Copy of English_colour-WebCopy of English_colour-WebCopy of English_colour-WebCopy of English_colour-Web
  • HOME
  • ABOUT
    • Who we are
    • Governance
    • Our Team
    • Gallery
    • Partners and Supporters
    • Annual Reports
    • FAQ
  • OUR WORK
    • Entrepreneurship
      • Women’s Solidarity
      • Youth Social Entrepreneurship
      • Youth Entrepreneurship
      • Youth 4 Business And Entrepreneurship
    • Technology
      • Technology Education
    • Environment
      • Environmental Sustainability
      • Gulu Go Green Marathon
      • Natural Resources Stewardship
      • CUSP
    • Media
      • Video Documentary
      • Gender Equality in Education
      • Media and Communications
  • GET INVOLVED
    • Internship Offers
    • Careers
    • Donate
    • Testimonials
  • NEWS & EVENTS
  • CONTACT
  • Français
✕
ICYMI: The World Beyond Covid-19 – A Five Part Series
August 25, 2020
Alumni Sonia Michaelsen: I Wasn’t Supposed to Go to Uganda
September 15, 2020

Looking Back: An Interns First Impressions, Challenges, & Reflections on Her Time in Uganda

September 8, 2020

I remember the first night I spent in Uganda, specifically in Entebbe, after spending 24 hours between connecting flights and different airports. It was already nighttime and I walked in to the hostel room where I slid into my net and tried to fall asleep. I stared at the ceiling for a while when I noticed something crawling. A cockroach. That’s when it hit me. I was far away from home with people I barely knew and my fear of insects was definitely not helping in that moment. That night, I cried a little.

That night was also a reality check for me. I was out of my comfort zone but I genuinely think that moment influenced the months to come. To be honest, it was the only moment where I truly felt homesick. I knew myself well enough to realize that in three months, I would be crying because I had to leave.

I was right.

The project my team was assigned to was considered a pilot project and was named Educational Technology and Information Sharing. Along with my three colleagues, Brenda, Kayla and Gerald, we were given two main tasks. This being said, our project was in reality… two projects. This was our first challenge as a team. We were tasked to set-up a library in CEED’s main office. We were also tasked to implement information and communications technology (ICT) workshops Gulu high schools.

We had many great moments along with series of challenges. Working with a local artist and seeing the library take form and slowly grow into a space where people can gather was definitely a highlight. On the other hand, realizing termites were chewing on our books and new bookcase was definitely not a part of the plan. In that moment, I definitely had to learn to let go and quickly realized that nothing really ever goes as planned.

And that is ok.

Even as I reflect back on the three months I spent in Uganda in 2017, there are things I would have done differently now. It’s ok to sit with your thoughts. You will continue to do so even years after your internship.

Most importantly, listen and learn. Do your research. Learn about Uganda’s history. Learn about the scars colonialism has left. Learn about Ugandan people’s strength and resilience. Learn about white savior complex (check out @nowhitesaviors on Instagram – A Uganda-based educational page). We all hold different privileges. Reflect on these and check yourself.

Do not forget to take the time to breathe and take everything in.

Uganda is by far, the most beautiful place I have had the privilege to travel to. From the stunning greenery to the immense and surreal waterfalls, Uganda is breathtaking. I really am looking forward to the day I can visit again.

See you soon Uganda.

Share
1

Related posts

December 14, 2023

My experience at CEED Concordia


Read more
December 14, 2023

Passion for Environmental Sustainability: My CEED Concordia Journey


Read more
December 14, 2023

My experience at CEED Concordia


Read more

RECENT TWEETS

Tweets by ceed_uganda

STAY INFORMED

To keep up to date on our organization, projects, and initiatives, enter your e-mail and subscribe to our newsletter!

KEEP IN TOUCH

2110 Mackay, Suite V210, Montreal, Quebec
info@ceedconcordia.org
+1 514 848 2424 ext. 7876
View our map

 

Plot 14, Onono Road, Senior Quarters.
P.O Box 1354, Gulu, Uganda
info@ceeduganda.org

INSTAGRAM FEED

ceedconcordia

⏭️Last but not at all the least!! Meet our fin ⏭️Last but not at all the least!! Meet our final four!

Frame 1; Racheal is a Journalism and communication finalist at Makerere University and a reporter with News 24/7 Uganda. She is committed to raising awareness about climate change and reporting on environmental issues. She is excited to collaborate with like-minded individuals and contribute to initiatives that empower communities, build resilience, and promote sustainable development.

Frame 2; Orla is a Communication Studies major at Concordia University, minoring in Irish Studies. She loves watching documentaries, playing music, travelling, and eating great food! She is most excited to collaborate with fellow interns and to get to know the community in Gulu!

Frame 3; Fiona is a passionate leader and mental health advocate. She is environmentally conscious, and dedicated to sustainability initiatives. She is excited to collaborate with interns worldwide, learn from diverse backgrounds, broaden her understanding and drive meaningful change in local communities.

Frame 4; Jackson is a third-year Journalism and Communication student at Makerere
University from Buliisa District, originally from Nebbi District. He is passionate about creating 
positive change in the community and impacting lives using his skills.

#ceedinterns2024 #youthactivism #gulu
Load More Follow on Instagram

Supported by

© Copyrights CEED 2017. All rights reserved. Privacy policy | Terms of use
    • No translations available for this page
    • HOME
    • ABOUT
    • OUR WORK
    • GET INVOLVED
    • NEWS & EVENTS
    • CONTACT
    • Français