Notes from the Field 2009

Sustainability of international programs

Probably the most important lesson I learned in Uganda is that charity and handouts ultimately will not help communities abroad. Creating sustainable programs that involve training local community members and NOT involving money from outside organizations (except for training purposes and allocation of resources) are the key ingredients to success for health programs abroad. What I learned about myself from this experience is that I am not sure I would be able to implement international health programs, which I have recently decided is okay. I have ultimate respect for those ambitious enough to spearhead or help implement programs abroad because it takes a large amount of patience and understanding that there will be many obstacles and cultural barriers to overcome.

Profound cultural differences exist

The most frustrating thing about Uganda to me was the slow pace of life and learning to accept "African time," which means a lack of punctuality. Coming from a student's life and being dropped into Ssembabule was not easy and some days I felt like I was going crazy with boredom. People would constantly tell me to enjoy the lack of things to do because it was probably the only time in my life that I would experience this relaxed environment. I tried to take that advice and read more books for pleasure in Uganda than I have in probably the last five years, but still could not ever fully adjust to the pace of life.

Knowledge is power

We all know the saying "knowledge is power" from School House Rock. I learned how important education is while in Uganda. The lack of education was mind boggling. One of our events included a film show in Ssembabule to educate the town about family planning methods. This movie was the most basic informational video I have seen and the majority of the townspeople had not heard the information before. Women who had birthed 7 children learned for the first time how their reproductive systems worked during the film show. In addition, the lack of nutritional knowledge was evident by the type of foods eaten by the townspeople. When we tried to explain why overcooking foods would eliminate the nutrients to our site staff they gave us blank stares. Food was present simply to fill their bellies and not for any other purpose. I feel grateful to have grown up in a place where education is valued.

Power of capitalism

On our street in Ssembabule we had about 10 chapati (sweet tortilla like food) stands that all sold chapatti for the same price. Every little "store" sold the same items for the same price and no one seems to mind about the lack of selection in Uganda. At the grocery store yesterday I had a difficult time choosing a type of cereal because in Uganda, that choice basically does not exist. I realize that innovation and capitalism go hand in hand and together will help a society flourish and succeed.

Being an outsider

Living in Uganda was the first time in my life that I was actually the outsider. Fortunately for me, being a mzungu is a high status role in Uganda so I was generally perceived in a positive light. I can't imagine being an outsider and being discriminated against constantly like so many minority groups have been in the past (and present). I had to get used to being starred at constantly, talked about constantly and not understanding what was being said about me, and deal with children crying just from the sight of me. One thing I enjoyed about being an outsider in Uganda was waving to and greeting everyone in my path. Although most Americans seem to think that would be obnoxious, I was pleasantly surprised by how enjoyable it was to have an interaction with everyone in my path.

Conclusions

I recently asked Mac, another international MIHV volunteer, how he would respond when people asked him what his experience was like in Uganda. I decided his answer was the perfect conclusion to our experiences abroad. "I am really glad I went, and I am really glad it is over."

Check out all my pictures at the slideshow above! Although I discovered that blogging is really difficult and did not feel I was all that good at it, I also discovered that I am a pretty decent photographer!