For sophomore Andrew Moore, volunteering his time to help others in need is nothing new. “I’ve been volunteering on a regular basis since I was in the 5th grade, so volunteering has become a big part of my life,” he said. When the software engineering major had the opportunity to put his skills to use helping a rural community in Uganda, Africa, he jumped at the chance. “I knew it would be an incredible experience to see such a drastically different culture, I just didn’t know how incredible at the time.”
Moore, along with architectural engineering senior Matthew Peterson and Associate Professor Dr. Patrick J. Jung, journeyed to Africa in April 2012 to set up an Internet café on the grounds of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Padibe, Uganda. Having Internet access is an important step towards re-building the lives of the Acholi people of northern Uganda, who have suffered tremendous loss due to civil war.
In addition to the Internet café, Peterson conducted a preliminary assessment and looked for a site on which to raise a new building for a sunflower press. Sunflowers grow well in the climate of northern Uganda, and the oil produced by the seeds can be sold at the local market. Peterson and Jung did soil analysis and basic survey work and, when the final site was selected, Peterson designed the building that will one day stand on this spot. He plans to return to Uganda to supervise the initial construction work on the building.
The expenses for the two MSOE students and faculty member were paid for by the Office of Servant Leadership, which is currently under the leadership of Dr. David Howell. It is hoped that these projects will allow the people of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish to have a more prosperous and peaceful future.
Moore recommends more students to take advantage of projects such as these. “Not only could you be a huge help to people in need, but a trip like this is very eye opening. As Americans, we often forget how good we have it, and this put things into perspective for me.”