Two Minutes

Growing in Uganda

ISU senior Elly Sukup's college experience has included two summers in Uganda. She loved both the country and the work -- helping youngsters plant a school garden and learn agricultural skills.

A garden and a well: In 2006, Sukup was part of an Iowa State team of students and faculty who taught ag classes and helped children start a school garden. One memorable day, school was cancelled so everyone could watch workers drill a well near the school.

Back to Uganda: Sukup jumped at the chance to return to Uganda in 2007 to follow up on their project. The school garden flourished. Some students had planted their own home gardens and had even sold produce.

Lively gift: After lunch with a student's family, Sukup was honored with a most prestigious Uganda gift -- a live chicken.

After graduation: Sukup hopes to work in developing countries in the areas of nutrition, public health and gender issues.

The rest of the story: More details about Elly Sukup's Uganda experience can be found in the winter 2008 edition of VISIONS, a magazine for members of the Iowa State Alumni Association.

-- Diana Pounds