Recent economics grad to spend a year in Northern Uganda
John Simpson will be writing a blog about the experience
September 18, 2007 - John Simpson (economics, '07) has taken a unique route to the start of his career.
He is spending his first year out of college in service to the Anglican Diocese of Northern Uganda, a region which had been torn by decades-long civil war.
“There is peace now in Northern Uganda,” Simpson wrote in a note to friends prior to his departure. Those living “in the ‘internally-displaced people’ (IDP) camps surrounding the city of Gulu - now considered home to many - are being encouraged to return to their farms and villages, adopt sustainable and profitable methods of farming, and participate in reconciliation …”
Simpson left for Gulu on September 9. His writes that his “short list of things I could be doing” includes coordinating diocesan youth ministry, counseling, and working with laity and clergy ministering to children.
“I'll spend nights at home in Gulu, in the camps, and in the villages, where the people of Northern Uganda will be rebuilding lives and livelihoods. And I will diligently post pictures and stories and updates on my website."
He said that he welcomes others to join in his experience by joining his list-serve. To do so, send a blank email to him, for monthly updates and links to content on the webpage. Or, just check his webpage.
In a note on Sept. 19, he said that he has been 'in country' for about a week, and was sorting throuigh the technology so that he could begin updating his website.
In his short time there, he writes that he has already seen "a great need here for students of the NC State mold to serve, in agriculture, business, teaching entrepreneuership, ag economic development. A small group of educated people working with the Acholi people of northern Uganda could have an immediate and substantial impact on the lives of people here, since 90 percent of the farmers are in the process of moving from IDP camps back to their farms."
When notified that a link to his site was being added to the college's list of 'college community bloggers,' he wrote: "Thanks for your interest! You don't know how it encourages me to have interest and support from back home!"