Shukuru

Ethnographic Interview, by Joshua

I am doing an interview with Theobarh, my teacher. I gave him a surprise visit to his office where we sat though the noise from the hair dressing students shouting. 1, So Mr. Theobarh why do you call yourself that name and what does it mean A, My names are ISHARA THEOPHILE BARHAME and I’m called THEOBARH for two reasons. Firstly because it combines my names (THEOPHILE=THEO & BARHAME=BARH) and secondly because it’s my uncles name and we have many things in common. 2, So apart from teaching, what else can you do? B, Come-on, I have a lot of skills in me but mostly I prefer teaching because it helps me feel alive again. I am a good cook; I am writer, a poet, a comedian, a motivational speaker, a health scout, a designer, a web designer, graphic designer and a good business person. I know many things but I do prefer to teach them because on top of everything, teaching is my passion. 3, So can you share with me how you’ve reached here? For today we won’t have time but the only thing I can say is that it wasn’t easy but we kept on doing it. I came here in Nakivale when I was 14 and I have worked every underestimated job here in Nakivale. Above all I kept learning and increasing on my knowledge and shaped myself for where I am and I’m still going.

Deep Observation, by Joshua

Lake Nakivale In the heart of Uganda, nestled near the shimmering waters of Lake Nakivale, a remarkable story of hope and resilience unfolded. Amina, a young woman who had fled her war-torn homeland, found herself among thousands of refugees seeking shelter and safety. Amina arrived at Lake Nakivale after a loyal journey through several countries, her dreams of a peaceful life seemingly shattered by the horrors of conflict. But as she settled into her modest shelter, she discovered a vibrant community of people who, like her, had faced unimaginable challenges. The lake itself became a symbol of solace and healing for Amina. Its calm waters seemed to whisper tales of survival, reminding her that life could still hold beauty and peace even in the midst of chaos. She would often visit the lakeside, where she met an elderly woman named Nyatiti. Nyatiti had been at Lake Nakivale for many years, having fled her own war-ravaged homeland decades ago. She shared stories of resilience and unity that inspired Amina. Despite the hardships, the refugees had built a community where people from different backgrounds came together to support each other. Amina soon found her own place within this close-knit society. She began to teach the children at the camp, offering them a chance to learn and dream of brighter futures. The laughter of the children and the sense of purpose she had found filled her with hope. The shores of Lake Nakivale were a place where new beginnings and lifelong friendships could be forged. Lake Nakivale remained a beacon of hope, where stories of resilience and determination unfolded every day, reminding the world that the human spirit could overcome even the most challenging of circumstances. I observed people were fetching water and some were swimming and playing in the water by crossing the side by side of the lake. I observed they were enjoying swimming because everyone, no matter old or young, they could swim and express their joy. By the time people were swimming in water they saw the snake in the swamps around the lake. All of the people were scared and ran out of the water. The snake changes the happiness into worries and everyone there is scared. Even the people who wanted to fetch water were also scared to be bit from a snake.