by Tracy Chesler

In early March of 2025, I had the privilege to travel to rural Uganda with 10 other women; a trip that combined direct service to the students and staff of the Kamukama Foundation with the awe-inspiring experience of exploring the country’s natural beauty. While I expected to give my time and energy to the Kamukama community, I was deeply moved by how much I received in return—from the warmth of the people to the breathtaking landscapes of East Africa.

As with every year, the main focus of our trip was to support Kamukama affiliated students and schools in under-resourced areas of the Bwindi region. We provided small group social/emotional learning lessons on friendship, anti-bullying and teamwork. We registered students, distributed much-needed new uniforms and held PTA meetings. We learned about the staff’s creative interventions to appropriately support students in rural Uganda, a region without paved roads, trash collection or a modern sewage system. In order to educate children, they first need to address the basics: nutrition and common health maladies like “jiggers”, an incredibly painful foot infection caused by walking on dirt roads without shoes. Importantly, they also confront culturally based gender inequities that often leave female students unable to go to school past the age of 9. Despite these challenges and lack of modern facilities, the enthusiasm and resilience of the students was remarkable. Their eagerness to learn and genuine curiosity reminded me of the value of education and how often it is taken for granted in more developed parts of the world.

Beyond the classroom, we toured Project Harvest, Kaukama’s farming program that provides land for families to grow their own food. We listened to Katherine, one of the lead farmers, sing a gospel hymn, filling the verdant and lush valley with her deep and breathtaking voice. We visited small businesses that had been the benefactors of Kamukama’s micro-lending program, selling produce and homemade crafts. We marveled at the strength and dignity of the women changing the trajectory of their family’s destiny through these initiatives.

We toured a family home, a two room structure with dirt floors and no running water or electricity shared by a single mother and her two children. The hardships to get their daily needs met was evident, etched on the mother’s face; another profound reminder of our universal truth that regardless of resrouces, parents will go to the ends of the earth to care for and protect their children, no matter what part of the globe they live. Yet, as they sang a song for us, our small audience of five, it was humbling to see how much joy, pride and generosity could flourish in communities that face significant daily challenges.

One of the most unforgettable parts of the trip was hiking through the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. This once in a lifetime opportunity allowed us to witness the beauty and biodiversity of Uganda firsthand. The hike itself was rain soaked and bitterly cold but entirely exhilarating! Seeing the gorillas up close, with their soulful eyes, rocking their babies, and keeping a close eye on eachother, was a reminder of how close we are to these powerful animals (they share 98% of our DNA!) and our responsibility to protect them and their habitat.

After six fast-paced and jam-packed days in Uganda, I felt a genuine connection to the Kamukama staff and the students and families we met that will never leave my heart. The dedication the teachers and staff have to their community was inspirational. Looking back, my time in Uganda was more than just a service opportunity—it was a journey of personal growth, cultural understanding, and connection with the natural world. It opened my eyes to both the needs and the strengths of the communities we visited, and inspired me to continue seeking ways to serve others. Uganda will always hold a special place in my heart, not just for the work we did, but for the lessons and friendships I brought home with me.