A few weeks ago, hobbling around Backpackers on my bum ankle, I was approached by the owner, John, and one of his employees. Hasifa has been working at the hostel for almost a year, as part of a work-study program through Makerere University. Now, with graduation just days away, and Hasi completing her degree in Tourism and Business Management, John had penned a vigorous letter recommending her for highest honors. Hasi, blushing and effusive, thanked him for the kind words. But John, pulling me aside, asked if I might do him a favor, using my editorial skills to smooth out the letter’s rough edges. After all my weeks here, it seemed the least I could do, even if I was happy to watch John himself - loud, brash, always veering toward the inappropriate, wholly Australian -
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