When community is at your heart, you would give up anything and everything just for it!
Hello, my name is Joan Kembabazi and this is my story.
I grew up with a passion of empowering girls and transforming communities but never in my life had I ever thought that community work would win my heart like it did till today.
When I lost my childhood best friend,Gufasha Maureen at 13 years into #childmarriage in 2012, my whole life turned around.The trauma and depression that hit me learning of her death while giving birth honestly never left me the same.And from that day,as little as I was,I promised myself that this tragedy is never happening to any other girl in my community.I used to organize safe spaces where we could sit and have conversations as girls and also saved my little upkeep from my parents and bought scholastic materials and sanitary pads for the girls in my community.That’s how my social work journey started.I literally got obsessed with this work.
Handling both school and social work became my everyday life.When I graduated from University as an Environmental Scientist,I decided to get a job in my professional field in order to support and sustain my work for and with girls at Gufasha Girls Foundation.
I honestly thought I would manage both,my profession and social work and with time,I found both demanding.I always felt guilty because I was no longer giving my community the time I used to give to it because energy,time and commitment were divided into two.
Fast forward,I made a decision that wasn’t easy and it got me look crazy in the eyes of so many people.When I realized there’s no leadership without risk,I quit my professional job.I chose Passion,here I mean giving up on financial stability and personal comfort, just to serve my community. This gave me a fulfillment of purpose.
For the past years,I’ve realized this work and leadership is a calling, a God-given gift. Even when I didn’t have a clear picture of what the future of Gufasha Girls Foundation would look like, one thing that I had confidence in was Philippians 4:13.
Also,the bond I have with my community has been and continues to be a source of my strength and has urged me to sacrifice personal things for it’s greater good.
WHY AM I SHARING THIS?
Most times we are indecisive,however,when community is at the heart of our lives,it transforms our values and priorities, it ignites a powerful drive that makes sacrifices feel meaningful and makes every effort feel like a step towards a brighter future.
I want to encourage everyone in their potential to do something that impacts their communities positively. You might have to give up personal time,comfort or even financial stability but assured that each effort serves a greater purpose.
This selflessness reinforces your connection to the community,creating a cycle of support and empowerment.You realize that the sacrifices you make not only pave the way for positive transformation but also inspire others to join the cause.