During the Applied Impact Immersion course in January 2025, the Buser family joined Notre Dame undergraduate students on the trip to Saint Bakhita Vocational Training Center in Kalongo, Uganda. Mrs. Molly Buser and her daughter, Julia, wrote poems about their experience and graciously shared them with the Powerful Means Initiative to publish.
The Pearl of Africa
By Molly Buser
The Busers arrived to Kampala late at night,
With anticipation, excitement, and maybe a little fright!
The slow moving line at airport immigration
Gave us preview to the pace of life in this nation.
But our expectations were high and we could not wait
To begin our journey and Powerful Means Initiative date!
We visited Eve, the Bugandan princess, in her carpentry shop.
With her poise and ingenuity, she will not be stopped.
Back to the caravan and onto Gulu was the plan,
But the motor was failing in one of the vans!
Luggage was rearranged and the adventure resumed,
With windows open, we made observations (and inhaled car fumes).
Locals ride on bikes and walk along slowly,
Minding the items they carefully carry.
Women with strong cores, who I pray are well fed,
Carry 5 gallons of water, bags of rice, and even bundles of sticks on their heads!
Men make bricks from the gorgeous red clay that will endure,
On the homes with thatched roofs (which the women and children procure).
We spied cranes, baboons, and monkeys by the raging Nile.
An agile baboon thief stole a pineapple!
With bright shining eyes and beautiful smiles,
The children look on and wave at each mile.
They carry little ones and protect them from harm.
They train them how to help - at home and on the farm…
Herding cows and goats and chickens too;
Fetching water at the well is a daily to-do;
Doing the washing, laying the clothes to dry,
On the grass or the trees or anything high.
Four on a motorcycle is a normal sight.
Dodging people and potholes, unnerving it was being driven at night!
(Upon arrival in Gulu, cold beer was refreshing and brought calm,
To those of us for whom the night driving felt long.)
In Elefante Commons, we heard from young entrepreneurs,
About their dreams and challenges for the future.
With 75% of the population younger than thirty,
The outlook for Uganda is full of hope, surely!
Our final trek to Kalongo was off-road and bumpy,
But Wendy’s question games kept us from getting grumpy.
At last we arrived to Green Oasis, “a decent accommodation.”
It was comfortable, though full of bugs, much to the kids’ frustration.
The welcome ceremony at Saint Bakhita’s brought us to tears,
As everyone double hugged us, I could tell they’re all dears!
Madame Principal, students and staff said, “ good morning” and “you are welcome.”
To Chef Brian’s delicious meals, we responded, “yum!”
Mangoes, watermelon, passionfruit juice too,
Rice, beans, cassava, millet, greens, and stew!
Mama Wendy and Victoria are intelligent and adored,
Papa Corey fixed things and bio-gas was restored.
The ND students led interviews and empowered,
While over us the cross on the mountain towered.
At night, the stars shine brightly, like the people’s joy.
It was refreshing to see children delight at nature‘s toys.
The market was crazy, but we danced and made “best friends.”
When we hiked up the mountain, Derek, Fatima, and I thought the uphill climb would never end.
The sunrise and view were a gift at the top,
But the highlight was the Ugandan girls dancing hip-hop!
In Saint Bakhita‘s courtyard stands a shrine to Mary and “Education is Light.”
With the dedication of the teachers, the girls’ future is bright!
We will be praying over them in the coming months and year,
As they launch their own new businesses here.
Rosemary, Aya Grace, Albert and team worked on our fashions,
Ensuring that when we sport them, we can speak of our new found passion…
For the beautiful country and people of Uganda,
“How soon can we return?” is the only thing that I wonder.
In conclusion, visiting Uganda has been such a blessing!
This place and these people I will be missing!
A Fascinating Country
By Julia Buser
Trees.
Bees.
Everything at ease
Here in Uganda,
A country I am now fond of.
Cows.
From nails, minor bows.
Goats
And no need for coats.
Hills.
Different dollar bills.
And an extra fact, too
Is that this is a country I will surely come back to.