About the INTEGHRAL hub
The INTEGHRAL hub is a collaborative space for Innovative Global Health Research & Learning in Kampala, the capital city of Uganda. The hub is co-sponsored by Global Education, the Center for Africana Studies and the Wellstar College of Health and Human Services at Kennesaw State University in the U.S. The management of the hub is handled by the Uganda Youth Development Link. A community-based organization that runs several training facilities across Kampala. The activities of the hub is coordinated by Dr. Swahn, Dean and Professor in the Wellstar College. She has worked in Uganda for over a decade and has led several interdisciplinary research projects and study abroad programs. Read more about her research projects and capacity building initiatives on the INTEGHRAL Lab website.
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The goal of the INTEGHRAL hub is to facilitate interdisciplinary education, training, research and community engagement initiatives that support the R2 strategic plan at KSU. The hub has been designed as a multi use space, perfect for meetings, interactions and engagements. There are several offices as well as laboratory spaces. The furniture has been handcrafted by local and very talented artisans. And, where possible we have sought to support vendors that use recycled materials or who trains vulnerable groups.
We welcome ideas for how you may want to use the space and encourage faculty and students to visit, leverage the resources of the hub and to collaborate on existing projects. There are several active research projects already underway including a large, $3.3 million dollar NIH funded study, led by Dr. Swahn, to examine mental health trajectories among women who live in urban Kampala -the TOPOWA project. We have many connections at local universities, and community based organizations so glad to assist in project development or presenting volunteer opportunities.
Come visit, learn, teach, research, or volunteer. There are so many options for a meaningful and life-changing experience at the INTEGHRAL hub. And, we're glad to give recommendations for safari tours and sightseeing as well to make the trip even more special. As we say in Luganda, a local language, Tugende (let's go!).
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As you navigate through the rest of your life, be open to collaboration. Other people and other people's ideas are often better than your own. Find a group of people who challenge and inspire you, spend a lot of time with them, and it will change your life.
Amy Poehler
Our Space
The INTEGHRAL hub is located in Bugolobi, Kampala. It is a large, gated compound. The main building has 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 offices, a living/dining room, kitchen and a lobby area. It also has a large patio/lounge and a multi-use meeting space that can accommodate up to 25 people.
The largest bedroom on the second floor has a king bed, its own bathroom and a balcony with a glimpse of Lake Victoria. The second largest bedroom has a queen bed. The third bedroom has two full-size beds. And the fourth bedroom has a full-size bed and a full-size bunk bed with a twin bed on top. These three bedrooms share a bathroom.
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The second building houses 4 smaller rooms and a bathroom. We use one of these rooms for the groundskeeper and the other 3 rooms are used as laboratory spaces and office for data collection for the TOPOWA study.
Visit Uganda
Uganda is a stunningly beautiful country in East Africa. It has about 40 million people and is considered low-income with rapid population growth. The country has a rich history with several kingdoms, tribes and languages. The capital city of Kampala has about 2 million residents.
There are many health and development challenges as unemployment is high and export is complicated as the country is landlocked. Health challenges are reflected by high levels of HIV and other infectious diseases as well as chronic diseases including mental health.
Uganda offers a range of exciting options for explorations not to be missed, such as exciting gorilla trekking, several amazing national parks for safari, boat rides on Nile river, birdwatching and so much more. Take a look at these links to learn more:
And, check out this blog site for great insight.
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