A newsleter for Ugandas youth by Ugandas youth.

SMALL STEPS, BIG CHANGES

HOW I PREVENTED MALARIA IN MY VILLAGE

Ugandas s t a r s
y o u n g
Malaria comes from the word/refers to bad air, this is so because people of long ago used to say that malaria is being caused by bad air in swamp. Malaria is greatly caused by a germ called plasmodium and a predisposal insect called female anopheles mosquito through bites. It has been many years since it struck our country and this epidemic has victimised both children and adults. However, some precautions can be done to prevent the epidemic from worsening. I personally have tried to promote the prevention of malaria in our village by the following measures. I have managed to promote the prevention of this epidemic by forming volunteer group where we carryout slashing of nearby bushes and even pick polythene bags and burn them; we do all this to minimise the breeding rate of mosquitoes. My group and I have managed to promote malaria prevention in our village by giving some courage to pregnant mothers and used to do handstands and walks. My family told me to do housework, but I would at least do some freezes or do some popping, as this could not stop. I used to move from A-B to slums and ghettos teaching and inspiring and battling. It was necessary. I used not to care about winning or losing, I just had fun and used to enjoy. No matter what, rain or shine, I would train and talk to different people about what they felt about my dancing and give me advice. In life there are many challenges which will be obstacles to you, but according to me obstacles dont appear in life, and as myself I say I dont lose, because I work hard and I believe thats the only way. Right now I am among the dancers who have inspired many other dancers in Uganda. I have earned opportunities through Breakdance Project Uganda including traveling to Poland and the Netherlands and many other places to teach and learn. And this is just the beginning. The important thing is to focus, have ambition, and set goals to achieve in your life and also believe that you dont lose it, you hold it. couples to go for treated mosquito nets in the district health dispensary and health centre. My group and I have discussed the issue and we have come up with the solution to talk to the government to provide our people with Daraprin and Paludrin. Daraprin tablet has a dosage normally one tablet per day whereas Paludrin has to be taken once a week. This can also reduce malaria death rates. I have emphasised and educated my fellow villagers and my classmates on the disadvantageous side of constructing houses on swampy areas. Scientifically places near swamps are most likely to be affected by malaria. I have played a big role by advising the people to go for blood check-up in case of any feeling of signs of malaria. In conclusion, the government can also play a big role/task in the rescue mission of its citizens, and it can be achieved by dealing with it now as the saying goes, the earlier, the better.

Okedi Patrick 16 | Kumi

BREAKDANCE UGANDA
Kiryowa Fahadhi, 20 | Myuenga

As I grew I didnt know much about myself and what to do for life, and I grew in a big family of 10 children (5 boys & 5 girls) and I am the 8th born. When I was in primary, I used to dance and act in school plays and also I was part of the school team. But dancing was my biggest passion and I wanted to be someone known, but I had no idea how to achieve it, although my heart told me laziness is a devils workshop so I need to work. One time it was my vacation, I had visited my grandmother in Nsambya, Kampala and went to Sharing Youth center, and I saw people who were breakdancing. They used to fly in air and spin and they were like from another planet. Just even that day I started training. I started training intensively and even holidays I woke up at 5am and started doing exercises and
Volume 7 | November 2013

Break Dancer in Gulu Photo: Jim Tanton

A newsleter for Ugandas youth by Ugandas youth.

Ugandas s h o o t i n g s ta r s
Jitta Maurice 23 | Mukono

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

POETRY
Am AIDS I. Am someone who came from somewhere I take each and everyone Both young and old even youths Some people think I dont exist Who am I? II. I watch most people as they acquire me Am ever silent and quiet I hate people who warn others about me I do nothing wrong but feeding you Who am I? III. I attack the unfaithful couple I even get the youths who cant abstain from sex I get babies who are born I have no mercy towards people Who am I? IV. I have left many families crying I separate the nice couple I make youth drop out of schools because of me I even make the old people suffer Who am I?

DO YOU THINK YOU ARE A SHOOTING STAR?

which hinder social development amongst my entire community and country at large like: Alcoholism, drug abuse, prostitution and domestic violence, unemployment, poverty, etc. I usually do this in artistic contexts like in visual art, drama and music. This has helped my fellow youth and adults to be aware of challenges and how they can overcome them if they come across them. I work hand-in-hand to fight unemployment in youth by teaching them how to utilize the recycle bins to make different products without using their own capital. For example, turning chokolos (bottle caps) into earrings has enabled youth to be self-employed rather than being idle. On top of the above mentioned, I joined a group of youth who were vibrant in the initiation of a community based organization named AHUDA Uganda (African Humanitarian and Development Alliance.) This community based organization has a pilot project which is a primary school in Mayangayanga Mukono District, which provides free education to orphans and vulnerable children, as a lot of them are victims of HIV/AIDS. I coordinate this program and it has impacted a lot in the community as children have a chance for education. Being a co-coordinator is challenging, but as being committed is my first priority, I manage to run the whole programs with the help of other members. I act as a role model, thus enabling a lot of people to learn from me as well as learning from them in return. Finally, as I am a leader, I have tried to teach my fellow youth leadership skills. This has enabled them the opportunity of discovering themselves rather than being discovered for. This generates creativity and spreading ideas to one another. This, therefore, creates innovation in the society to have all-around transformation. As I mentioned above, it is hard to prove yourself that you are a shooting star, rather than people around you award you that title, but according to that information mentioned I might be one. Trust me Im a shooting star!

Being a shooting star implies that your instrumental to the transformation like political, social and economic set-up of various consequences. A shooting star creates an environment of change in order to develop the society. In the context of above, I have tried to be more instrumental in the society I live in a variety of ways, though it is hard to prove to yourself that you are a shooting star without getting feedback from the people you are surrounded by and those you interact with. I am Jitta Maurice, 23. I am a HIV counselor at Makerere University Walter Reed Project and I have volunteered in different organizations. I am a vibrant youth with confidence of being committed and systematic on social issues due to people surrounded by me. As a counselor, I have been able to forward and empower people of different kinds with skills that enhance positive behavioral change, basic information on HIV/AIDS prevention and care most especially about my fellow youth as they are among the most at risk populations. I normally set up dialogues with different age groups and genders, hence, giving them opportunity to find value in their lives. I develop messages on different issues
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Birungi Christine 17 | Masaka

UGANDAS YOUNG STARS | Volume 7

For this issue, we are proud to highlight Areeba Isaac for doing a job well done! Isaac has created a newsletter about his life to share with his community, family and friends! We encourage you to follow in Isaacs footsteps and write a newsletter about your own life to make a difference within your area! You are an inspiration!

ISSACS LIFE
Dear friends and family, It is hard for me to believe that almost 18 years have passed since I left the street. Sometimes I feel like its not me and other times I cant believe how fast the years are going. I joined the street because of lack of love after losing my parents. My Dad died when I was 2 years and my mother went to be with the LORD when I was 4 years and then I remained with my very elderly grandmother who was also disabled without legs. Before my mother passed away, my brother by then was 8 yrs, not at home as he had gone to look for a job to graze cattle so that we can get something to eat at home. My mother was so bed ridden because of breast cancer and other diseases and she could not help us.Life seemed so complicated and worth nothing after losing my very loving grandmother when I was around 5 years. Neglected by my only two remaining aunties who were quite far away from home and who were drunkards, I resorted to wandering here and there and that is when I was introduced to the street by some of my friends who had no parents and were also living on the street. Some people tried to help but every time I went to their families I was mistreated and I could not see any love and I would go back to the street. Life on the street was so miserable and full of suffering, eating from dust bins and compost pits, and sleeping on an empty stomach. I was starving in the small town of Kabale by that time, sleeping in sacks in trenches, or in unfinished buildings, striving and running away from killers and those who perform certain rituals and by sacrificing children in order to get wealth and to be accepted by the devil to finish their houses by shedding human blood in their buildings. Feeling that everybody hated me and the neglect from the community was another story that could not easily get away from my mind because we had been nicknamed and give certain
November 2013

Areeba Isaac Kabale

titles that segregated us from the community like MAIBOBO, ENDUCURI,WAYAYI and other many bad names that painted a bad picture on us. So I knew that was the way to go and I also hated people because I thought they hated me.

Life on the street was so miserable and full of suffering, eating from dust bins and compost pits, and sleeping on an empty stomach.
In 1995 was my turning point. I will always thank God for the different people He has used to touch my life. While I was a street child God brought this missionary couple from Germany Hilda &Mar tin Franz to Kabale while they worked with Pentecostal Assemblies of God church led by James and his wife Joy Tumwijukye and every time they would come to the market for shopping I would beg from them.They showed me love and every time they came they would give me a yellow banana and a sweet after accompanying them to their car. Slowly by slowly they invited me to church and they would take me to Sunday school, where I

met two of the men Tr. Innocent Akahirwa and Johnson Barisigara, who were so loving. They taught me wonderful Bible stories and there I came to know that there was Jesus and that He loved me. For the first in Sunday school they sang this song Jesus Loves this I know for the Bible tells me so Little ones to Him belong they are weak but He is strong Later the God touched Hilda &Mar tin Franz in 1995 to take care of me completely, they picked me from the street and they asked this couple Johnson Barisigara who is now a pastor in Ntungamo and his wife Olivius to stay with me. They had wedded three days ago and still in their honeymoon in a small rented house with one room. When I joined this family my life never remained the same. They loved and I was like their first born child. With my bad behaviours from the street they were so persistent with me. Even when I felt like wanting to use drugs again, they still loved me and advised me until I was able to change completely. I always thank God for this couple for the transformation they brought in my life. Hildah &Mar tin Franz later bought land and built a house in Butobere where we were later taken to stay, providing for us the basic
Continued on Page 7
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A newsleter for Ugandas youth by Ugandas youth.

In what ways do you promote gender equality in your community?

Yiga Jorvans John 23 | Mukono

This question has two major words. Gender: This is a grammatical grouping of words (nouns and pronouns) into classes (masculine and feminine and neutral), accordingly as they are regarded as female, male or without sex. A noun is a word by which a person, thing, quality, etc. is name or, in short, its a naming word. For example: Jorvans, box, high, etc. A pronoun is a word used in place of a noun. For example: He, its, hers and them. Equality: This is a word that comes from equal. It is the state of being equal, in equality with, and on equal terms. Therefore, gender equality is a state in which females and males are equal in religious, mental, political, physical, and social aspects of life. In Uganda, according to its rights, all females and males have equal rights in life, thus gender equality is prevailing in the country. Following the question, In what ways do you promote gender equality in your school or community? because of the word or it means I have to choose one side that is now the community, but this doesnt rule out the fact that I have ever been in school. In the case of a community: A community is the people living in one place, district or country, considered as a whole. For example: Work for the good of the community. In the same way a community is a group of persons having the same religion, race, occupation, or with common interests. Lastly, a community is a condition of sharing, having things in common, and being alike in some way: Community of race, religion, interests, etc. In my capability as a male, since gender equality is prevailing, I look for campaigning for the female Member of Parliament, honorable

Aidah Nantaba, putting in mind that leadership is God given since all authority comes from God in the book of Romans 13:1-7. Opposite sex supports and gives confidence to the females, although I have even had to take part in supporting the honorable Member of Parliament, Amos Lugolobi since generosity is needful. In the past, females were reduced only to sexual objects such that they had no right to decide, but in the community these days when women are suggesting a meeting I am always in support of their suggestions and I try to convince my group members to support their decisions to see that the past continues to decay away. In times of sports and games, I usually participate in different types of activities to make people in the community know that there is no discriminations. Whether it be netball, volleyball, athletics, I usually join males and females to see and support each other to discover ones talents. At times, I usually talk to the females and males going for antenatal together, because they are both tested for HIV and this reduces the chances of partner blaming the other for the reason of bringing the virus into the family. They are able to see their serostatus together and they get to know that the baby that will be born is a family gift and everyones responsibility. In the past, the females only role was to produce and they could not decide on the number of children they could produce, but now when I talk to the females, I try to show to them and talk to them about the benefits, effects and consequences of both family planning and giving birth annually. Thus, they learn to decide for themselves. In case of death, women were not allowed to inherit the property of the deceased husband. Also, the girl child could not take a share of her fathers belongings. But to me, I took a concern when my father died. My aunts and uncles had decided to give our fathers belongings only to the sons, neglecting the daughters. I, myself, decided to give my belongings to one of my sisters and then my aunts decided to agree that even the girl children should get a share. In the end, we all got land and homes. In the community, when the girl child would become pregnant in the past, she was meant

to forget all about school while the boy who was responsible for the pregnancy was able to continue with his studies without punishment. Because of the fight for gender equality nowadays, if one girl child is impregnated, I take part in fighting hard to see that there is a step being taken to help that girl. I usually go to the chairperson and report the case to see that there is a step being taken forward for justice to prevail. In the past, it was always the men to wrong the women and not vice versa. It was also the women to ask for pardons and forgiveness for the wrongs done by the man. I now help by sometimes offering meeting to see that justice is prevailing and that no one side is being treated inferior.

In the community these days when women are suggesting a meeting I am always in support of their suggestions
In my community, in case someone is imprisoned for any crime committed, I attend court in order to see that no one is being suppressed and to see that justice is prevailing and not being based on gender, poverty or corruption factors. Biblically, God created man in his own image, according to the book of Genesis, and then created woman as a companion, meaning that they are all equal to each other. In this case, a lady can become a priest, head teacher, and leader. I usually give my support, not forgetting my sex, to see that gender equality is a real thing (factor) of life in my community. Occupationally, I have tried to see gender equality prevailing, but I have one challenge where I cannot support the females to becoming boda boda cyclists and taxi conductors. But I see that if a person is working hard, even in the above mentioned jobs, and it is their wish, I support them. People have different reasons for different challenges of life and I understand that, because even since my childhood I grew up calling myself a freedom fighter! Finally, gender equality in the community, is mostly seen occupationally, socially, and mentally. Physically, it still is a real challenge in my community.

UGANDAS YOUNG STARS | Volume 7

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT GENDER EQUALITY?

Bisiikwa Emmeline | Kampala As a Ugandan youth, I have seen cases of gender inequality right before my eyes. Many parents will favour their sons in cases of education, inheritance and social norms. The girls will remain home doing chores and being taught to be respectful while boys usually get away with all sorts of mischief. I am passionate about gender equality because girls should not be treated as less human simply because they were born female. They should be given equal opportunities to shine just as boys are given chances. I usually write stories and poems in which my heroine discovers that she is more than just a puppet for others to tell what to do. I also encourage girls and women around me not to wait around in mens shadows waiting for a chance to shine. They should use their talents to elevate themselves.

Empowered women in Gulu Photo : Aaron Rentrope

and comply with each and every thing, because all the long years through the joy that you give to others is the joy that comes back to you. And for most cases remember to welcome strangers because some who have done this have welcomed angels without knowing it. As we the youth we have to know that there are ten facts of life which may lead to propensity in we the youth. A FEW FACTS OF LIFE 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Nothing is strong like sleep Nothing is convincing as thoughts Nothing is fought for like freedom Nothing is painful as rejection Nothing is tempting like love Nothing is beautiful like a smile Nothing is praised as success Nothing is cunning like sin Nothing is superior like wisdom Nothing is as special as you! in a relationship in class at school dumped working just admiring others

BASED ON FACTS
Kateeko Josephine, 20 | Mityana TAKE IT OR LEAVE IT Money isnt everything and it often causes a lot of pain and suffering. It can buy you a nice bed but not sleep; a good watch but not time; a book but not knowledge; a high position but not respect; expensive medicine but not life; sex but not love. I tell you all this as a true friend who cares about you. I want to remove all the pain from you, so send me all your attention through listening and considering what I am to say. Dear youth, I am anxiously ready to suffer on your behalf; you know I care! Dont you? Hi friendtsup? For sure, my friend I was astonished when I was compelled to deputize for change. As you look back upon your life, the moments that stand out are the moments when you have done things for others. Many people take me as a persuasive teacher in the making and I really feel proud of it, because today before you complain about life, think of someone who went too early to death. Since the great acts of love are done by those who are habitually performing small acts of kindness, which I recognized from my mum, oh! Now I have to appreciate whatever I was given
November 2013

Come on my dear, everything from me take it to be thrilling, long live my fellow youth, long live to support you in moral development.

Tongue Twisters
When a doctor gets sick another doctor doctors him. Does the doctor doing the doctoring doctor the doctor the way the doctor needs to be doctored? Sixty-six silly sisters sat down saddenly sewing sixty-six silky skirts I wish you success that will succeed you in the success of all successions.

As I like publicizing, I may end up compiling twenty novels in one day at the same time, it is possible? No, I mean if you can tend to proximity, dont become completely at sea its normally. Oh!! My fellow youth, how have you found it, no, how has it found you:

Byamukana Ivan 17 | Unique High School

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A newsleter for Ugandas youth by Ugandas youth.

HOW DID YOU CELEBRATE WORLD MALARIA DAY?

Bukirwa Prossy 21 | Mukono

A week before we celebrated the World Malaria Day, I was among others who worked as volunteers moving house to house sensitizing the households on the causes, dangers, and prevention of malaria. We discussed with them on the issue of how we

acquire malaria. We looked at the importance of slashing bushes/forests around our homes. Bushes and short grasses harbor mosquitos, which are responsible for the spread of malaria. We slashed some as the bushes around their homes, assisting the households. Stagnant water around their homes was also removed by covering the pit holes and draining empty tins and containers, which act as breeding grounds for the mosquitoes. In fact, the community did appreciate the efforts done. Some chemicals, insecticide and old car oil were offered by the town council to spray stagnant water in order to kill the larvae stage of mosquitoes. The community members were invited to come and attend the malaria day on the 25th of April and it was well attended to. With the help as health workers, open talks were set to reach the participants (which included school children) on the causes, spread and prevention of malaria. School children were encouraged to teach other members of

their communities on the dangers of malaria, emphasizing to them that it is one of the killing diseases, especially in infants. Participants were encouraged on the issue of closing their windows and doors during the night to prevent the entry of mosquitoes into their buildings. Thanks to the government and other NGOs for issuing mosquito sleeping nets to each of the individuals and members of families free of charge. Members were taught and demonstrated the use of the nets. Some prophylactic drugs used to control malaria were provided freely, and families were encouraged to swallow the tablets as a monthly measure to prevent clinical signs of malaria. Signs of malaria were among the issues we discussed with the community members which included fever, vomiting, joint pains, anorexia (loss of appetite) among others. Once one noticed one of these signs they should immediately address the issue to the health workers in the neighborhood for action and treatment.

WHAT DIDYOU DO TO PROMOTE MALARIA PREVENTION?

Ssemanda Kenedy 23 | Mukono

First and foremost, I will begin by briefly explaining what Malaria means. Malaria is a disease which is transmitted by a female mosquito known as anopheles mosquito. The mosquito spreads malaria by biting a human being and after biting, it loses a protozoa known as Plasmodium in the human body, which causes malaria. Malaria, if it is not treated urgently, it causes death. Though, malaria kills, there are many ways through which malaria can be prevented and eliminated. After realizing that malaria has become a big problem in my community, the country of Uganda,
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and the whole world at large, on 25th April I did get involved in Malaria prevention activities in my community. Because as a responsible Ugandan citizen, I realized that Malaria prevention begins with me, therefore the Village Health Team (VHT) and I did malaria prevention activities in the community and these include the following listed. We slashed the bushy compounds in the community, especially around the centres. I also encouraged the residents to also slash the bushy compounds around their homes since bushy compounds are suitable breeding places for their mosquitoes. This helped us to eliminate the population of the mosquitos, hence, reducing malaria prevalence. We also collected all the empty containers around the community and I encourage the residents always not to leave empty containers around their home and the community, because when it rains the tins or containers get filled with water, which then become suitable breeding places for mosquitos to multiply frequently in a very short period. In regards to the empty containers, some we burnt and others were taken for recycling. For stagnant water, which does not drain quickly, we poured oil over them. This helped us to kill the eggs and larvae of mosquitos before they became mosquitos. This helped prevent malaria

prevalence in the community. The VHT (Village Health Team) and I encouraged the citizens to sleep under treated mosquito nets always. When the nets get torn they should either buy new onew or repair the ones they have for those who couldnt afford new ones. We also distributed treated mosquito nets, especially to children below five years and the pregnant mothers. I also encouraged the pregnant mothers to go for antenatal care in order to full doses of Cotrimoxazole (Septrin) to secure their babies and themselves from being infected by malaria to avoid problems like miscarriages and death. Therefore, that is how I celebrated the 25th April World Malaria Day. Thanks.

DID YOU KNOW

The heaviest person lives in Cairo, Egypt weighing 366 kg and the second was coming from USA in Washington.

Byamukana Ivan 17 | Unique High School

UGANDAS YOUNG STARS | Volume 7

Continued from Page 3

my primary school at Kikungiri Primary. I finished my primary studies successfully and joined secondary school at Brainstorm High school, where I did my Ordinary Level. Later I joined St. Marys College Rushoroza for my Advanced Level studies and the LORD was with me, I finished well. The LORD has done great things in my life. Before I finished my secondary school studies in 2008 things had changed and I had no more hopes for further studies as I lost contact with my friends who were contributing my school fees but my God is the present helper in the very time of need. God gave other loving couples(Mum and Dad, Kaye and Geofrey Lowe,Ceaka and Stephen Bamorekye), who have stood with me through my University Studies at Kabale University and am yet to Graduate in a Bachelors of Development Studies.

The LORD is good and he has blessed my life with so loving friends and families. By Gods grace I am a childrens worker (Sunday school teacher) at Pentecostal Assemblies of God Kabale in Western Uganda. I am so grateful and thankful to my Sunday school teachers who raised me since I was a little boy and now am grown up and serving God in the children ministry in our community. I also play a key board with my brother in church. God has blessed me and I seek to bless others and share my love and the gospel with the hurting people especially the children in our community. We planted another church in Rwakaraba where I am serving God playing a key board and meeting the children as I train and mentor other Sunday school teachers from the very place.

me with to be a foster father to Nabasa Abraham 6years. He goes to Amazing Grace Nursary School here in Kabale at Pentecostal Assemblies of God church and Mugisha Peter 10 years and in Primary Five at Makerere University primary school.

The Need to have an income for our family.

Matthew has not gotten a job and while I wait to graduate in October, the hopes that we were going to improve the income of our family are far way gone .My brothers Boda boda bicycle has been stolen and this has been the way we earned a living and the bicycle has been helping us to gather our pigs food. Being hard to find a job here in Uganda when you are not connected to big people we have resorted to start saving each penny we come across so that we can expand and get the best quality of piglets so that my brother can keep himself with this project.

The LORD is good and He My Family has blessed my life with so I am staying with my elder brother Matthew loving friends and families. and young nephew Godfrey. God has blessed

NINE NUMBERS

WORD SCRAMBLE

LEAPN OBAD BSU TAAMUT

Place the numbers 1-9 in the circles below, such that each side of the triangle adds up to 17.
November 2013

Unscramble to find words about TRAVEL.

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Volume 7 | November 2013

About Uganda's Young Stars Uganda's 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 ar ticles in publication, and then distributed in communities all around the country.

WHAT WILL YOU SHARE WITH US? SUBMIT YOUR ESSAY TODAY

Esther and Innocent Atiri Secondary School Photo : Robin Rentrope

next issue's theme | Be the Change You Wish to See 1_ International Youth Day was in August. What did you do to celebrate International Youth
Day in your community?

TO SUBMIT AN ESSAY
Essay questions are optional. Please try to keep submissions for each question under 400 words. Entries submitted as personal testimony must be factual. Write your name, age, school (if applicable), village and district on the paper.

2_ Peer

youth groups and peer leaders can be an impor tant par t of schools and a community.Why do you think it's impor tant to have these groups and/or what are you doing within your community to encourage these groups to exist? What can you do - or what have you done - to help eliminate this stigma?

3_ Define 'stigma.' Do you think there are groups of people in Uganda that are stigmatized? 4_ Do you think that you're a Shooting Star? Tell us about who you are and how you're
actively working to promote change in your village, school, community or Uganda as a whole.

It's Easy and Fun Submit with a Friend

A newsleter for Ugandas youth by Ugandas youth.