun and, if necessary, a final layer of broken stone may be added to protect the lining from the hoofs of sheep or cattle, or a layer of plastic to help protect unwanted external materials to enter the body of water in an effort to keep the water clean and sanitary.

a. REPLENISHMENT

i. There is some controversy surrounding the means of which the pond is replenished. Some of the arguments are as follows:

§ Experiments conducted in 1885 to determine the origin of the water found that dew forms not from dampness in the air but from moisture in the ground directly beneath the site of the condensation: dew, therefore, was ruled out as a source of replenishment.

§ Other scientists have pointed out that the 1885 experiments failed to take into account the insulating effect of the straw and the cooling effect of the damp clay: the combined effect would be to keep the pond at a lower temperature than the surrounding earth, and thus be able to condense a disproportionate share of moisture

§ In turn, these conclusions were disproved in the 1930s, when it was pointed out that the heat-retaining quality of water (its thermal capacity) is many times greater than that of earth; and therefore, the air above a pond in summer would be the last place to attract condensation.

§ However, while equal controversy regarding the means of replenishment exists, a note of importance is that in a multitude of dew ponds used around the world, especially in England, 'People have noticed that they rarely run dry, even in the hottest summer, and it is apparent that, during the night, they receive a supply of water sufficient to counter-balance the great drags that are made upon them by cattle and evaporation,' notes Edward Martin, in a research paper entitled Dew Ponds: History, Observation and Experiment.

3) Budget

a. Contingent upon a case by case basis

4) Summary of the IGA Water Enterprise

a. Limitations:

i. Lack of community mobilization

ii. Lack of community commitment

iii. Lack of appropriate funding

iv. Lack of sufficient water consistency

b. Benefits:

i. The potential for income to be generated

ii. Community ownership and sense of camaraderie

iii. RACOBAO helping the community by breaking the Aid Dependency Cycle

iv. The opportunity to incorporate health and sanitation education to rural communities

v. Through monitoring and evaluation, the positive effects of these projects can be reported to help gain additional funding from outside donors

VIA: VISION IN ACTION- A LIFE SKILLS WORKSHOP

What is the goal of this project?

The national average of HIV/AIDS is purported to be 6.4%; however, in the district of Lyantonde that number is substantially higher with a prevalence rate of 12%. Furthermore, there are pockets within the 8 sub counties that RACOBAO works with that report numbers as high as 24% by those infected with HIV/AIDS due to risky cultural practices. After attending countless community and staff meetings, conducting community based needs assessments, as well as one on one interviews with community members I feel that the efforts put forth by RACOBAO to help lower the percentage of those affected by HIV/AIDS could be amplified if there were more adequate methods of information sharing- since many villages members are unaware that the pandemic exists let alone the repercussions of the disease. Therefore, the primary goal of this project would be to create a program called VIA (Vision in Action). VIA would be a multifaceted workshop conducted at the Vocational school that would include: a creative writing club, life skills training, sexual education, youth empowerment, home based care and strategic advocacy skills training.

What are the objectives of this project? List the principal tasks you and the community group will undertake to reach your objectives.

Objectives:

* To empower youth and reinforce the sense of self; most of whom are child headed households.

* To instill within the youth vital knowledge and skills that can then be shared through testimonials, dramas, etc. this will reduce new infections among persons living within Lyantonde district.

* To promote responsible health behavior in order to improve adherence and accessibility to information regarding HIV/AIDS.

* Strengthen the information network stratagem in a consorted effort to increase effective communication skills to enhance capacity building techniques and sustainable initiatives.

Tasks:

* Each student will write their life story in a private journal; this method will be therapeutic and will allow them to develop and improve their English skills.

* Life skills: peer pressure, gender roles, the importance of healthy friendships, self esteem, health awareness, and sexual education.

* Advocacy efforts (theory and practicum): In order to comply with the behavioral change communication strategies, communication skills in areas such as: nonverbal, public speaking, persuasion, interpersonal, cross-cultural, relational, communication in media and group communication will be taught

How does this project contribute to building skills and capacity within the community?

The effective method in preventing HIV/AIDS within the Lyantonde district is by the sharing of personal experiences and information networking. Most often capacity is defined by skills, knowledge and ability; all of which the youth who participate in this project would learn and promote to others throughout the surrounding sub counties. The youth would be the catalysts for change; a change that would manifest into a voice that would give the district the power of thought and of action. The heart of capacity building is the people. By beginning a perpetual cycle of information sharing through VIA, the knowledge attained by the community members will then saturate various aspects of an individual’s life; thus, the citizens who are positively affected by the imperative information regarding HIV/AIDS will then lead healthy lives. These healthy lives will foster a healthy community from which the creation of healthy environments will encourage healthy economies and sustainable development. VIA will include people who are willing to be involved; ability to identify and access opportunities; leadership; moreover the capacity will expand exponentially.

How will the community be able to sustain the activities and or benefits of this activity?

Communication is a complex, interminable process that provides the fundamental groundwork for developing information systems for the advancement of socio-economic development. As communication is subject to interpretive analysis, it becomes a transactional process that is established through contextual factors; therefore, behavior change will be cultivated. Understanding the dynamics of effective communication networking is crucial to the success of information systems and the role that they play in the outcome of development projects. Those who participate in VIA will learn and be able to identify the importance of appealing to their target audience in an effort to encourage positive change. Sustainability is obtained by ensuring community responsibility which can be achieved through community participation in decision making and control from the beginning of the project. Therefore, I will be training facilitators and immobilizers from within the target community who will be able to teach the materials to the youth. Long term goals, transparency, and constant monitoring practices will be employed as well.

NGO FORUM DATABASE

Database Overview: This project will investigate how the use of strategic communication in information networks is positively and negatively correlated with the success, or failure, of research and development projects within developing nations, in order to help formulate an integrative model that can further the success of development projects. Communication is a complex, interminable process that provides the fundamental groundwork for developing information systems for the advancement of socio-economic development. As communication is subject to interpretive analysis, it becomes a transactional process that is established through contextual factors. Understanding the dynamics of effective communication is an exhausting and ongoing practice; yet, that understanding is crucial to the success of information systems and the role that they play in the outcome of development projects. The effect of integrated information networks, which link all major components of an organization together, often ultimately poses serious challenges to the success of research and development projects. Whether a project is deemed a failure, a partial failure, or a success, the feature of sustainability still must be viewed with equal, if not supreme, importance than that of its initial implementation. This requires understanding the dynamic equilibrium of managing sustainability and change, as well as regulating boundary control. Therefore, the goal of this project is to develop an integrative database that encompasses the NGO’s that participate in the Lyantonde NGO Forum.

Components of the Database:

Ø NGO Name

Ø How many years the NGO has been in existence

Ø Assets

o Monetary

o Human/Community

Ø Projects

o Completed

o In Progress

o Future

Ø Outcome of Projects

o Success

o Partial

o Failure

Ø WHY?

Ø Funding/Budget

Ø Location of Peoples Worked With

Ø Challenges

Ø Action Plans

Ø Strategies

Ø Designated Roles

Benefits:

* All NGO’s will have a communication network in which they can utilize in order to optimize their capacity building.

* Each NGO will be able to better identify their needs and more effective ways in which they can then fulfill them.

* Staff can be strategically exploited.

* Identity and awareness can be better recognized.

* Infrastructure can be strengthened.

* Funding can be optimized.

* Adjust organization as needed to increase efficiencies, expand capabilities and enhance performance, e.g. through board and staff restructurings.

* A more effective means of evaluating and monitoring can be created.

Limitations:

* Weak finances.

* Resources stretched too thin.

* When working with a dependent community it is difficult to transition to a catalyst position.

SIDENOTES:

o The goal of every successful NGO is to work themselves out of a jobhttp://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=308908503709639360

o An organization cannot overwhelm itself; they must be realistic in their projects and complete them in a quality manner- not quantity.

o Previous research has shown that the epidemic of AIDS is more readily cured through a behavioral change method; one, that in theory, offers individuals adequate information about the virus but, most importantly, initiative to have an improved quality of life.

o Outsourcing is vital components for every NGO- has a steady information flow from the rest of the developing world.

o Breaking the dependency cycle of a country is an obligation that every NGO has to adopt as a priority.

o Be realistic about how much time you want to give you NGO; taking on projects beyond the comfortable limits will not yield much benefits in the long run.

RABBIT PROJECT: TAKE TWO

The Rabbit Project:

The focus of this project is to re-introduce rabbits to the area of Lyantonde and the surrounding sub counties. RACOBAO has functional rabbit hatches already in existence; therefore, the initial cost of starting this project is minimal. Once the mother rabbit(s) are reproducing at an appropriate rate, the feed, water and miscellaneous aspects are taken into account and mastered, RACOBAO would then choose one sub county to start working with. RACOBAO would assist a designated farmer from a sub county to host the rabbit project by aiding the construction of the rabbit hutches, educating the farmer on the importance of maintenance as well as proper execution and preparation of the rabbits. Once the farmer is trained, RACOBAO would provide a mother and father rabbit along with X amount of offspring to start this endeavor. Community members would then go to the designated farmer to buy the rabbits at a low cost for consumption or to begin breeding the rabbits themselves.

a. OVERVIEW

The Rabbit

§ The average rabbit is 3-4 pounds (2 kilos)

§ One mother rabbit can produce more than 200 offspring per year

§ 1oz (28grams) of rabbit has:

-40 calories

-0 fat

-6 grams of protein

-Iron 2%

-Zinc 4%

-Vitamin B-6 8%

-Vitamin B-12 35%

-Niacin 10%

-Phosphorus 6%

§ 16oz = 1 lb which is 64oz

-384 grams of protein per rabbit

-512% of Vitamin B-6 per rabbit

-2240% of Vitamin B-12 per rabbit

b. BENEFITS

i. Nutrition:

§ Vitamin B6 also helps maintain your blood glucose (sugar) within a normal range. When caloric intake is low your body needs vitamin B6 to help convert stored carbohydrate or other nutrients to glucose to maintain normal blood sugar levels. Additionally, studies show that a vitamin B6 deficiency can decrease your antibody production and suppress your immune response. Your body needs vitamin B6 to make hemoglobin. Hemoglobin within red blood cells carries oxygen to tissues. Vitamin B6 also helps increase the amount of oxygen carried by hemoglobin. A vitamin B6 deficiency can result in a form of anemia that is similar to iron deficiency anemia.

§ Vitamin B12 plays a key role in the normal functioning of the brain and nervous system, and for the formation of blood. It is normally involved in the metabolism of every cell of the body, especially affecting DNA synthesis and regulation, but also fatty acid synthesis and energy production. Vitamin B12 deficiency can potentially cause severe and irreversible damage, especially to the brain and nervous system. Pernicious anemia is characterized by a triad of symptoms: Anemia, gastrointestinal symptoms and neurological symptoms.

§ Lack of Niacin commonly results in Pellagra. The symptoms include the following: High sensitivity to sunlight, aggression, dermatitis, glossitis, skin lesions, insomnia, weakness, mental confusion, paralysis of extremities, diarrhea and eventually dementia.

§ Rabbit also contains high amounts of zinc; which combined with Vitamin A, account for 1 million of the world’s leading causes of malnutrition.

§ They are low maintenance; small amounts of water, grass and fruits are needed for survival.

§ Demonstrations must be given and sanitation, general health and nutrition must be included.

c. LIMITATIONS

i. The members of the community could be reluctant to try something new.

ii. If proper measures are not taken, the safety and health of the rabbits could be threatened; thus, the project would not be successful.

iii. If the rabbits were to escape into the wild and reproduce without a natural predator present, the community could face the problem of overpopulation.

d. BUDGET

i. The initial cost of each rabbit to start the project is 5,000ush

ii. The cost of rabbit hutches varies depending upon the local resources available.

iii. The cost of food and water is contingent on availability.

I strongly feel that in order to for one to fully wrap their mind around the content of my blogs that will subsequently follow, one needs to understand the cultural norms, values and practices of Uganda; therefore, this blog will amorphously depict The Pearl of Africa from those perspectives in order to better provide a sound platform for which one can adequately appreciate the Ugandan way of life. **Please note that the views listed below are solely those of me and what I have endured thus far in my service in Uganda, as well as what I have gathered from conversations with Ugandan friends. I am generalizing (both for the American view and Ugandan view); therefore, please be aware that NOT ALL Ugandans or Americans embody any one way of thinking or all share the same state of mind.** Uganda is a homogenous and collectivist culture. In this collective society: One’s identity is in large part a function of one’s membership and role in a group, e.g., the family or work team. The survival and success of the group ensures the well-being of the individual, so that by considering the needs and feelings of others, one protects oneself, Harmony and the interdependence of group members are stressed and valued. Group members are relatively close psychologically and emotionally, but distant toward non group members. Collectivist characteristics are often associated with women and people in rural settings. Ugandan communication is highly indirect: People are indirect; they imply/suggest what they mean; understatement is valued; you need to read between the lines; the truth, if it hurts, should be tempered. Ugandan communication is high context: much is already known; the spoken word is not the primary means of communicating; much is implied but little needs to be said; nonverbal cues and context are the key what is not said may be the message. And while this is true for Ugandans, it is important to note that the spoken word and oral communication is highly valued here. The art of proverb use in African languages is exceedingly admired; especially the art of exceptional oracy. Besides those that are educated, very few Ugandans can read or write; therefore, the spoken word is highly esteemed. It is fascinating to mention that the style of oral communication is quite different than the Western means of ‘direct communication’. Ugandans cherish story telling and are judged by the choice of words, figures of speech, such as: Proverbs, metaphors, and idioms. Shirley Byakutaga, one of my pre-service trainers, states, “It is the “unschooled” who would just throw out words anyhow without spicing the language with the flavor of proverbs and the like.” Proverbs are utilized for discovery learning in that when they are said, only half of the proverb is spoken and the listener is required to complete the other half. This is part of conversational management; to ensure that the listener is attentive. This style of active listening is seen regularly in Ugandan meetings and conversations with not only proverbs but also with general information. EX: “You have to put the water in the what? In the glass.” You have to call me on the what? On the phone.” The intermission is not seen as an interruption, but rather a method for the listener to show interest in the conversation or speech. Time, to Ugandans, is polychromic and cyclical; Time is the servant and tool of people. Time is adjusted to suit the needs of people. More time is always available, and you are never too busy. People often have to do several things simultaneously, as required by their circumstance. It is not necessary to finish one thing before starting another, nor to finish your business with one person before starting in with another. 1) Attitude towards Age: American View: The American emphasis on concrete achievements and “doing” means that age is not highly valued, for the older you are the less you can accomplish. Age is also suspect because new is usually better in American culture, and the elderly are generally out of touch with what’s new. Ugandan View: The elderly are highly revered as they are depicted by others as knowledgeable and wise. The children are often the last to be given food and are expected to give up their seat on a bus for an older person. This is because the youth are portrayed as having high amounts of energy whereas the elders are physically weaker from strenuous physical labor. 2) Concept of Fate and Destiny: American View: The concept of self-determination negates much of the influence of fate and destiny. Parents tell their children they can be whatever they want to be when they grow up. There are few givens in life, and people have little sense of external limits. Lack of success is their fault. Ugandan View: Ugandans are highly religious; therefore, they believe that their fate and destiny is determined by God. It is interesting because while they surrender their will to God and his ultimate plan, they view their physical circumstance as “it is this way and only this way”. They believe that they are endowed with poverty because that is just the way it has been and the way it will be- they do not question their situation nor do they query their limits. There is the mentality that Ugandans, or Africans, are in a 3rd world circumstance due to external factors (environmental and man made); some also believe that it is the Devils doing and that God will ultimately prevail. They take the bible very, very literally. 3) View of Human Nature: American View: People are considered basically and inherently good. If someone does an evil deed, we look for the explanation, for the reason why the person turned out bad. People can and should be trusted and we are fairly open to strangers, and willing to accept them. Ugandan View: It is believed that if any person does wrong or is ‘bad’ that it is the fault of the family- those who raised the person. There is no questioning or rationalizing why they did what they did, it is only a matter of how they were raised. In Uganda, telling someone that they have “bad manners” is the worst insult you could bestow someone. Unfortunately, domestic violence is quite prevalent in Uganda, and parental love or compassion is rare; although, there are exceptions to every rule. So, if a parent is able to send their child to school, the child is obligated to take care of the family financially- it is exceptional for parents to have emotional attachment to their children. I must say though, that the majority of those I have thus far encountered were not raised in families such as I have described but even upon talking with them, they insist the majority of Ugandan families are raised in such circumstances. 4) Attitudes towards Change: American View: Change is considered positive, probably because Americans believe in the march of progress and the pursuit of perfection. Improvements will always move us close and closer to perfection. Traditions can be a guide, but they are not inherently superior. Ugandan View: Uganda is money driven. They will embrace change as long as the change will provide them with more money. For instance, prostitution is extremely high in Lyantonde because it yields a high income. While the women who engage in risky sexual behavior may be aware of the consequences, i.e: AIDS, STI, unwanted pregnancy, etc. it does not matter as long as the act brings them income. 5) Attitude towards Taking Risks: American View: There will always be enough opportunity to go around, so taking risks, involves no real danger. For the truly ambitious, failure is only temporary. Experimentation, trial and error are important ways to learn or to improve your product or service. Ugandan View: Ugandans will take risks only if they believe that it will bring them more money. They will open a shop- a huge risk here- as they do not know whether or not it will be successful but could potentially serve as an income generating endeavor. Behavioral risk taking is very rare. Things are the way they are; hence, the lack of motivational social change. 6) Concept of Suffering and Misfortune: American View: Because we are ultimately in control of our lives and destiny we have no excuse for unhappiness or misfortune. If you are suffering or unhappy, they just do whatever it takes to be happy again. If you are depressed, it is because you have chosen to be. Ugandan View: The majority believes that God is in control of their lives and destiny; therefore, there is little ownership to their unhappiness. They are born into their circumstance and there is modest effort taken to change it. It is as if suffering is inherent within their culture; as that is what most of Uganda knows. 7) Concept of Face: American View: In individualistic cultures, no premium is put on saving face because people can take care of themselves. What other people think is not so crucial to survival or success. We can say what we think without worrying about hurting peoples feelings, and we likewise appreciate directness. Ugandan View: Saving face is extremely important in Uganda. Not losing face takes precedence over the “truth”; maintaining harmony is the overriding goal of the communication exchange; confrontation is avoided; what one says and one feels are often not the same. It is unheard of for a child to talk back to their parents or to even ask, “Why?” In any given community, everyone knows everything about everybody. It is imperative to have a respected family name. Ugandans are always “fine”. When asked about their day or their lives, it is rare that they will ever admit the severity of their suffering. 8) Source of Self Esteem/Self Worth: American View: In an individualistic culture, you are what you have achieved; that is, you create your own worth rather than receiving it by virtue of birth, position, seniority, or longevity. Your self-esteem comes from what you have done to earn self- esteem. Ugandan View: Self esteem is different with men and women. Uganda is an exceptionally patriarchic society; therefore, the men are born with a sense of position and authority. Women, on the other hand, measure their self worth either by: Education, number of children that they have (the more the better), the amount of money they have, or if they come from a prominent family. It is the monetary things that bring Ugandans a sense of self worth. 9) Concept of Equality: American View: In a strong reaction to the repressive class structure in Europe, Americans created a culture virtually built around egalitarianism: The notion that no one is superior to anyone else because of birth, power, fame, or wealth. We are not all the same, but we are equal of value. Ugandan View: There is a huge gap between the men, women and children. Men are viewed as being superior, and often times possess power, authority and wealth. Women are subservient to the men, as are the children. The children perform the majority of household chores: Fetching water, washing clothes, cleaning the house, etc. 10) Attitude towards Formality: American View: Because of the strong egalitarian ethos, Americans tend to be casual and informal in social and professional interactions. Informality is also more necessary in a mobile society where people are always meeting new people. We don’t stand on ceremony, nor use titles or rank in addressing each other. Ugandan View: Ugandans are very formal when addressing one another unless they are relationally close to each other or if they are ‘exposed/educated’. Children and women kneel to men and to elders. “Hey you!” or “Girl” is extremely rude; Ugandans will address each other as madam or sir. 11) Degree of Realism: American View: Largely because of the notion that the individual is in control, Americans are generally optimistic. We do not see things the way they are, but as better than they are, particularly if they are not so good. We feel it is important to be positive and that there is no reason not to be. Ugandan View: Ugandans suffer from a self fulfilling prophecy as they are a Donor Darling Country. The majority wait for external means of help and hand outs. It is by being educated or having money that brings happiness. Ugandans are sheltered, as electricity is unreliable and few can afford it; consequently, they have little exposure to the outside world and innovative means of doing things. 12) Attitude towards Doing: American View: Individuals survive because they get things done, generally on their own. Words and talk are suspect and cheap; they don’t put food on the table or a roof over your head. Pursuits not directly related the creation of concrete results, e.g., academia, the arts, are less highly valued. What is practical and pragmatic is favored over what is beautiful and inspiring. Ugandan View: As long as what they are doing brings money, it is all that matters. 13) View of the Natural World: American View: The natural world is a kind of mechanism or machine that can be studied and know and whose workings can be predicted, manipulated, and ultimately controlled. It is not to be feared. Ugandan View: There is little technology in Uganda; hence, there is very little means of knowing how to manipulate the environment. Ugandans know when the wet and the dry seasons come and when to plant. The environment is a part of their existence; they tend to work with it than against it. *The outline for the above was formulated with literary help from Culture Matters: The Peace Corps Cross-Cultural Workbook. Miscellaneous Cultural Implications: -Transportation: The number one cause of death in Uganda is Automobile Fatalities. In a taxi (a car that would normally seat 4 maybe 5 people legally in America) it is rare to see it filled with less than 9-12 people. People will literally fit in the trunk and on top of one another. When at high capacity, there will even be a person sharing the driver’s seat! In a matatu (a taxi van) that can legally fit 14 people- there are, on average, 15-27 people (not to mention the chickens, babies, and luggage). Boda Bodas (motorcycles) weave in and out of traffic and drive on the sidewalks to surpass the traffic on the roads. Buses are usually crammed with people standing in the isles and are never on time (if that bus line even has a potential arrival and departure timetable). In short, traveling is hectic, uncomfortable, slow, and just downright awful. -Muzungu Prices: Muzungu (I will refer to this word frequently): is what a foreigner, preferably a person with white skin, is referred to as. Now, it is an instant given here in Uganda, that if you have white skin you have money; therefore, when going to the market or basically buying anything, a muzungu will be charged double the price it should be. Granted that at markets, you are supposed to bargain (it is actually quite fun when you are in the mood). However, when you just want to buy anything: Transport, vegetables, groceries, etc. unless you know what the cost should be, you will 9 out of 10 times be overcharged. It is utterly annoying but is something that you just get used to. -Fat: Ugandans have no problem whatsoever telling you that you are fat. Now, they will claim that this is a complement. To some extent- it is. Culturally, especially in the rural villages, when a human is ‘fat’ it means that they come from a good family because they can afford to eat well. However, in the city areas, they know what it is to be skinny and how the Westerns value slimness. Nonetheless, we Peace Porps girls have been told, “You have fat legs,” or, “My, you have grown fat”, or- my favorite, “Your stomach is extending rapidly.” *sigh* -Buzz Words: “Extend, Extend”= Move/scoot over. “You have been lost!”= I have not seen you in a long time. “Well be back”= Welcome back. “Branch off” = Turn (left or right) “Let us move together”= We shall travel together soon. “Oh, I fear it so.”= I am afraid of it. “I’ll flash you”= I’ll call your phone but don’t pick up. “I’ll give you a push.”= I will accompany you somewhere. “Let us foot.”= We will walk there. “Short Call.”= Number 1. “Long Call.”= Number 2. “Some how”= Everything is always somehow. -Miscellaneous: They eat with their handsFear waterThe children’s role is that of an adult- they rarely have time to play Hanging up without saying goodbye or helloThey love calling to greetIt is rude to bring anything to dinner when invited (it is like insulting the host)When you ask them to lunch or dinner you are expected to payTheft is extremely high- which is contradictory because people will take things that benefit the whole of the community: I.E. the pump to a water source. The people usually carry everything on their headsThey hate walkingThey are afraid of animals and insects (snakes, spiders, etc.)They treat animals horribly (kick and abuse cats and dogs)Staring is considered to be rude; therefore, they rarely make eye contact when having a discussionWinking is a sexual advancementIf a boy and girl walk together it is implied that they are having sex. Boy/girl friendships are very rareHolding hands in public between (boy and a girl) implies they are engaging in sexual activities but it is very common to see a boy and boy or a girl and another girl hold hands; even though Ugandans are extremely homophobicThere is no personal space; Ugandans are very touchy feely Women and children almost always kneel to elders, men, and bazunguCaning (beating with a rod) happens frequently in schools even though it is illegalWhen you talk, Ugandans respond by raising eyebrows and saying, “mmm.”They fear conflict- are not confrontationalGirls will have their ears pierced and boys will be circumcised so that they will not be stolen for human sacrificeThere is a ‘numbness to death’ mentalityTribal rivalry is prevelent: There is very interesting tribal diversity that occurs within Uganda. For instance, In the Ankole tribe- it is commonly believed that if a man has a planned journey and the first person that he meets or speaks to that morning is a woman then it is an omen of bad luck; that the trip will be bad and it is best to cancel. Importance of land: By law, if the land benefits the whole of the community the owner must hand over the rights The belief of witch craft and night dancers (people who come out in the night and eat you alive)Interrupting: They constantly interrupt and talk over one anotherWomen will breast feed in any public setting and, when doing household chores, will often do it shirtless; the more rural the more conservative one dresses. In the cities- they are more exposed and therefore more accepting of jeans, tank tops, etc.When you are at a restaurant and ask for something they will just leave to go get itIf you go to eat with a group of people the server will bring out the food one plate at a time and it is not expected that you wait until everyone has their food before you start eating

I could not have been placed in a better location! I am now happily living in Lyantonde, which is equidistant between Mbarara and Masaka. As far as my living arrangement goes I am a four minute walk from my organization, which beats the hell out of the round trip walk to and from training- totaling 6miles a day. I walk about 10min to town, which is not huge, but is much bigger than Wakiso. I have a latrine outside and a bathing quarters inside (thank God I brought my solar shower!). I have a separate room for a “kitchen”; I bought a gas stove and a table with 2 chairs. Then I have another room that is a “sitting” room with an end table, a couch, and my front door that leads to a huge porch. There is a half wall that separates my sitting area from my bedroom. In my bedroom I have a bookcase, some shelves, and a bed and oh, did I mention that I live in a farm house? So I have a tremendous amount of land. It is breathtaking. In my back yard there is a fat pig, a trillion goats, cows, and thank the Lord there are not any roosters or chickens. (I have developed an immense disdain for roosters and actually kicked one; they are so rude and cockadoodle doo for no damn reason at the crack of dawn). They have abandoned rabbit coupes and I have thought about getting a pet rabbit. I collect my water from a rain tank right outside my door. Anyways, I love it, as it is perfect for me. My organization is also fabulous. I work for RACOBAO (Rakia Community Based Aids Organization) which is a new organization formed out of LWF (Lutheran World Foundation). It is comprised of a relatively small staff but they are extremely educated and fun. LWF has been in Rakai (now Lyantonde district) for the last 13 years implementing an HIV/AIDS project whose overall goal was to reduce the incidence of HIV transmission and mitigate the adverse socio-economic impact of AIDS. The town, Lyantonde, was one of the hardest hit by HIV/AIDS, mostly because it is a trucker town. As the national average for HIV/AIDS is 6% Lyantonde, to date, is at 12% with pockets of pastoralist’s communities as high as 28%. ROCOBAO has helped to reduce the HIV and AIDS prevalence from 23% in 1995 to 12% to date, providing counseling services to over 5000 people affected and offering assistance in building the capacity of the community. Vision: A Ugandan community where people are free from HIV and AIDS and living an improved quality of life. Mission: RACOBAO exists to empower communities affected by HIV and AIDS and those at risk to respond to the causes and consequences of the scourge. Core Values: Transparency, Accountability, Quality, Professionalism, Justice, Participation. Strategic Objectives: Responsible health behavior among youth and women at risk of HIV infection promoted; improved adherence and accessibility to ART (anti-retroviral treatment) and other related services; community based socio-economic initiatives for the affected people promoted; improved access to food, housing, and sanitation throughout the year among the 250 most affected families headed by children, PLA (people living with AIDS) and the elderly grandparents; strengthened institutional capacity of localized RACOBAO to sustain ably achieve its mission. Focus Area: HIV/AIDS and behavioral change; food security and environmental management; livelihood support; rights based approach programming. I have 2 counterparts and one supervisor. My assigned counterpart, Ruth, is 28 and a diva. She is so tremendously helpful and a great friend. She grew up in Kampala so she is somewhat “westernized”. My other counterpart, Vincent, is an amazing guy and I truly admire him. My supervisor, Haq, is one of the most patient men that I have ever met (other than my dad). They all speak wonderful English and are super accommodating with helping me learn Luganda. Most everyone in Lyantonde town speaks English but within the 8 sub counties we work with, English is not commonly spoken. I am expected to be at all of the meetings, they ask for my input, and are in constant communication with how I am doing work wise. The organization runs many programs but the three most notable are: HACEP, which is a 3 year community empowerment project from 2009-2011 aimed at strengthening the community action to respond to the causes and consequences of HIV and AIDS in a more sustainable manner; the Rural Farmers Project, which is basically building a co-op in each sub county to grow one crop to sell in bulk; RACOBAO sponsors children (CHH- child headed households) at the vocational school that they built. I will be posting my project proposals in a later blog but so far throughout my first 3 months of service, the following projects and activities are the highlights of what I have thus far completed: OCTOBER 2009 20th- I edited 3 articles and went to a HIV/AIDS movie showing in one of the sub counties. I felt that the message could have been better displayed especially since they are trying to shift to a behavior change method. Most of the attendees were kids and the content of the film was not suitable, in my opinion. There were only a few men, mostly women. The majority did not stay throughout the entirety of the film. 26th-30th: Forum week. There were task groups assigned and we went to 8 different sub counties to receive feedback from the community on how they depicted RACOBAO’s performance throughout the year. Some of it was difficult because I did not have a translator, as the meetings were conducted in Luganda. Basically, RACOBAO explained the history of the organization followed by the multitude of programs offered. There was some discrepancy because, for example, HACEP is not functioning in all of the sub counties so the community members wanted to know why others benefited from it and they did not. Overall, the meetings went well. After RACOBAO explained everything, the floor was opened for comments and questions. Every sub county brought up the instance of receiving payment for being advocacy volunteers and everyone wanted reimbursement for travel. 29th-30th: Youth Camp- ‘Yes We Can’, which stood for: young empowered and safe. The set up of the camp was great. Unfortunately, the first day of the camp conflicted with the forum- so, some of the people who were supposed to present were in the field. Therefore, the first day consisted of some of the kids just playing games. I held a session on reading and writing. So I had the kids play charades (there were 30). I had them write down 2 words that they knew in English, split them up into two teams then had them play. When one guessed the correct word they had to write it on the board. It went well and they had fun; however, I don’t think they learned a lot as the kids ranged from 9-20 in age. I felt that it was a super hard activity to try and encompass everyone. The second day was all lectures comprising of the following issues: Youth roles and responsibilities; behavioral change and communication skills; HIV and AIDS awareness/updates; hygiene and sanitation in the households; income generating activities; peer education skills; children’s rights; violence in the household. There was a goat roast and a campfire- during this the kids shared their life stories. It was heartbreaking. I didn’t even know that the majority of the kids were HIV positive themselves. Throughout the night the children shared their personal experiences guided by a counselor. NOVEMBER 2009 5th: Went to a forum and waited four hours for the President of Uganda to arrive. Once he did he listened from the LC 1-5 about how Lyantonde district was doing, what they have accomplished, and what needed work and or attention. I got to sit front row and listen to the President speak though which was definitely interesting. 11th: Went and met with Bonabona- a RACOBO trained HIV positive woman who is making huge strides in helping others be aware of HIV and getting tested. I interviewed her and got her life story as I are going to nominate her for the PC World AIDS Day (which she won!). 12th: Met with the children at the vocational school and taught them English; I had to get an idea of what they knew. Until the term ended, which was in December, I taught English twice a week for 2 hours. 16th: Went to 5 primary schools within one of the sub counties and asked (one) to host the life skills talk show forum; they agreed and so we went to four other primary schools to ask if they wanted to participate. They all said yes and were asked to choose 10 students (5 boys and 5 girls) along with one teacher to take participate in this workshop. I talked about the bridge model and drew a diagram to present. The kids talked to one another on the skills that they use in everyday life to help them to make positive life decisions, then RACOBAO presented; this was followed by a question and answer forum. 17th: Went to the NGO forum meeting and took minutes (notes) on the entirety of the meeting. Creating a database for this forum is my number one project so I will post my proposal for it later! DECEMBER 2009 2nd: Attended the Uganda Women’s Network workshop. Starting time 11.00am Prayer and expectations: phones on silent, no talking, respect others opinions. Then we went over the protocol to the African Charter on Rights (there was a handout/packet). Audience was asked what a protocol was: I said a set of standards or regulations to by which others must adhere to. Others said: something you set to do but have not finished, discuss on a law that has been enacted, documents that have been written to become law. It’s discussed upon, a proposed bill, rules that have been set and you have to follow. Overview: facts, provisions, challenges, significance of the protocol, positive aspects, way forward. Background: Critical policy document that is truly African with sole ownership rights’ that require informed public support and constituency critically aware. 30 pages; 1st legal document to address all women’s abuse rights. On July 11th, 2003 countries implemented it. So now they are trying to ratify it so that bills may ensue in accordance to the protocol in an effort to better Uganda. Forms of discrimination on women: FGM (female genital mutilation) also a harmful practice, Inheritance especially fixed assets (Buganda), Kneeling, when they are married they are then property, bride price, some religions don’t allow women to speak in public, not part of the decision making in family, political positions, work place, disabled are neglected, sexual harassment by men, food not being eaten by women, no rights to speak their mind, education. Harmful practices: FGM, Karmojas ears pulled, sharp objects to design their bodies, women sleeping with their dead husbands, if married before wedding and gets pregnant they are thrown off a cliff, visiting the bush (men pulling on the labia). Types of marriages: customary, religious, civil, kids mist take fathers last name. Reactions to the presented protocol. looks at Africa as the same village, left out cultural issues, creates awareness on women’s rights, women already open, but the men still need to be sensitized, its good but men. Responses: marrying in matrimonial homes- religions accepted and respected, political decision making, article 8 helpful to police, age is 18 but it should be 16 to marry, article 2, mechanisms in place, nationality of a child, article 7 divorce and separation. A woman walks into a home with nothing but a suitcase all of the possessions are the husbands. Men want to know how it can then be ½ and ½. Women should document everything. Women are angry because they do not have tangible things and their work/labor is never viewed or acknowledged. Article 20C, article 5 (Buganda). The men as if FGM is really that bad because it is like when a girl gets her ears pierced it hurts at first but at the end of the day it is fine and it is the same with FGM. It degrades women- circumcision. Why should the men have many wives but the women cannot have many husbands. Action plan: take back the news to communities also teach to those concerned, you don’t have to be a politician to relay the information, work with the LC 1’s to sensitize on the issue, your asking religious leaders to teach against issues that are embedded within church values, abortion, etc. Reprint the protocol in the local languages, must first teach the family as you cannot change the community without first getting the family involved. It was a fascinating forum and allowed me to better understand the role that women play in this country. I was surprised that men even attended (their numbers were small) and their comments were amusing. 8th: Helped with the American Embassy’s AIDS event. I helped sort out tee shirts and was “Vana White” for the jeopardy game show. I did announcements, handed out tee shirts, sodas, and phones as well as airtime. I flipped the boards on chart for the jeopardy game which was an AIDS trivia session. It was an amazing experience, and there were an enormous amount of people getting free testing for HIV. The whole event was very eye opening and over 3000 people attended. 14th: Went to the Lyantonde Hospital and distributed 80 bags of 50kilogram flour to HIV infected mothers who are vulnerable and breastfeeding. We had a short meeting with the women explaining what was going on and then went outside to distribute the flour. Ruth and I did six personal human interest stories. I did the videoing and some picture taking. The women were unbelievably thankful. 15th: Went to Mpumudde sub county; this is one of the areas that the Rural Farmers Project has been implemented. They made a chart of all of the foods listed below: kasoli (corn), ebyjanjalo (beans), ensuka (banana/amatooke plantation), emwanyi (coffee bean), obutunda (passion fruit), obulo (millet), ebynebwa (gnuts), enanansi (pineapple), muwogo (cassava). These are the foods (as well as animal raisings) that they can do to produce money. We gave an example of maize in which we wrote down how much everything thing would cost. So there was a column of input/requirements (such as: insecticides, land, seeds, etc), quantity, unit cost, and then total cost. After that was completed they then did another chart that consisted of how much they could sell everything for and the overall total profit that would be accrued. This project will require the community to choose one crop to grow as a cooperative. Once that is chosen, RACOBAO will give the workshops on capacity building, how to grow effectively, etc. Mostly men attended this meeting; there were about five women present. Each person will grow and then combine the crops together to sell collectively; in bulk quantities and high volumes. Once a crop is decided upon, then the community will have to decide where the money will go and how it should be spent.

Please identify the strategies you have used thus far to learn more about your community and/or organization in terms of local norms and values: formal interviews, observation, informal discussion, attending meetings, a lot of question asking on my behalf, and reading of organizations materials.What strategies have you used to learn the local language, and how has this influenced your community entry and integration? I have used the text book, notes taken from training, tutoring, conversations, but most importantly asking a LOT of questions to my co-workers; all of which are extremely helpful and are enthusiastic about me learning. This has positively influenced my integration into the community by obvious means; more respect, the people of the community are more willing and eager to talk to me and trust me as a member of their community, and it gives me a piece of mind by being able to understand and tell people in Luganda when they are cheating me or lying. Please list one or two interesting characteristics you believe make your community or organization unique.HIV/AIDSThe Bahima tribe. They are a number one consideration for RACOBAO. They have been very creative with the cattle; making gee (butter), sell the horns and design crafts, and utilizing the hide of the cattle to make instruments, mats, decorations and hats. What PACA tools have you used in the community integration process and what did these tools help you learn about your community (please name up to three tools)? A seasonal map. The seasonal map helped me to learn when meetings could be scheduled to gain the most information and be most effective. Additionally, it has helped me to understand when the people of the community suffer the most and from what and vice versa.Needs assessment. The needs assessment allowed me to gain information about the community as a whole and helped me gain more breadth and depth into each of the sections/questions asked. Daily activity schedule. The daily activities schedule (while every person varies to some degree) helped to me sum together the different gender activities that they partake in daily which ultimately allowed me to better understand the roles that men and women and children play within their community. What assets or resources have you and your colleagues identified in your community and/or organization that may play a role in future collaborative development activities you implement together?1) We trying to fight (or work with) the harmful cultural practices. Among the Bahima tribe the HIV/AIDS rate is as high as 27%. During weddings and celebrations they love dance and musical poems- they get very excited about those. So RACOBAO is going to work with their culture by integrating positive HIV/AIDS messages within those musical poems to help inform the members of the tribe and community. 2) We are lead agents for the NGO forum and want to use the opportunity to work with the other NGOs in order to share the work plans as well as compare and contrast ideas and perspectives so that we can work cooperatively with one another.3) The identification that information sharing was not effective and therefore implementing projects focused towards behavioral change. 4) Realizing that many people listen to the local radio station, as this is a transit town- more HIV/AIDS messages are now being played by RACOBAO.What are some of the major activities you have carried out thus far with your organization colleagues and/or community members (3-4)?1) FORUM meetings- they were feedback meetings and we asked the community (each sub-county) what they thought of our work in the community as well as told them our accomplishments and work plans for the near future.2) Global Giving, we had posted a proposal and were able to give 80 bags of 50kg to vulnerable breastfeeding mothers who were HIV+.3) I helped conduct a life skills training at one of the schools.4) Teaching English at the vocational school.5) I have made multiple trips to the field.6) NGO forum- I took minutes and will be creating the data base to synergize the forum.7) YES youth camp- I participated in a youth camp.What are the top three community needs/priorities identified by you and your counterparts, community members, etc?1) HACEP (HIV and AIDS Community Empowerment Project)FoodHealthEducationWhat are some of the possible solutions you and your counterparts and collaborators are evaluating as possible future activities to address these needs?1) We trained community based advocacy groups in 5 out of 8 sub counties. They empower people and sensitize them of their rights and do the advocacy themselves2) Established primary student rights clubs (a teacher heads those). They meet weekly and create poems and dramas to sensitize their surrounding schools and travel to other schools.3) Do work to make sure that the human rights are met such as education sponsorship (77 students sponsored)- RACOBAO has its own vocational school (34-50students).4) Health: our volunteer councilors provide social psycho support to the community members and refer them to our health center. The hospital recommends to RACOBAO those who are on ARV’s: those too week to farm and too poor to buy food are sent to us and we provide food supplements. 5) We have trained health people at every health center. There are health management comities that are supposed to provide solutions to the hospital problems. 6) OPEN Door Uganda has helped RACOBA to create a goat project as a financial empowerment tool. There are 3 sub counties that participate and each family is given 2 goats. Once they have babies they have to give one back to RACOBAO and then we give it to another person in community who is vulnerable. That cycle is perpetuated.What are you most proud of thus far in your community integration process?1) The exposure that I have been able to endure. I have had a plethora of opportunities to go to the field and attend meetings, have many one on one interviews and get to know the entire RACOBAO staff. Additionally, I have been able to learn and understand how the organization works as well as the gaps that I feel I am able to help fill.

General Info: What is the history of the community? When was it founded and by whom? What issues, conflicts, milestones, etc. have affected it, and how? Lyantonde was urbanized in the early 1960’s by the Asian population. They came to this area and developed small businesses and trade. At the time, Lyantonde served as the ‘go to’ hub for the surrounding districts; thus, business was lucrative as well as trade due to the fact that Lyantonde is the center of the international road ways. Upon Idi Amin’s ruling, the Asians were forced to leave the country of Uganda but the businesses and trade were maintained by the Ugandan population. The AIDS epidemic, at the time, was flourishing on the border of Tanzania. Since Lyantonde is a trucker town/rest stop, many people who were infected came from Tanzania to Lyantonde; spreading the disease. The prostitution level is extremely high in Lyantonde town as it is a profitable business and women obtain much money from the truckers who stop here for the night amidst their journey to other countries that border Uganda. Therefore, a great deal of sexual activity, coupled with harmful cultural practices and lack of health information, resulted in an extraordinary high prevalence rate of HIV/AIDS in Lyantonde. Unfortunately, the epidemic is what the town is most widely recognized for. Additionally, it is important to note that Lyantonde used to be a part of Rakai District but in 2007, Museveni reset the boundary lines and created Lyantonde District. How many people live in your community? Your district? How many counties/subcounties/parishes are in your community? Lyantonde District: covers five sub counties of Kasagama, Kinuuka, Lyantonde Rural, Kaliiro, Mpuudde and Lyantonde town with a combined population of 66,175-72,000. On average, each sub county has six perishes. Child population: 36,050. Orphan population: 5,571. HIV Prevalence- Lyantonde average 17.8% National average: 6.5%. Poverty level- Rural: 82.8% Pre-Urban Areas: 73% Population with access to clean water: 71.2%. What is the average family size? The average number of people in a family is 6. What are the main ethnic groups in your community, and what percentages of each? Ugandan and Rwandese. Baganda 60%, Banyankole 25%, and Banyarwanda 15%. Are there specific areas or neighborhoods in your community? Are there specific groups in each neighborhood? No If there is a problem in the town, to whom do the people go for resolution? Is this different for women than men? First, the local counsels (LC 1) and the village leader, then to Lyantonde Town police. The women will usually have a local leader in the counsel for women affairs and children affairs- as they would go to them first. What kinds of houses and buildings are built in your community? What materials and labor are needed for building them? Mud, semi-permanent houses. Mud, sticks, grass sometimes wood. Tools: hands and ladders. Is your community known for anything in particular? What and why? The highest prevalence for HIV/AIDS (Rakai is where it started). Some still have 28% because Lyantonde is an international truck stop. Who are the leaders in the community? What are their specific roles, and when did they assume them? The LC’s (all levels), there are opinion leaders, religious leaders and the elders. Some are politicians and those types of disputes are settled in temporary courts. The religious figures serve as spiritual mentors; some are well standing people within the communities based on their experience, and the elders because of their life experience and respect. The member’s length of duty is continuous and elected periodically. Religion, Culture and Entertainment: What are the main religions and holidays in the community? How do the men, women, ad children celebrate them? Catholic, Protestant, Muslim and Pentecostal. New Years (Jan 1st), NRM (Jan 26) Women’s Day (8th of March), Easter Monday (April 4th), Good Friday (April 2nd), Labor Day (May 1st), Martyrs Day (June 3rd), Hero’s Day (June 9th), Independence Day (Oct 9th), Idd, World AIDS Day (Dec 1st), Christmas Day (Dec 25th), Boxing Day (Dec 26th). Women prepare big dinners and the men drink afterwards (main holidays) some go to church. All days people are allowed off work. Are there any places in your town, or in the surrounding areas, that have special meaning or are sacred? No Who are the religious leaders in your community? What are their roles? Depending on the religion, the leader of that denomination is portrayed as such. Their roles are to educated people in the community and provide spiritual guidance. What are the ideas and attitudes surrounding marriage, wealth, success, death, etc.? Marriage: In the rural sub counties it is expected that women marry soon and have many children- a person is not a full person until they are married. A married person is very well respected in the community. In the town (Lyantonde) success is viewed by a person attending school, having work (a job), further studies, then family. Wealth: The more land, children and polygamous you are and have, the richer you are. Success: marriage, wealthy with livestock and cows, a good house and children going to school. In the town, if you are educated and have a job. Death: Only the leaders and influential people are missed and mourned (not the widow, small children or poor man) the first question after the death is, “what have they left?” What do people in your community do for entertainment? What venues are there for entertainment purposes? In Lyantonde town, they go out to drink and watch local TV stations. In the sub counties, they tune into the radio. The kid’s just play around outside. The men and prostitutes inhabit local pubs. What types of music, art, dance, and theater is conducted in your community? Local Ugandan music. There is a tribe called the Bahima and they make and weave chairs, walking sticks and baskets. There are local folk songs that are conducted at local marriages and ceremonies. There are some drama and theater but they are mostly supported by the church and do HIV related skits. What sports are played in your community? Who plays, and who is not allowed/supposed to play? Football, it is not usually organized but there are usually pickup versions. Usually, just the youth participate. In the rural communities, the women are not allowed to play because they have household chores to attend to. Transport and Communication: What are the main (and not so main) routes into and out of the community, and where do they lead? Are they passable during the entire year? Only roads; there is the main highway that goes from Kampala to Mbarara onto Rwanda and the DRC. To the sub counties, there are a few dirt roads that connect to other districts that surround Lyantonde. Yes, however, in the rainy season it is quite dangerous because they get so muddy. Who are the main travelers on each side of these routes? On the highway, it is mostly truckers to the neighboring countries and business vehicles that carry food to Kampala. What are the distances (in km and in minutes/hours) to nearby communities, and to the larger cities? To the sub counties it is usually people coming to Lyantonde town to shop via boda and private hires. From Lyantone to Mbarara and Masaka it is about 1hour-2hours (depending on the road condition, traffic and police checks). The distance is 71k to Masaka and 69k to Mbarara. From Lyantonde to Kagamba (the furthest sub county) it takes 1:10 and is 45k. The rest vary from 20min to 1 and a half hours. For those in small villages, does anyone in the village, or in surrounding villages, own a personal vehicle? Yes, some will own a private hire to take others to Lyantonde town. What kinds of communication are available and when? Cell phone. In some offices there are land lines and faxes. It depends on the provider and network coverage in the sub counties. What are the different media sources (radio, TV, print, town crier) that are/are not available in your community? For those that are available, who uses each of them, and how much do they use them? Phone, word of mouth, print, radio, TV, all are widely available except the TV- there is no electricity in some of the rural communities. Typically, the men have phones, radios, TV, and buys news papers. The radios are on and listened to almost 24/7. The TV’s are mostly used in the evening when the drinkers come and the phones almost all the time- mostly text not long calls. Water and Sanitation: How many water resources are there? 80 wells and some are near the lake. Where are they located? In the villages, usually in the valleys. Who is allowed to use which water source and why? Everyone is allowed to use them. Who manages the water source(s)? Generally if it is a borehole, then they have water comities. Otherwise it is the local councils that manage them. Is there always water available? If not, when are there shortages? No, there are shortages during the prolonged dry seasons (mid Jan through mid march then mid June through mid August) What happens if a pimp or well stops working or giving water? Then the water user comities mobilize resources and repair the pump; however, if it is a well then they will shift to another that is further away. How much does water cost? It is 100ush per jerry can, during the dry seasons it goes up to 500ush a jerry can. If the water source is a lake or pond of sorts there is no charge. Who has priority at each water source? No one. Are there certain people who are not supposed to be at the water source? The children, they sometimes need another person there to help so that they do not fall in. Are there different sources for food/drinking verses bathing or washing clothes? Not usually. What types of latrine facilities are available in public places? In private homes? In Lyantonde town, there are no public latrines. In the rural private homes they dig temp holes then cover them when they are full or will just relieve themselves outside. In Lyantonde town, most homes have pit latrines. What types of garbage/trash is produced in the community? In Lynatonde town, mostly plastic and organic things. In the villages just organic. How do people dispose of each type of trash? Mix it all up and put it in the rubbish pit and burn it. Sometimes it is thrown on the roads. Is the community clean? Are certain areas cleaner? Which areas and why? In the rural it is fairly clean, in Lyantonde town it is more dirty. There is more things to buy in Lyantonde town (non organic) so there is more rubbish on street that is not easily burnt. Markets, Supplies, and Food: How many markets are in your community? If there are more than one, how is each market different (clientele, size, popularity, etc.?) Every sub county has one market. Is there a particular market day? Why was that day chosen? Every sub county has its own market and the days that the market is present fall on different days. No reason why the specific days are chosen. Are there surrounding markets that are bigger? How much bigger? Where are they compared to your community? The closest would be in Mbarara and Masaka; the markets are larger because the cities are larger and more densely populated. What food items are available on a daily basis? What is conspicuously absent and why? Daily: cabbage, tomatoes, carrots, onions, potatoes, cucumbers, eggplant, sweet bananas, corn (seasonal), green peppers, mangos (seasonal), millet, eggs. Where do most products come from? Are they locally made or imported, and from where? From the sub counties in Lyantonde. Are there certain items considered luxuries or delicacies? Why? In the rural areas: meats (beef, pork, chicken, goat) because they are expensive and readily available. What do people eat on a daily basis? What do they eat during celebrations? Daily: Maize flour, amatooke, beans. Celebration: amatooke, rice, meat (chicken) and irish potatoes. Is there a particular food that your community is known for? No. How often do people eat, and what times? Rural: They eat lunch at 1pm and have dinner around 8pm. In Lyantonde town: People eat at 8am, 1pm, and then 10pm. Are there shops that sell supplies other than food? What types of supplies? Yes: paper, hardware stores, plastics, electronics, clothes/cloth, shoes, toiletries, all basic needs are available in the stores. What food/supply items are available in the boutiques? Dry pasta, tomato paste, bread, eggs, chili sauce. What restaurants are there in your community? What food do they offer? There are many. They all sell: matooke, rice, beans, posho, gnut sauce, meats, chips, sweet potato, Irish potato, chapatti. What foods and crops are grown in your community? When are each of these available? What are the cash crops vs. sustenance crops? Amatooke, maize, beans, gnuts, Irish potatoes, tomatoes (everything in the Market) year round (maize and fruits are seasonal). Cash crops: coffee Subsistence: all food Is there much animal raising in your community? What kind of animals? For profit or sustenance? Yes: cattle and goats- both for profit Is there a hungry season? If so, how do people cope during that time? Yes (the drought) - people have their money saved and buy things during that time. Economic Development: What are the main economic activities in your community? How do people make money? Agriculture and cattle keeping. They sell their produce or kill the cattle and sell off the pieces; also, the milk from the cattle is sold. What do people spend their money on? Basic needs: food, clothing, shelter and the men in the rural areas spend it on beer. Sometimes, if there is enough it is spent on school fees. Identify at least 30 different IGAs (income generating activities) taking place in your community. Who created and runs each of these IGAs? How do they market their products/services? Fishing, small business, crafts (baskets, mats, African jewelry); employed as carpenters and builders, restaurant owners and tailors. There is a family business of agriculture and cattle rearing (usually men) but for the crafts and small business it is the individual (crafts women). In Lyantonde town, more women own and work at restaurants and small shops but in the rural areas it is the men. Unfortunately, in Lyantonde town, most of the women who are servers do not get paid but are prostitutes (as most of the restaurants are also hotels). People market by word of mouth and make sure that they produce quality products. Are there any particular products or services that you community is known for? Lyantonde town: Prostitution Rural: Cattle keeping Where do people keep their money? Lyantonde town: In the banks. Rural areas: In their homes under their beds or pillow. Usually, they will sell something (such as a food crop or craft) then immediately buy what they need. What sources are there for credit? Rural villages: The circles (they are sub county levels, have members and have savings. They give the savings periodically and they can barrow). Lyantonde town: they have microfinance institutions and banks that give out loans. What formal banks, microfinance institutions, SACCOs, etc. exist in your community, and since when? How do they operate? Lyantonde town: Stanbic, Centenary, Equity, Victoria micro savings. Centenary just came in 2008 the others have been here longer. Rural: Each sub county has a circle. How do people perceive these formal banking institutions? They perceive them as having a high interest rate but have no other option so they still take out the loans. The interest rates are about the same with the banks so they choose a bank based on the application length. What types of informal savings and credit groups exist? Who organizes them, and how are they managed? In every community there are community based groups and they informally give out credit. They have their comities which has chairperson, vice and so on. Are there machines available to help with processing/production? No- except for milk they have the big refrigerators. Are products exported from the community? Which ones, and where do they go? On a small scale- not out of country just to other cities and districts. Vegetables, fruits and cattle. They go to Kampala and the neighboring districts. What types of taxes do people pay? How much, and to whom? In Lyantonde town, the small businesses have licenses and are annual (price depends on the size and type of the business and the tax goes to the government). Those who work for formal institutions have taxes deducted from their pay checks (to the government). In the rural areas no one pays taxes except for the business owners. What are some challenges that people face in developing IGAs in your community? Lack of capital, lack of knowledge and skills, and the weather (persistent droughts). What can you determine is the level of business knowledge or expertise in the community? What groups have the most/least, and why? Average. Because it is an agricultural area it is highly knowledgeable but in business not so much. The rural communities have the least experience in business because they are not exposed to it, but in Lyantonde town there are many more businesses because they are exposed as it is a transit town and there is competition. What social marketing campaigns are underway in your community? Advertisement on radio only. Organizations and Associations: What are the different organizations that operate in your community? What do they do, and how long have they been there? There are about 15 NGO’s. (LADESA, WODP, ECEA, DOH, CPERSON, RACOBAO, UWESO UK TRUST, SSE, COMM S.LYANT, AG. DOA, L.DISTRICT AG DAO, NAADS, KMAO, CHAU). Some of them work with agriculture, health, community development. The length of their existence varies. How can these organizations be categorized (NGO, CBO, local, international, etc.?) Most are NGO’s but there are some CBO’s (Widoes and Orphans) no FBO’s or International. What community associations- formal or informal exist in your community? Lyantonde has a forum for people living with HIV and AIDS (PLHA), Boda Boda association, hotel association and the private business association. When were these associations created, and why? What are their functions, and who are their members? Their creation varies. They were all created for a common voice. The members correspond with their titles ie: boda boda association = boda drivers, etc.) They all want a common voice. Are there youth associations? How about women’s associations? What types? In the sub counties, each council has a women’s and children’s representative. Other than that they do not have youth or women’s associations. However, there are women’s and youth groups throughout the different sub counties. How do organizations and associations get registered? At the district level there is a process. There is a leadership, a constitution must be devised followed by a strategic plan then a NGO is created. The NGO then has to register and be approved by the district. Who funds these organizations and associations? Usually partnerships (with NGO’s). My organization, for instance, is partnered with many local NGO’s but receives the majority of their funding from international NGO donors. What other sources of funding are available to groups and organizations? There could be some government money and the organization can generate self income amongst themselves. Education and Schools: How many schools exist in your community, and at what levels? In Lyantonde town: 5 secondary schools, 11 primary schools, 1 vocational school. In the rural areas (the 8 sub counties) there are 8 primary schools, 4 secondary schools. What percentage of children attend school? In Lyantonde town: 54% attend Rural: 50% How many teachers are in each school? Are they mainly en or women? Primary- 28 teachers (mostly men)- average Secondary- 18 (mostly men) teachers average What is the student to teacher ratio? Primary- 1 teacher to 58 students, Secondary- 1 teacher 45 students Are there fees to attend school? How much are they, and when do they need to be paid? Yes; Primary- 50,000 every term (3months), Secondary 70,000 every term (3 months) What are the gender ratios? Primary- 60 girls and 40 boys (lower primary) 60 boys 40 girls (upper primary) Secondary- 45 girls to 55 boys Are there other schools in surrounding communities that teach students from your community? Yes, some go to Rakai district schools and vice versa. Are there vocational schools in your community? How do they operate? Just one. Training for 2 years; skills training that is applied in carpentry, sewing, brick laying, concrete practice and agriculture. 3 month terms. All who attend are sponsored by RACOBAO or other NGO’s. Are there religious schools in your community? Who runs them, who attends? Yes, most of the schools are religious based. The head teachers are appointed by the government and the teachers are hired by the government. The children who attend are those who are geographically closest; however, there are many families that will send their children even further away to another school that is of their religion rather then a school that near by and not their religion. For children who are not in school, why did they stop? Money, scholastic materials, some are orphans and have no support or guidance, women get pregnant, small amount of girls are told to stay home to take care of the house. Are there extracurricular activities offered outside of school? What are they, and how are they managed? Yes: music and drama, games- football and netball. They are managed by a teacher or some person in the community that stays late and helps. There are some community initiatives (they will organize games and create competitions) and encourage students to participate. Is there a Parent/Teacher Association? How is it run? Yes; every school has a PTA. The head teacher will meet twice annually at the school with the parents and talk about progress, developments and seek ideas from parents. Health and Health Facilities: What are the main health problems that are present? Are they seasonal? AIDS is the most prevalent. Then there is malaria which is seasonal (more cases during the wet season). There are also cases of communicable diseases such as: Whooping cough, mal-nutrition (intestinal worms), pneumonia, fever, dental and birth complications. What types of health facilities exist in your community? There is a hospital in Lyantonde town. Lyantonde hospital was a health center 4 but has since been upgraded to a hospital. Then there are HC 3’s at sub county level; there are also HC 2’s at parish level- but those are few. In the rural, where there are no health facilities, they will go to the HC 3. If it is serious enough, they will go to the hospital. There are also private practitioners who operate privately and are found in Lyantonde town. Additionally, there are witch doctors and they are found everywhere in the sub counties. How many people work at the facilities? What are some of their roles and responsibilities? There are limited personnel at the health centers. They are always overwhelmed with patients. At Lyantonde hospital they employ 85 people. 70% of them are medical care staff such as doctors, nurses, midwives, etc. 30% of the staff is support staff such as councilors, accountants and cleaning staff, Do these people live in the community or do they commute? At Lyantonde hospital some of them live in the community but 90% of them commute. It is difficult on the holidays because no one is there because they have gone to their homes. What services are offered at the facilities? What are the fees? Family planning, dental, surgeries, theaters. All of the services and drugs are free. The operations and drugs are free because the government pays for them. When is the facility supposed to be open and how often is it open? It is open 24/7. What supplies, including medications, are available? Antiviral, common medicines that is on the list that the government approves, wheel chair, trolleys, bandages, and they have an ambulance but it is not functional. Are mosquito nets available for sale? Where else are they available? No, NGO’s go to through the Ministry of Health and go to the communities to sell or give the mosquito nets away. Are condoms available for sale?> Where else are they available? They are available at the hospital and are free; even in the lower health centers they are available and free. Is the area around the facility clean? Relatively. Is there a water source for the facility? Latrine? Yes- tap, it sometimes runs out. Latrine- yes. How many communities does the facility support? All of the sub counties and some of the surrounding districts. Who uses the facility the most? Women and children. Men hardly ever come. What are the priorities of the health facility? Prevention and health awareness. What are the normal treatments that are given? Malaria, retroviral, and whooping cough. Are there traditional healers or birth attendants in your community? If so, have they ever received any formal training? Yes, there are many and no they have not received any training. Less than 50% of the women come to the hospital to give birth leaving the rest of those women to do it at home or with the help of other women and/or witch doctors. Is there a health committee in the village or a management team for the facility? Who keeps the records/budget? Yes, management. There is a records officer and budgets department. Other ideas/thoughts you might solicit from the community: Do you consider your community to be poor, average or rich in resources? Why? Lyantonde town: average (they have business and consumers) Rural: poor (they do not have access to land). What are the strengths of your community? Who are the respected people in the community? Which people have the most influence? Agriculture, animal husbandry, and the multiple skills that each individual embodies. In your first three months, what things about your village make you the most proud? The components that make me proud of my community are small things: the spirit that children have despite their circumstance. For instance, the fact that one or both of their parents are dead and they are left faced with the challenge of taking care of their siblings even when most of them are infected them selves. The discipline and convictions that the members of the rural sub counties exhibit, the amount of gratitude that the community shows when given flour or anything else that they are in need of, but most importantly- the children and their perseverance to finish school. How would you like the community to develop/change? I would like my community to develop more income generating activities, to obtain appropriate knowledge that can help them practice safe health behaviors and business skills, as well as to help my organization partner with NGO’s and demonstrate positive communication strategies in order to grow and become a better organization in order to better serve the community.

Where shall I even begin? Africa is, for lack of better words, serendipitous. Everything that has happened and every experience have reinforced my sense of self and purpose. Don’t get me wrong- it has been utterly trying. An average day in training: (which thank God it is over) August 5th-October 15th 2009

I would wake up at 6:00am; shower, get dressed/ready and eat breakfast. I would then walk an hour to Raco which was our training center. I was one out of the few that lived relatively far from the training center- approximately 5 kilometers one way. Upon arrival, I would get my notes ready then have language class, as I was/am learning Luganda, from 8-10am. The 42 of us were divided into 7 language groups. From 10-10:30am we have tea time (which was my favorite). Then, depending on the day and if we had to get immunizations, we had a block for health, or some type of tech which was from 11:00am- 12:30am. We had lunch from 12:30-1:30pm then another block of health or tech from 1:30-3:30. We would then have a small break then another block of training from 3:45-5:00pm. The training sessions included: cultural communication, a variety of health sessions, HIV/AIDS and malaria education, animal husbandry, IGA (income generating activities), how to build water catchment systems, composting and key hole gardening, NGO indicators, sanitation practices, home based care, safety training, youth and women empowerment and much more. By the end of an average training day, the 42 of us were drained. The majority of us somehow seemed to find our way to a bar to have a beer and unwind. Let me first explain that the town of Wakiso is very small; consisting of about three restaurants, one internet café (which is has very slow connections and depends on whether or not there is electricity). Additionally, there are some clothing and stationary shops along with some food markets. Most importantly, there are also about four bars. Therefore, the only place to go and socialize consisted of one of those four places. After hanging out for an hour or so we would walk back to our home stays. We all lived in different villages (there are three that we inhabited). The sun sets around 7:30pm and we are advised not to be out and about during those hours as being a “muzungu”, the ever endearing term for a white person, is unsafe. There was always a warm welcoming awaiting me when I walked up the driveway. I had a really great home stay. My house mother was wonderful; it was just her, a niece Mary who was 18, her little brother David who was 5 and myself. When I arrived at home stay, I would take my stuff to my room and then bathe (yes, culturally they bathe 2-3 times a day) which for everyone who knows me can imagine my disappointment as I hate showering. After I bathed, dinner would be waiting for me and we would eat as a family and exchange stories from the day and, if there was electricity, we would watch a few soap operas then I went to bed around 9pm and do it all over again.

Oh and no, I have absolutely NOT lost weight being here; all they eat is fried complex carbs! The guys have all lost weight and the girls have gained weight. The staple food here is amootoke (which is mashed up, steamed plantains). So the Ugandans eat amatooke, posho (which is water and cornmeal), chapatti (which is like pita bread-ish made with a lot of oil), sweet potatoes, Irish potatoes, plain noodles, yams, beans, rice, and gnut (peanut) sauce. For meat, they have goat, cow, pig, fish and chicken. They eat humongous portions at least 5 times a day. In the big cities, mainly Kampala, they have 'normal' food, so we would pig out when we went to the city. At the end of pre-service training, we had a home stay 'thank you' celebration which included all of the trainers, PCT's and home stay families. It was really nice; each language group got to perform a traditional dance or skit from their region in front of everyone and then we also had to incorporate something "American" as the focus of the celebration was to thank the home stay families and offer a cultural exchange. The ceremony went well and the next day we went to a beautiful hotel in Kampala for swearing in. At this workshop, we met our counterparts and supervisors and were able to have 'bonding' time with them. We officially became volunteers on October 15th and then went our separate ways to different villages across Uganda.

**The following is a document that I had to send into the CD (Country Director) of Kampala. These five questions, along with my resume, is the only thing that they will know me by until meeting and working with me upon my arrival.

A: The professional attributes that you plan to use, and what aspirations you hope to fulfill, during your Peace Corps service.

A) My professionalism is exhibited within my reliable and responsible conviviality. My dedication and extensive attention to detail allows me to work well independently as well as in groups. I am able to maintain a keen sense of humor while remaining flexible. I am a proficient communicator with a strong work ethic, and continue to be openly receptive to constructive criticism. I am motivated by my strong sense of honesty and integrity, which allows me to remain highly adaptable because of my enthusiastic creativity. Using these key attributes, I hope to hone my communication skills and broaden my horizons by experiencing life in the colorful and unique culture of Uganda. I hope to enrich all facets of my personal growth, as well as to develop a new and humbling paradigm from which I may view myself and the impact I have on others. I aspire to be an attentive student, enthusiastically and compassionately absorbing all of the lessons offered to me by my co-workers and fellow community members. Most importantly, I look forward to expanding my current construct of life knowledge by the interactions and transactions that the people of the beautiful country of Uganda present, so that I may learn to live with no limitations and am able to offer to others the excitement and wonders of what this life has to offer.

B: Your strategies for working effectively with host country partners to meet expressed needs.

B) Some key strategies that I would employ that would enable me to work effectively with host country partners in order to meet the expressed needs include those strategies that comprise a clear and concise communication stratagem. Opening and enabling lucid communication channels to all parties involved ultimately fosters ideas and allows progression to flourish. While maintaining my own ideas and values, I believe listening to the people of the community and really listening to what they have to say, then acting upon that, is is of utmost importance. Collaboration and compromise are necessary elements when working with others to achieve desired goals. Empowering others is vital to work effectively with others. I would hope that by utilizing these powerful tools that a positive environment could be created from which effective decision making naturally could occur. Additionally, ascertaining a mutually agreeable agenda of shared goals and how to reach them, expressing expectations, as well as establishing boundaries are strategies that I strongly feel would facilitate effective team performance. Problem solving techniques, when needed, would establish a sense of belonging within the group or organization. This strategy would be enhanced by the range and depth of specialized skills that each individual possesses, as well as would increase motivation.

C: Your strategies for adapting to a new culture with respect to your own cultural background.

C) I believe that culture is a complex system that consists of interacting variables that function to maintain a community in a state of equilibrium with its environment. More specifically, these interacting variables socially define those groups of developing peoples, giving each person a sense of commonality. Culture impinges upon perception, in addition to affecting the role of identity among a society. Thus, a worldview is created, shared, as well as transformed, by the people who are united by these general, widespread beliefs. The multi-pronged strategies I would utilize to to adapt to a new culture with respect to my own cultural background consist, first and foremost, of adaptation, which is the process by which I would establish and maintain relatively stable, helpful, and mutually shared relationships with others upon relocating to an unfamiliar cultural setting including: physical, biological, and social changes. The physical changes would occur upon being confronted with the new physical stimuli; such as new food, water, different climate, and different housing. When exposed to these new components within a new culture, I may undergo actual physical and or biological changes. Dealing with new bacteria and viruses, along with other things of that nature, is going to have to take time. The combination of time, and a flexible attitude, and appropriate coping strategies will help me to adapt to the physical and biological aspect of living in a new culture. One strategy especially important to me is finding a fitting balance between using my cultural background as a learning guideline and as a constant standard. Obviously, my social relationships will change; and, as I create new ones, such changes will allow me to re-define my attitudes and values in accordance to the expectations of me by community. By sustaining intercultural contact, which will require total immersion in another culture, I will be forced to deal with a barrage of new perceptional stimuli, some of which I am aware will be difficult to interpret at times because of the rapid contextual and environmental change. The loss of predictability, coupled with the fatigue that results from the need to stay consciously focused on what would normally be taken for granted, can many times produce negative responses. However, by being aware of this, my strategies for adapting will consist of a mixture of maintaining a journal, of meditation and breathing techniques, and most importantly, of manifesting a positive and safe environment for my physical self, as well as my mental self. I feel that my most reliable and secure strategy will be to trust in myself and stay true to my journey. While I expect trials and tribulations, I know that the challenges will bring insurmountable rewards; rewards that may take the form of knowledge which can never be taken from me. Therefore, by absorbing and digesting my surroundings, and staying faithful to and respecting my own culture, I believe that I can successfully assimilate and adjust to my new culture.

D: The skills and knowledge you hope to gain during pre-service training to best serve your future community and project.

D) The skills and knowledge that I hope to gain during pre-service training that might best serve my future community and projects will be the tools that I will need to get me through any situation that I might endure throughout my service. I am a firm believer that one already has the tools ready and able to them through any circumstance; however, the individual is responsible to learn which tools to use when, and how to best utilize those tools. Therefore, I feel that I will gain that fundamental and basic knowledge: Proper nutrition information in my new surroundings; advice on how to handle common situations with community members that may arise; how to treat my drinking water; how to wash my clothes without electricity; culturally appropriate clothing choices for my community; as well as a new language,cultural values, etc. I hope to gain knowledge of what my service will require of me, and of the duties that will be expected of me. Additionally, I hope to learn personal narratives and stories of previous volunteers. I hope to learn from my fellow volunteer members how to deal with the rush of emotions so that I can positively impact my service; how to prepare myself spiritually for the journey ahead; and how to find comfort and support from within, as well as those who will become my new family, friends, and co-workers. Through this type of preparatory knowledge, and new coping mechanisms and working skills, I hope to gain the skills and knowledge necessary to approach new challenges with proper focus, zealous creativity, and intelligent responses.

E: How you think the Peace Corps service will influence your personal and professional aspirations after your service ends.

E) I believe my Peace Corps service will broaden my perspectives, providing me with a larger and more profound base of experience from which to respond to situations and circumstances more patiently, more deliberately, more effectively, and with a more complete understanding of the situation or circumstance. I believe that I will be more adaptive to change, as well as more receptive to it. I would like to believe that I would be more willing to stand up for what I believe, more willing to listen to others' perspectives, and more likely to realize when compromise is the best solution. I am certain that I will gain invaluable experience applicable toward my Master Degree in Public Administration with a Concentration in International Management. As my service for the Peace Corps will function as the internship for my degree, I believe the practical experience I will acquire will provide me with a substantial foundation upon which I may expand my educational, as well as my professional career with an open and compassionate heart.

My Address for training (the first 3 months of my service while I am in Kampala):

Kristin Ware, PCT

PO Box 29348

Kampala, Uganda

Letters take a minimum of two weeks to arrive in Uganda if sent by airmail, packages even longer. Packages sent by surface mail usually take between one and two months- and some mail does simply not arrive (I am told that this is not a frequent occurrence but it does happen).

ADVISORY: Be sure to number all letters for tracking and to write "Airmail" and "Par Avion" on the envelopes. Also, I will have very limited access to internet, e-mail, and telephone time while in training. I am not sure at this point when I will be able to set up a cell phone there but will let everyone know as soon as I do. Incoming calls from the U.S. are FREE; however, outgoing to the U.S. is very expensive and I do not know how expensive it will be to call from the U.S. Phone Cards are the way to go.

If packages are to be sent: it is best to keep them small, use padded envelopes (so that they will be treated as a letter), and valuables and or perishables should NOT be sent through the mail. Once in my community I am told that I will be able to check my e-mail weekly and at that time I will blog and post pics.

*After training I will be able to set up a mailing address in the community where I will be posted. Therefore, the address listed above is a temporary one and I will notify all immediately on here what my new one will be after training!

I look so forward to every one's letters and pictures. Thanks again for all of the support I have received from all my dear friends and family. I cannot wait for the adventure to begin!!

1) http://www.peacecorps.gov/welcomebooks/ugwb617.pdf

**This is the welcome book that includes everything from the whether to communications and gives one a complete overview of Uganda and what I am to expect while over there.

General Information about Uganda (websites that the welcome book offers via PC)

2) http://www.countrywatch.com/: On this site, you can learn anything from what time it is in Kampala to how to convert from the dollar to the shilling. Just click in Uganda and go from there.

3) www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations: Visit this site for general travel advice about almost any country in the world.

4) http://www.state.gov/: The U.S. State Department's website periodically issues background notes about countries around the world. Find Uganda and learn more about its social and political history.

5) www.psr.keele.ac.uk/official.htm: This site includes links to all the official sites for governments worldwide.

6) www.geography.about.com/library/maps/blindex.htm: This online world atlas includes maps and geographical information, and each country page contains links to other sites, such as the Library of Congress, that contain comprehensive, historical, social, and political background.

7) www.cyberschoolbus.un.org/infonation/info.asp: This United Nations site allows you to search for statistical information for member states of the U.N.

8) http://www.worldinformation.com/: This site provides an additional source of current and historical information about countries around the world.

Online Articles/Current News Sites About Uganda

9) http://www.buganda.com/: Offers a wealth of information about the central Buganda area of Uganda.

10) http://www.unaids.org/: Thorough information about the AIDS pandemic from the United Nations.

11) http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa: Headlines about Africa from the BBC (search for Uganda)

12) http://allafrica.com/: Search for news about Uganda.

International Development Sites

13) www.worldbank.org/afr/ug/: Information on the World Bank's projects in Uganda.

14) www.africaaction.org/index.php: Site of the U.S.- based organization Africa Action, which works for political, economic, and social justice in Africa.

15) www.bellanet.org/: Bellanet helps the international community collaborate more effectively, especially by the use of information technology.