Location:
300 km east of Kampala, borders Kenya. Situated on Mountain Elgon.
Altitude:
4,321 M (over 14,000 ft) above sea level.
Climate:
Cool in the day and cold at night. Forested, high altitude
Travel:
By road - public transportation (6-hours) or FHI vehicles
People:
Sabiny people, with a population of 18,000
FHI:
Child Development Program started seven years ago in 1998. The main work of FHI is currently an Agro forestry Program to reforest areas cut down by local people.
Languages:
Swahili speakers, more influenced by Kenya than Uganda. Locals also speak Kusobin and English.
Housing/Meals:
Simple local grass thatched hut (Pocot), and also a Guesthouse in town. Potatoes are the main food, also maize and goat.
Communication:
Available through the use of mobile phones, widely accessible.
Work Practicum Options for Kapchorwa:
- Work Practicum: Agro Forestry
Available: Spring and Fall Semesters
Number of Placements: 2
Brief description of duties:
- Work with the community to transplant trees for reforestation
- Evaluate this program in regards to what the community needs
- Make suggestions for further advancement in program
- Work Practicum: History of Pokot
Available: Spring and Fall Semesters
Number of Placements: 1
Brief description of duties:
The Sabiny people have a major conflict with their neighbors, the Pokot. This conflict has resulted in years of [sometimes] brutal fighting. The student will seek answers to the following questions and record observations of the history of the conflict:
- How did this conflict start?
- Why has it continued over the years?
- What could be done to help turn things around?
- Is there hope for a resolution between these two people?
- Work Practicum: Journalism/Photography and/or Documentary Filming
Available: Spring and Fall Semesters
Number of Placements: 1
- Journaling or filming assignment like script writing, recording, narrating, and editing.
Uganda Country Information
Uganda Practicum Site I: Kumi (max 2 students)
Uganda Practicum Site III: Mbale (max 3 students)
Uganda Practicum Site IV: Soroti (max 4 students)
