Prepping for the Trip

While service is a main component of our trip, LEARNING is embedded in everything we will do from teaching to game drives and hiking in the national parks to exploring both city and rural life.  Part of our learning has already begun.  Here is a sample of some of the ways we are getting up to speed on life in Uganda and Africa as a whole.

Uganda is Different:  Dr. Aavatsmark handed out this chapter, Africa is Different: Uganda, from the book Africa: Altered States Ordinary Miracles for us to read.  Purchase the whole book or read select pages .

Dr. Avatsmark reading about Africa to the Ugandan Travelers @WatkinsonSchool https://t.co/uRlOePhxtu
— Ms OB's Classroom (@Solarium1101) January 29, 2014

Africa is Poor & 5 Other Myths:  Dr. Myers selected this TEDx Talk by Simon Moss, the current Managing Programs Director for The Global Poverty Project. This video asks us to open our minds and be prepared to ask the "right" questions to the people of Uganda when considering how we can help empower people to further empower themselves, their families, and their country.

What's Wrong with Volunteer Travel:  In November, Dr. O'Brien attended a global educator workshop with Where There Be Dragons in Colorado where she worked with Daniella Papi.  Her work surfaces the rewards and problems with volunteering and travel.  Her thoughts are provocative and challenge many assumptions about service learning.  This TEDx Talk by Daniella helps us head to Uganda with realistic, productive goals.