THRIVEGulu

We prioritize the unique needs of women and girls’ survivors of violence. THRIVEGulu is a trauma recovery organization.

THRIVEGulu is a trauma recovery organization, operating in northern Uganda to provide holistic, integrated counseling and empowerment services to survivors of war. THRIVEGulu supports survivors of the Lord’s Resistance Army insurgency and refugees from South Sudan with a mandate to prioritize the unique needs of women and girls’ survivors of violence. THRIVEGulu believes that meaningful existence

is more than mere survival. We believe the invisible wounds of psychological trauma deserve healing. And, we believe that functionality and productivity can only flourish when an individual and her community are more-than-surviving. THRIVEGulu was established in 2010 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in the US and a registered Non-Governmental Organization in Uganda and provides holistic, integrated counseling and empowerment services to survivors of war. THRIVEGulu is led by women and staffed and run by local Ugandan professionals. Every dollar donated goes towards making survivors into THRIVERS!

07/22/2025

07/14/2025

Play equipment painted ✅
Broken swings replaced ✅
Tires painted and installed ✅

Things are looking great in the cozy space behind the library. Just need to add kids!

06/26/2025

THRIVEGulu celebrating World Refugee Day in the Palabek Settlement!

06/24/2025

It is time for the bricks!!! We are finally able to put together a structure to acknowledge those who donated to build the Women's Library & Community Resource Center in Gulu. If you were one of our foundation supporters and donated $100 or more in any of our LRC fundraisers in 2021, we will engrave a brick in your honor! If we have your email address, keep an eye out for an email in the coming days... or send me a message to discuss what you want engraved... anita@thrivegulu.org.

If we have space for any additional bricks, there will be an opportunity to claim one for yourself soon!

06/11/2025

As an organization deeply committed to enhancing mental health and education in the community, THRIVEGulu's efforts are particularly focused on empowering women through regular support sessions and literacy training programs. These initiatives aim to provide essential psychological support while equipping women with the skills needed to advance their literacy.
Every Wednesday and Saturday at 2:00 PM EAT, women gather at the THRIVEGulu Center to engage in group sessions. These gatherings offer much more than just educational benefits; they provide a safe space for personal and academic growth. Today, THRIVE's new Country Director, Salome, joined the women to show her support and experience the session with participants.
Today's literacy session focused on teaching the alphabet in Acoli, led by Brenda, a devoted volunteer at the center. Brenda was assisted by Nester—our Librarian, and Stella—an Administrative Assistant in the library. Literacy training is crucial as it provides women with the foundational skills necessary to read and write, empowering them to participate more fully in society.
In addition to literacy training, THRIVE Center's counselor, Gorety, led a stress management workshop. The women are learning practical tools and strategies to manage stress effectively, thereby improving their overall mental health.
Through the combined efforts of volunteers and staff, participants gain knowledge, confidence, and a sense of belonging that extends beyond the walls of the Center. By empowering women with education and psychological support, THRIVEGulu is fostering a brighter, more inclusive future for all. The organization's dedication to nurturing both the mind and spirit is evident in their approach, making a lasting impact in the community!

04/22/2025

We want your input! As a community resource, our community should be part of naming our new THRIVEGulu library and resource center. Take the poll at the link in the comments and share your opinions!

03/31/2025

Our drop-in counseling service is a vital resource for the Gulu community, offering immediate, compassionate support to those in need. By providing these services, THRIVEGulu continues its mission to foster healing and resilience within the community.

02/22/2025

🙏🏿 Gratitude and Hope: "Today, my sister and I will sleep peacefully," says Akiki, a refugee at Lokung Reception Center. Thanks to the efforts of THRIVEGulu, ZOA International, and UCOBAC, families are receiving much-needed supplies to rebuild their lives with dignity.

02/15/2025

WE'VE GOT KIDS AT OUR LIBRARY!!!

It is such a joy to welcome local students to the Women's Library at THRIVEGulu!

02/08/2025

In May 2017, Almar, a spirited 21-year-old from Ikotos village in South Sudan, found herself thrust into chaos as war ravaged her homeland. The tragic loss of her uncle left her with the heavy responsibility of caring for his five orphaned children, alongside her own two. Seeking safety, Almar fled to Uganda and found refuge in the Palabek settlement, a sanctuary for many escaping the violence.

Despite the overwhelming challenges, Almar’s resilience shone through. As the head of a family of eight, she embraced her role with unwavering determination. Her life took a transformative turn in 2023 when she joined THRIVEGulu’s “Helping Girls Shine through Financial Literacy and Business Success” program. This initiative aimed to empower young girls like her, and Almar quickly became a cornerstone of the Lubanga Twero Girls Shine Group, a Village Savings and Loan Association composed of 30 determined young women.

Through financial literacy education, Almar reignited her passion for tailoring. With a loan of 200,000 UGX (55 USD) from her group, she enrolled in a tailoring course. Equipped with new skills, she purchased a sewing machine and began mending clothes, earning an impressive 10,000 UGX (2.50 USD) daily. As her confidence grew, she ventured into creating her own clothing line, utilizing vibrant African fabrics, which soon became a profitable endeavor.

“I have been able to save a lot of money and send my kids to school thanks to the VSLA. With the income from my business, I was able to purchase solar lights for my home, enabling my kids to complete their homework at night. Thanks to Project Redwood and THRIVEGulu, I was able to forget about the horrific days I spent in South Sudan. I am able to contribute to the development of my new community and feel appreciated here,” Almar shared.

Almar’s story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the transformative power of education and community support. Her journey proves that with determination and the right opportunities, anything is possible.

01/24/2025

Helping Girls Shine through financial literacy and business success with Project Redwood. 💵☀💪🏿

01/01/2025

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
You have made the world a better place in 2024. We can't wait to see what 2025 brings!

Address

Marlborough, MA

Website

http://www.thrivegulu.org/

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Our Story

In 2010, Professor Emerita Judy Dushku (Suffolk University - Boston, Massachusetts, USA) had a vision. One of the world’s most traumatic episodes, wrought by Joseph Kony and the Lord’s Resistance Army, continued to haunt survivors even after the sounds of war quieted down. Judy reasoned that women survivors in particular needed a safe space in northern Uganda to gather, share stories, recover from mental trauma and reclaim their lives. The THRIVE Gulu Trauma Recovery Center was established in Layibi Techo Subcounty, Gulu Municipality. From humble beginnings, THRIVE Gulu has grown into an organization with 30 local, professional staff, including mental health counselors, literacy and media specialists, empowerment professionals and finance experts. These 30 individuals work tirelessly day after day to support 33 Adult and 6 Youth Empowerment Groups with over 1,500 direct and nearly 8,000 indirect beneficiaries. Our Campus is used for individual counseling sessions, educational classes, informational meetings and community-wide events.

The avenue through which THRIVE offers interventions in local communities begins with the establishment of Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs). THRIVERS learn the art of saving money collectively, managing finances securely and taking out loans responsibly in order to improve their small businesses, pay medical expenses or send their children to school. Additionally, THRIVE counselors provide individual, family and group counseling, facilitate mobile mental health clinics, conduct regional psychoeducation classes and offer psychosocial support to teachers and students in 16 public schools. Every day, someone new learns how to write her name, hand-craft a sign to advertise a small business, or read a favorite Bible verse in her native language. Men and women stand side by side as equal partners in lucrative savings and loan programs, promoting gender equality, reducing gender-based violence and offering hope for the next generation.

From an original vision to build a community of strength, hope and healing has grown an organization nationally recognized as a leader in innovative, holistic psychosocial interventions. From survivors to THRIVERS, our credo rings true: “Together We THRIVE!!!”