Reach A Hand Uganda

Still about the #ImaraGirlsFestival24 that happened last Saturday, 12th October, 2024 💃! Beyond entertainment, musicians usually become role models to their fans and their actions, messages and attitude have a profound impact on the fans. We recognize this fact and at the #ImaraGirlsFestival24, we incorporated performances from some of the top female Ugandan artists to not only entertain but also inspire, advise and empower the young boys and girls at the festival with the knowledge that they need to make the right choices in their lives. Some of the musicians that we had included Lillian Mbabazi, Ava Peace, Karole Kasita, and more. Each of them gave a piece of advice to the audience. Ava Peace shared her story of how education has helped her unleash her potential and encouraged all the University students who were at the festival to focus and finish school. We are grateful to the musicians who joined us in making this year’s festival memorable. Again, to all the partners who supported us to make this #ImaraGirlsFestival24 happen, thank you. To everyone who attended the festival, thank you as well. We hope you learnt a lot as you had fun. FOWODE-UGANDA

#PeerHighlight - Today we spotlight Caro Christine, who shares her journey with the Peer Educators Academy. "Last year, I applied to the Peer Educators Academy and joined in January 2024. The experience was educational, entertaining, and inclusive. I started conducting peer learning sessions in schools and later got a chance to volunteer with Reach A Hand Uganda. I love what I do and encourage all young persons with disabilities to apply and be part of the 2025 cohort". #PEA24

How do we expect people with disabilities to stand up for their rights without information? – lamented Anyanzire Allan, our Programs Officer for Community Engagement, during an X Space discussion reflecting on the recent Disability Inclusion Summit that happened yesterday. At Reach A Hand Uganda, we firmly believe that before someone can advocate for their rights, they need to be informed, empowered, and equipped with the necessary knowledge. This is why our programs are intentionally inclusive of people with disabilities, ensuring no one is left behind. For instance, through our Peer Educators Academy, we offer young people with disabilities the opportunity to engage in a one-year fellowship. This program focuses not only on building their confidence and public speaking skills but also equips them with leadership, mentorship, and advocacy tools, enabling them to champion Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) issues within their communities. Creating inclusive spaces such as these is essential in fostering a society where people with disabilities can thrive, access opportunities, and actively participate in decision-making processes that affect their lives. Together, let’s continue breaking barriers and building a future where everyone—regardless of ability—has the platform, voice, and confidence to stand up for their rights. #PEA24 #YoungPeopleForYoungPeople

The recent 2022 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey showed adolescents and young people continue to experience unacceptably high levels of physical, sexual and emotional violence. Specifically, 40% of adolescent girls (15-19 years) and 38.9% young women (20-24 years) reported to have experienced physical or sexual violence from an intimate partner. The same survey revealed that at least 3 in every 10 young women and men believed that wife beating is okay noting that only 4 in 10 women who experience both physical and sexual violence seek help. In commemoration of the #InternationalDayOfTheGirlChild, we hosted a podcast discussion with conversations reflecting on this and more. Watch via https://lnkd.in/ecAsM_E8. #ImaraGirlsFestival24 FOWODE-UGANDA

Last week under the #RAISEUg project, we conducted two school outreaches, hosting peer learning sessions in Kyarumba Sub County at Mutanywana SS and in Munkunyu Sub County at Cardinal Nsubuga Memorial SS. These activities are part of our continued efforts to engage with young people on crucial health-related issues and equip them with practical skills. We taught students skills on making reusable sanitary pads as an initiative to improve menstrual health management within the school environment, helping girls stay in school during their periods. We also held health talks focused on menstrual health management led by our peer educators. These talks addressed key concerns related to hygiene, menstrual cycle tracking, and breaking the stigma around menstruation. The school administration at both schools expressed immense appreciation for the initiative and pledged to continue collaborating with Reach A Hand Uganda and Save the Children International, acknowledging that these programs have significantly impacted students’ lives, particularly in improving attendance and overall student health. #YoungPeopleForYoungPeople

12 years ago, the renowned musician Jose Chameleon, sang a hit song "Basiima Ogenze", highlighting the bad vice in society of not recognizing and appreciating the people who make tremendous contributions to their lives. Today, the message of this song is still relevant and reminds us of the importance of gratitude and acknowledgement. Drawing to Jose Chameleon's song, one of the reasons why we hosted the #ImaraGirlsFestival24 that happened yesterday at Kati Kati grounds, was to create a space for women (girls), and men (boys) to come together to celebrate, uplift and appreciate one another. It was heartwarming to witness moments of appreciation firsthand, such as when Rianne Bateze, a former Miss Uganda contestant, publicly acknowledged the CEO Miss Uganda, Miss Brenda Nanyonjo, for the invaluable guidance she provided throughout her pageantry journey. Rianne mentioned how 'mentorship from Miss Brenda helped her become more confident and believe in herself. She highlighted how this has had a lot of benefits even in her other endeavors like becoming a filmmaker as an Ikon Fellow from last year's Ikon Fellowship program. Such moments at the #ImaraGirlsFestival24 indirectly provided mentorship to the hundreds of young girls and boys who attended the festival. We will not get tired of saying thank you to all the partners who came on board to make yesterday (#ImaraGirlsFestival24) happen. Thank you🙏

🌸 Today is the Day! 🌸 In commemoration of the #InternationalDayOfTheGirlChild, we are hosting the #ImaraGirlsFestival24 at Kati Kati Grounds, Kampala, in partnership with FOWODE-UGANDA and SAUTIplus Media Hub. For the 5th consecutive year, we have organized the #GirlsFestival because we recognize, and appreciate the contributions of girls and women in society. We host the festival as an initiative to not only celebrate them but also create a space where both men, (boys) and women (girls) can have conversations about issues that affect the girl child and hinder them from thriving and achieving their dreams. The theme for this year, “Invest in Her, Unleash Her Potential”, is a call to action to everyone and a reminder that when we educate, empower and skill the girl child, we unlock their potential to become powerful change makers in their communities and beyond. To all our partners who have made this possible, we appreciate you! 🙏 And to everyone, come join this great cause, entrance is free. Here's a free opportunity for you to network, make new friends, make memories and enjoy your weekend. See you there!!

According to UNICEF, girls are not only courageous in the face of challenges, but they are also hopeful for the future. Uganda is home to over 23.4 million young girls and women, according to this year’s population census results. Yet, despite being the majority, these girls and women face significant barriers due to social and cultural norms that have placed them in inferior positions, affecting their sexual and reproductive health and rights and overall wellbeing. At Reach A Hand Uganda, we recognize that these norms have perpetuated gender-based challenges, such as child marriages, teenage pregnancies, and limited access to quality education. Many young girls are hindered in their learning and remain underrepresented in the employment sector. In partnership with FOWODE-UGANDA and SAUTIplus Media Hub, tomorrow, we are hosting the #ImaraGirlsFestival24 at Kati Kati grounds as an initiative to solicit for funds for the construction of the #ImaraWomensCentre, which will anchor interventions on the advancement of women’s rights and empowerment over the next 25 years in Uganda. Additionally, the festival will be a platform for celebrating vibrant women across diverse sectors while inspiring young girls to push beyond the limitations society imposes on them. Under the theme "Invest In Her, Unleash Her Potential," we are driving a narrative of change. By investing in girls, we can dismantle the barriers holding them back and empower them to reach their full potential. Our goal is simple: to see young girls excel, thrive, and take charge of their futures without limitations. Investing in girls is about more than providing resources—it’s about creating lasting change, ensuring every girl has the power and the support to shape her own destiny. #InternationalDayOfTheGirlChild 📸📸 Moments from last year's #ImaraGirlsFestival.

🧠Happy World Mental Health Day!!🧠 The leadership at Reach A Hand Uganda invites you to reflect on this year's theme, "Mental Health At Work". Issues like societal expectations from young people like marriage, the transition from education to employment, and the struggle to establish a stable career compound and lead to mental health issues like stress, anxiety, depression, and burnout - which affect their performance at work. We encourage all employers and organizations to take proactive steps to ensure that mental health is integrated into their workplace policies and practices. This includes things like creating spaces for relaxation and mindfulness of the employees. #YoungPeopleForYoungPeople

We are celebrating the freedom to provide information that empowers young people to lead healthy lives ~ a freedom that came with our nation's Independence. Happy #IndependenceDay 🇺🇬. #UgandaAt62