Welcome to the world, S.O.U.L. Antenatal Education Center!

By Andrea Koris

Operations, Monitoring and Eval. Officer

It’s 9:00am on Monday morning. I start down the red dirt path to the S.O.U.L. office, eyes to the ground in effort to keep my shoes reasonably dust-free. The twinkling of women’s laughter drifts through the banana trees to my ears. “What day is it?” I think to myself. As the answer hits me, I abandon my careful trek and tear off wildly towards the sound. I turn right at the sweet potato garden, scurry down the trail between the maize fields, and with a flourishing swipe of the matooke fronds in my path, I land among the most beautiful sight: 60 Ugandan women, bedecked in their brightest kitenge, patiently awaiting for the opening of the S.O.U.L. Antenatal Education Center.

Today is not just any other Monday in the sleepy town of Bujagali where S.O.U.L. is located; it is the official opening of S.O.U.L. Foundation’s Maternal Health Network. It’s a labor of love that has gestated and grown over the years. The idea of building a program to address rural maternal health issues in this region, originally conceived around a table between S.O.U.L. and community leaders, has been tended to with collaborative care ever since. And as I walk into the S.O.U.L. schoolyard this morning, wading through the women’s excited hugs and morning greetings, the love and hard work of everyone who molded the foundations of this program is abundantly evident.

 

In the past 5 years, substantial progress has been made across the world to meet the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs); and while significant improvements have been made on accounts to global health and education, progress is far from sufficient in regards to global maternal and infant mortality rates. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a result demand a more exacting requirement of the global community, to reduce the global maternal mortality ratio to less than 70 per 100,000 live births by 2030.

 

Here in Uganda, 360 women die per 100,000 live births. And that statistic only accounts for women who decide to give birth in public health facilities. Considering that only 42% of births in Uganda are attended to by a qualified health professional, maternal morbidity statistics fall short in capturing mortality rates and health indicators for women and newborns who cannot access public care. S.O.U.L. wanted to know how this overwhelming statistic played out in the lives of the mamas that make up the lifeblood of our beneficiary communities, many of whom decide to deliver with Traditional Birthing Attendants instead of qualified midwives. To answer these questions, S.O.U.L. conducted a year long research assessment investigating the barriers that influence women’s maternal health choices and behaviors, and the challenges government health workers face in trying to provide quality care in rural settings.

 

The Maternal Health Network is a result of the findings of this groundbreaking research. The program houses several interventions, each of which attack a different ‘delay’ that contributes to maternal mortality in rural settings: 1) Delay in decision to seek care; 2) Delay in reaching care; and 3) Delay in receiving adequate health care at facility. The Antenatal Education Center, housed within the Maternal Health Network, aims to reduce maternal mortality by disseminating Safe Motherhood and Birth Preparedness education and encouraging male involvement in maternal health for women and their male partners.

 

As I follow the line of mamas into the sunny colored classroom, being pulled along in the tide of excitement, I can’t help but feel a wellspring of joy. The opportunity to walk with the women and men of this community as they invest in their right for health for themselves and their families is a gift; to witness the birth of this program, a blessing; and to be part of its creation, the highest honor.

Let's talk about sex

by Devin Faris
S.O.U.L. Foundation Global Health Corps Fellow

“S…E…X…” I read the letters aloud as I scrawl them across the poster paper taped to the wall behind me, and the room erupts with a cacophony of laughter.

I am standing in S.O.U.L. Foundation’s weekly Youth Mentorship Programme, which brings university and secondary student leaders together with younger students, providing them with a safe space to discuss their goals, challenges and ideas with their peers. Today, my co-fellow and I are taking on something that has never been done at S.O.U.L. before: we are talking about sex.

The laughter is to be expected. Placed with a women’s empowerment organization, my co-fellow and I recognize the pressing need to engage youth, particularly males, in constructive discussions about sex and gender relations. Yet in my six months in Uganda, I have never heard the topic of sex broached in conversation without the concomitant meltdown into youthful giggling or boisterous laughter, no matter the age group, which makes constructive dialogue a bit of a challenge. But we press on.

We start our mentorship session by asking everyone to write down what “sex” means to them and why it is important to talk about, followed by asking them why it is always met with laughter. They say that there is never a circumstance where they can talk about it in a group, that it is uncomfortable and awkward so they cannot help but laugh. As one frustrated student later informs me, “no one talks to us about sex…not our mothers, our fathers, no one. We only learn about sex in school…even at school the female teachers tell us it is not our mothers who should be talking to us about sex, that it is not their job.”

I think back to elementary school in America. I remember watching sex-ed videos in my 5th grade classroom, giggling with friends to animated dramatizations of male puberty. The group of 16 promising students under S.O.U.L. Foundation’s education bursary program sitting in front of us say they have learned about it in their classes – about HIV, about STDs and the risk of pregnancy – but in this district it is hardly, if ever, discussed beyond designated sexual education sessions moderated by a local NGO once per semester.

I am quickly reminded that sex is often a very uncomfortable conversation topic for most. Perhaps that is why at a meeting I attended recently that convened local health policymakers and religious leaders, that same laughter was omnipresent as we spent hours discussing why Uganda’s Busoga region boasts the highest rate of teen pregnancy in Uganda (30.6%). Religious leaders blamed moral decay in Uganda fueled by social media; some public officials cited the absurd belief that women’s provocative clothing “forces men to want to have sex with them.” I viewed some opinions with disbelief, others with genuine interest, but I left the meeting feeling that something quintessential was still left out: the lack of opportunities for safe and open dialogue about sex for youth around the world.

My mind returns to the open dialogue that is happening right in front of me, and through the smiles and laughter, these teenagers are really engaging in this issue. Though, I am troubled when that laughter fails to subside once the issue of sexual consent is brought up.

“Let’s say a boy and a girl meet at a party, and the boy wants to play sex but the girl does not. The girl says no. Should the boy and the girl both have the same power to make the decision about whether they play sex? Raise your hand if you think they should.”

My question is met with smirks, silence, and a room devoid of raised hands. I repeat the question. A few hands rise into the air. A few boys laugh and shake their heads, and the heads of the other girls are bowed in what appears to be an amalgamation of embarrassment, uncertainty, and fear. I probe for explanations. One boy claims that the decision making power is not equal, that if the girl says no, God has given men and boys the power to convince her that it is a good idea. Other boys echo this sentiment. The girls are silent.

We break into small groups and discuss the same scenario, thinking through the decision making process for both parties. I find myself having to remind one bright young man, “if a girl says no, it means NO.” I repeat the mantra, and the unabashed confidence and wry smile with which he answered the question turns to a look suggesting he is considering my words as a novel truth. We drive this point home to everyone and dismiss them, hoping the dialogue continues beyond the session. Suddenly, their continuing laughter is actually encouraging.

GHC is my first professional opportunity to research and advocate for women’s issues, from maternal health, to preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV, to working to prevent sexual and gender-based violence through discussions such as this.

We must commit ourselves to involving males in the global discussion about women’s rights, sexual and reproductive rights, and about treating women with basic respect. Without involving males in these conversations, men who have been raised to believe that they have more power to make decisions than women will always view gender relations in a detrimentally one-sided manner, potentially acting upon archaic norms in ways that harm women. Without frank and open dialogue, the pandemic of violence against women will never end.

Let’s talk about the things that make us laugh, things that make us cry, things that make us afraid. Let’s talk about the things that make us cringe, things that make us uncomfortable, things that make us question what we believe, and things that make us question who we are. Let’s talk about the things that divide us, and let’s talk about the things that bring us together.

Let’s talk about sex. If we don’t, there will be far too many lessons learned the hard way for far too many youth in this world, and for far too long.

Home Away from Home

After a gruelling flight to Uganda through the night, I drowsily stepped out of the car at the end of the inbound journey with very little going on in my exhausted mind. Immediately, I was greeted by swarms of grinning children outside the S.O.U.L. Shack, who sang to welcome me – undoubtedly the most surprising wake-up I’ve ever received. Yet the incredible hospitality remained as enthusiastic and genuine until the moment I left Kyabirwa, not just from the children but from the entire community, which included the S.O.U.L. volunteers.

The village in which I stayed seemed infused with a positive dynamic; I had anticipated a place with little expectation for the future other than maintaining the status quo of feeding a family and grinding out as much additional output as possible. However, the village was vibrant: young children had the opportunity to learn through the pre-school set up by S.O.U.L. with the aid of incredible local teachers; older children were able to attend local schools through generous donations and S.O.U.L. scholarships and dream about the possibility of university; local women were actively involved in production of textiles, jewellery and crafts. Additionally, sustainable businesses have been developed – namely chicken breeding, goat breeding and fish farms – which not only offer economic incentives for villagers but also instruct them about long term economic planning. I believe that whereas, before, it seemed evident that the villagers lived just in the present, the input from the S.O.U.L. Foundation has instilled a plan for the future in the minds of these people, which allows for emancipatory and empowering work within Kyabirwa.

On a personal note, I devoted a lot of time initially to teaching in local schools, which are attended by many S.O.U.L. sponsored children. I was able to engage the primary school children in the study of Charlotte’s Web, using the book to attempt to improve their reading, writing and communication of English. I had great fun teaching these kids who had such a voracious appetite for learning; whether or not they understood what was going on in parts of the book is up for debate, yet they seemed to enjoy it. I also lectured A-level history students about World War Two in a local boarding school; I felt that was an instructive and rewarding topic to teach. On certain evenings I was able to teach IT skills to teenagers in the village such as word processing and drawing.

Later I was excited to involve myself with the digging of one of the sustainable fish ponds in Namizi. I liked the fact that I could see the palpable and immediate input I had in the project, and being able to do it while joking and chatting with the workers. I picked up the nickname ‘Kityanka’ which apparently means ‘Mud’, which I hope was an endearing name!

I stayed with one of the families in the village for the entire month, and became extremely close to them all within that space of time. They accepted me as one of their own; in return I tried to learn the language and assist with chores. I was able to eat incredible traditional Ugandan food (in huge amounts at that), and spent time not only with them but with other families who were equally as welcoming. One of the best parts of the experience was just to converse with them and learn about their culture and beliefs.

The inclusiveness of the community was such that it often made me forget the huge disparities of wealth and materials. Nevertheless, there is so much more to do. More kids need to be funded, more teaching materials need to be donated, and more work needs to be done on the burgeoning projects. I, for one, will treasure the place and endeavour to support S.O.U.L.’s work; hopefully it can expand to aid a greater area.  Although the red soil has now washed off me, the memories won’t.

By: Tom S., S.O.U.L. Volunteer

To learn more about volunteering with the S.O.U.L. Foundation, visit our website 

http://www.souluganda.org/get-involved/volunteer/

The Gift of Education

The following letter was written to S.O.U.L.’s CEO and Co-Founder, Brooke Stern, from one of the university students we sponsor.

Hi Brooke,

How are YOU and every thing you’re doing?  I know you’re spending so many sleepless nights working so much for S.O.U.L. so on that note please allow me to say that THANK YOU so much.
So, Mama Africa, every one is missing you here in Bujagali.  I got this modem from a friend and that's why I have decided to wake up this early morning to write to you before you go to bed.

Really I do not know how much I can thank you for the good things you have done for me and for my family so far. I together with my family are indeed so much happy ‘cause when I remember the situations I was passing through in order for me to get my school fees, indeed, I know I could not have made it to the university. Brooke, I only wish you the best for your life.

I don't have money but you deserve something so much better.  I will at least make sure that I do something small, not as a return for the tuition but for just appreciating.

I know that money given as school fees is so much more valuable than any other money simply because it is what makes up one's future.

I PROMISE I WILL NEVER FORGET S.O.U.L. AND I WILL NEVER LEAVE S.O.U.L.!
LONG LIVE S.O.U.L. LONG LIVE BROOKE AND LONG LIVE EVERY ONE WORKING HARD TO SEE THAT S.O.U.L. GOES AHEAD!

By: Richard, S.O.U.L.-sponsored university student

Uganda, Take Two

So...Uganda

Omg. What an experience. For a number of reasons. 

My first visit two years ago was very hard for me and I’m not sure that many people I know would be able to manage the rawness of it all. Today, I say sincerely: "this experience is not to be missed.” 

It was eye opening, once again.  The village looks different to be me in so many ways than it did two years ago. My daughter Brooke, who founded S.O.U.L. with my husband three years ago, tells me the only difference is that I am not in shock this time.  While that may be true, there are significant differences that are overwhelmingly evident in a multidimensional way. 

The village looks cleaner; there is less garbage and waste on the paths. The homes we visited have much more order and the people seem proud of their living conditions. The smell of waste is not evident as it was two years ago.  More people have shoes on their feet although many of them tell me they spend a good portion of the day wearing their "originals" (which is their bare feet), to keep their feet in shape and tough skinned.  They are standing taller, smiling more and their clothes are cleaner.  Although they are poor they do not look downtrodden.

During my time in Uganda, S.O.U.L. held a community-wide meeting, which was attended by over 500 people including local and regional officials.  The progress S.O.U.L. has made in the community was recognized and celebrated. A female politician who represents seventeen sub-counties (probably equivalent to a state senator in the U.S. or maybe even a congressman) gave a speech that brought tears to the eyes of many, including my husband. The local leader discussed how never in her political life or in all of her lifetime has she seen villages transform in such a short period of time and declared that S.O.U.L.’s example should and will be a model for all of Uganda. She was choked up in her presentation, and wowed us with her kind and generous words.

The local chairmanship then proceeded to surprise us by donating a large piece of land in a central location to the S.O.U.L. Foundation, positioning us to better serve the numerous villages surrounding our original project area. That's a real vote of confidence. The meeting went on for six hours and included presentations from our preschool children, female students whose education is sponsored by S.O.U.L. and the women who participate in our business cooperatives even coordinated a dance performance! The day was mixed with speeches and entertainment. Brooke hired a PA system so all could hear and at the very end we were able to play some music. Food was provided by members of S.O.U.L. business cooperatives who cooked all morning to feed over 500 people rice and beans and vegetables.  

At the close of the meeting, one by one, the women from the community came up to Brooke and gave her gifts of fruits and vegetables.  By the time it was all over, the gifts could have filled a small grocery store. Now for the first time, I saw Brooke cry. It wasn't the land that was donated, or all the wonderful things that were said about her and S.O.U.L. that day; it was the appreciation that the women showed and the significance of their gifts of food. A year ago, they could not have given that food away, as it might have provided for the only meal their family would eat that day. Brooke was choked up, a rare thing to see. As a mom, I was completely moved by all of it, but especially by that moment. 

We also visited the fish ponds. I was floored. The pictures don’t do the project justice. It just so happened that representatives from the World Bank, the African Development Fund and a number of other global lending institutions were scheduled to visit the project to listen to Brooke give a presentation on our progress. I felt privileged to watch as Brooke described the hard work that has gone into making this project a success.

Here's a funny story. 

We needed two cars to get to village and when we were only about 1 km away we noticed the left wheel on the other car was severely wobbling.  Several meters down the road, the wheel completely fell off and the car collapsed. It was something out of a movie. Now picture this. Cars behind us and cars in front. No one can pass. We are 1 km away. Out of nowhere, at least fifty Ugandans emerge and start helping to figure out how to jack the car up and get tire back on. Lots of conversation amongst them debating how to do this. Women and children everywhere. The willingness to help was amazing and was only topped by the reception we received when we entered the village.  After we finally drove the last km, we were greeted with at least sixty women and scores of kids singing and clapping and cheering. Everyone was so happy to see us. My sister-in-law and niece got choked up witnessing the loving welcome Brooke and all of us received. It is unimaginable. You need the 3D experience to really appreciate the depth of it all.

This time was glorious for me. Beyond words. This time I entered into S.O.U.L. through a new door, with new eyes and new skin. 

I am already planning my next trip back. Can't wait!

Diane Stern, Director of Outreach and Public Relations 

Three Moments that Changed my Life: S.O.U.L. Uganda Makes my Dreams Come True

Hello everyone!!

Well my name is SAFA LWABAGA, 22 years of age from BUJAGALI, UGANDA, EAST AFRICA and why not AFRICA in general.

Currently I am pursuing a diploma in JOURNALISM AND MASS COMMUNICATION in KAMPALA at UMCAT school of Journalism.

I am from a family of 8 members with 2 brothers, 3 sisters and guess what? I’m the 1^st born!!  In Africa the 1^st born is referred to as the “Real Child” because we think that parents are still faithful to each other and therefore chances of cheating on the hubby are limited!!!!!!!! So are you the 1^st born?? Comments reserved for the next publication! Hahahahaha!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You all know life is not a smooth terrain but rather filled with ups and downs that every human being is entitled to pass through no matter who you are and where you are from. But my caution is “Never Let the Negativities Faze on you.”

Whatever you are going to read here is success achieved through ALLAH (GOD), S.O.U.L. and MY PARENTS.  I swear without the above, SAFA would be a hundred miles away from where I am right now.  That’s why I big up my chest every single day.

So as a human too, 2011 unfolded both negatives and positives in my life but to begin with are the most spectacular and splendid three moments and, to be honest, these all left me “zero-worded.” I kept asking myself am I dreaming? Is it me, Safa? OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!

1: BECOMING ONE OF THE S.O.U.L. SPONSORED STUDENTS!!!!!!!!!

If I could turn back the clock of time, for sure I would LOVE to see that stunning moment appear again in my life. I am a very talkative lad, cracking jokes is what I do best but I was left shut, amazed!! I couldn’t talk for the next couple of minutes and later filled with tears of joy. OMG I couldn’t believe S.O.U.L. had given me the opportunity to achieve my education, career and more so, my dream. I was overwhelmed by the words from my sponsor and the S.O.U.L. staff.

To drive you a little back, I had completed my high school studies in 2009 and therefore was supposed to be joining University the following year. But as wishes are not horses, I took a dead year off thinking I could work and save money together with my family so as to accomplish my studies. This was all in vain as I failed to get a job during vacation!!! I lost hope and felt the world was against me.

It was in mid May that my life terrain noticed some ups when I started volunteering at S.O.U.L., being available at all times needed. This was followed by a run of splendid performances as a volunteer coordinator.

The happiest moment of this all was when my friend and S.O.U.L. volunteer Danielle returned to Uganda the following year with a sponsor for me and passed the news to me that they are now ready to sponsor me! What???!! I replied in shock! But they told me to keep this a secret from my parents because they wanted to surprise them. I called my family members that S.O.U.L. has invited them to a dinner at the S.O.U.L. SHACK! Wow no one knew what was going to happen and here came the moment to remember! Daddy Kenny, Danielle, Brooke, and my sponsor Suzie all stood up and informed my family that they are sponsoring me to university the next fall. Damn!!!!!!! I remember watching my dad kneel down thanking S.O.U.L. in tears of joy, mama was just a feet away from collapsing and just like I explained my situation before, that was the kind of mood in the house! BIG UP TO S.O.U.L.!!!

2: MEETING MY UGANDAN FOOTBALL HERO, DAVID OBUA

As I write this, I still don’t believe it was me, SAFA, with this guy talking like it is you and me. Tell you what? It was an exhausting day in Kampala with Danielle and Brooke as I had gone to research on what University to undertake lectures from and also purchase sewing machines for the women’s Tailoring project. 

At dinner as we were discussing what had happened earlier that day and there entered a tall, dark skinned guy putting on a hat and glittering pins on both ears. Is this David? I asked myself, he must be David Obua! You know I was used to watching him live on TV so I wasn’t sure if he was real. I told Brooke and Danielle that the guy up there is Uganda’s best footballer. “Are you serious?” Danielle asked, “Who he is? Where he does play his soccer from? Why he is in the country now?”

Without hesitation Danielle and Brooke stood up and said that they were going to make my dream come true, they approached David’s table narrating how I knew him, and how he is my hero and so on. He there and then ordered them to bring me to his table.  WOW if you guys were present you would really see how Danielle and Brooke rushed to me, “Safa! Safa! Safa!!!” They shouted, “See what is happening to you now, your dream is coming true now, stand up and lets go!” Danielle and Brooke screamed loud. 

OMG! Here was David Saying, “Hey Safa!” Hey David! Nice to meet you! I gave him a chest hug like I knew him before. Have a sit he said. We had a 30 minutes interaction with him and exchanged digits. He said to me, “I can’t believe you analyze every step I make in my career.” I could not believe I was saving his number in my contacts. Damn!

Amazing above all was the moment when he offered me a free trip with the rest of the National team Uganda Cranes to watch a live game at the National stadium Nambole in the V.I.P. stands and guess what?? In the stands with me was the Vice President of Uganda, Gilbert Bukenya.

I was seated in the Cranes bus with all these other professionals on the National team, having a hand shake with all of them in escort of the Police patrol at the back and front. For sure I still don’t think it was SAFA who got this golden opportunity to hang around with these boys especially when the population of Uganda has hit 38 millions. But who is SAFA from a remote village of BUJAGALI to even share dinner on the same table with the Crane’s team? Wow Big up to S.O.U.L. and particularly here Brooke and Danielle. LONG LIVE S.O.U.L.!!!!!!!!

3: BALE FRANCIS A.K.A THE LEGEND IS MY LECTURER!!!!!!!!

Some of you are now asking who the hell this guy is but for sure he is a legend in the Uganda Media industry. Baale Francis is Uganda’s best news anchor the country has ever had. I used to watch this guy when I was young on TV newscast and listen to him on radio. He works for the national station in the name of UGANDA BROADCASTING CORPORATION.

Well the story is that I adore this guy like crazy. He is my biggest inspiration when it comes to Journalism. I remember one time saying, “when will I ever get to meet him point blank?” But on my first day and lecture at school on 5^th September 2011, there was Baale Francis standing in front of the lecture room saying, “good evening ladies and gentlemen.” Wow! S.O.U.L. making everything HAPPEN.

NOTE: Whatever you have heard from my story is 90% S.O.U.L. success.

Thanks to my sponsor SUZIE a.k.a. KP for supporting me out. I CAN’T STOP LOVING YOU!!!!!!!!!!!

I dedicate this story to my S.O.U.L. family. 

I DO IT  ALL FOR S.O.U.L..

BY: LWABAGA SAFA, Volunteer Coordinator and S.O.U.L. sponsored student 

A Volunteer's Experience: Four Weeks that Changed my Life Forever

Jitters, nerves, excitement and anticipation—so many feelings running through my body as I boarded a plane from Nairobi to Entebbe. I knew I wanted to go to Uganda during my stay in Kenya, but I had no idea I would fall in love with a country and its people.

As a university student from the states (St. Lawrence University, Canton NY), I was studying abroad in Kenya when I approached Brooke about coming to volunteer with S.O.U.L. for a month in April. Part of my semester involves an independent study whereby students research an organization and eventually spend a month with that organization volunteering and learning. After constant emailing back and forth, my school approved of my stay with S.O.U.L.

I arrived in Bujagali not really knowing what to expect. I knew I was going to be near the Nile River and in a village working with locals, but I did not realize how incredible my life would be for the next four weeks. When I finally arrived at S.O.U.L. I stepped out of the car and received the biggest embrace from my host mother (Mama Robina) and immediately, both of my arms were consumed by children—I knew I was going to love it here.

Having a bit of experience living in Africa and traveling throughout Kenya (I arrived in Kenya in January, so by the time April came I was feeling a bit more immersed in African life), my time in Uganda topped my entire journey in Kenya. I would call home once a week to check-in with my family and my parents could tell from the tone of my voice how excited and happy I sounded. Every day was filled with smiles, laughter and adventure—my face has never hurt so much from smiling and laughing. Each night, I could not wait to wake up for the next day, eager to see what Bujagali and S.O.U.L. had in store for me. Being around my age-mates (Oko, Safa and Muganda), I learned so much about life in Bujagali and life in Uganda—it was a true cultural experience and I wish I could have stayed for 10 months (or even forever—paka paka paka)! 

The best part about my experience was undoubtedly the people—I may have been over 7000 miles from home, but I have never felt more at home than during my stay in the village. My best friends consisted of 10, 12 and 13 year old boys. Every night I would hang around the S.O.U.L. shack with so many kids from the village. I joined in their football matches (even though I am HORRIBLE) just so they could laugh at me. Eventually, I was the receiver of mangos and bananas- children would sneakily hand me something they picked for me. I even received my own Lusoga name: Nakato (first-born twin since I happen to have a twin brother). I have never felt so happy in my life and I could not imagine leaving these beautiful people.

When the children went on holiday, I partook in some of the hardest work I’ve ever done: the making of mud balls. I traveled to the fishpond project in Naminya and worked alongside so many KANYAMAS (strong men). I absolutely loved it—mud smeared all over my hands, sweat dripping down my face. During my last week with S.O.U.L., the fourth pond was finished and filled with water and tilapia—it was such an accomplishment and I felt so fortunate to have been a part of something that will improve the lives of a community displaced by the construction of a dam.

Returning home each night, I could not help but smile and reflect on the day’s activities. I felt so immersed and so in-touch with Bujagali life (and my Lusoga was slowly but surely improving day-by-day). Although I did take advantage of the recreational activities that the Nile has to offer (such as rafting), the most exciting and happiest times of my stay involved the children and spending time at S.O.U.L. My last Friday in Bujagali was filled with sadness—I kept trying to think of plausible ways to extend my stay—such as giving Oko my passport to hide or throw in the river. And then Saturday came—the day I would return to Kenya. From the moment I awoke, tears drowned my face. I could not help the waterworks from forming and saying goodbye was the hardest task of my life. I did not expect to fall so in love and I definitely left a huge piece of my heart at S.O.U.L. and in the village. I kept telling myself I would return after I finish university (2 more years—over 700 days) in order to ease my sadness. Without a doubt, I do plan on returning. At 20 years old, I don’t know how I’m going to pay back my student loans or what kind of career I’ll have, but I do know that I will be back to Bujagali, back to S.O.U.L.

The happiness I felt at S.O.U.L. could not be replicated anywhere else. Whenever I tell stories about my visit to Uganda, my face lights up and everyone can tell how insanely happy that experience made me. Two years seems like eons away, but I am so so confident that I will return to Bujagali—I cannot picture my life any other way!

I am forever grateful to Brooke and the S.O.U.L. community for welcoming me into their family. I have gained a new set of friends and family members and I think about them every single day. It almost feels like a dream—like I discovered the world’s best-kept secret—the wonderful village of Bujagali Falls. I constantly picture myself with Muganda, Oko and Safa (the boys of Bujagali, my age-mates, my brothers) drowning ourselves in laughter and jokes. I dream of the mornings I walk to S.O.U.L. and hear “Allison-y!” or “Nakato.” And the nighttime walks back to Mama Robinas, the perfect time of day for omulogos (the Bujagali version of the boogie-man). Every moment I shared with these beautiful people remains in my memory—crystal clear. These people have changed my life forever and words cannot express the true happiness and gratitude I feel.

Webule eno eno eno! I love and miss you all!

NAKATO Allison