Local woman finds calling in sharing stories of Uganda
(Talk of the Town photos by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Dawn Britten, below, is sharing her experience traveling to Uganda recently and working to raise funds for AIDS prevention and education in that region through the sale of necklaces from the Tumaini AIDS Prevention Program. At bottom, the beautiful handcrafted jewelry is providing economic support and bridging cultural barriers for those afflicted with HIV and AIDS in Uganda.
By Jennifer Zartman Romano
Like a small whisper within, Dawn Britten felt for some time that God was calling her to Africa.
Brittain, a mother, a pharmacy manager at Walgreens, the South Whitley native was unsure what this increasingly louder voice was asking her to do.
“I felt this call that God was calling me to go there,” Britten said as she addressed the Columbia City Rotarians Tuesday. 
Initially, Britten worried God’s intention was that she become a missionary there – which she could not conceive of considering her young daughter at home. Since returning from her two-week trip there, Britten has realized her calling is to share her stories of her visit to Africa and educate people outside of the continent about the issues people are facing there and to be an advocate for them.
“My call is to spread the word and understanding,” she said.
Britten traveled to Uganda May 31-June 15, 2008, and has returned with a greater understanding of the people and problems of the country – specifically degree of poverty and the AIDS epidemic in that region. Britten joined two Anderson University graduates and social workers for the trip which was coordinated through the Church of God.
Britten revealed a map of Africa which she described as “changing.” She spoke of the conflict in various areas, including Sudan. “Uganda is fairly peaceful now,” she said. “I never felt unsafe when I was there.”
Through photographs of her experience, depicting scenes of children at play, of villages and of the work she and others completed while at work there, Britten explained the many things she learned in Uganda.
“It’s beautiful and heartbreaking all in the same breath,” said Britten.
While Britten experienced some cultural barriers, language was not a barrier. Uganda was a British colony, so English is the official language and Britten found that even the least educated people she met, including small children, could communicate with her to some degree.
“I was surprised at the number of people I could communicate with,” she said.
One of the most concerning issues Britten learned about while in Uganda was the impact of the AIDS epidemic. 
“The typical household is a grandmother with 5-8 grandchildren,” she said. Most of the middle-aged population has been wiped out by AIDS, leaving young children and the older generation to care for them. Often, the aged are ill-equipped to handle the demands of parenting. “Children are taking care of children everywhere,” she said.
“Seventy percent of the population is under age 18,” Britten said.
One of the major problems associated with AIDS epidemic is that males will not seek medical attention and continue to spread the AIDS virus.
“Men will not, culturally, go to the doctor,” Britten said. “They are more controlling in their culture than in most civilizations.” As a result, medical professionals are having difficulty explaining the virus and ways to control its spread to the people who most need to know about it.
Still, many hope to break barriers and get the message of AIDS prevention throughout even the far regions of Africa.
Since returning home, Britten is continuing to work on this issue by fundraising through the Tumaini AIDS Prevention Program (TAPP). Through the program, those suffering from HIV and AIDS create beautiful necklaces from recycled materials and sell them, creating small businesses and economic stability. The handcrafted necklaces are one of a kind and a unique link between Africa and people far from there.
Britten is selling the necklaces as well as coordinating bracelets and earrings in Columbia City, with all proceeds supporting TAPP. To inquire about TAPP and the necklaces, call Dawn Britten at 244-5491.
Since returning home, Britten reflects on her experience, saying, “I like to say I’m less cynical and more grateful for what I have.” She said she also works harder to help her children to be grateful for all they have.
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Editor's Note: Dawn Britten is available to speak to any group that is interested in learning more about her experience by contacting her at dawnbritten@embarqmail.com