Technology Without Borders

Field Report – Uganda trip

About the Project

Sylvester Duoh (RG Sunyani) and Nurudeen Ayubeogo Akamaah (RG Accra), two Ghanaian representatives of Technology Without Borders, received an invitation to attend the board trip of Robert Schullan and Jannik Mechau to Uganda which included a Project Leader Workshop. The aim of this journey was to empower members in Uganda to develop into project leaders, providing them with the necessary skills and knowledge to execute projects utilizing the Technology Without Borders (TWB) methodology within their individual communities. Various projects were also implemented in Uganda. We arrived in Uganda on the 9th of February, where we were greeted by Hiram Mwanga, leader of the regional group Ndejje. On February 10th, Jannik and Robert landed at Entebbe International Airport and were welcomed by us. The team then travelled to Ndejje to finalize our plans for our program in Uganda. On the 11th of February, our first activity involved the implementation of a WASH project at Ndejje Parental School, followed by a meeting with the newly established RG Kampala at Makerere University where we introduced our projects and interacted with the members. On the 12th, we had a half day off and made the decision to swim at the university swimming pool in Ndejje. Later that evening, there was an exchange event involving members of the Ndejje University RG group, which allowed us the opportunity to interact and exchange projects with them. On the 13th and 14th, the project manager workshop at Ndejje University emerged as another noteworthy event. It was carefully coordinated by all parties involved, and participants acquired knowledge regarding project implementation utilizing the TWB approach. The session was exceptionally interactive. On the 15th, we visited the “Progress Farm”, a women-led initiative that supports widows and women living with HIV in Ndejje. On February 16th, we visited several tourist attractions in Eastern Uganda, including the source of the River Nile, which was genuinely enjoyable. On February 17th, we toured the Bathany Land Institute, where we received a comprehensive briefing about the institute from Mr. Sylvester Dule. We were educated about regenerative and integrated agroforestry farming practices led by Mr. Lucky and other staff members of the institute. On February 18th, we once again implemented a WASH project at STEM Primary School in Mpigi. Following this, we traveled to Kayabwe, where we made a stop at the Equator, and then proceeded to the Buwama Crocodile Farm in Masaka-Mbarara, where we learned about crocodiles. Our long drive concluded at Hubert Schwarz School with orphanage in Bubbebere, where we were warmly welcomed by Lydia Mirembe, who exemplified great hospitality. On February 19th, we executed another WASH project at Hubert Schwarz School and spent quality time with the children there. February 20th marked our final day in Uganda, after which we returned to Ghana. In summary, the trip was a resounding success, characterized by meaningful project implementations, knowledge sharing, and cultural diversity. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Technology Without Borders for facilitating this trip and providing us with the opportunity to have such a remarkable experience in Uganda.