My Nonprofit Reviews

I spent a Monday through Friday at the Lukome Center near Gulu, Uganda. My team (included seven others) arrived on Monday evening around 6pm. Immediately, we were greeted by the staff, given a dinner meal, and then joined in devotional worship with the 27 young women and their children. We then were introduced to them all. Though it was dark outside, I could already sense that my week was going to be filled with getting to know these women and seeing how God was working through their trauma and healing.

Because our time was limited with the girls, we were not able to do a lot of repairs on the campus. However, we were able to repaint soccer goals and playground equipment, provide new balls and sporting equipment, repaint the gate mural, give dresses for the children and girls. These were all physical things we could give. I was happy to provide these and wish I could have given more. However, it was the relationships and the experiences that were the most impactful for me.

At first, I was really shocked at the living facilities of the huts. I understand that things have improved with electricity, some flushing toilets, running water, a small cooler/refrigerator (in Catering class), and WiFi. I think it is a wonderful idea that ChildVoice seeks to provide the girls with a similar structure that they will go back to once they are done at the campus. I was happy to see that new bathrooms were being built for the girls with better toilets and showers. I was humbled to see the women hand washing all the clothes and making all of the meals for their babies. Every morning, I was able to walk around their huts and see them sweeping the leaves to create a clean dirt path, feeding their babies, making their beds, picking the food from the garden, and getting ready for a day of classes.

At 7:30, all of the girls got together to sing a few spiritual songs with the children. My team got to join everyday and by the end of the week, we knew the songs and were clapping and dancing along. The girls really opened up to us mid-week through all the different activities we did with them. Evening worship was also a delight as well. It sometimes rained but we were always able to make it under the gazebo. At first, I was afraid of the weather and getting wet but I soon found that I did not mind the dirt, weather, and sweat. It is just part of living on the campus.

After singing at night, we sometimes did an activity with the girls or they did announcements. I really loved how the staff made sure every girl leader (whether for Catering, Sewing, or Styling) gave a debrief of the day. They always gave thanks for the work done. There was time to talk about any issues that came up or requests. They gave each of us time to express any thoughts we had as well. I always felt included and welcome.

The staff was wonderful - Cecilia never blinked an eye at washing our dirty laundry if we set it out. She and the girls would also clean our huts every day and leave heartfelt designs for our clean sheets. The first night on campus was rough of getting used to taking a headlight to go and use a bathroom that is a hole in the floor, and sleeping with a mosquito net. I was cautious of every noise I heard outside, as it was quite unfamiliar to me. However, by the second/third night I felt really comfortable. I sensed that if I spent over a month on campus, I would easily find a routine and feel really comfortable with the living situation.

Dorcas, as President, was wonderful of making sure we knew the schedule daily. It was a bit frustrating at times to have it change last minute and we also never seemed to be ‘on time’ for things. 10:00am usually meant 10:40am. However, because there were really no other pressing obligations, time was more fluid than I am used to in the states.

I loved that I was able to freely go in and out of the classes. The girls even braided my hair! We got to teach them some American dances, play a game of football with them (I scored a goal and my team won!), make crafts at night, take pictures on Neil’s camera (they LOVED that!), participate in a Cultural Festival, and help take care of their children. Overall, they really showed me how strong they were. I hope I was able to make them feel valued and give them a sense of joy.

The girls really accepted me. I always was greeted with a smile and I did not want to leave. I was very emotional to go, and the girls were too. Some were afraid to show emotion and many wanted us to come back. I am really trying to get back to the campus before they graduate so I can see the growth of the girls.

One of the most memorable experiences of staying with the girls was going with them to the Community Service. We drove to a road about 5 minutes away and then walked awhile into the thick bush to help two older Ugandans. The severity of their suffering was shocking, and their living conditions were too. However, I still witnessed how they found joy. We were able to sing and pray with them. I was able to sweep their floor, hoe, fill water jugs, and experience what it would be like to grow up and survive in that type of culture. I could tell the girls were impacted as well.

Overall, I really would recommend ChildVoice as a place for volunteers to go to. I have been completely transformed by the experience. The girls taught me so much of what it means to rely on community and rely on God. I loved seeing how God was so present in every area we went to, regardless of the culture, race, status, gender, poverty, etc…The climate was perfect - I never felt too overheated or too cold. I felt prepared to go on this trip due to a great team leader who prepped me for necessities to bring. I came with no expectations, as I have never been to this part of the world before. I am leaving with a deep fondness for Uganda, and Africans in general. I am hopeful for the future of ChildVoice and what it continues to do for the girls. I think having a blend of technological advances and more rural structures is helpful.

A suggestion I would have would be for the campus to perhaps have a more structured plan on what the volunteer team could do on campus, outside of communing with the girls and participating in their activities. I really enjoyed all the free time I had to get to know the girls without having to distract them from their duties of school and their children. I would have liked to learn more about their stories and hopes for the years to come. I would have also liked to be able to leave them with more, without inserting too much privilege on them. I also think a chance for the girls to go out into the city or something of that sort, would be a great treat for them.

Thank you for creating such a wonderful organization that really provides some excellent structure, support, discipline, and safe space for these young women. They will forever be in my prayers and I hope, pray, and plan to see them again soon!