Upon our arrival in the United States, I constantly received a variety of remarks about my time to Uganda. Many people thought they were complimenting me when expressing how I was saving the world through or Africa through the fellowship or people would ask if I was completely out of my comfort zone or felt unsafe as a woman. I appreciated their support, however those types comments did not resonate well with me internally and those conversations actually made me uncomfortable because all I wanted tell them about was the hospitable and kind people I met and that Uganda or Africa is not some far off mysterious land.
Instead of the typical ideas proposed by friends and family’s questions my view was completely opposite. Returning home my mind was wrapped around the wonderful humble people I lived with for two months and how much I was going to miss those relationships. My memories consisted on how comfortable and welcomed I felt in Bukibiira village and how different, but similar my life in Uganda was compared to my life at Santa Clara. The similarity lies at the base of an ordinary life filled with extraordinary people, a sense of home and hospitality.
View of Lake Victoria from Banapads
Banapads Guest House
One of my first senses of belonging and engaging with the locals was our first day in the field. That day we went into the village with a group of 6 or so Champions and the video team to observe how Champions make sales and to learn more about their job as Champions. As the day progressed, one of the Champions clearly stood out to me, she had this natural sense of leadership to her that stood out amongst the group. Sylvia’s dedication to Banapads and her job was clear through her energy and interaction with other Champions. Not only did Sylvia stand out to me because of her personality, but also she looked familiar because her eyes are something you cannot forget. It then occurred to me that she was the Champion that was on our research poster for spring quarter. I had a picture of the poster on my phone so I showed it to her and through translation explain the poster to her and watched her face brighten and burst into laughter from happiness. So the day progressed and as we were returning back to Banapads headquarters, Sylvia turned to me and in L’ugandan stated “you are my friend” (this was translated to me by Jackie an Ugandan that worked for Banapads and spoke L’ugandan and English.) I attempted to speak back in L’ugandan saying you are my friend as well. It was from moments like these that I realized that you do not have to speak the same language in order to have connections. A simple smile is a universal language. For the rest of our time in Mpigi, whenever I saw Sylvia we always exchanged a bright smile and a quick hello. This was just one of the many small but tremendous connections.
Sylvia and I on our first day in the field
Our research poster with Sylvia on it
By our last field visit to the western district we had already completed over 30 some interviews. But these interviews were not a routine proceedure because each interview was a new person, a new connection even if it was brief, and a new opportunity to learn about their lives and women’s health. However, of all our interviews a few stand out more than others. One that resignates most with me is in Rukungiri (Western region of Uganda) with two Champions named Jackie and Parity. In Rukungiri, we were conducting group interviews in order to talk to more Champions and to create more of a dialogue conversation. This discussion instantly became passionate. Parity (22 years old) described how she had to drop out of secondary school due to funds and now she has a young child. From our conversations it is sadly common for many people not to have enough funds for school. Every story like this breaks your heart and makes you appreciate your education.
Interview with Parity and Jackie
Our passionate conversion. Jackie on the right and Parity on the left
However, this interview was different, and more realistic. Later in the interview we asked Jackie and Parity, what are your hopes and dreams? Normally we get these heart-filling aspirations and goals. Everyone is filled with immense hope, which is so inspiring. However, when Parity began to answer this question, instead of words, tears rolled down her face. Through her emotions she described how she always had the dream of becoming a nurse, and unfortunately this was no longer a reality due to her education. I sat there saddened and overwhelmed with every emotion while trying to offer support and comfort. This was a reality that Parity was experiencing and a truth that many others would eventually face. She had the drive, ambition and dream to be a nurse and due to the failed education system she could not complete her goals. This injustice that many bear is a frustrating and disheartening reality for so many people, who simply lack the means not the talent or ambition. However, Parity is now a successful Champion, it may not be her original plan but she has channeled her energy into being a talented Champion.
Enjoying the simple innocence and happiness of the children
When asked about my 8 weeks at Banapads, I cannot help and pause and remember each and every person that I had the chance to work with. I remember the children’s bright faces and their innocent laughs when playing with them. I reflect on stories and passion like Parity or the friendliness like Sylvia and the people of Bukibiira. I reminisce on our relationships and similarities. I remember all the people, because it is friends and family that make a place home and familiar. It is not the amenities, the Internet, the toilets, the weather or even the length of time that constitutes a place a home to me. But rather the memories, the people, and the relationships that creates a special place in my mind. Therefore Mpigi will always be home because that is where the Banapads family is.
By working with Banapads I learned a tremendous amount about social enterprises, business in the developing world, but more importantly I experienced global citizenship. So my summer did involve extraordinary, but it was not me, but rather Banapads. Richard Bbaale and Jeremiah are the extraordinary ones, they who achieving the dream of impacting the lives around them and providing sanitary pads and education about women’s health. I share this passion, however the difference is they are currently achieving this and I am a student learning from every opportunity that I am presented. I was lucky and blessed to have been a small part of their extraordinary.