Ugandas Young Stars

Youth EmpowErmEnt
whaT is empowermenT?
Agaba Resty :: Mwengura Secondary School :: Age 17 :: Kibingo Village, Bushenyi District

A newsletter for Ugandas youth, by Ugandas youth

Amongi Conny :: Age 17 :: Omac Parish, Ngai SubCounty, Oyam District

Empowerment is the act of giving someone the Empowerment simply means to build someones authority to do something. To my understanding, mind capacity so as to help him or her make this means giving the youth authority to influence changes in his or her life. For example: ASB, a local some of the activities done in the country. In our NGO, is soon bringing computers for us. We will society, and country at large, the youth can be learn much and benefit a lot from the computers. empowered to influence This means that ASB is emchange. For example, the powering us, is building our mpowerment is giving someone control youth can be empowcapacity, and making changes ered to fight corruption, in our life as I talk now. over his or her life or situation. sensitize people about AmutuhAire SuSAn & nAmArA CollinS, BuShenyi diStriCt HIV/AIDS, and to promote safety.

educaTion is my righT
Muhammed Kisirisa :: 23 years old :: Bwaise Slums, Kawempe Division, Kampala
The last three years, I was nobody, just a normal youth born and raised from a poor polygamous Muslim family affected by HIV/AIDS, in a very poor neighborhood from the most deprived slum area of Bwiase in Kampala. Neither my beloved beautiful Tanzanian mother nor myself could tell who I was besides a 21-year old light-skinned slum boy, mixed race, medium height, high school graduate. If my Ugandan father knew that I could be a change maker the world needs, he would not have tortured, abused, discriminated and neglected me, or maybe the community would have saved me during childhood. The struggles and hard work to provide myself basic needs such as education and scholastic materials since I was 11 have motivated me to provide access to free education to orphans and vulnerable children plus those living with and affected continued on pg. 7

Teamwork
Tukamushaba Mercy :: Age 15 :: Bweranyangi Girls S.S. :: Bushenyi District
Teamwork is where people work as a group to achieve a certain goal. As youth, we need teamwork to help us lead and guide our country into the future. To me, this is great because it will help us lift our country from the weaknesses she has to being stronger and developed. With teamwork, you have to first know what you want and set a goal that you will be able to achieve. Togetherness and communication are some of the key points needed in a team. With teamwork our country will shine.

Ugandas Young Stars :: Volume 2 :: April 2012

if you were married To someone who was hiV+, would you sTill wanT To haVe kids?
Akullu Lidya Marion :: Iceme Girls S.S. :: Icheme Sub-County, Oyam District
If I were married to someone who was HIV+ I would not want to have kids. I would just advise my husband to start taking medicine. If he is someone who loves me, he would not want me to also get HIV. Before making any decisions I would go for a blood test. In case I am HIV- I would tell him that if he cares, we should have protected sex by using condoms. I would suggest we go to appropriate guidance counselors at a nearby family planning clinic. Then we could get a solution to deal with our marriage as far as safe sex is concerned.

t is best before marriage and sex to know the status of your partner. If you dont know your status and the status of your loved one, this will result in confusion and difficulty. But it is also

important to remember that discrimination against HIV+ people is not good.

okwi Alfred & oCudotum SilAS, St. frAnCiS SS for the Blind, Soroti

would ask him to use condoms in order to prevent me from getting HIV. I would not wish to have kids if health, I would leave him.
Atin mirriAm, oyAm diStriCt

I were HIV+. If I found that he does not care about my

Najjuma Christine :: Shimoni Core PTC :: Wakiso District

Since the age of fifteen, I have tried to find my Adonis in order to get married. This has proved to be a memorable and dreaded experience for me. What a handsome man he was! He had all the qualities that I admired. Unfortunately, he was HIV+. I still wanted to have children with him. First and foremost, a family without children is not respected in the public because people look at such a couple as infertile. More so, children in ones family act as flowers and whenever people look at their children, they feel very happy. So I would also like to feel happy with my husband and family. And lastly, children in the family act as a seal. A family without children can easily break. However, I would like to discuss this with my husband in the following ways: 1. Before the birth of our child, I would like to tell my husband that I would prefer going to the hospital to acquire drugs so as to prevent our baby from getting HIV. 2. I would also discuss with him family planning and spacing our children. I was taught that for one to live a prolonged life, she must not produce very many children because the more one produces, the weaker ones body becomes. 3. We would also discuss being faithful to each other in order not to spread the virus to other people in the country. In conclusion, I feel a couple without children is a cursed one in African traditional society.

Ugandas Young Stars :: Volume 2 :: Page 2

Ugandas Shooting Stars

Ugandas Shooting Stars dont just talk the talk, they walk the walk. These youth are actively working to promote change in their villages, schools, and country. Below you can read about how this issues Shooting Star, Olinga Jimmy, is using his leadership abilities to build peace in his community.

Olinga Jimmy :: Age 19 :: Okure Village, Kula Kula Parish, Ngai Sub-County, Oyam District
My name is Olinga Jimmy and in my village and working as a Im from a village called Okure farmer. in Northern Uganda. I am now 19 years old, and I was abducted Last year I was invited to be a by the LRA during the war. The participant in Peace Camp. Peace LRA did a lot of bad things. They Camp was a program for war-efcaused people to live in IDP fected youth. I learned about forcamps and raped women. I was giveness, reconciliation, positive only 9 years old when I was abcommunication, teamwork, and ducted, and I was forced to live in making a peaceful future. I also the bush for 6 years. I saw many learned that I could be a leader. bad things happen while I was in When I was at Peace Camp, I the bush. I saw the LRA rebels kill realized that these lessons were many people. We were living in important and that I needed to fear because they would kill us if teach people at home about what we tried to escape. They forced peace is. us to be soldiers even though we didnt want to. They took young When I got back home, I went to girls and raped them. We didnt every village in my parish to teach have any food or water and a people about peace. People were lot of the smaller very happy and Just because your life has cooperative durchildren who were been hard doesnt mean abducted died that you cannot be come ing the trainings. because of thirst I reached 14 vila leader. and hunger. We also lages and talked had to walk for many kilometers to many people. After I comwithout stopping. Everything pleted the trainings I organized was very bad. a community event called Peace Camp Day. During Peace Camp I managed to escape in 2005. Day, groups from the villages When I reached home I found preformed dramas, danced our that both my mother and father traditional Lango dance, and the had been killed by the rebels. My local leaders and I made speeches grandmother begged me to live about the importance of peace in the camp with her to be safe in the community. In my village but I refused because I wanted to everyone now talks about peace stay at my family home. I strugand peoples lives are changing. gled to go back to school and I have become a finished primary school. leader and was even elected as the The war is now over, and for the LC1 of my village in past few years I have been living January 2012.

A lot of us youth have faced challenges in life. We are born into difficult situations where our lives are affected by war, HIV/AIDS, poverty, alcoholism, parental neglect, poor access to education, and many of us are orphans. What people need to know is that just because your life has been hard doesnt mean that you cannot become a leader. I would like to tell the youth of Uganda that they should be good leaders like me. If there is something that you feel strongly about you should also be active and teach people in your community. Visit your local leaders and explain why your mission is important. They will help you and let you move freely in the villages. It is also important that you do your work as a volunteer. That is to say that you do it free of charge. The youth of Uganda have a lot of power; if we all become active leaders we can make the country better.

Ugandas Young Stars :: Volume 2 :: Page 3

ThoughTs from camp Build

Kacancu Jockim, Nzonbindo Enos, Bwambale Moses & Mali Joseph :: Karambi Secondary School :: Kasese District
We as students of Karambi SS really saw it as a great chance to be among the students in Uganda that attended Camp BUILD. The camp life was very enjoyable to most of us and also educational. We learnt and acquired many ideas concerning: building up ourselves, building up our community, building up our environment and country. In addition, through personal projects, we also improved on our talents and skills in art, music, drama, creative writing, dance and building.

GLOW & BUILD Girls Leading

Our World and Boys in Uganda in Leadership Development are two annual national weeklong camps run by Peace Corps Volunteers focusing on empowerment activities including health education, career goals, sports, creative arts and leadership roles for both genders.

Not only that, but we also got an opportunity to express ourselves in a new compound and with new people from different parts of Uganda, and now we have many new friends. Above all, we greatly appreciate the organizers, director, Peace Corps and the counselors who were so friendly. Long live the Peace Corps, Long live the directors, Long live the Camp BUILD, Long live Bukenya, and Long live our Peace Corps volunteer Mr. Geisen Dylan.

ThoughTs from camp glow

Lajara Specioza Hope :: Age 15 :: Sacred Heart Secondary School :: Layibi Sub-County, Gulu District
Camp GLOW is an initiative by the United States Peace Corps in Uganda. GLOW stands for Girls Leading Our World. I learnt so many things during Camp GLOW, and this is when I started knowing how peaceful, united, and loving Americans are. They have love for Africans and theres no hatred amongst them. They really know how to solve problems peacefully and socialize with others. They taught us how to create friendship and, since we were 150 in number, I met with girls from all parts of Uganda and different tribes. I was able to make friends with them. At Camp GLOW, we were taught about teamwork. Teamwork means doing something in a group. When we were worked together to achieve our goal, I was able to acquire more skills from the other girls. At school I used to dislike group discussions but now I will try my best to participate and work together as a team in order to acquire more knowledge from others. I was able to promote some sense of achievement. We were also taught techniques for how to maintain our health such as how to keep our body during puberty, abstaining from sex, and many other things. Since I was taught all this, now Im able to protect myself from any obstacles that may come along my way like boys, illness, and many others.

We also learned how to make money saving jars and the importance of saving. This has really helped me to start planning for my future. When I go home I will start saving my money for the future so that I can help my parents, my future children, and relatives. I appreciate Peace Corps for organizing such a wonderful camp to help girls grow into women of integrity.

Ugandas Young Stars :: Volume 2 :: Page 4

whaT issues do you feel passionaTely aBouT? how can you and oTher youTh work To Bring aBouT change?
Yalama Fiona :: Iceme Girls S.S. :: Icheme Sub-County, Oyam District
putting themselves at a greater risk of getting diseases. This would be used to help any of us whom had a child run away the money could be used to pay Poverty has brought prostitution school fees, which may help avoid in many areas. Girls the child from dropmay sell themselves Youth should work hard ping out of school. for money and good and live an exemplary life to show their fellow Youth should work things, and sugar youth...that in unity hard and live an mommies are deceivwe can bring peace and exemplary life to ing young boys who development. are poor. You may show their fellow even find a schoolgirl youth who have with an old man to make money gone to live on the street or to for her. work as a prostitute that in unity we can bring peace and developFellow youth and I could make ment where we are staying. We up small groups, which would are responsible for bettering our save money for an emergency. own future!

Poverty has caused an increase in the number of street children in many towns and cities. This is because many children from poor families leave their homes and flock to town as street children in order to look for an easier life by seeking better food, clothes, and more money. By seeking a better life in this way, these children are

Namara Collins :: Age 18 :: Mwengura Secondary School :: Bwera Village, Bushenyi District
I feel very passionately about protecting the environment because it is where I live, and it acts as my mother. The destruction of the environment is a major problem facing Uganda and even the whole world. The Ugandan environment is good and attracts many people around the world, and thats why it has been called The Pearl of Africa, but it is changing because it is being destroyed in the following ways. Air pollution and land pollution: This is when the air, water, and soil get too dirty or poisonous for people to use. This happens when the dangerous fumes from vehicles, industries, and unwanted oils from factories get disposed into land or evaporate and rise into the air, hence leading to problems and suffering. In order to prevent this, the government should put strict laws against the disposal of these oils and should also plant trees to absorb the fumes and prevent pollution. Land pollution destroys soil fertility and also kills the soil organisms that aerate the soil, giving poor yields to the farmer. After all this, people in both rural and urban areas will face the problem of famine and eventually there will be suffering in the whole country in terms of income and food. The environment is also being destroyed by deforestation. This means the cutting up of a large area of trees without replacing them. It is the largest problem faced not only by Uganda but also the whole planet. To make matters worse, the government of Uganda is involved in this shameful act. This was proved when the Ugandan government wanted to sell Mabria Forest to foreigners and start the plantation of sugar cane for sugar manufacturing. This really made me sorrowful and angry. Remember, the sugar they wanted is also one of the biggest problems for our health and can eventually cause death. I cant say that forests should not be cut, but reforestation should be done to replace the trees which are cut.

Ugandas Young Stars :: Volume 2 :: Page 5

ThoughTs on girls empowermenT

Akankkatsa Joanah :: Bweranyangi Girls S.S. :: Bushenyi District
The wind howls outside and I the future will be very promisknow that change is coming, ing. There is no keener revelation especially for the Ugandan girls. of a societys soul than the way When the girls are in which it treats its empowered then the young generation. There is no keener last rays of backward- revelation of a societys soul than the way in Most importantly, ness touch the earth which it treats its young Ugandan girls have to and only the rosy generation. afterglow remains. look for every opporUgandan girls, just tunity that is availbe sensitive enough to listen to able to achieve success. When a the social-economic bells. When fool walks on the beach he/she we see powerful women like Miria sees dirt and mud but a wise perMatembe know that our dreams son sees raw materials for buildcan actually come true. ing a castle. We all have different talents which benefit us and Great thanks to the advocates which we can use to make things of girl-child education! Once happen. If you have tried many Ugandan girls are empowered things and they have failed, you

may feel that you are meant to be a failure, but just remember that when one door closes, another one opens. We too often keep looking at the closed one and miss a big open door. Concentrate on education because real wealth is portable. Ugandan girls: just go for more.

have learned that women can be as empowered as men. In my primary school we had a headmistress.

Her school was better than those led by men. From and I need to be given my rights.
nAkABiri SArAh, luwero diStriCt

irls should be given the same rights as boysthe right to

her example, I have learned that I can also lead others

an education, to choose, to decide, to marry, and to speak freely.

Adong eSther elizABeth, oyAm diStriCt

Amutuhaire Susan :: Age 18 :: Mwengura Secondary School :: Rwemitoozo Village, Bushenyi District
I feel so strongly about the issue of girls education because without the education of a girl, the future can be miserable. As they say, education is the key to the good life. Education is a tricky but an interesting game as there is both suffering and enjoyment if you become strong, especially for girls who have a lot of problems. Education has even helped women to develop their families. tion, and by ensuring people that some girls are more intelligent than boys.

We as the youth could introduce As they say, education is Girls are sometimes the key to a good life. programs on of more importance radio and televithan boys as womsion or introduce adverts in the en have started to take away their newspapers. The youth and I can jobs. Women can take positions encourage parents to take their that have always been occupied daughters to school by delighting by the men, like in politics. them with the goodness of educa-

Ugandas Young Stars :: Volume 2 :: Page 6

nodding disease
Ediri Yoksan :: Shimoni Core PTC :: Wakiso District
The Nodding Disease is one of the most challenging diseases in Ugandas history. Most people have no idea about it, and it is gaining strength daily. Most patients have been treated but there is no change in them. The doctors in the hospitals are confused, trying to do research on this deadly disease. The first case was recorded in Gulu district. However, there was no quick response by the government to this merciless disease until it gained momentum and claimed hundreds of lives. Most Ugandans nowadays have blamed the government for its delay in responding. However, the President recently agreed to add equipment and medical help to address the problem. Because there is an increase in the number of victims buried daily, most of their families have fallen apart emotionally. The Members of Parliament get a lot of allowances, but the government has failed to keep the promises mentioned above, which makes people bitter. Instead of using those funds to help victims of Nodding Disease, the Members of Parliament use it to get good vehicles. This has created anger in people. The poorly paid doctors in hospitals have left their jobs and gone abroad. That has caused a slow down for development in the health sector within Uganda. There is never any talk about increasing salaries for the people or reviewing the budget for any supplementary funds to help combat this disease. The only thing Ugandans can do now is to just pray to God for his loving hand.

educaTion is my righT, continued from page 1

by HIV/AIDS, with a priority to girl children because they are more at risk and are the most vulnerable. ate the rapid spread of HIV/AIDS, especially among girl children. called AFFCAD (Action For Fundamental Change and Development) to address the impact of HIV/AIDS and poverty in the urban slums of Kampala through awareness, care and support to orphans and vulnerable youth. Currently, AFFCAD runs a nursery and primary school called Excel Education Centre providing free formal education and vocational scholarships to over 170 children between 3-16 years old. At school, these children also receive education about HIV/AIDS, adolescent reproductive health and rights. An additional 20 children supported by Emebet Education continued on pg. 10
Ugandas Young Stars :: Volume 2 :: Page 7

Can a woman become a genius As reflected in the background of the first class? Nobody can know above, I and the rest of children unless women in general shall have from Bwaise slums are equal opportunity born in abject povIt does not matter how with men in educaold you are, which part of tion, in vocational erty, suffer in silence, the world you come from, choice, and in and our guardians if you are rich or poor. You social welcome of often struggle to surhave a common human vive on just pennies a their best intelresponsibility to make day. We live without this world a better place lectual work for a access to a good edunumber of gento live. cation, medical care, erations. - Anna adequate housing, Garlin Spencer decent clothing or a chance for a better future. Without opportuniIn 2009, when I was 21 years old, ties like access to education, many Kafuma Richard, Nyombi Jaffar slum children, especially girls 13 and Mugagga Brian Baya and I, all to 17 years old, resort to street youth with similar backgrounds life, drug abuse and commercial from Bwaise, founded a non-profit sex work. These factors perpetucommunity based organization

poeTry corner
Oryem Simon Peter :: Age 22 :: Gulu Community Vocational School
Beauty, Natural Beauty That is true and real Ugandans have you seen such beauty? Have the people of Africa seen true beauty? Beauty that stands the test of time? Look at the sky Birds, yes birds Nature gives us beautiful birds Chicken, pigeon, dove, guinea fowl, turkeys All are raised at home Here on the ground behold the beautiful greens around us Cabbages, onion, tomatoes, maze, beans, Name them - All are good for life! Up on the trees are juicy mangoes, jack fruits, passion fruits, lemons That are not equaled by artificial beverages No chemical after effects! Dear friends, this is all due to agriculture. The ideal mother who feeds us all. And she is very committed in helping Mother Nature. Lets then be the royal children of Mother Nature And participate actively in Agriculture!

The issue of corrupTion

personally could fight corruption in the following

ways: I could strongly educate mass media and other ways

the masses through seminars, about the dangers of corruption. I would also invite religious leaders to preach against these evils to discourage the practice of corruption without fear. I would also ensure full accountability for all government enterprises, and ensure prosecution and punishment of culprits.

kABAhumlA JACkie, S4, kyenJoJo diStriCt

more on marriage, children, and hiV/aids

Oyuko Joel Nixon :: Age 29 :: Omac Parish, Ngai Sub-County, Oyam District
If I were married to someone who was HIV+, I would still want to have children. Being HIV+ does not mean you cannot produce children. You can produce children who are HIV- if medically protected, and some of those children may become very good leaders. On realizing that we are HIV+, I would discuss with my wife the issue of having children and I would involve a well-trained counselor in our discussion to make my wife understand that even HIV+ people can have children. To prevent HIV transmission to our children we would adopt the following: Hospital delivery, ensuring that my wife gives birth in a hospital We would produce a manageable number of children so that we are able to give them good feeding, good medical care and send them to school.

Ugandas Young Stars :: Volume 2 :: Page 8

more ThoughTs on girls empowermenT

Winnie Auma :: Age 16 :: Loro Sub-County, Oyam District
We are Ugandans, living and Education is something that loving our country. Our country must be emphasized. Educate a is termed The Pearl of Africa single girl and youll have a whole and the Motherland. The word nation very civilized. You males mother is great. In are now looking order for our land Educate a single girl, and for only educated not to die, we need youll have a whole nation wives. So why do brilliant mothers. some people keep very civilized. Our little mothers of girls away from the land need supschooling? Do port and love from its children, they want these girls unmarried putting aside differences of back- for their lifetime? Empowering grounds, colours, tribes, cultures, girls does away with primitivism and religion. in our country, for it involves assertiveness, upright morals, and Men should now come to realeducation. ize how much we love them. Were just as important as you My dream is to be a lawyer to are. Putting in mind what lovers bring change. Change that my are - they always wish the best for pen and paper cant help me each other. Then we can do away bring. I want to bring change to with rape, defilement, early marchallenge your negative attitudes riage, and denying the worlds towards females! Read Beauty mothers their rights. for Ashes, a novel written by Joyce Meyer which emphasizes the

three Ds Decisions, Determine, Destination. EDUCATE GIRLS TONIGHT, FOR TOMORROWS SUN WILL SHINE BRIGHTER! For God and my country.

word puzzles
Look for the answers in the next issue of Ugandas Young Stars!
1. You have a donkey, lion, and sack of grain. You have to ford a river which is in between you and the market, where you are trying to sell all three items. Your boat is only large enough to support you and 1 other item, and you have to accompany the boat across each time. If you leave them alone, the Lion will eat the Donkey. Similarly, the Donkey will eat the grain if you leave them unattended. How do you safely cross the river, without carrying more than one object at a time, and without losing any of your precious items for the market? 2. You have a 3 liter jerrycan and a 5 liter jerrycan. You are traveling to the borehole. When you arrive, you realize that your mother told you to bring back exactly (EXACTLY) 4 liters of water. Your jerrycans are solid enough where you cant see from the outside how much water is inside, and you cant mark the jerrycans or else your mother will get upset. Given that wasting water is not an issue in this problem, how do you get exactly 4 liters of water?

Ugandas Young Stars :: Volume 2 :: Page 9

educaTion is my righT, continued from page 7

Project and 10 children on our child sponsorship program makes us reach a total of 200 children, half of whom are girls. Education is the great engine of personal development, its through education that a daughter of a peasant can become a doctor, that the child of farm workers can become the president of the great nation. - Nelson Mandela By 2015, AFFCAD will have enrolled more than 250 girl children at Excel Education Centre. Its never too late for we the youth to make a difference in lives. This could be by starting up a charitable organization to support another 250 girl children in one slum, saving $1 every day to total $30 per month to sponsor a child, organising a fundraiser on your birthday, having friends make a monthly donation or selling cakes to buy books, pens and pencils, bags, uniforms or shoes for children, or volunteering at a school project in your neighborhood. It does not matter how old you are, which part of the world you come from, if you are rich or poor. You have a common human responsibility to make this world a better place to live by educating the future mothers of this world. One person can make a difference; Together we shall bring social change, YES WE SHALL!!! For God and My Country, Uganda.

Working Together to Promote Global Change 1. march 8 was international womens day. is there a woman whom you really admire (family member, friend, teacher, politician)? why do you look up to her? how does she affect your life? 2. April 22 is earth day. what are some of the environmental challenges that you see in your community? what can you and your fellow youth do to protect uganda against environmental degradation? 3. April 26 is world malaria day. how have you personally been affected by malaria? how can you prevent malaria in your home/life? 4. People around the world band together to address all of the above issues on an international scale. what does it mean to be a part of a global movement and do you think that its an effective way of promoting change? 5. do you think that youre a Shooting Star? (See pg. 3) tell us about who you are and how youre actively working to promote change in your village, school, community, or uganda as a whole.

n E x t i s s u E s t h E m E : one me, one we

Essay submission GuidElinEs

Essay questions are optional. Please try to keep submissions for each question under 400 words. Write your name, age, school (if applicable), village and district on the paper.

About

U gandas YoUng stars

Ugandas Young Stars was first published by American Peace Corps Volunteers in February 2012. The newsletter is written for youth, by youth and is designed to be an open forum where Ugandan kids can express their ideas, opinions, and experiences regarding gender and youth-related issues. Youth write and submit essays which are compiled by Peace Corps Volunteers, used as articles in the publication, and then distributed in communities all around the country.

Ugandas Young Stars :: April 2012 Volume 2 Page 10 Published by United States Peace Corps Volunteers