- Exploring a marketplace
- Visiting homes in a rural community
- Standing at the equator
- Participating in a worship service
- Taking a boat ride to the source of the Nile River
- Eating typical Ugandan meals.
- Getting up close to Uganda’s wildlife on an optional 3-day safari.
Since Rotary’s motto is “Service above Self,” the majority of time will be spent serving alongside local people at the Live For Him Heartland Academy, a primary school in rural Bugiri. The exact types of service will be determined to a large degree by the gifts and talents that participants bring to the trip and the needs of the school at the time. One activity that is already planned is a Vacation Bible School for the 400 children that attend the school. There will be hands-on opportunities for everyone.
Check out the attached document for more information about Rotary Friendship Exchange and this trip in particular.Are you intrigued and would like even more information? Then visit the Iowa Great Lakes Rotary’s webpage and fill out the information request form. You will receive more details about what is going to happen, including a tentative itinerary. No commitment is necessary to request this information.If you would like to have John Battern speak to your club about this opportunity, email him at jrbattern@gmail.com or all him at 319-240-5695.
ROTARY FRIENDSHIP EXCHANGE
January 14 - 28, 2027
Destination: Uganda
The Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Club, in connection with Live For Him Ministries, is sponsoring a Rotary Friendship Exchange this coming January to the “Pearl of Africa,” Uganda.
This 14-day trip will focus on building relationships with Rotarians in Uganda, serving at the Live For Him Heartland Academy, and experiencing Ugandan culture. An optional 3-day safari will also be offered. Rotarians John and Julie Battern will lead the trip.
What is Friendship Exchange?
Friendship Exchange is an international exchange program for Rotary and Rotaract members and friends that allows participants to take turns hosting one another.
What Are the Benefits of an Exchange?
Broaden international understanding
Build enduring friendships
Gain opportunities for active project involvement and support
Learn about a region’s people, food, languages, customs, and history
Find partners for grants
Connect with another club to establish a sister club
Establish a foundation for peace and service
January’s trip includes a visit to the Rotary Peace Center in Kampala, Uganda.
In addition to visiting the Peace Center, will there be other activities designed to connect with Rotarians in Uganda?
Yes. Contact has been made with a District Friendship Exchange Chairperson in Uganda, and plans are underway to visit two Rotary club meetings and spend time in the homes of three Rotarians. Additionally, Ugandan Rotarians will be invited to serve alongside U.S. participants at the Academy. There will also be many opportunities to interact with other participants from District 5970.
Why the partnership with Live For Him Ministries?
By partnering with Live For Him Ministries, participants will be guided by experienced international travelers and will be able to serve in a meaningful way. For many Rotarians, their religious beliefs are a motivation behind their desire to put “Service Above Self.” Partnering with Live For Him Ministries will provide participants with the opportunity to demonstrate this regardless of their religious background.
Religion is an integral part of Ugandan culture. To fully experience Ugandan culture, one must experience its religious traditions. Of course, participants may opt out of any activities with which they feel uncomfortable.
Who are John and Julie Battern?
John is a retired Global Methodist pastor and has been a Rotarian for 23 years. He has traveled to Uganda five times.
Julie is a retired special education teacher who joined the Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Club three years ago. She has traveled to Uganda four times.
Together, they founded Live For Him Ministries in 2023 with the primary purpose of feeding and educating the children of rural Bugiri, Uganda.
Click here to learn more about Live For Him Ministries.
What about the Ebola outbreak in Uganda?
As of June 27, there have been only 20 reported cases of Ebola in Uganda and these have been centered in and around Kampala. Except for the day we visit the Rotary Peace Center, our time will be spent five hours to the east, where there are no reported cases. Additionally, because the trip is six months away, there is a good chance it will be eradicated by then.
What is the Cost?
The approximate cost of the trip is $3,250 per person, plus the cost of the safari if that option is chosen. This includes airfare, room and board (double occupancy), ground transportation, travel insurance, and other in-country expenses. These expenses are the sole responsibility of each participant. No District grant money is available.
The cost of the optional 3-day safari to Murchison Falls National Park is $705.
The cost does not include acquiring a passport and visa, getting the required vaccinations, purchasing meals during layovers, snacks, or souvenirs.
Because airline tickets prices change daily, and because of the size of the District, people may fly out of different airports or even drive to Chicago from where we will begin the journey together. The final cost will be determined at the time the tickets are purchased. You will be notified of the actual price before any purchase is made.
What’s the Next Step?
Visit the Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Club website and complete the interest form. No commitment is required to receive additional information.
Once you have decided that you want to go on the trip, a $300 deposit is required to reserve your place for the Friendship Exchange. If you are going on the safari, there’s an additional $300 deposit. Space is limited and will be filled on a first come first served basis. Deadline for all reservations is September 15.