Week Two - Cultural Blog

14th February 2012

“Muzungu! Muzungu!” Is a phrase often shouted at Lynsey and I as we venture into the busyness of Kampala. Being white in a predominately black culture, we have found that we are very easily recognised. “White person! White person!” is used to grab our attention; for us however, it points out the fact that we are ‘different’ from those we are surrounded by.

Being brought up in the prominent white culture of Northern Ireland, I’ve found the main differences between myself and others, pointing towards religious and political aspects. Although these issues are also present in Uganda, I’ve found that they are of no relation to my stay here. ‘Westerners’ are faced with the stereotype of being ‘rich’ and within Uganda I have found that it is a common belief that we are only here to give to those who are poor. Although this is the case in some situations, I have found myself feeling ambushed by others who are in dire need of it.

Being a student, I have found this quite hard to adjust to. In Northern Ireland I am usually addressed with a completely different stereotype; that students are seen to have little money.  Being in a third world country however, I have immediately felt humbled of what I actually do have at home, that I can be thankful that I am be surrounded by a society which is fruitful and plentiful.

 Being in the capital city of Uganda, I have also found it difficult to comprehend the dividedness of Kampala. Although each country has divisions in relation to wealth, I feel as if Uganda has these problems on a much wider scale. As one path leads to swimming pools, spas, restaurants and supermarkets; another leads to penniless mothers, orphaned children, and those who are hunger-stricken living on the streets. Aware that this is the case for many in Uganda, and touched by many stories of children’s poverty, Lynsey and I have decided to get involved with a programme named “Tomorrow’s Heroes”. This programme works with young boys who have lived in the ‘slums’ throughout their lives without any schooling. The programme allows for these children to have an opportunity to receive sponsors for receive appropriate education and living situations.  


Some of the boys getting food at "Tomorrows Heroes"



All boys on the programme have had extremely difficult backgrounds and many have grown up orphaned without any family. As once said by Mother Teresa, “Being unwanted, unloved, uncared for, forgotten by everybody, I think that is a much greater hunger, a much greater poverty than the person who has nothing to eat.” Believing this applies to most of the boys we meet at the programme, I am encouraged to build friendships with them. Although I may only be a small, small fraction of these boys’ lives, I am admired at what some have been through in such a short space of time.  

Although some of the aspects I have mentioned seem unapproachable for some, I have found that in the last few days we have begun to feel a lot more at home. I am really enjoying getting into Ugandan life. As we begin to build relationships with the street kids mentioned, it is interesting to find out more about their lives yet experience the culture they are brought up around first-hand.

Some of the street kids

References

Costello, G. (2008) "Spiritual gems from Mother Teresa" Twenty-Third publications, New London, USA.