David Westfall, an instructor in the department of sociology, anthropology, and crime and delinquency studies, points out Uganda in an African map on Friday in his office and tells his experiences during the trip. An honors class will be travelling to Uganda to assist Edukey Genter Support Organization.
Students from the Global Problems honors course at Emporia State University will be making a trip to Uganda this summer to assist an organization called Edukey Gender Support Organization to work with young, underprivileged women.
“Last year when we were with EDUKEY we helped them build a wall, paint a wall, they gave leadership training, we took some computers, and helped with some computer training … whatever they need,” said David Westfall, instructor of sociology, anthropology and crime and delinquency studies.
The trip was initially brought about several years ago by Westfall. He was writing his dissertation on cultural events in Uganda, and students became interested in coming along.
“My second year here (at ESU), some of the students were asking if they could go, so I took a group of students with me then,” Westfall said. “The Honors College was interested in what we were doing, and they started to get involved, so now it’s kind of a partnership between sociology and the Honors College where we take students abroad.”
A part of the trip’s purpose includes ‘Renae’s Pad Project,’ which was started by Renae Wyatt, wife of Gary Wyatt, dean of the Honors College and associate provost. Renae’s Pad Project is aimed at providing women in Uganda with materials and teaching them how to make reusable feminine hygiene products.
“This year I’m fortunate enough to collaborate with Renae (Wyatt) for my honors community project that we do through the honors college,” said Brettany Williams, junior psychology major. “Since I’m going to Uganda, it is something I was really excited about and I know Renae, I’ve known her for a long time so it was something that caught my attention, something that I really wanted to do.”
The students will also be doing additional projects during the four to six-week trip, possibly including working on renovations for a school and neighborhood in Uganda as well, according to Wyatt.
“I think what Dr. Westfall really pushes for on this trip is nothing specific, just in general to learn about a new culture and experience a life and a society that’s very different from our own.” Williams said. “He just really wants us to learn and appreciate a new culture.”