Discovering Radical Hope at Kagoma Gate, Uganda
Rosaria (Rosie) Nowhitney is a rising sophomore at Duke University. She grew up in upstate New York where she loves to play sports and spend time with family and friends. She found her true passion, however, working with migrant workers in her community and volunteering in Uganda. Rosie is interested in double majoring in Public Policy and Cultural Anthropology. If possible she would also like to complete the Global Health Certificate. After graduating, Rosie plans to enroll in Public Health School or Law School. Rosie is very excited for her research project, and she looks forward to hearing and sharing the stories of the villagers of Kagoma Gate.
Follow her posts here.
Project summary: Rosie’s project takes her to Uganda to explore the creation of a multi-ethnic/multi-national community by people who had all experienced violence either in Uganda or in their home countries of Rwanda, Sudan, the Congo, and Kenya. What does community mean in such a setting? What provides the foundation for trusting social relations among people who have a background of betrayal by close friends and neighbors? Currently living in extreme poverty and with few economic opportunities outside of work on a local sugar plantation, what, if anything, gives them a sense of purpose and hope for the future? Rosie draws on philosopher Jonathan Lear’s concept of “radical hope” to develop these questions. Faculty mentor: Suzanne Shanahan