Inspiring alumni stories: meet Martha, Peacebuilding alumna

This Amala alumni interview features Martha, who currently lives in Uganda. Martha completed the Peacebuilding in Your Community  course this year in Kampala, delivered by Amala partner United South Sudanese Urban Refugees Community (USSURC). 

Martha was among the first group of 21 Amala students which USSURC graduated earlier this year, along with those who opted for English for Changemakers. We had the opportunity to speak to Martha about her experience of the Changemaker course and the skills she gained from it.

How did you find the  Peacebuilding in Your Community course? What did you like about it?

It was very educational! I gained lots of skills, such as communication skills, learning to communicate with community members in Kampala about how to create peace.

What have you been doing since you completed the course(s) with Amala? 

I have been plaiting hair to earn money for the day. And thanks to Amala we are going to have a new educational opportunity, Economics for Change, and I am looking forward to the variety of topics that will be handled!

How did the Peacebuilding in Your Community course change your mindset?

I learnt how to coexist with others despite differences. I also learnt how to communicate in order to create peace and how to carry on problem-solving within the community.

How did you find meeting the other students?

I had to build new relationships. This was a bit of a new experience for me. The other people on the course were different people, from different communities. It has changed the way I relate to other people. Before, we thought separately, not cooperatively, because we have our own differences, but through the course we were able to find ways of bringing together our differences and working through the problems.

What were your projects like at the end of the course?

We had different projects - I participated in one I liked in particular. It involved going into detail about how people are living and the problems faced, and what solutions they hope for, and how they can help each other. 

Martha (right, bottom) with her fellow Peacebuilding course graduates

What are your aspirations for the future? 

It is my goal to be a doctor and give health advice to those in my community. In the meantime I will indulge in whatever opportunities have been brought forward by Amala. 

What would your advice be for other young refugees who are starting an Amala course or thinking about joining one? 

Amala has given opportunities to many, and those who have the  chance to join should take it. Not every organisation provides free education. Courses like Economics for Change or Peacebuilding do not come often and there are many skills you acquire along the way. 

It was really exciting doing the Amala programme. We had one and now more are coming. In the future I hope to look out for the Diploma Programme. It is encouraging because people in the community are joining in on the other programmes too.