Last week the staff and seamstresses of our social enterprise, Mend, visited The Recreation Project, an organization that utilizes a ropes course to teach “the important life skills and character-building needed to navigate a new landscape that for decades has been defined by war and conflict.” Field trips like this also support Mend’s goals of improving mental health and interpersonal skills for the seamstresses, many of whom are managing symptoms of trauma.

Through activities like zip lining, wall climbing, and critical-thinking games, the group learned principles like teamwork, planning, problem solving, and building self-confidence.

Through activities like zip lining, wall climbing, and critical-thinking games, the group learned principles like teamwork, planning, problem solving, and building self-confidence.

One of the most challenging games required teamwork to maneuver a small ball into a can despite half the players being blindfolded. Both groups that participated were successful after just a few attempts!

One of the most challenging games required teamwork to maneuver a small ball into a can despite half the players being blindfolded. Both groups that participated were successful after just a few attempts!

The group also took personality tests to explore habits and communication styles. With personality outcomes like ‘The Helper,’ ‘The Enthusiast,’ and ‘The Investigator,’ there was much discussion about what these mean for working together. Ajok Betty was excited about her outcome as ‘The Achiever.’ “I feel that this suits me,” she shared with the group, “because I’m always planning what to do next. I’m proud of this.”

The group also took personality tests to explore habits and communication styles. With personality outcomes like ‘The Helper,’ ‘The Enthusiast,’ and ‘The Investigator,’ there was much discussion about what these mean for working together. Ajok Betty was excited about her outcome as ‘The Achiever.’ “I feel that this suits me,” she shared with the group, “because I’m always planning what to do next. I’m proud of this.”

Everyone’s favorite activity was the “Leap of Faith,” a steep climb up a tree trunk ending in a daring jump onto a trapeze. Nearly everyone in the group participated, and those who hesitated before jumping were encouraged with laughter and applause from below.

Everyone’s favorite activity was the “Leap of Faith,” a steep climb up a tree trunk ending in a daring jump onto a trapeze. Nearly everyone in the group participated, and those who hesitated before jumping were encouraged with laughter and applause from below.

 

It was truly a special opportunity to work (and play) together, feel a sense of pride in community, and understand how interpersonal interactions impact the group. Everyone is looking forward to next year’s visit!

It was truly a special opportunity to work (and play) together, feel a sense of pride in community, and understand how interpersonal interactions impact the group. Everyone is looking forward to next year’s visit!

The social enterprise Mend is one of our Recovery Programs in Uganda, and is funded through monthly donations by members of Fourth Estate. Find out how you can sign up for a Fourth Estate membership HERE.