Words on Working Abroad

I’ve returned from my second weekend excursion to a far corner of the country – this time Karamoja in the northeast. The mindset I adopt when traveling takes on such a different quality than tourism, thanks to my traineeship. Through the work of this company, there are breathtaking impacts on local communities and peoples, and it’s a bit awe-inspiring to think that my work can be a part of that. But I’m quick to come back to humility, because of my limitations as the only non-East African working on the project.

To give you an idea of the conditions: Karamoja is the least developed region of Uganda, where the tribe is extremely conservative and traditional in their customs. For example, they pay a big dowry (like 80 cows) to get a bride, then treat her like property, making her build, farm, get water, cook, tend to children, etc. while the guy sits around and drinks ... only to demand sex at night. Due to recent drought, the cattle are scarce, and this has been the site of the worst violence in the country as bandits kill people for their cows – all so they can secure a bride for themselves. I was safe during the trip (our hotel was just outside the region, so it was a day trip), but it was eye-opening to be sure. The idea is that they revenue from growing crops for the renewable energy company will alleviate resource scarcity and empower the women. Can only hope that this happens soon.

I’ve just finished reading several of my friends recent blog posts, and it was striking to see some common themes of cultural barriers (especially you in Africa – Ray, Dunia, Brownie, and Sean; pardon the lack of comments – I read new posts using Google Reader when I’m offline). I think a lot about how I can reinvest this experience back in my home country and culture. Especially because every day I witness East Africans propelling themselves toward their goals for their region. My boss has a strident ideology that Africa’s problems are perpetuated by NGOs and the Church, both of which draw their executives mostly from Europe. I’ve asked him to lend me the book Lords of Poverty, which develops this argument. These experiences and ideas are building a long-subconscious urge to find ways that I can contribute within my home society. Let me explain.

Many of my coworkers get around 4 hours of sleep per night, due to their high discipline and work ethic. One claims an herbal tea allows him to deepen the quality of the little sleep he gets, so he can stay up half the night talking to the company’s numerous international partners. Another has diabetes, and must run for an hour every morning so he doesn’t prematurely die (insulin is prohibitively expensive here). Another cares for nine children: One that is her own and eight that have been orphaned after her brothers and sisters died. Whatever their motivation, these people have such positive attitude and dedication toward the company’s mission. They realize they are part of a one-of-a-kind African enterprise, within which they are role models of indigenous entrepreneurship and hard work.

I’ve been doing my best to pour myself into work, despite the lack of internet access and few social opportunities apart from coworkers. I’m less than a third into my 12 weeks here, and there’s so much I hope to achieve. My current objectives at work are to (1) design and equip a chemistry laboratory for the company, (2) perform an environmental impact assessment required by the national ministry of the environment, (3) familiarize myself on academic and technical literature related to the company’s interests, and (4) recruit and train a team of three chemistry research interns from the prestigious Makerere University in Kampala, who will continue the research in the company’s laboratory after I return to the US.

The last objective is by far the most meaningful to me right now, because it seems to align with the value of empowering young people to invest their skills in improving their home community. Once again, it’s an act of humility, because I won’t be able to achieve much in my three months here. And I am excited for the interpersonal dynamics with other young chemistry researchers that I bring to the company. Surely I will have to assume some authority at the beginning, but if I’m able to kindle any AIESEC spirit in this endeavor, it will become a most welcome social outlet.

The question remains how I will invest these experiences back at home … and if I will consider my boss’ offer to employ me for one year in Uganda between undergrad and graduate school. I know I will continue to have a thirst for travel, but recently I’ve really wished that I could play the host. To be in my element so I can constantly entertain and share tidbits of local culture to eager (or even fatigued) eyes and ears, all in stride with doing meaningful work. My coworkers are exemplifying this toward me, but cultural learning curves are proving all too steep for me to be at the same level in Uganda in the foreseeable future. So for all of my international friends – consider this an open invitation. Visiting the US won’t be easy, but I’ll do everything I can to bridge the gap. And to Jing and Marina, I only wish I could have been there more this past year.