Christopher Ochaya from Uganda: Royce & Jean Abbey Vocational 2017 Scholar.
In 2017, Chris Ochaya from Gulu, Northern Uganda travelled to Australia through the Royce & Jean Abbey Vocational Scholarship. His journey was not only one of learning, but of renewal, resilience, and community transformation.
Northern Uganda is a region deeply scarred by nearly two decades of civil conflict, during which families were displaced into camps and made dependent on foreign aid for survival. In a region of 12 million people, agriculture — the key to rebuilding livelihoods — has struggled due to lost knowledge, disrupted education, and economic instability.
Chris, a teacher, lecturer, community leader and speaker of five regional languages, came to Australia with a clear purpose: to learn sustainable farming practices so that he could return home and help his community break the cycle of poverty and food insecurity.
Hosted by the Rotary Club of Werribee, Chris spent three months in the State of Victoria gaining hands-on experience in farming, water management, soil care, and livestock production. He visited farms, attended workshops, and learned directly from Australian farmers, rural educators, agronomists, and Rotarians.
“I came with belief, hope and faith,” Chris reflects. “I listened, learned, absorbed and worked hard. Now, I return home ready to teach my community to support themselves and build a better future.”
Key areas of training included:
Sustainable small-scale agriculture and soil health
Nursery crop development and vegetable farming
Poultry, piggery, goat and cattle dairy operations
Rice cultivation and cooperative farming methods
Wise water use and watershed protection
Land planning, erosion control, and shade and windbreak tree planting.
Chris also gained experience presenting his work, including speaking at the Rotary International District 9800 Conference in Shepparton, where he shared his community’s journey and future vision.
The most impactful outcome
Chris now has a model of sustainable, community-led farming that he is implementing in Gulu — one designed not only to grow crops, but to rebuild self-reliance, confidence, and dignity.
He expresses deep gratitude to the many individuals and Rotary Clubs who supported him — particularly the Rotary Club of Werribee, host families, farm mentors, RAWCS, and the Royce & Jean Abbey Scholarship Committee.
“I found more than knowledge. I found care, encouragement, and community. I return home inspired and ready to help my people thrive.”
At the heart of the Royce & Jean Abbey Vocational Scholarship is empowering leaders to create lasting change where it matters most — at home, in their own communities.
To learn more about the Royce and Jean Abbey Vocational Scholarship or to make an initial application, please visit Royce & Jean Abbey Vocational Scholarship.
