【Aitenga 不只是執行計畫，而是在重寫未來】

🌍來自烏干達團隊的一封信 📧

✨ 編者按：以下是一篇來自 Aitenga 團隊成員 Edgold 的個人反思。他以自身經歷分享了初次加入組織時的心路歷程，以及在與社區、學生和家庭互動過程中所獲得的啟發與感動。這段文字不僅記錄了他的觀察，也傳遞了 Aitenga 如何在日常工作中帶來希望與改變。

作者: 艾德高·納基耶尤內(圖右)

當我加入 烏干達團隊 的時候，心中帶著各種假設、恐懼和盼望。我並不確定會遇到什麼，但我渴望能夠成為一件有意義事情的一部分。從第一天開始，團隊就熱情地接納了我。他們對我們這些新成員很有耐心，即使我們提出了許多問題，而這些問題有時聽起來像是在質疑多年來是否做得不夠。

我能感受到他們在那些時刻的挫折，但讓我印象更深的是，他們依然選擇以理解來回應。這對我意義重大，也提醒我真正的力量在於耐心、開放，以及選擇對話而不是防衛。

當我反思那些初期的日子，我做了一個決定：不再帶著假設接觸團隊，而是以好奇心去了解——去學習他們已經走了多遠、對未來的願景，以及我如何能參與在其中。這樣的轉變帶來了不同。我開始看見自己在拼圖中的位置。漸漸地，團隊不再把我們視為不斷質疑的陌生人，而是接納我們為這項使命的同行者。

對我而言，其中一次最謙卑的經歷，是拜訪 Mugongo 辦公室 大部分實際的成果都在那裡發生。這次探訪讓我更腳踏實地，也提醒我，要為自己出身的地方、所擁有的一切，以及身邊的人而心存感恩。

然而，最深刻的時刻，是探訪裁縫課程學生的家庭。與他們的家人坐在一起時，我在父母的臉上看見了希望。對這些家庭而言，Aitenga 所說的「女性賦權計畫」，是他們眼中的隧道盡頭之光。對他們來說，這不僅僅是裁縫或技能培訓，而是給予孩子一個機會，能夠超越他們自己曾經面對過的困境。

那次相遇讓我意識到一件有力量的事：Aitenga 不只是執行計畫，而是在重寫未來。

隨著日子流逝，有一個真理始終清晰：團隊裡的每個人都相信，我們能為學生和社區做得更多。Aitenga 的夢想是廣闊的，有時甚至讓人感到畏懼。但我曾聽過一句話：「如果你的夢想沒有讓你感到害怕，那就代表你的夢還不夠大。」

而在這裡，我看見宏大的夢想正逐步展開。我看見學生在職涯與教育計畫下，即使身處挑戰，仍然堅持追求教育。我看見年輕人擁抱技能，把它作為通往獨立的道路。我看見婦女透過社會企業的工作，走向尊嚴與力量，並為家庭生計做出貢獻。我看見孩子們，曾經幾乎沒有希望，如今開始想像更光明的明天。

那麼，我對身在其中的感受是什麼呢？我覺得自己既深深蒙受特權，也受到挑戰。

蒙受特權，是因為我能透過他人的眼睛看見生命，並運用我的知識、技能和經驗，幫助縮短他們的現況與理想之間的距離。
受到挑戰，是因為我必須超越自己的夢想，要學會在每一條道路上都看見美善，並對每一次能夠服事的機會心懷感恩。

Aitenga 不僅塑造了我如何看待他人，也塑造了我如何看待自己。今天，我能自信地說：我懷抱著希望。我真心相信，前方的光，比我們至今所看見的更加燦爛。

原文:

When I joined Aitenga Women Empowerment Organisation, I walked in with a mixture of assumptions, fears, and hopes. I didn’t know exactly what to expect, but I was eager to be part of something meaningful. From the very first day, I was welcomed warmly by the team. They were patient with us who were new, even when our many questions, questions that at times may have sounded like judgments seemed to suggest that perhaps not enough had been done over the years. I could sense their frustration in those moments, and yet, what stood out to me was their willingness to respond with understanding. That spoke volumes. It reminded me that true strength lies in patience, in openness, and in choosing dialogue over defense. As I reflected on those early days, I made a decision: instead of approaching the team with assumptions, I would approach them with curiosity; with a desire to learn how far they had come, what they envisioned for the future, and how I could play a part in that journey. And that shift made all the difference. I began to see where I fit in the puzzle. Gradually, the team stopped seeing us as strangers who questioned every task, and instead embraced us as fellow travelers on this mission. One of the most humbling experiences for me was visiting the Mugongo office, where most of the tangible magic happens. That visit grounded me. It reminded me to be grateful for where I come from, for what I have, and for the people who surround me. But the moment that truly marked me was visiting the homes of students in the tailoring program. Sitting with their families, I saw hope written on the faces of parents. What Aitenga describes as a program to empower women, these families described as light at the end of the tunnel. To them, it was not just about tailoring or skilling; it was about giving their children a chance to rise above the struggles they themselves had endured. That encounter made me realize something powerful: Aitenga is not just running programs; Aitenga is rewriting futures. As days turn into months, one truth has remained clear, everyone on this team believes there is more we can do for our students and the community. Aitenga’s dream is vast. At times, it even feels daunting. But I once heard these words: “If your dream doesn’t scare you, then you haven’t dreamed enough.” And here, I see big dreams unfolding. I see students determined to pursue education despite the challenges around them catered for under the career and education path program. I see young people embracing skills as their path to independence. I see women stepping into dignity and strength as they contribute to their families’ livelihoods through the social enterprise work. I see children, who once had limited hope, now beginning to imagine brighter tomorrows. So how do I feel about being part of this? I feel deeply privileged and challenged. Privileged because I get to witness life through the eyes of others and to use my knowledge, skills, and experiences to bridge the gap between where they are now and where they long to be. And challenged, yes challenged to stretch beyond my own dreams, to always look out for the good in every path, and to remain grateful for every single chance I get to serve. Aitenga is not just shaping how I see others, but also how I see myself. And so today, I can say with confidence: I am hopeful. I truly believe the light ahead is even brighter than what we’ve seen so far. By Edgold Nakyeyune