ANNA SOWTER:
I joined the JGI-Uganda education team from November 2007 to January 2007, after a summer in Budongo and a strong desire to return there. Prior to this, I had been researching conservation education as part of my Masters degree at Oxford, in 'Biodiversity, Conservation and Management'. It was during this time and from previous experience working in a secondary school and at an outdoor education centre in the UK that my interest in environmental education developed.
The education team welcomed me on board, passing me the shared baton for a short period to continue with the development of the Environmental Education Teachers Guide for Primary 6/7. This followed the uptake and success of the Primary 5 Curriculum Guide.
The work meant that my days were mostly spent researching and creating resources in the JGI office in Entebbe but with the continual flow of people and the arrival of a small companion named 'Scrappy Doo', a little dog who was rescued from the roadside, there was never a dull or lonely moment to be had!
Opportunities for field trips with Steph were never turned down and everyone always went out of their way to make my time there as varied and rich as possible. The JGI-Uganda house became a home from home, especially over the Christmas spent at Budongo, and introduced me to so many amazing people, many of whom I am still in contact with. A real chance in a life time opportunity, not to be missed!
