Posts by Craig Vandermeer
A look back at 2019
When the Water is Contaminated: Glass Half-Full or Half Empty?
-Erica Altomare, Insight Staff I don’t know if I’m the only one thinking this, but lately watching the news or reading the paper is more shocking and upsetting than usual. Our last blog post probably didn’t help. If you read it, perhaps you were thinking, ‘Okay, I get it. Voluntourism trips abroad may not be…
Read MoreWhy Good Intentions Aren’t Enough
Back in 2012, I found myself in rural Uganda, visiting a series of schools in different communities that were coping with a variety of challenges. This was my second stint in Uganda, having previously been in the country researching the arrival of big oil. This time, I was there checking out different communities, specifically visiting…
Read MoreDay 10: Driving to Kigali, Rwanda
Today we said goodbye to Uganda and headed into Rwanda! Although Uganda was amazing, it was interesting to see the immediate differences between the two countries as we crossed the border. The first thing I noticed was the cleanliness. Rwanda has extremely strict laws surrounding public aesthetics. For example, here, plastic bags are banned to…
Read MoreDay 9: Lake Bunyoni
We are 9 days into the program and it is safe to say that this experience has completely changed my views on what I thought Africa was like. Uganda is beautifully lush and unique in it’s geography. The only thing that does not shock me is how exceptional the wildlife is here. The locals are…
Read MoreDays 11 & 12: Kigali, Rwanda
[av_one_full first min_height=” vertical_alignment=” space=” custom_margin=” margin=’0px’ padding=’0px’ border=” border_color=” radius=’0px’ background_color=” src=” background_position=’top left’ background_repeat=’no-repeat’] [av_textblock size=” font_color=” color=”] As our trip comes to an end, I have spent a great deal of time reflecting on all that we learned throughout our two brief days in Rwanda. Though tragic, and at some points emotionally…
Read MoreDay 10: From Uganda to Rwanda
[av_one_full first min_height=” vertical_alignment=” space=” custom_margin=” margin=’0px’ padding=’0px’ border=” border_color=” radius=’0px’ background_color=” src=” background_position=’top left’ background_repeat=’no-repeat’] [av_textblock size=” font_color=” color=”] Today we said goodbye to Uganda and headed into Rwanda! Although Uganda was amazing, it was interesting to see the immediate differences between the two countries as we crossed the border. The first thing I…
Read MoreDay 9: Lake Bunyoni
[av_one_full first min_height=” vertical_alignment=” space=” custom_margin=” margin=’0px’ padding=’0px’ border=” border_color=” radius=’0px’ background_color=” src=” background_position=’top left’ background_repeat=’no-repeat’] [av_textblock size=” font_color=” color=”] We are 9 days into the program and it is safe to say that this experience has completely changed my views on what I thought Africa was like. Uganda is beautifully lush and unique in…
Read MoreDay 11: Africa Meets Ecuador
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Read MoreDay 9: Quilotoa Crater
Today we woke up to the wonderful views of Banos, had breakfast, and made our way up another 2000 metres to 4000 metres towards our next stop, Quilotoa. On our way, it was easier to see the landscape progressing from the rivers and valleys of Banos to the small farming communities of the high up…
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