Travis

Today I met Travis, the leader (Chairman) of the Mukono District Youth Program, MACRO (The words this stands for escapes me at the moment). He is a very wise and hardworking man for only 25yrs of age. Many people look to and depend on him for everything from friendship to education to leadership. MACRO focuses on getting information to small villages within the district like HIV/AIDS, finances, education, etc. The Youth Program that MACRO is sort of under teaches similar things I think.
Travis had an event in Buikwe, a very small village east of Mukono Town Council. Buikwe is like the pictures you see on TV when an organization is trying to raise $$ for poverty. It was to my surprise however that my day was not filled with sadness, tears, and hungry children. Rather, it was filled with laughs, happiness, and hungry children. The sad side of things that MACRO is trying to change is the illiteracy, poverty, HIV/AIDS, and so many other negative things. What makes it different than tv is that the people are happy. Poverty and HIV/AIDS are a part of daily life. Some can recognize these problems, but to some it is just the way life has always been. Local people do have hopes and plans to see these small villages grow and be educated about HIV/AIDS, how to earn and save money, and how to live healthy lives. My heart at times was mixed with sadness, but I always had a new smile every few moments to change that.
The event today was the launching of a youth organization and school of sorts for children. Many important men spoke about the importance of staying in school, staying abstinent, and being responsible. The police chief spoke, some chairmen, Travis, and me! I got to stand up and say hi and tell them all how happy I was for them. It was a long program. Most of the speakers used a combo of Luganda and English. I got to meet so many wonderful men today. Michael, Samuel, Eric…I love shaking hands with them and having dialogue. They ask about how the American economy and weather is, not realizing how big and different each part of the US is. It is great to talk to Travis about good and bad qualities both the US and Uganda have. I told him that Uganda has a much richer community and social system. Everyone here works together to help one another out. The way of life is also much slower. I asked how God fits into MACRO and he said that He is the 1st thing. They open with prayer always and Travis goes to church each Sunday to be with God. I am humbled by the strength and determination I see in Travis.
Between the 40mph rides in a 1985 toyota van that is carrying 12+ people down a pothole ridden road with people, cars, and boda boda’s (scooter bikes) on it to sitting in front of a store with small HIV/AIDS children, I have had a big day. This is a one day this mzungu (white person) won’t forget.