Why Uganda?

December 2007. Bangkok, Thailand. Every morning I walk out of my hotel I see this man begging on the street. He has no arms and no legs. I look away and try not to think too much. Apparently that is all his life - someone keeps bringing him there until he is no longer around. No alternatives to change his life for better.

November 2011. Helsinki, Finland. It's midnight and I'm half awake, half asleep with fewer. If I miss work tomorrow, how will it impact on the company's business? How expensive are permanently sick and unemployed people to the society? What if I was one of them? And what if I had not been born in a welfare country? Should lucky, wealthy people help misfortunate, poor people?

September 2012. Istanbul, Turkey. It is a dark, warm night and I sit at an outdoor restaurant. I drink wine and observe the surroundings, feeling happy being in a new environment. I make a decision - I'll change my life to face something unexpected, to learn to appreciate something I never thought of, to regain the feeling that I'm making the most of my little time in this world.

March 2013. Helsinki, Finland. Sabbatical work contract - check. Apartment subletting - check. Flight tickets - check. Vaccinations - check. Farewell party event - check. Travel excitement - growing... I am going to Kampala, Uganda for half a year to do volunteer work. I have no idea what to expect, other than an experience, which will teach me any things worth learning. Above all, I am looking forward to waking up in mornings with the feeling that this particular day might bring along surprises.

Part of the joyful farewell pub crawl gang

So Uganda it is! When I first began looking into volunteer work options I searched for projects in South America and Asia, which have long been my top travel destinations. Until one day, when I was again surfing on the volunteering website my eye was caught by the description of Hope Children Foundation (HCF). Its strategies and values sounded like mine. I sent an inquiry to the director and received promptly a warm message welcoming me to the community. I seriously lacked Africa knowledge – and I still do – but as I read about Uganda I grew fascinated about its pristine nature and lively culture. Since I am a supporter of intuition based decision making, it did not take me long to commit myself to helping under priviledged children at HCF. 

I will nurse and teach children, help with building and feeding activities, participate in campaigns – basically do anything I can to contribute to the wellbeing of the local people. In addition to doing good, I will explore the versatile nature by (at least) hiking, climbing and kayaking. I admit that my motive is partly selfish. If I purely wanted to help I would resume in my well-paying job and donate all excess money to reliable charity. Instead, I want to gain experiences for myself. Still I do not feel a bit guilty for beginning something that I except to be unforgettable and unique!