Program Directors:
There will be 2 program directors for this project. These individuals will be in charge of creating the program plan and schedule as well as ensuring everything is operating according to schedule. The program directors will also be in charge of assigning responsibilities to the team and hiring staff in Uganda.
Administrative Assistant:
The assistant will be in charge of all administrative responsibilities such as managing the budget, keeping track of supplies and keeping a logbook of the project's progress while the team is at Mucwini. The administrative assistant will work in a small office to be set up at the camp.
Psychologist:
The psychologist of the team is Dr. Peter K. Baguma BSc, MSc, PhD. Dr. Baguma is the director of the University of Makerere’s Psychology Department in Uganda. He will explain the dynamics of horticultural therapy to the camp community and will fuction as the facillitator and moderator of the refelection periods. Having a psychologist as part of the team is necessary to track the psychological improvement of the trauma victims as the project progresses and to be able to handle any psychological breakdowns/crisis amongst the children.
Farmers/Teachers:
These team members will be hired from within the Mucwini IDP camp and will have prior experience with farming and horticultural practices. They will distribute a plot of 1.5m x 1.5m of farm land to each child and will aid in the building of the fencing around the perimeter of the garden. Each farmer will lead a group of 20 youth in cultivating their section of the garden. They will teach the youth techniques of growing different plants and the proper methods of maintaining them.
Reflection Group Leaders:
These 15 individuals will be members of the Mucwini camp community. We will meet with the camp's leader and together select 15 responsible, enthusiastic individuals to lead the reflection periods. The reflection group leaders will need to be patient, empathetic and confidential when interacting with the trauma victims so that the youth will feel safe and cared for within the context of the discussion. This will aid in improving the overall mental state of the youth.
Translator and Cultural Interpreter:The translator and cultural interpreter will be from Kampala and familiar with the traditional practices of Ugandan individuals. The translator will be onsite in order to allow smooth communications between English and Acholi so that the Canadian members of the team will be able to interact with the members of the Mucwini community. The cultural interpreter will also be present to ensure that members of our team are familiar with and respectful of the Mucwini culture and customs.
Security Officers:
There will be 4 security officers for the team’s protection in Uganda. They will ensure disputes be kept at a minimum and will be capable of dealing with any potential threats should they arise.
Chief Samuel Oloya:
Chief Samuel Oloya is the Subcountry chief of Mucwini. The team will be in contact with him prior to arriving in Mucwini. Chief Oloya will be instrumental in fostering mutually beneficial relationships between the team and the community.
