Wanjiku Mwangi, Uganda Program Officer Shares Her Story

Wanjiku Mwangi, Reality Tours Uganda program advisor

Today we share with you some thoughts and impressions from Wanjiku Mwangi.  Wanjiku helped Reality Tours organize and facilitate some of our Uganda delegations.  Global Exchange continues to examine peace and conflict resolution in East Africa with a special emphasis on advocacy efforts with those working against human trafficking.

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I have had the honor of hosting three Global Exchange Reality Tours in Uganda; for students from Suffolk University, the University of California, and one for the organization ‘Not for Sale’.

These groups of incredible Americans are interested in understanding how the people of Northern Uganda  have fought against the menace of sexual and human trafficking brought about over the course of two decades of war and violence by Kony rebels and the Ugandan Army, that has decimated a once peaceful, healthy way of life for this community.

The American Reality Tours participants spent time visiting with organizations and communities both in Kampala and Gulu that are working to rebuild Northern Uganda back to its strong, self sustaining status, as it was before the horrors began.

From these Reality Tours trips, connections have formed and genuine, positive relationships have been forged, which have brought both emotional and financial support to northern Uganda communities.  One initiative borne out of this relationship is Tharce Gulu, a Local NGO that helps Northern Uganda communities heal from the traumatic effects of 22 years of war, sexual enslavement, and extreme poverty, lead by Professor Judy Dushku of Suffolk University in Boston.

Prof. Judy Dushku with Ugandan Children, Suffolk University Delegation to Uganda 2009.

Tharce Gulu started operating in Gulu town, northern Uganda in March 2010. Since then, with limited resources, Tharce Gulu has supported the capacity development of 4 women groups, making  up a total of 134 individuals in producing computer bags, candles and beads, which the groups sell locally and internationally, to help pay for their daily family needs and expand the small local businesses.

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Thank you Wanjiku for your contributions to Global Exchange. You help us “meet the people, learn the facts and make a difference!”

Travel to Uganda: If you are interested in learning more about upcoming Reality Tours trips to Uganda focusing on human trafficking, please visit our website.