Support GROW!

 Who are we?   

The GrassRoots On-site Work (GROW) Internship allows UCLA GlobeMed interns to travel directly to our partner non-profit, Mpoma Community HIV/AIDS Initiative (MCHI) in Uganda. Interns work closely on sustainable partner-initiated projects—increasing accessibility to clean water, providing hygiene education, empowering local communities, and more. After a successful rebuilding of this internship last year, we are excited to send interns again!  

 What we do!   

MCHI is based in the rural Nama Sub-county of Uganda where access to water is severely limited. In this community, many individuals need to travel far distances to access water and water filtration is limited, leading to the prevalence of many waterborne diseases. Furthermore, In Uganda, many girls leave school around menstruation age due to a lack of access to period products and social stigma. Additionally, MCHI and Globemed have recently identified a need for social-emotional support for young students to develop both inside and outside the classroom.

The GROW team works with MCHI on these issues through projects that focus on the sustainability and longevity of communities in the Nama Sub-county. We aim to give communities the resources to strengthen and GROW!

The Water Access, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Project finances the construction of boreholes as clean water sources for village communities and provides educational material on proper sanitation and hygiene practices. This year, the GROW team will observe the repairs of three major boreholes in the Nama-sub county and will host an educational meeting for over 20 different communities to promote borehole maintenance and water sanitation. We also have the Project for Income Generation (PIG), which allows village communities the ability to self-generate income that supports borehole maintenance.  

The Sanitary Pad Project (SPP) aims to educate students on menstruation and to provide them with skills to make reusable sanitary pads. This project takes place at MCHI-affiliated schools - Johnson Nkosi Memorial Primary School (JNMPS) and St. Mary's Kirwanyi Primary School. 

We also promote student empowerment and retention in schools through a pen pal program between UCLA and Ugandan students, as well as our new project, GROW Corner. GROW Corner provides a physical space for students to express their emotions, connect with their peers, and build skills that support their career aspirations. Interns will be expanding this project by improving the counseling space at JNMPS and increasing students' access to technology.

 How you can help!  

By donating to our campaign, you directly support the building of global communities. Not only will donations help with trip expenses, but they will also go towards our partner community, helping build long-term healthy practices in the Mpoma region of Uganda. By supporting our GROW interns travel to Uganda, you help MCHI and GlobeMed at UCLA strengthen existing projects and start new developments focused on global health equity. Anything helps! Donate what you can as you will be contributing to something not only valuable but vital: the building of our world! Your help will uplift communities to have access to clean drinking water and safe sanitation infrastructure while empowering individuals to become strong, healthy global citizens. Grow Bruins!!!

Amazzi bwebulamu; water is life

If you'd like more information about our mission and projects, check out https://globemedatucla.wordpress.com/ 

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