| Union College, Engeye, and the residents of Uganda's Ddegeya Village are embarking on a novel partnership that has the potential to change many lives.  A plan conceived by Union College professor Hal Fried and assistant dean Tom McEvoy grants select Union College recipients annual travel stipends to live in rural Uganda at Engeye Health Clinic for eight months and undertake a project of their choice. From teaching and health care to advancing electricity and running water efforts, the stage is theirs to choreograph and implement their personal visions. Upon return to the United States, the recipients will inspire fellow students when they co-teach Professor Fried's innovative Social Entrepreneurship course. This novel enterprise would not have come to fruition without the generosity of some folks who were willing to take a leap of faith in support of those less fortunate. The donors of the scholarship are not only enabling students to experience a time unlike any before, but they are facilitating a partnership between local and global knowledge, enabling a long overdue bold global health initiative.  Becky Broadwin and Stephen Po-Chedley with their students. Engeye, Union College, and the villagers of Ddegeya realize that globalised medicine is essential to achieving universal peace and prosperity. It is our responsibility. Greatness and global health go hand in hand. As conscientious world citizens, it is evident the time to act is now. In the words of Dr. Joia Mukherjee, "You speak English, you have a passport, you have a responsibility to use those tools. Go see these places and talk about them. Write about them. Be an advocate. It's a huge job, but the coolest thing ever is to change the world.”  |
