For six weeks, I had the profound honor of working alongside two individuals whose visions for community empowerment were as distinct as they were powerful: Admiral Alex and Maddie. Both remarkably young, their wisdom and drive positioned them as true visionaries. This partnership was a masterclass in how modern service—whether through boots-on-the-ground development or digitally driven advocacy—can fundamentally redefine what it means to protect and elevate the interests of the people. Their stories prove that the greatest impact comes when tradition and technology converge with absolute passion.

Alex and Maddie Spared time for a Group Photo with Learners of Kulu Opal after Menstrual Health Training.

Admiral Alex is a man of the uniform who views service through a lens far wider than traditional security. He firmly believes that the true protection of the people’s interests goes beyond firearms; it must start with empowerment. During his six weeks with the WASH program at GDPU, Alex operated with a profound understanding: if communities lack the means to live a healthy and dignified life, the foundation for civil unrest is already laid. His approach, guided by this fundamental knowledge, proved that a leader’s most critical asset is empathy and the commitment to sustainable civilian well-being. This was the mentality he brought to the WASH program at GDPU.

Alex Administer the Monitoring Tool with Deputy Head Teacher During a Monitoring Visit at Kulu Opal Primary School.

In sharp contrast, Maddie’s vigor is channeled through a robust and relentless search for tangible results. Driven by a passion to amplify voices, she sees technology and social media as earnest tools for social good. Maddie’s focus is on the powerful narrative of young girls fighting to break the chain of absolute poverty and overcome challenging community perceptions about menstrual hygiene. Her work is dedicated to telling these stories and ensuring these girls stay in school—using modern platforms to tear down old barriers and enable a future driven by real-world change.

Maddie Keeps a Watchful Eye on the Girls of Kulu Opal During Menstrual Health Training.

Alex embodies the spirit of a mission-driven soldier whose primary weapon is Love. While his approach brooks no excuse for falling short, his demand for excellence is paired with an incredibly happy and jolly disposition. During his six weeks, Alex brought much-needed clarity and direction, most notably by re-aligning the monitoring tool. The result: our data became more direct and learner-centered, giving us genuine insights into impact.

Furthermore, his engagement with the wheelchair program opened up new directions and possibilities. This genius lies in his powerful belief that kindness is the most potent element of life, a conviction that allows him to set uncompromising standards while inspiring dignity and success.

Maddie Believes that the Future is Brighter with Every Stitch.

Maddie is a force of nature, instantly injecting perspective, raw energy, and fierce drive. As a strong proponent that the world is a global village ready to learn and offer support, she holds the key to unlocking this potential: telling their stories in the most compelling way possible.

During her six weeks, Maddie acted as a visionary architect, meticulously reviewing and elevating our media platforms. She ensured we were actively setting ourselves on the road to recovery and sustained engagement. Focused and intelligent, she delivered practical solutions poised to shape our program’s operations for years to come. Her connection with the girls and her commitment to unmatched content creation established her as a true catalyst using technology to empower the next generation.

Keen to the Process

Together, this formidable duo didn’t just spend six weeks with us; they catalyzed monumental change. Under their guidance, we successfully reviewed and overhauled the monitoring tool and executed two comprehensive monitoring rounds across all our beneficiary schools. Their commitment extended directly to community health, leading to three impactful malaria prevention and testing trainings and the completion of two crucial menstrual health trainings.

And From Theory, To Action.

Crucially, their influence propelled our drive for new partnerships. With Alex’s strategic support, we organized a highly productive meeting with World Vision. Simultaneously, Maddie’s sharp research skills ensured we had every piece of necessary information precisely when we needed it, allowing us to leverage data for the maximum good of the program.

We also fostered a meaningful connection with the local structure by hosting a mutual meeting with the President of the Rotary Club Gulu. Given Alex and Maddie’s established links with Rotary in the UK, it was the perfect synergy to discuss future possibilities. Together, this duo teaches us that love creates a way where there is none.

Both Maddie and Alex stitched Hopes into the Future of Countless Girls Up North.

Today, the future is undeniably brighter. This light shines not simply because two incredible humanitarian minds landed in Entebbe from Derby, UK, and drove up north to the historically conflict-affected region of Gulu. The true brilliance lies in what happens when the good in our hearts is listened to and allowed to lead—the result is relentless, positive action. The friendship we forged in six weeks will light the embers of hope in the hearts of our children for years to come.

As Alex would affirm, “This is not a goodbye.”