Between Two Worlds: An Inspiring Story of a Kiwi Woman Who Left Her Heart in Uganda

Emma Outteridge was born into the America's Cup world and spent her twenties running Louis Vuitton's international sailing hospitality program. While rubbing shoulders with celebrity athletes and billionaire sponsors had its charms, over time Emma craved something more. In 2009, aged 25, she moved to KAASO, a primary school for HIV/AIDS orphans in Uganda, naively intent, like so many eager volunteers before her on giving back and 'saving the world'. However, this is not a story of scraping the surface on a token voluntourism jaunt, but a life-long love affair, demonstrating how Emma found a way to marry her two worlds, building a bridge between the international sailing community and a rural East African village. While working there, Emma was asked by a young student, Henry, whether she might sponsor the rest of his education. Initially hesitant to make such a commitment, she would go on not only to sponsor Henry, but also to fundraise and find sponsors for another 70-odd children. This is a polished memoir of transformation, it begins with a naive young girl travelling to the developing world, armed with a passion to make a difference. As time passes, Emma learns that while there is no one way to 'save the world', there are some ways to do so that are better than others. Her narrative voice is very relatable, with a wry humour throughout as she makes mistakes and learns along the way.