This past November, I had an amazing opportunity to travel to Uganda as part of the dTHS Spirulina program. The program is all about addressing malnutrition in the Jewish Abayudaya community by growing spirulina, a superfood packed with nutrients like vitamins and proteins. 

The experience was inspiring and meaningful because I was able to help with a sustainable project while learning about a new culture and community. 

While in Uganda, I worked hands-on in the greenhouse, learning how to grow and harvest spirulina. The process was detailed, from checking pH levels to ensuring the conditions were right for the spirulina to grow. Even though the work could be tiring, it felt good knowing that what we were doing would help people in the community live healthier lives. 

What stood out to me, though, was connecting with the Abayudaya community. They welcomed us with so much kindness, and I learned about their culture, traditions, and history. Seeing how close they were as a community and how they worked together to stay strong, even when facing challenges, was inspiring. Spending time with them, sharing meals, and hearing their stories gave me a new appreciation for their strength and positivity. 

On Shabbat, after we ate, we all sat around singing the Birkat Hamazon, and it was so inspiring to see the community so involved and joyful during prayers. 

This trip also taught me to step out of my comfort zone and try new things. Working in such a different environment and adjusting to new conditions made me grow in ways I didn’t expect. 

While I was in the greenhouse, community members also worked with us to cultivate the spirulina. It was encouraging to see us all work together to benefit others.  I also realized how important teamwork is because we all had to rely on each other to complete the work and solve problems. It made me see that even small tasks, like monitoring water or cleaning equipment, can add up to something big when it’s part of a larger goal.

Overall, my experience in Uganda with the Spirulina program was life-changing. It opened my eyes to global issues like food security and sustainability and taught me lessons about hard work, collaboration, and appreciating different cultures.

 This trip made me even more passionate about helping others and showed me how small efforts can make a real difference.