In 1964, the United States
Peace Corps added Uganda to the countries where Volunteers would spend their
27-month service.
Since that year, Uganda
has received 1,308 Volunteers in the sectors of education, health, and economic
development, among others, which have evolved throughout the years. There is also the countless of
cross-sectorial work being implemented, such as youth development, HIV/AIDS,
and women in development.
The Volunteers who are
lucky enough to consider Uganda its host country for service have come from 49
of the 50 states. Their Ugandan homes
are spread throughout the country.
Yesterday I was invited to
participate in the main 50th anniversary event help at Mr.
Ambassador’s house. There were nine of
us in total showcasing our projects, from youth development to efficient
cooking stoves. The place was decorated
with the classiest chandeliers, flat screen televisions showing pictures
throughout the years, two bars with a selection of chilled beer and wine, warm quiche,
and even brownies.
The celebration brought
together the entire Peace Corps Uganda staff, Embassy personnel, CDC employees,
local partners, the Africa Regional Director of Peace Corps, and even community
members who were once taught by Peace Corps Volunteers during their studies.
I was able to have
meaningful discussions about my various projects and my incredible youth with
the esteemed guests. I was able to show
them pictures of how the youth are now facilitating their own sessions, from
communication to self-expression through dance.
The highlight of the
evening was Mister Carl
Muhlhausen.
Carl first arrived to
Uganda in 1971 with his wife to teach secondary school math and science. Approximately a year and a half into their
service, they were evacuated out of the country due to political
instability.
Well friends, Carl is
back! He decided to go for a second tour
of Peace Corps and they decided to place him in Uganda down in the same region
he was placed before. He is a humble man
with a gentle soul and so much knowledge.
One of his students was at the event yesterday, who constantly praised
both his former teacher and Peace Corps for the work we do.
One of my favorite sayings
that gets me through my service is this, “A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.”
Luckily for
Carl, he is able to finally to sit under this well deserved shade from the
equatorial sun.
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