When I first heard of the name Kasengejje S.S, I had very conflicting voices in my mind about what I was heading towards. For all my life, addressing an assembly of young people has been a dreaded experience because of the way we young people tend to overshadow what we are told. I vividly recall my first visit to the school, alongside some other colleagues on the fight we undertake, being an eye-opener to the real reality in Uganda. First of all, having to see a type-writer being used after so long a time, a school-setting without piped water or electricity, a fence, students in sparse numbers, scanty English language spoken on the compound supplemented by mother-tongues, under-staffed...the list still goes on.Then, came my first interaction with the Head Teacher of the school, Baganda Ssangalyambogo Kasengejje Secondary School(that`s the full name of the school), Mr. Nathan Twinomujuni and what he told me that time struck a huge blow in my heart and mind.
For example, the female students keep on engaging in unsafe sex with the local boda-boda riders that keep on crossing with the students on their ways back home after a day at school. This is because the students receive shs.2000 or even shs.1000 from these exploitative men and later on, account sexually for that "donation of lunch". Then, we have the biggest of them all in the name of majority of the students not being able to afford meals while at school the whole day...keeping in mind that the school is a Government-aided school. Imagine how hard life is for our students there. I actually broke down in tears after my visit, then. That`s what triggered the title of my first peer session with a few of the students that day, Something for something love. Before that, the promotion of the Annual Health Youth Camp had to happen with the help of the posters plus additions like the fun we are going to have, the food (yummy, right?). And it has been a success so far...just waiting for that day(s).
I have to admit that interacting with my champions at Kasengejje has been very fulfilling for me in a number of angles. One, on a personal level, I have been able to think a number of times concerning my actions before I act on them. Then, disseminating this sensitive self-help information to these fellow young people has made me feel gratified from within because am certain before the Most High, I created a base for bringing closer the the truth, sad consequences and way forward to my champions to enable them make better informed decisions regarding their lives. Handling topics like adolescence and sexuality with fellow young people requires one to be on the same page with these fellow young people because young people connect more with fellow young people than their adults or considered superiors. Let`s have an example here, I have learnt to appreciate all peoples in their respective appearances, sizes, tones and affinities due to the fact that meeting young people and drawing a big circle that unites you and them requires winning their trust, friendship plus admiration in order to communicate effectively. I applied it on the day I addressed the whole school introducing myself and Reach A Hand Uganda, at large. It worked, trust me. I have managed to link up with more organizations to be a volunteer with them, besides that, put a smile on one person`s face, daily, just like in my ambition for this year, 2015.
The second angle, is that students are getting very vital information delivered to their doorsteps for free that will enable them make better informed decisions in life. How better does it get?
My experience, in connection to SHRH-related topics, is highly sumptuous because I have been able to learn more from these fellow youngsters of mine that humility, endurance and good insight gets you wherever you want to get in life. Keep away from drugs, alcohol and unprotected sex and your life will make a lot of sense and fulfillment. Everyday, I wake up and recall Kasengejje, am driven further to make a difference there in the community, to myself and as well as, the world.
Did I tell you of the joy I felt when I met some champions in Kasengejje that are offering English Literature and I offered to assist them out in any way I can, simply projecting that we all have the potential to achieve higher in life when availed with the opportunity and right advice as well.
Reach A Hand Uganda, thanks so much for this great experience so far that I`ve had. It`s very true about..."looking towards the big picture in life, rather than the immediate picture". Beginning with the training, the fun, my new family that I have now courtesy of the platform, to, all that`s coming up ahead tomorrow and after. Am looking so forward towards the future, a great future.
