CFYDDI Strengthens Partnership with Canadian Universities!

Dr. Larkin, Ugandan Project Supervisors, and Canadian Interns outside of the placement at Uganda Cares, HIV/AIDS Clinic, in Masaka

CFYDDI was thrilled to host Dr. Allyson Larkin, professor at King’s University College at Western University, from January 16^th – 19^th, 2016. CFYDDI’s partnership with Canadian universities began through the Ugandan Community Library Association’s (UgCLA) partnership with Douglas College in 2015. UgCLA sent two interns from Douglas College for a six-month internship here at CFYDDI. With her visit, Dr. Larkin aimed to understand this partnership better in order to prepare five of her newly graduated students for the coming year’s internship (2016-2017).

During her brief stay in Uganda, CFYDDI was able to share its history, its rapid development in the heart of Ndazabazadde, and its hopes for the future. We were also able to treat her to some of the Ugandan customs and realities that her graduated students will come to know and love: rolex, Kampala traffic, and irresistible music!

 

Dr. Larkin, along with recent graduates and Douglas College interns Courtney Vaughan and Jenna Strathearn, being introduced to some of CFYDDI’s youth leaders.

Dr. Larkin, along with three current Canadian interns, Kristen Myers and Courtney Vaughan (of CFYDDI), as well as Jenna Strathearn (placed at Uganda Cares in the Mulago Masaka Regional Hospital) explored the Gadhafi Mosque and the Kasubi Tombs with Enoch. The team then headed to Masaka to see some of the other placements of Canadian interns, who are 20 in total. They were thrilled to see the sustainable projects being worked on by their Canadian colleagues and their respective partners – including a very impressive community garden at Uganda Cares!

Though her visit was short, CFYDDI appreciates greatly the opportunity to have hosted Dr. Larkin during her visit to Uganda. Not only did she come with a taste of home for our Canadian interns, but she also brought many ideas, innovations, and promising prospects for the future. We look forward to seeing her again!