Maris Silenzi completed her 1-year volunteering service in Uganda

Our Italian volunteer Maria Silenzi, who went to Uganda within our ESC Humanitarian Aid project “HAND”, funded by the European Commission and hosted by our Irish partner Viatores Christi’s Uganda Branch, completed her 1-year activity. In Uganda, Maria participated in cultural centres and events, as well as visited organizations and institutions that promote the significance of Ugandan art and crafts — not only in economic terms of sustainability but also in social terms for community development and cultural preservation. These cultural identities vary widely across regions. She gained insights into various forms of expression, from established practices to emerging trends, and how these mediums interact. Regarding her project specifically, she explored how Ugandan fashion is now integrating with visual arts, theatre, music, and tourism. Maria and her team successfully opened a thrift “shop + lab” to sell second-hand and upcycled clothes. This is not just a shop but a safe, clean, and welcoming space designed for a modern and youthful community of disadvantaged individuals, where they can share experiences, explore new ideas, and express their creativity. The first upcycling workshop taught and inspired young women from St. Dennis Vocational School in Nkumba to adopt new practices and embrace opportunities through more sustainable and eco-friendly fashion. She also involved the catering class, enabling them to benefit from the workshop while saving money, which she later reinvested into purchasing essential materials for the school. Additionally, she arranged donations to help cover tuition fees for economically disadvantaged young women—not only those enrolled in the fashion design department.For the first time, Maria stepped out of her comfort zone. She challenged herself to explore, reinforce, or address different aspects of her personality. This activity in Uganda for one year confirmed that working in the field of development and international cooperation is absolutely what she wants to continue pursuing. We would like to thank Maria many times for her unbelievable outstanding work, devotion and commitment to her assignments and long term positive results