By Robyn Manning – 2007 Uganda Study Tour Participant

"I must be back in Africa!" It took me only one protracted drive into the city of Kampala to remind me I was fondly back in Africa: UN vehicles, red dusty roads, traffic circles, traffic "jams," motorcycle taxis taking the advantage – all amongst a sea of African faces. I love Africa and Uganda did not disappoint.

During CPAR’s Study Tour, I was greatly and pleasantly surprised with the organization’s integral community-based work and the resilience of the Acholi peoples of Northern Uganda. The strength of their spirits resonated with me – everyone from the hardworking Apac farmer engaged in eco-friendly agro-forestry or the delightful Adyeda women’s group who are advancing training in fuel-efficient cooking or the industrious 20 member tree nursery co-operative successfully engaged in a business quickly leaving behind the designation: "small business!"

All three food security projects began with seed money, provision of equipment and training by CPAR-Uganda staff (which, by the way are 100% African). All CPAR projects are designed to uphold CPAR’s fundamental philosophy of sustainability. In other words, all approved projects must be able to prove their ability to carry on beyond the life of external funding.

And what is the Ugandan’s attitude to this approach? "Just give me the start and watch me soar." That’s what I observed; a people with a strong desire to do whatever it takes to rise up from the ashes of armed conflict and humanitarian crisis to become, once again, a thriving and productive nation.

Of course, the CPAR Study Tour visited districts whose struggles are significantly greater than others. Pader district left an indelible impression on the ten member Study Tour team. But, once again, I witnessed the overwhelming gratitude to a Canadian NGO that is doing tremendous work with war-affected communities.

Amputees who can no longer farm their land now benefit from micro-credit, skill training and resources that are needed for small business development. Like the proud Pajule men with their modest print/copy shop or the husband and wife who operate their tiny general store. In both cases, what some might see as meager income, is transforming lives – it’s paying bills, elevating the quality of life and most of all – it is restoring dignity. Even in the district which was the heart of more than 20 years of conflict, the people of Pader are rising up out of the ashes – enduring, surviving and thriving.

What often helps these efforts to survive and thrive is when people like you and me use our voice in an act of solidarity for those whose voices are often stifled and sometimes go unheard.

This year, I will use my voice to try and make a difference – and who knows what the future will bring.

Read more about Robyn Manning’s experience in Northern Uganda during CPAR’s Study Tour in her blog - http://uganda-rkm.blogspot.com/