Classes offered at our center and through field programs focus on rebuilding a ruptured society, increasing confidence and independence among participants, and providing creative outlets for victims of trauma to tell their stories, thus offsetting the consequences of violence with healing and unity.

THRIVEGulu represents the Ugandan people with their input and approval.

THRIVEGulu works with the local community to identify needs and wants.

THRIVEGulu works arm in arm with local staff to manage and grow its initiatives.

Programs
Women’s Empowerment: At meetings, workshops, and in-the-field gatherings, THRIVEGulu offers beginning business training for women’s groups in areas such as organization, opening bank accounts, and record keeping. We also conduct facilitated discussions on such topics as self esteem and family/couple relationships. Other gatherings focus on creating reusable sanitary pad kits, soap and candle making, and setting quality standards in handicraft products.

Arts, Filmmaking and Storytelling: This program is intended to provide avenues for self-expression in the local community through filmmaking, storytelling, art, music, photography and dance. Through sharing stories, we achieve family and community unity as well as trauma healing.

Literacy and Computer Instruction: The loss of education and the resulting adult illiteracy have caused effects of war to continue long past the violence. “Above all,” we hear, “we want our children to go to school.” And yet when the children start to read and write, the adults are embarrassed about to their own lack of education. Our Center provides a place to learn, a teacher to learn from, a program to follow, encouragement and positive reinforcement.

Solidarity Program: This program is an important part of the trauma healing mission and consists of groups from abroad, each approximately 10-20 volunteers, who travel to northern Uganda to assist THRIVEGulu staff with programs and activities. Solidarity Program projects include building new homes for THRIVEGulu participants and contributing to educational workshops. Volunteers cover their own costs including housing and travel and, as appropriate, provide funding and/or materials for specific projects.