A Transformative Journey: The 2024 Teen Service Trip to Uganda
REACH for Uganda’s annual Teen Service Trip to Uganda is a highly impactful program, consistently successful in fostering cross-cultural understanding, community service, and personal growth. This summer, eight participants embarked on this paradigm-shifting journey to visit the REACH-sponsored schools and health clinics. We would like to recognize and thank this year’s amazing participants for their three-week journey in Uganda: Allyna F., Arvand F., Sydney G., Riya H., Sofia L., Marjan M., Sofia P., and Colston W.
Our teen participants were deeply engaged and committed to making a positive impact during their trip. They actively participated in various service projects, such as teaching new sports and dance, educating girls on menstruation, donating period products, tutoring students, and providing healthcare support and materials. In both of the communities where REACH operates, Matuwa and Bududa, the teens also participated in community and social events, such as hiking, cooking, soccer games, a ground-breaking ceremony, special school events, and more! Their enthusiasm and dedication were instrumental in making a tangible difference in the lives of the Ugandan youth and community members they encountered.
Visiting the Matuwa Junior School and Arlington Junior School in Uganda is always a profoundly impactful experience for American teens and Ugandan students. The schools consider it an honor to host Americans, and the Ugandans eagerly learn about life in the United States. The teens gain firsthand exposure to a different culture, lifestyle, and challenges faced by people in developing countries. This exposure fosters empathy, compassion, and a global perspective. By interacting with the Ugandan students, the American teens develop a deeper understanding of the importance of education and the positive impact they can have on the world. Through home visits, joining community activities, and by sharing their own experiences and perspectives, the American teens help to break down stereotypes and foster cultural exchange. This exchange is mutually beneficial, as both groups learn from each other and form lasting connections.
The Annual Teen Service Trip is invaluable to REACH for Uganda. The volunteer efforts of the teens provide much-needed support in various areas, including community outreach, education, and healthcare. Their presence also helps to raise awareness about the REACH mission and the challenges faced by vulnerable youth in Uganda. This increased visibility can attract additional funding and support for the organization.
The Teen Service Trip is an amazing experience that offers teens the opportunity to engage in meaningful community service, develop cross-cultural understanding, and gain a deeper appreciation for the world. It also includes tourism activities through safari game drives, cruises and treks, waterfall visits, Nile River boat rides, and hiking. The trip is a transformative experience that can have a lasting impact on the participants’ lives. By participating in this program, teens are not only making a difference in the lives of others but also gaining valuable skills and experiences that will benefit them throughout their lives. To learn more about joining our 2025 Teen Trip, or one of the other amazing trips REACH for Uganda hosts, click here.
