Uganda-the pearl of Africa

The Republic of Uganda (pronounced /juːˈɡændə/ or /juːˈɡɑːndə/) is a landlocked country in East Africa. It is bordered on the east by Kenya, on the north by Sudan, on the west by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, on the southwest by Rwanda, and on the south by Tanzania. The southern part of the country includes a substantial portion of Lake Victoria, within which it shares borders with Kenya and Tanzania. Uganda takes its name from the Buganda kingdom, which encompassed a portion of the south of the country including the capital Kampala.

HELP International has been in Uganda for three years. We live in a village called Lugazi which is a small town of about 33,000 people. Lugazi is surrounded by sugar cane plantations, and many of the inhabitants are poor laborers. Just outside of the sugar cane fields are remote villages where we bring many of our projects. Projects in Uganda include: HIV/AIDS support group, business training, adobe stoves, square-foot gardening, public health campaigns, support for children with disability, and more.

Country Description: Uganda is in East Africa and is known as the "Pearl of Africa" because of its lush jungle and rolling hills. Though Uganda lays on the mouth of the Nile River and is replete with natural resources, the Ugandan people remain deeply impoverished. The official language is English, however in Lugazi, many people also speak a tribal language called Luganda. Translators are always readily avaible and most volunteeers end up learning alittle of Luganda.

*Information courtesy of Wikipedia and Help International Website

I feel so extremely blessed that I have the opportunity to travel to Africa, indulge in the culture, and completely immerse myself in their lifestyle. I know that this summer will help me in so many facets of my life. I will learn life lessons that would be impossible for me to fully grasp without this experience. I am so grateful to all of you who have encouraged me, assisted me, and cared for me. I hope you enjoy this blog and reading about my experiences weekly. I will update periodically until I leave at the beginning of May and will update weekly in country. Love to you all, happiness and joy.