First Day

                                                                                                                                                          27/8/2013

First day on the job was full of meetings and introductions to all employees of different organizations and programs throughout the settlement camp. Everyone was advised on the current situation within the camp and also told what these organizations and programs needed from these new employees. Those who have worked at other camps describe Kyangwali as a bit disorganized as others throughout Uganda. However, unlike the other settlement camps in this country, this disorganization is due to the fact that the largest refugee camp in all of Africa is taking on a new torrent of refugees pouring in each week from the Congo.

Action Africa Helps Kyangwali Field Office

Due to the distance between the employee lodging and the offices within the camp, everything we did was based off of transportation. Unfortunately, many times this transportation was lacking due to the current emergency situation of the rush of new refugees that Kyangwali is being faced with. However, whenever you were able to get out and explore the area, which is nestled deep within the rolling green picturesque hills of Western Uganda, you get to experience the amazing open friendliness of the local community and what the true rural Uganda is about. Every shop you venture into, you see signs of AAH’s impact within the communities. Many times it is just a simple calendar or of signs warning of the dangers refugees have to be weary of in life, such as HIV/AIDS, early marriage, or other issues that programs and organizations need to keep the refugees informed and educated about. AAH is able to support and work with the refugees to get their lives out of the current chaos they have been living in and back to some balance of peace. They are also providing them with the opportunity for these refugees to do more than escape the perils they try to leave behind and forget. AAH gives them a fresh start at a new life, one where they are able to begin in a safe, peaceful environment and get a chance to change their fortunes.