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This spring break, Alexsis Barkus (Wichita South, 2025) traveled to Uganda to take part in the 10th International Study Week on Children with Incarcerated Parents (COIP), gaining firsthand experience working with Wells of Hope Ministries. This organization has supported children and families impacted by incarceration for more than two decades.

Over ten immersive days, the program explored Uganda’s cultural, criminal justice, and community-based approaches to care. The experience included visits to women’s safe homes, boarding schools serving children with incarcerated parents, foster care programs, and both women’s and men’s prisons, offering a powerful perspective on rehabilitation, human rights, and reintegration. Alexsis also participated in family tracing efforts, meeting with caregivers to assess how best to support families through education and community resources.

A meaningful highlight of the trip was connecting with Wells of Hope founder Francis Ssubi (first picture) to learn about human trafficking in Uganda and across Africa, a topic Alexsis is deeply interested in.

Read more about this trip from Alexsis.

“I am beyond blessed to have had this transformative experience so early on in my academic journey. The relationships I built and knowledge I gained will forever influence the way I think about criminology.”