Interview with Grace Akol, nurse in SALEM-Uganda

What do you think is the main difference between Germany and Uganda?
Here in Germany you have modernisation like lots of machines, computers etc., for example in hospitals. In Uganda we don’t have so many things but we use them more efficiently and try to make the best out of everything we have.

Do you think the two countries have anything in common?
People from both countries try to interact, share things and learn from each other. I noticed that a few people who saw me for the first time (for example on the train) stood up trying to get a distance between me and them as if they feared I had malaria or something. But most people here want to make me feel at home, they are caring and keep asking “Are you okay?”, “Can I get you something?”, “Are you cold?” etc. On my travels here I did not have too much trouble, most people tried to help and I haven’t met anything bad. People from both countries are very hospitable.

If you had one wish for Uganda what would you wish for your country?
I wish it would use best what it has and try to improve its situation, to move forward and not to stand still. It’s important to borrow ideas from others (like I am doing by being in Germany) and then to see how you can adopt it in your every-day life at home (like protecting the environment etc.).

Do you think the battle against AIDS could be won someday?
No. It is an ongoing disease and we cannot do anything but to keep fighting against it, talk to people about it and give them more information on how to protect themselves, to have the tests and to teach them to just say “No!”.

If you could pack 3 things into your suitcase to take back to Uganda, what would you choose?
As I love children and I know they will run to me when I return I’d take sweets (chocolate etc.) for all of them and also other things like balloons, pencils to make colourful drawings and Christmas things. Also some gifts like necklaces and shirts.

And which things would you like to bring back from Uganda when you return to Germany one day?
Things which grow there like groundnuts, coffee, pineapples, mangos and bananas and also cloth, a necklace or a colourful scarf with an African pattern.

Is there anything else you would like to tell our SALEM friends?
I would like to appreciate the work of the organisation SALEM International. It’s gives a good opportunity to get out and help people. We have learned a lot, there is a lot to do, there is a good relationship. The staff at SALEM-Uganda are all very punctual and love their work.

Grace was interviewed by Helga Machulla in SALEM-Stadtsteinach on 28th September 2011.