This is Milan, a student of UC Leuven-Limburg, who arrived at Edirisa on Lake Bunyonyi last month. Like others before him, he’s doing a 6-month internship that’s part of the “Global Citizenship and Development” course.
We first sent Milan to a 2-day canoe tour with a friendly group of World Insight travellers from Austria and Germany. He drank local beer, met the medicine man, had lunch at a craftmaker’s home, and camped on an island. “I couldn’t have imagined a better way to get to know the area. I was stunned by how welcoming and open Provia’s people were,” recalls Milan.
He learned about the legendary Tom Karemire and got his first experience with how deeply religious Ugandans are. One of the World Insight guests was from a Catholic institution; it meant so much to the family that he said evening and morning prayers over Tom’s grave!
“Those were heartwarming and pure moments. I was moved, despite the fact that I am not religious myself. I want to learn more about the role Christianity plays in the community,” says Milan.
In the following weeks, he saw more of local life through hiking — our Belgian is still getting used to the hills! — and visiting Rutinda. It made him think about all the privileges he has at home.
He began attending the gym at the nearby Bunyonyi Safaris Resort, playing pool, and kicking a ball with the village youth: “The boys are playing like it’s the final of the Champions’ League. Their physicality and motivation is crazy!”
Milan himself has a serious background in gymnastics. He practiced competitively until he was 12, then became a trainer. He’s already sharing some of his skills with the pupils of Bufuka Primary School.
But Milan’s main mission during his internship with us is to understand the impact of tourism. “The way Gorilla Highlands Experts bring travellers closer to the local culture really appeals to me,” he explains. We have assigned him the task of developing activities for budget visitors.
Otherwise, Milan likes his new home a lot, especially the view, the proximity to the lake, and the natural surroundings. “Edirisa has a cozy vibe and the staff really care,” he concludes with his trademark big smile.
photos by Brenda Katusiime, Bright Owen, ML Rwebandira & Milan Verdonk