Halfway Through the Journey: Deep Connections, Wild Wonders, and the Magic of Uganda

 Hello everyone! It feels almost unreal to sit down and write these words, but I have officially reached the halfway mark of my time here in Uganda. Looking back at the day I touched down in Kampala, my heart was full of nervous excitement. Today, that excitement has transformed into a profound, grounding happiness and a deep love for this incredible country and its people. My stay here has been nothing short of transformative, and honestly, the thought of this journey eventually coming to an end only fuels my desire to stay longer and seek out even more opportunities to make a difference.

The past few months have been a beautiful whirlwind of learning, exploring, and truly immersing myself in the local culture. To connect more deeply with the community, I have been taking lessons in Luganda. Learning the language has been such a joyful challenge; every greeting exchanged and every small conversation shared with locals opens up a whole new layer of warmth and mutual respect. It has allowed me to listen to these communities not just as an outsider, but with an open heart that is slowly learning to speak their language.

Beyond the city, Uganda’s natural beauty has completely stolen my breath. I recently took an unforgettable trip to Murchison Falls, where the sheer power of nature leaves you utterly speechless. The landscapes are majestic, but the true magic was seeing the wildlife—animals of every imaginable species and color thriving in their natural habitat. From the breathtaking strength of the falls to the quiet grace of the animals roaming free, it was a vivid reminder of how wondrous this world is

One of the absolute highlights of my journey so far was being invited to participate in a traditional Ugandese wedding. It was a spectacular, vibrant celebration of love and community, and I had the immense honor of wearing a Gomesi—the stunning, traditional dress of the Buganda Kingdom. Wrapping myself in the rich fabrics and bright colors of the Gomesi was incredibly emotional and beautiful. Dancing and celebrating alongside everyone, I didn't just feel like a guest; I felt a genuine sense of belonging.

Amidst these beautiful cultural celebrations and adventures, the core of my purpose here remains rooted in the community impact. I recently visited the school in the village of KIKOBA, a project that my organization actively supports. Walking into that village and seeing the children reminded me exactly why I fell in love with humanitarian work. Technology and education here aren't just subjects in a classroom; they are keys to unlocking dreams and building sustainable futures. Seeing the tangible impact of our work filled me with an overwhelming sense of pride and reinforced my commitment to ensure no one is left behind.

As I look ahead to the remaining half of my time here, my enthusiasm is brighter than ever. Uganda has truly become a second home, and the spontaneous kindness I experience every single day makes it harder to imagine leaving. I am filled with an undeniable energy to keep exploring, keep teaching, and look for new ways to extend my journey on this beautiful continent.

Thank you for following along on this adventure—the best is surely yet to come!

YASMIN :)

The Beginning

Hello, I'm Alessandra, I come from Italy and I'll spend the next 6 mounth of my life in Uganda; I'm here from 4 weeks and with Mondo I work at Bridge Project. 

During this time, I've tried to understand how life flows here in Kampala, and honestly, I'm still trying to fully understand it. One thing I've understood: life here unfolds on the streets, between a local market and a school, a mechanic's shop (for repairing the boda, the most common means of transport) and a hair saloon that's open until late, a chicken rosted food stalls and a rolex food stalls. What is rolex? It is a chapati rolled with eggs and vegetables, rolled-eggs... ROLEX!   

Uganda was once called 'the pearl of Africa', and it's not hard to see why; just travel 30-40km from the city to enjoy the region's vast, lush nature, filled with national parks, lakes (such as Lake Victoria, Africa's largest lake) and rivers (yes, the Nile River has its source in this region).

     

My volunteer work at the Kampala School for the Physically Handicap has just begun. I've had the opportunity to meet the teachers, the therapists (yes, there's an entire department dedicated to rehabilitation), and of course the children. But above all, I've seen firsthand how much love all the caregivers have for these children. I've had the opportunity to sit in the classrooms and help the teachers guide the children through their exercises, and I've also collaborated with the physiotherapists during therapy sessions, and I've seen the happiness in the children's eyes at the end of a well-executed exercise.

The school is like a large residence, they call it "boarding school", the children spend their week inside the structure and it seems like a big family, at lunchtime those who have no difficulty walking help their friends in wheelchairs to reach the dinner hall, no one is left behind. 

            

I will still have a lot of time to get to know and enjoy this place, to find my role in the school and carry on this project leaving something of mine and bringing something home from here, and I can't wait.

My Ugandan Beginning: Between Digital Horizons and Prehistoric Shadows

Hello everyone!

My name is Yasmin  I’m from Milano Italy, and I am writing these lines with a heart full of the vibrant energy that has surrounded me since February 10th—the day I touched down in Kampala. I am here to work with Mondo, an organization that truly believes in the power of digital transformation, and I must say that these first weeks have been an intense journey, moving through new landscapes and even newer perspectives.

Teaching the Future: My IT Lessons

One of the most rewarding aspects of my time here so far has been my work in the schools. Walking into a classroom and finding myself in front of young people so eager to learn is a pure shot of adrenaline. During our IT lessons, we aren't just studying how to manage data or browse the web safely; we are building bridges.

Seeing a student struggle with a digital tool and then, after a few attempts, master it with a proud smile, makes me realize how vital the Mondo Digital Competences Program truly is. Here, technology isn’t a luxury; it’s a key to solving everyday problems and dreaming of a solid professional career. Every lesson challenges me to be more creative and to ensure that no one is left behind.

A Meeting from the Past: The Shoebill

But Uganda isn’t just screens and keyboards. To truly understand where I am, I felt the need to immerse myself in its wildest side. Recently, I had an experience that I can only describe as surreal: encountering the Shoebill.

Gliding silently through the swamps, surrounded only by the sound of the water, and suddenly finding myself just a few meters away from this prehistoric-looking bird was breathtaking. It looks like a creature from another era—still, majestic, and slightly intimidating. It was a moment of profound reflection for me: while in the classroom we are racing toward a digital future, out here, time seems to have stood still for thousands of years. This contrast is exactly what makes my life here so special.

Looking Ahead

The warmth with which I’ve been welcomed since day one is something I will never forget. There is a spontaneous kindness in the eyes of the people in Kampala that made me feel at home much sooner than I expected.

These first weeks have been dedicated to listening and understanding the real needs of the communities we work with. Every meeting, every lesson, and every sunset confirms that choosing to come here with Mondo was the right decision. The road ahead is long, but my enthusiasm is through the roof!

Stay Turned for new adventures.....

Yasmin. :)