Research at the academic level uncovers mysteries, increases our knowledge base and, as Chris Opio has proven, has the power to improve lives.
Opio, a UNBC professor in ecosystem science and management since 1995, has found a way to channel his research activities into providing clean drinking water for the people of Uganda. As founder of the Northern Uganda Development Foundation (NUDU) in Prince George, Opio has overseen development of 42 clean water wells that now serve more than 50,000 in the central east African country.
Every year, the Confederation of University Faculty Associations of BC (CUFA BC) recognizes outstanding faculty members whose research benefits the general public and Opio's work stood out among the crowd. CUFA BC selected Opio as academic of the year for 2012, a distinction he received Wednesday night in Vancouver.
"I'm honoured and deeply grateful to be receiving this award from CUFA BC," Opio said. "My work is very special to me because I believe I'm giving hope, not only to the people in Uganda, but people around the world. I also talk to youth and communities in Prince George about water management in Uganda and they are able to see how they can better manage their own water resources here in Canada. They understand that global connection."
Opio, 57, grew up in Uganda and was forced to endure horrible conditions living in an area where clean drinking water was virtually impossible to find. That inspired him and UNBC colleague Tony Donovan to form the foundation in 2007 and tackle the water problem.
"I was born and raised in northern Uganda in a war-torn, poverty-stricken area," said Opio, in a CBC News interview. "We walked barefoot, had to drink dirty water that was shared with animals, and suffered from parasites and many other water-borne diseases. We spent a considerable amount of time travelling long distances to collect unsafe drinking water."
The NUDU has also improved farming techniques, provided health education and taught Ugandans how to establish small businesses.
"I've learned how important it is to give back to the community. It gives me great joy and satisfaction to see how NUDF is positively affecting the children, women and men in rural northern Uganda," Opio said. "People are healthier, children can go to schools, and many locals are engaged in income-generating projects like goat production, beekeeping and tree planting."
Opio immigrated to Canada in 1982 and has been a UNBC professor since 1995. He received his undergraduate degree at the University of New Brunswick, went on to masters studies at the University of Calgary, and earned a doctorate at the University of Alberta.
"Dr. Opio's commitment not only to establishing wells, but also to teaching communities how to manage and care for their water resources is truly inspiring," says Dr. David Mirhady, president of CUFA BC.
