By Jenny Raymond, GenR: Bay Area President

Three GenR members traveled to Uganda in May 2015 to learn more about the IRC’s robust country programs. The IRC has been working in Uganda since 1998, when conflict caused tens of thousands of people to lose their lives and 1.6 million people to become displaced.

As members of GenR, we all know how privileged we are to witness firsthand the important work the IRC does to resettle thousands of refugees to our local communities here in the U.S. We also know about the incredible work the IRC does abroad, though few of us have an opportunity to see this directly. In May of 2015, I was fortunate to be able to join a small group of GenR members and IRC staff on the first annual GenR Trip to the Field in Uganda.

We spent ten amazing, inspirational, emotional and joyful days visiting with IRC staff and beneficiaries throughout the country. Without exception, every program is doing incredible work and effecting real, measurable change.

I could see this change in each person we met: the pride the community health volunteers felt for keeping the families in their communities healthy; the hope of the young people who are receiving job skills training and education; the glow of the healthy babies born to healthy mothers thanks to access to adequate medical care and facilities; and so much more.

It cannot be overstated that the success of the IRC in Uganda is due in large part to the IRC Uganda staff. They work tirelessly to ensure that the beneficiaries are always the top priority. The friendships we made there will surely last a lifetime, and I look forward to following the future successes of the IRC Uganda team.

We all returned from this trip energized and eager to share the good work of the IRC. I highly recommended that all GenR members learn more about the IRC’s work around the world—and share it with your communities. And hopefully some of you will join next year’s Trip to the Field!