Recently, together with a couple friends, we visited the slums and the notorious ekiombasa to identify with the people that leave there. At about 1pm on a scotching hot Saturday afternoon, we set off from Kampala town and within five minutes we were in the heart of the slum. We had been given permission by the LC 1 chairman, who allowed us to clean up the place. The rubbish was too much and for a while I did not know how we were ever going to clear it all. Equipped with spades, hoes and brooms, they started the work, there were many teenage prostitutes around the area who at first questioned our motives. I have come to learn that skepticism has become part and parcel of the Ugandans they believe that nothing can be done out of free will.
They thought we were being paid to clean up their area. Most of them thought that we could have been a political party that was campaigning for a candidate. As time went by, they started joining us one by one, soon it was a crowd, we interacted with the girls freely as we swept, we were chatting, they began sharing their experiences and what led them into the trade at a tender age. But the issue that kept coming up is loss of parents and poverty.
We concluded the activity with with popcorn and a speech from the area defense secretary who thanked us for the great work that we had done.
All the young people that participated in the outreach went back home with a different experience, Agaba peter said that it had been life changing for him, Roland Tibirusya said that it was an unforgettable experience, Martin and Judith Murungi were speechless. As for me just like everybody else was happy that at least I could help somebody. I know that the youth are the asset that Uganda has a population is approximately 33 million, with just over half aged 17 and under, and just under half aged 15-64. The average age is about 15 years, and only 2.4% of people are aged 65 and over. This is a great force that can bring about a radical change. We have the power to change the nation. to get involved email us on agiuganda@gmail.com, or call us on +256701532516. we cant wait to hear from you.
outreach in pictures
Ladies at work
Peter, Mike ( center) and Martin share a light moment
At the end of the day
African Girl Initiative Uganda
March 4th, 2011 at 2:31 pm
now this what i call community power, way to go guys …big up Prudence Nyamishana your the light
March 4th, 2011 at 2:42 pm
Thank you, thank you
March 8th, 2011 at 5:20 pm
i just found out about this today at the Daughters of Destiny Garden Party 2011. amazing work. will definitely be in touch to find out what a student can also do to support this very important cause. great job guys.
God bless you
March 17th, 2011 at 11:52 am
Thank you al for getting involved. We love you