Can you think of two more diversified interests than coexistence with carnivores and education of the young?
Carol Bogezi is perhaps the only person this side of the dateline (both directions) to carry both credentials. A native of Uganda, Carol has academic degrees both there and in the US. In her slide on human/carnivore interaction, she as an adolescent is seen with a young, trussed up crocodile on her shoulder.
Her work here entails studies on the movements of western WA cougars as well as better acquaintance with wolves. This must, of needs, take into consideration the economic needs of ranchers. Tolerance for wildlife is the overriding concept of her work.
In her native Uganda, one of her targets is the plight of widows and orphans. She works toward livelihoods for them through the acronymized Community Action Plan and Women Enhancement Progress. This has allowed women to develop their own small businesses through crafts and sweater production, among other creativities.
Then came we to the Child Education Program. Beginning with universal primary education, the concept is to get as many as possible through at least secondary studies. The impediments to be overcome include HIV, few employment opportunities, lack of resources, driving poverty, and exploitation by sugar companies. Moreover, many regard the country as a forgotten region.
Additionally, there is school overcrowding and few teachers. But—-once one can make it through secondary school, there may lie ahead good jobs, less HIV, and fewer teenage pregnancies. It is a teenage pregnancy that so often stops short a girl’s chance for a career (not only there.) A vocational training center for dropouts is now in place.
