Sabula Vol. 1
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Issue iii
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Newsletter
September 2021
Covid-19: A Blessing or Curse to Uganda’s Education Sector? Mentor Me Serries Success Story The Back and White Induction Ceremony
Rotary Cancer Run at 10
Basic Education
& Literacy A monthly publication of the Rotaract Club of Bwebajja
FEATURED: 18
Covid-19: A Blessing or Curse to Uganda’s Education Sector?
EDITOR’S PICK >> 04
The Editorial
My Dear Changemakers, 05 Shekhar Mehta - RI President
21 MY COVID-19 Hero
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Mentor Me Series
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Lockdown Program for the Youths
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This Month of Education
Rtr. Edrine Male
Young Kimaro - District Governor United As One In Service; CMP Michael Ayebazibwe (PHF) President Rotary Club of Bwebajja
In line with the Rotary Vision Statement CMP Joseph B. Ssengooba (PHF) President Rotaract Club of Bwebajja
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The Black and White Induction Ceremony
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Sabula Stories
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COVID-19 CORNER
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August Community Service Projects
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Cancer Run in Pictures
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ROTARACT CLUB OF BWEBAJJA CONNECT WITH US Advert Inquiries: publicrelations@rotaractbwebajja.org Sabula Articles: sabulanewsletter@rotaractbwebajja.org General Inquires; info@rotaractbwebajja.org Website: www.rotaractbwebajja.org Follow Us On: Facebook: @Bwebajja Rotaract Club Instagram: @Bwebajja Rotaract Club Twitter: @Rotaract_Bwebajja YouTube: Rotaract Club of Bwebajja LinkedIn: Rotaract Club of Bwebajja Join us for Fellowship: Tuesdays at 7-8pm; online and at Cabana Restaurant - Kawuku Note: All information and pictures are protected and used with permission Disclaimer: We assume no responsibility for any unsolicited information and/or images
The Team Rtr. Mercy Atim Bulletin Officer Rtn. Allan Atuhaire Editor Rtr. Henry Businge Editor Rtr. Mulika George William Photographer (Lens Media Production) CMP JB Ssengooba Contributing Editor Rtr. Winifred Natukunda Public Relations Officer
Graphics & Production
QYLINA
G R A P H I C S
EDITORIAL Atim Mercy - Bulletin Officer
Here We AreAgain! August just ended on a high celebration mode for the growth of membership in our club. For the past several months, we have had to embrace and experience many virtual activities, and this year's Rotary Cancer Run, held on the last weekend of August was no different. Thank you for taking part in this noble cause aimed at raising awareness about cancer and raising funds for constructing two bunkers at Nsambya Hospital. September is the month Rotary has designated for Basic Education and Literacy, precisely because of its transformative nature. We envision a world where all children have access to education, the opportunity to realize their full potential, and to pursue their dreams. And we are so proud of the contributions that we have made over the years through the construction of classrooms, provision of scholastic materials, scholarships, and mentorship programs i.e., Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA), and Youth Exchange. Despite the progress we have registered, the disruption and lockdown of schools for the last many months have exposed the inadequacy of our traditional education system. Many of the children in this part of the world remain locked out of both the physical and virtual classrooms, and many are in danger of dropping out of school completely. And we know that without education, these children will be at a great disadvantage for the rest of their lives. Therefore, as part of our "evolutionary approach" – what should we in Rotary do differently? The COVID-19 pandemic has given us an opportunity to rethink how education should look like for Generation Z and Alpha who are growing up in a world where
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technology rules. The challenge and the task before us are obvious i.e. to provide an education that prepares our young learners for what the future might hold. And this may entail supporting our communities and schools to incrementally 'leap' into the digital space. Nelson Mandela (RIP) said that 'Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world'. As people of action, who seek to create lasting change, one of our focus areas is anchored on implementing interventions that promote Basic Education and Literacy in our communities. This month, we take stock of our contribution towards promoting literacy the world over. Access to education during the COVID-19 pandemic has come with a myriad of challenges and opportunities. This issue will showcase many stories about this month and we invite you to take time and every all articles that have been published. In closing the editorial team is grateful to everyone that participated in the last two newsletters. We are back with another exciting prize! We also thank the members who shared articles highlighting their amazing deeds. It is always exciting hearing from you and we continue to appeal to you for more articles. These should be 500 words, accompanied by three to five action photographs submitted by the 15th day of every month to subalunewsletter@rotaractbwebajja.org We wish you all th best as we celebrate basic education and literacy.
Without education, illiterate children become illiterate adults. Today, 14 percent of the world’s adult population — 762 million people — lack basic reading and writing skills. Two-thirds of that group are women. Literacy and numeracy skills are essential to obtaining better housing, health care, and jobs over a lifetime.
Shekhar Mehta - RI President
My Dear Changemakers, am sure you are having an enriching experience as you Serve to Change Lives. One of the ways you can make the greatest change in a person’s life is to help them learn to read. Literacy opens up the world to us. It makes us better informed about life in our own communities and opens vistas to other cultures. Reading and writing connects people and gives us another way to express our love for one another. September is Basic Education and Literacy Month in Rotary. Enhancing literacy skills is critical in our pursuit of reducing poverty, improving health, and promoting peace. In fact, if all students in low-income countries left school with basic reading skills, it would result in a significant cut in global poverty rates.
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Empowering people through education is among the boldest goals we have as Rotarians.”
Especially for girls and women, literacy can be a life-or-death issue. If all girls completed their primary education, there would be far fewer maternal deaths. And a child is more likely to survive past age 5 if he or she is born to a mother who can read. Improving outcomes for more people worldwide is possible only if countries remove barriers to education for girls. The economic argument for doing so is clear: In some countries where schooling is geared toward boys, the cost of missed economic opportunity is more than $1 billion per year. Empowering people through education is among the boldest goals we have as Rotarians. We don’t have to travel far from our homes to encounter those whose lives are being curtailed because they struggle with reading, rely on others to read for them, or cannot write anything more than their own name. Starting this month, consider how your club can Serve to Change Lives through literacy: Support local organizations that offer free programs to support adult literacy or local language learning, or that provide teachers with professional development centered around reading and writing. Become literacy mentors, or work with an organization like the Global Partnership for Education to increase learning opportunities for children around the world. Have conversations with local schools and libraries to see how your club can support their existing programs or help create needed ones in your community. In India, the TEACH program, a successful collaboration between the country’s Rotary clubs and its government, has demonstrated how to scale up literacy efforts to reach millions of children. And at a time when schools across India were closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the program’s e-learning component reached more than 100 million children through national television. Literacy is the first step out of poverty. As Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai has noted, "One child, one teacher, one book, and one pen can change the world." Sabula Newsletter - Sept
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This Month of Education
studies show that children absorb their lessons 30-40% than when they hungry than when they have eaten. The solution is quite easy. Some food can be cooked the night before and set aside for children’s breakfast, and fruits are readily available.
Young Kimaro - District Governor
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When school starts and the child finds herself ahead of others in class, she is likely to study harder not to lose her advantage.” In September we celebrate the difference we, Rotarians, have and are making to uplift education in our communities. We donate books, desks and chairs, and repair roofs. We construct buildings, build gender-sensitive toilets, provide piped water or rainwater facilities, support training for teachers, and provide computers. In this, parents and communities share. But when it comes to learning, the burden is mostly left to teachers. However, parents irrespective of their education, can make a big difference. Every education project should therefore include a component stressing this point. Do not send children to school on empty stomachs. Many children, particularly in rural areas, skip breakfast because parents are tending to cows and goats. International
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FOODS THAT CAN BE SET ASIDE Cooked the night before
Uncooked
Boiled sweet potatoes
Ripe bananas
Potatoes
Avocados
Corn
Mango
Cassava
Papaya
Pumpkin
Oranges
Eggs
Passion fruit
Milk
Guava
30-60 minutes daily for after school study. It may work best to have a child study soon after returning home from school in a quiet setting before it gets dark, as 60% or more households in Uganda and Tanzania do not have electricity. Educators tell us that a child, who reviews the day’s work at school within the first 24 hours has better overall retention. Therefore, parents should avoid sending children immediately after returning home from school to farm or to do household chores until dark. Make a game out of learning the alphabet and numbers. Did you know that children can master the alphabet and count up to 20 by the time they are two? Teach them through fun and games and shower praises whenever they are right. That helps to build positive self-image. Even for parents with limited education, teaching alphabets and numbers should not pose a problem. When school starts and the child finds herself ahead of others in class, she is likely to study harder not to lose her advantage. Read to your child. From when? From the time the child’s eyes can focus, recognize objects and is able to sit upright on the lap. That reassuring and loving embrace and voice of a parent leave positive emotional imprint on the child’s psyche, drawing the child to reading for life. Reading well, you know, is the foundation to good learning. Nowadays there are so many colourful children’s books to choose from at affordable prices. For families that still find it costly, form children’s book clubs. In a group of ten, each parent purchases one different book. By sharing, their children will benefit from ten. What if at every project which targets primary schools Rotarians speak to school parents about what they can do to uplift their children’s education…? What if those parents spread the word to their relatives, friends and neighbours? What if?
United As One In Service; CMP Michael Ayebazibwe (PHF) President Rotary Club of Bwebajja
Dear Corporates,
I am always delighted to contribute to this e-bulletin Sabula magazine because it catalogues the progression of our clubs in expanding our reach and showcasing the amazing things, we are doing in our clubs to serve to change lives as this year’s theme stipulates. I am proud of the partnership we have managed to strike up and create more impact and also learn the values of community service and leadership not only in Rotary but also in our work places and lives as a whole. Our partnership has shown an unprecedented ability to not only adapt to the crisis but to use it as an opportunity to change the way we operate and work closely with our baby club to expand our reach. This initiative we believe will outlast the pandemic and we still are sure that many more will come as we move along together to manage our projects, weekly meetings, committee meetings and board meetings. As we usher in a new month of Basic education and literacy, I am delighted that Rotary also focuses on supporting educational projects to strengthen the capacity of our communities. Basic education is important in reducing poverty, improving health, encouraging and fostering community transformation. Here at Bwebajja, we are proud implementing partners in providing safe spaces for education. Our global grant project in kanjokyi is an example of our contribution to education in our community. We have
constructed and equipped classroom blocks at kanjokyi primary school. This we hope will increase access to education, reduce gender disparities and increase adult literacy. The Rotary club of Bwebajja has in a spirit of offering mentorship and fostering friendships accommodated the Rotaractors from Bwebajja into our buddy groups and committees. The vibrancy of the Rotaractors has brought a breath of new life and more hands on in executing club activities. I am so excited that we are even going to implement projects under each buddy groups. This is important in providing leadership opportunities for our youths to serve their societies. We have already implemented projects with our baby club and hope to collaborate on more projects moving forward. Our virtual fellowships have been duly attended by members owing to the great and interesting topics that we have lined up for our guests and members. We always strive to invite influential, engaging and highly motivational speakers that add value to our membership. In the coming months, we pledge to continue with our virtual fellowships laden with knowledge and expertise. In a bid to have continuous club growth, we hold mentorship classes every Wednesday for our intending members. These classes are organized by the membership team and I want to deeply appreciate them for the great work they are doing to ensure continuity and stability in the club even in these very hard times of Covid-19. Your time and support to our prospective and new members makes them comfortable and in the long run helps the club grow and increase its impact. The month of September reminds us of our cardinal role as Rotarians in improving global education and literacy. We must explore innovative solutions to problems facing our education policies and offer sustainable solutions that are geared towards improvement, from donation books to improve reading, empowering teachers to leverage technology to create virtual base learning to embedding literacy into other programs like law and culture among others. We must frame education and literacy not as an educational issue but as something of importance to Rotary and our lives. As we march on into this month, I want to applaud the editorial team for this great initiative. The Rotary club of Bwebajja is committed to promoting Rotary’s brand through its activities and I want to call upon all my members to contribute to this noble cause of service above self. Sabula Newsletter - Sept
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In line with the Rotary Vision Statement CMP Joseph B. Ssengooba (PHF) President Rotaract Club of Bwebajja Dear Readers,
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Uniting people is the first objective of Rotary’s vision statement and I am so delighted that we have created and continue creating opportunities that keep bringing together us with friends,....”
It is my utmost pleasure to welcome you to the third edition of our monthly Sabula e-bulletin where we get to share the incredible works and activities of the Rotaract Club of Bwebajja. Our resolve in making durable solutions to our communities is what drives us every day of our lives. As the president, I am proud that we are growing so fast and helping improve our communities as Rotary requires of us. The previous month, we have seen and gone through such wonderful experiences of making friends and conducting, attending as well as enjoying projects and fellowships. We have come a long way in providing durable solutions to the most pressing needs in the less privileged societies. Our resolve has been steadfast in creating interventions and developing ourselves into better leaders both in our clubs and work places. Uniting people is the first objective of Rotary’s vision statement and I am so delighted that we have created and continue creating opportunities that keep bringing together us with friends, new and old in August as we strive to serve to change lives. We have continued with our
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innovative virtual gatherings and welcoming the new normal. August has seen us hold very insightful online fellowships on very valuable and engaging topics like Membership engagement, relationships, maintaining a vibrant club among other. We also have held virtual support my hustle campaigns where members are given the free spaces to exhibit and advertise their business hustles as a way of supporting one another. We believe these meetings are important in adding the much-needed value for the growth of our membership and even attract a number of youths to join our club. As Rotarcators, it is very important to keep inviting speakers who will impact on our lives. Our membership has grown tremendously over the last months with a number of new entrants showing positive willingness to join the movement of global Rotary citizens. Our weekly mentorship classes have been going on well with the membership team passing knowledge and sharing experiences that have lured youths to associate with the brand. We held a successful mentorship graduation with 13 enthusiastic youths being equipped with all the necessary information and invaluable knowledge every Rotaractor must have before they are formally inducted. This was followed by a successfully induction of these members as fully fledged members of the Rotaract club of Bwebajja at a scientifically organized ceremony at Sky
beach Hotel on Garuga Road. I want to applaud the membership team for ensuring that our membership keeps growing. Your hard work and dedication to the club is appreciated. We still have other prospective members that are still undergoing mentorship who will graduate and be inducted at a formal function. Our goal is to increase our membership by 100 percent and as I talk, we are on course to achieve this milestone. The club has also organized an international virtual conference that will attract around 10 African countries on the theme ‘Basic education and literacy’ in commemoration of the months theme. The main objective of the project will be to promote better understanding of education systems and bring greater awareness on the same among youths. It will also be an opportunity for the youths to share experiences on literacy in their nations as this will be a platform for them to voice their abilities to make a positive contribution in society to support the access of education in their countries. September is the month of Basic literacy and education and as a humanitarian organization, providing sustainable interventions in the education sector of our country at a time when it is facing one of its hardest times because of Covid19 is at the forefront of all our activities, our projects are geared towards addressing the underlying causes lack of access to education, drop outs, poor infrastructures among others. All our projects strive to contribute towards this theme by making sustainable interventions in schools in our communities. The Rotaract club of Bwebajja understands community service like no other and it is for this same passion that in the first two months of the Rotary year, we have already executed two huge projects deepening our love for philanthropy. Just last month, our club has partnered with the Rotaract
clubs of Nkumba stewards, Kasese, Rubaga and Nansana in conducting a Youth Empowerment project titled MENTOR ME SERIES project, “A lockdown Program for the Youth” a project that was focusing in areas of Basic Education and Literacy, Peace conflict and Resolution, Economic and Community Development, Water and Sanitation Hygiene as well as Disease prevention and treatment. In this month, our long awaited and signature project the Rwamwanja project phase two ‘Tusiimbudde’ will be happening from the 24 to 26th as we strive to create an impact in the Refugee settlement camp and the neighbouring villages. It will focus on environmental conservation as we hope to plant over 10000 trees already provided by PDG Ken Mugisha. We shall also handover 100 hygiene kits in addition to mama kits to the households in the camp. The project will also centre on community economic development as well as disease prevention and treatment. The club is also organizing a fundraiser dubbed Kalangala season two #twendetupaate in kalangala where members will have an escape to the island and enjoy niceties as they contribute to the Rwamwanja project. We have also planned for different hybrid Professional, leadership and development trainings so as to deepen our knowledge and gain skills to help us develop ourselves and become better leaders who can serve their communities better. These will be punctuated by a number of dynamic, interesting and thought-provoking speakers to get all of us thinking and changing our mindsets. While we have accomplished much, but there is still much to do moving forward. Despite functioning in a pandemic, we are never unsure of about the mental strength and dedication of our club’s pledge to serve above self. I am so proud that my members are so resilient in all efforts to see our club shine. As I conclude I wish to call upon all of us to keep marching in the direction of service to the human kind and God will open the doors of all the resources for us.
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Sabula Stories 10
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The Black and White Induction Ceremony Rtr. Lisa L. Akech
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t was beautiful Saturday afternoon, looking over the groaning riparian blue lake, kindling its own symphony with a banner gently and yet mightily setting forth the mighty ‘ROTARACT CLUB OF BWEBAJJA.’ Little did we know, it was the beginning of a beautiful journey in what was referred to as the Black and White Induction Ceremony at the Sky Beach Resort. Guests stiff with embroidery, strewn with pearls, encrusted with gemstones, they walked the black and white theme talk. The women embodied the phrase ‘make up mogul’ and wore exclusive pieces and precious jewels and most of the men were dressed in gentle, casual but exclusive pieces and some even wore frock coats. The most anticipated would-be William, the longest serving and ever loved club photographer. 14th August 2021 was the day he would finally join the ‘Mighty Corporates.’
Fast forward, the ceremony was blessed with the presence of the ever knowledgeable, wise and generous DGE Peace Taremwa in the capacity of Guest of Honor, who would induct our 13 new members in the club, together with 4 honorary members with the president of our mother club. At the point of induction, you could not help but notice the diverse talent that would be newly constituted into the club. From beauticians, teachers, cabin crew, captains and business people. It was quite clear that the human capital in the club after that day would be even more powerful. We were also blessed with two PHFs, the CMP Joseph Ssengooba and the IPP Ninsiima Yoweri. On that same journey was the beautiful Atim Mercy Achaye, that initiated a contribution of 100 dollars. The event was successful and a new era of talented, service oriented and beautiful corporates came to pass. Sabula Newsletter - Sept
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DIGNIFIED GUESTS at the Black and White Induction Ceremony CMP Michael Ayebazibwe (PHF) Rotary Club of Bwebajja
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Mr. Benjamin Mwanika Provisional Rotary Club of Garuga
Mr. Joshua RC Akright City in-formation
Mr. Robert Nsereko RC Bwelenga in-formation
Changing Making Club Retreat Rtr. Ronald Mutebi
On Sunday, 15 August 2021, the Rotaract Club of Bwebajja organized its third club retreat and first ever in the change making year, an attempt to rejuvenate the club's potential. This was boosted by mother club that is to say, it was well represented by the youth service chair and an Honorary member to our club Rtn Hassan Nyenje. We were also humbled to have the presence of DRRE Matovu Francis from the Rotaract club of Nkumba stewards. This retreat was hosted by PAG Jemimah Ssemakade the proprietor of BANANA ECO RESORT. We began at 10:00 am with welcome remarks made by President Joseph Batter Ssengooba who thanked members for the wonderful work exhibited since the beginning of this rotary Year. Change maker president remined members in attendance of the purpose of this club retreat and invited everyone to pay maximum attention to the proceedings. Among the expectations of the members was that of electing our president elect, president Nominee and re- engagement in Rotaract, renewed commitment by members to club
Rtn. Hajji Hassan Nyenje RC Bwebajja - Youth Service Chair
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activities and to know each other better since we had just inducted 13 new members to our club. To become the best club in the district; increase the club numbers; to have fun and bond with club members; figure out how to improve the quality of the membership; to learn about professional and leadership skills as well as roles of different committee s; to know members’ responsibilities to the club; and how to maintain club numbers and have fun as well. DRRE Matovu Francis reviewed the current status of the club, the goals of Rotaract, why members joined Rotaract vis-à-vis their commitment to the club while remaining motivated as a club member. He also talked about having fun in Rotaract and learning from each other as well as maintaining the club’s legacy. Our youth service Director Rtn Hasan Nyenje discussed how to strengthen club administration and among others emphasized the reasons for joining Rotaract and the legacy that each member is expected to leave behind. He further mentored us about accountability and responsibilities of directors. Rtr Mutebi Ronald our club admin emphasized the need for togetherness and independence of committees as a strategy to club growth. Rtn Justus Turyamureeba, urged the club members to understand the dynamics of the club and professionalism when tackling responsibility. The retreat further discussed the club’s Vocational Service and Youth Service plans, club finances and service projects, International Service, the club structure as well as its continuity/succession plans. The retreat ended with a presidential treat and with the Rotarcators benefitting from the generosity of our president and our TRF director Rtr Julie who climaxed the day with her birthday celebrations
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My Mentorship Experience
During my upbringing, my parents always emphasized the words of “FRIENDSHIP” and “SERVICE”, when I joined Rotaract club of Bwebajja I witnessed the friendship and service above self-exhibited by the members. In this complex world, for one to prosper he/she deserves good friends and Rotaract club of Bwebajja has the best friends. The other reason of joining was business development, with the network of Rotaract indeed business prospers, Rotaract has many members with cross networks of which someone can easily learn something from their networks. I deal in interiors like curtains and its accessories, carpets and beddings, ever since I started fellowshipping with Retractors and Rotarians my business network has expanded. My business (interior designing) is part of vocational, every Retractor and Rotarian is expect-
ed to contribute to anything that improves his/her vocational skills or improving skills of the other. I started this journey of improving skills of the Girl child way back before joining Rotaract, now that am a member, my capacity in skills and career development has to double. Am looking forward to train more girls who are needy with hands on skills (tailoring). Covid came with a lot of challenges of which we have many girls’ child drop outs and these can be incorporated into vocational skills with me training them, hence serving humanity. “It is nice to be important but it is more important to be nice”. During my mentorship I observed that Rotaract club of Bwebajja has good and nice people. Creativity is intelligence and what you lack in talent can be made up with desires, hustle and giving in your time. Dear comrades never fear to start something.
Rtr. Irene Nagawa Mirembe
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My Rotaract Conversion Story Rtr. Collin Mukalazi
My journey started way back during my high school times as an interact member who joined interact club for fun but I was not so much all aware of the main objectives of Rotaract and Rotary at large. After my high school I at the university I lost track over interact upgrading to Rotaract. As time went on, I developed a passion for making appositive impact in people’s lives. I became an education officer; the passion drove me towards joining different initiatives and organizations. After joining JB Caring Hearts International. (NGO) as an ambassador, the organization during its projects of helping communities partnered with different Rotaract clubs. The Executive Director of JB Caring Hearts International who is also a member from the Rotaract club of Bwebajja Mr. Ssengooba joseph Batter was well aware of my passions and abilities due to this case he encouraged and invited me to joining Rotaract gave me explanations and enlightened me about
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Rotary and its objectives of serving humanity. He invited me to the Rotaract club of Bwebajja and I started attending different fellowships and club projects where I witnessed a cohort acting like a family which gave me a warm welcome and the best hospitality of the club members. What mostly caught my attention was the Rotary motto “SERVE TO CHANGE LIVES” which I took it as abridge towards my passion of making a positive impact in people’s lives. I was also attracted by the different networks and opportunities to find people that will transform my ideas into insight. I choose joining the Rotaract club of Bwebajja because it’s a corporate
club it self-following a saying that “Show me people that you walk with and I will define who you are.” I wanted be defined as a corporate Rotaractor. Am so delighted and glad for having joined Rotaract and carrying the Rotary brand on my chest.
COVID-19 CORNER
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Covid-19: A Blessing or Curse to Uganda’s Education Sector?
Until March 21st 2020, Uganda had maintained a COVID-19 free status unlike its neighbours which had already registered positive cases. Even though this was the case, there was already community discomfort over the then distantly felt pandemic as information on the spread of the disease continued to cloud social media and other media channels, but most importantly following the presidential national address on 18th March 2020. In his first press brief on COVID-19, the President announced a number of measures to combat the spread of the virus in the country among which was the suspension of all school activities and closure of educational institutions. This pronouncement forced schools to stop all face-to-face learning activities so as to ensure safety of both learners and educators. The continued closure of education institutions led to an
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Google Meet and GoToMeeting among others. This was/ is the case with a number of schools in Uganda’s urban centres.
Rtn Joseph Ssuuna Kawuku Buddy Group – Chair Rotary Club of Bwebajja abrupt shift to electronic learning for some institutions in order to deliver, support and enhance both learning and teaching process. Major e-learning platforms embraced by education institutions include WhatsApp, Open Distance E-Learning (ODeL) through use of Big Blue button, Zoom,
While online or e-learning is one of the available options, it has posed a big challenge to the country’s education sector. Students have confronted several interrelated barriers as they try to adapt to e-learning. Notable among the challenges is the difficulty to adjust to the new learning system; failure to balance school work and home chores; poor communication between educators and learners; high costs of internet data and network failure/ unstable network connection. The educators have also had to adjust to this new learning system which
hadn’t been popular before the pandemic. Similarly, parents and caretakers are required to avail compatible gadgets (smart phones, tablets and laptops) to the learners. This has not come cheap to many parents and caretakers. Worth noting is the fact that many learners and teachers in rural areas have not benefitted from this system because they are computer illiterate and the gadgets are not readily available in addition to lack of electricity. Resultantly, they have been left out and the system has greatly negatively affected them. This has led to disparity in education and if not addressed, may lead to further problems in the future including high school drop-out rates among others. However, amidst the above challenges, there are benefits registered with the electronic learning. It is flexible and students can learn at the best time that works for them. It has also enabled multi-tasking as learners engage in other activities including work meetings among others. This is especially so for those at tertiary institutions. Fitting learning in when it works for you can make the process of developing a new skill or certification less stressful and more fun. The more fun it is, the more you become a lifelong learner, which has so many benefits to our happiness, wellbeing and professional success. E-learning has also enabled the teachers and
students to set their own learning pace. Additionally, it is accessible from anywhere in the world as long as one gets access to internet connection. This means there’s no need to commute from one place to another or follow a rigid schedule. On top of that, not only do you save time, but you also save money, which can be spent on other priorities. Further still, it has enabled learners to develop and acquire important skills such as self-motivation, self-discipline and communication as they need to regularly communicate-whether verbally or written- with their educators and peers. Conclusively, the pandemic has challenged the status quo in institutions of learning in Uganda. We thus need to embrace e-learning and pace along with other countries so that as a country we are not left behind. This requires deliberate efforts by the government to ensure quality, equity and equality in access to education. Government must level the playground for all education institutions to ensure that both rural and urban schools benefit evenly through proper allocation of resources to the education sector. Internet needs to be made free to all since access to internet is a basic right. Undermining this right would mean undermining the right to education.
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My Covid Hero Rtr. Christian Ilunga My COVID-19 hero is Mr. Wasswa John; an Administrator at Paramount Hospital, Kampala. He is a calm and gentle fellow who executes his duties with utmost passion. The hospital staff and the patients who have interacted with him can testify. First and foremost, I want to express appreciation to all the frontline health workers in Uganda and around the world who have sacrificed so much in the fight against COVID-19. In a country like Uganda where most of the citizens had lost trust and hope in government programs due to failure by government officials to account for the donations rendered in the first wave to fight COVID-19, most of my acquaintances had complacently given up on adhering to the Standard Operating Procedures. This however, was a reckless behaviour that exposed everyone at risk of contracting the disease at any time. With many Ugandan’s behaving in the same manner, we observed sky-rocketing numbers of COVID-19 patients being admitted in the various hospitals across the country. In addition to many of such incidents being televised on news broadcast, tension developed in me to the extent that whenever I would sneeze or cough; made me to start pondering whether I would be the next on the ambulance being rushed to the hospital. Thanks to Mr. Wasswa who continuously shared in one of our WhatsApp group various measures which they were
undertaking at the hospital to prevent contracting COVID-19. These included; wearing the mask always, sanitizing regularly, recommending a list of drugs to use in case signs and symptoms develop but all in all, he kept warning us that COVID-19 was REAL. Out of curiosity, I paid a courtesy visit to the hospital to ascertain the conditions of the patients particularly those of COVID-19. A tour with Mr. Wasswa around the patient wards exposed me for the very first time in my life to seeing people on hospital beds fighting to hold their breaths while connected to ventilators. My heart started pounding, felt chills all over the body as if struck by an electric discharge. I was offered some masks and prescribed some immune boosting drugs as I left the hospital facility thereafter. From then, I vowed never to be complacent again about following the SOPs even when I was with my brother watching the UEFA Euro matches in the same room. All credit goes to Mr. Wasswa, had it not been that exposure to the ailing patients; may be the friends I later shared the experience with and I would have been the next on that ICU Bed. The medical personnel have treated many COVID-19 patients and recovered from their hospital all under the close monitoring by this hospital administrator. This has brought hope and reduced fear in many of us. As the country still battles with the 2nd wave of the pandemic, no words are enough to thank these individuals who are standing up for the community and performing their duties selflessly in these times. Putting yourself at risk for the greater good makes you a HERO.
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MY COVID-19 Hero By Rtr. Edrine Male Dear Maama, Again, I take the pen to send you a few words. It is such a pleasure to think I still have some comfort, the impact of COVID-19 has been widespread and has changed the way many things work, it has been a challenging time for some people like me, it has made people lose hope, people are struggling, they have questions to which they have failed to get answers. Although there have also been some positive changes that have happened, in Uganda the COVID-19 pandemic and lock down has left many like me with no option but to stay home and keep safe. Workplaces shut, and many parents and caretakers are home with their families, except for those providing critical services. However, the good news is, despite of living of a life full of uncertainties there are things my beloved Mother has done to help out her locked down son throughout the previous weeks and months since the COVID-19 PANDEMIC situation emerged.
“
My mother’s heart is at its purest when giving, I have witnessed her pay for my rent and buying groceries. My mother’s intentions are always good despite the fact that I am now independent, she can still give me and always encourages me.”
Mother once told me this won’t last forever and it was the same period when I totally felt it’s over for me, most importantly I felt much more empowered than ever before, I also felt Less lonely. The COVID-19 crisis also had already had an impact on my finances, and I was worried about covering both my daily bills and monthly payments, one of the best things my mother did was to reach out a hand to me and did help financially.
the issue is a great way to conquer it”. My mother has always had strong faith in me. In conclusion, I use this opportunity to thank my beloved Mother NABATANZI ANNET for giving birth to me and raising me. I am working so had, I want to make you the happiest mother of all in the world. May the good Lord our God Bless all mothers. I thank you My Mom and I wish you good luck.
Ever since I can remember, my mother has been a strong individual. She raised me, my sisters and brothers even though not financially stable, she was able to achieve it emotionally, physically and spiritually by herself. My mom gave her all, she worked to make sure her children ate properly and that they had the essential amenities to grow happily and successfully. Another way she supported us was with love and care. One lesson she taught us the most, was how seriousness about our spiritual beliefs could provide us with a substantial, stable and structural lifestyle. She encouraged me by simply saying, “Complaining is a useless way to solve problems, but becoming active on Sabula Newsletter - Sept
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AUGUST COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS
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Mentor Me Series
Lockdown Program for the Youths The Rotaract clubs of Bwebajja, Kasese, Nansana, Rubaga and Nkumba Stewards came together in the spirit of brotherhood to deliver on youth community economic empowerment. Aware that schools and other institutions of learning were closed rendering the students and other many youths idle and hopeless amidst the global pandemic that continues to make it hard for people to sustain their livelihoods. The Rotarcators boldly came up with durable solutions to fill the gap here by starting up a program for the unemployed and drop out youths in the communities of Kajjansi to Nkumba. Targeting youths aged 18-24 the project is dubbed Mentor me series ‘A Lockdown program for the youths’ and focuses on Rotary’s theme of community empowerment and development. We have identified groups of 20 youths from five communities in and around Wakiso and Entebbe municipality to empower, train and avail them with start-up capital to enable them establish their own businesses and cover the growing plague of youth unemployment that keeps curtailing economic growth the potential of the youths in Uganda
with an estimated 60% of youths reeling from joblessness amidst the global Covid19 crisis according to UNICEF. This program was aimed at empowering the youths with entrepreneur and business skills to first of all keep them busy and also enable them sustain their own livelihoods. Equipping the selected youths with practical knowledge in start-ups through community strength-based approaches for capacity building, social
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networking and career development was at the centre of this initiative. The youths were later involved in the hands-on training of different business ideas like baking, tailoring and sewing as well as fruit juice processing. This was intended to spark their business acumen and challenge them to come up with businesses of their own in their groups. After the training the selected youths formed their own community-based organizations with all the necessary paperwork and have since been duly registered as independent businesses. The purpose of registration was to ensure proper organization and smooth leadership structures within these organizations and avoid all cases of informality associated with non-registered business organizations like poor accountability and many others. This was all possible at a one-week workshop at Banana village eco resort on Garuga road where the selected youths from the surrounding communities were drilled in different skills ranging from team building, communication skills, starting a business from scratch, business proposal writing, accountability among others. All these were executed in line with the standard operating procedures set by the government intended to curb the spread of Covid-19. The youths were trained and armed to the teeth with skills to prepare them mentally and psychologically to manage start-ups. The one-week mentorship was concluded at a scientific even graced by Paul Owor an influential real estate business leader and also former member of parliament aspirant for Busiro south constituency who gave a motivational talk to the youths and encouraged them to live to learn in these hard times by taking advantage of such programs that are intended for their economic transformation. The project is an ongoing activity and will be taken to other areas where the implementing clubs are located to benefit all the youths in these communities. The first cohort officially kicked off on 9th august with 20 vibrant youths aged 18-24 from the villages of Nkumba, Nalugala, Garuga and Kitala. We had the opportunity to closely interact with these young people and give them a sense of belonging as we strive to serve to change lives as our creed this rotary year. We hope to have the other cohorts mentored too with business acumen skills in the coming months.
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Mentor Me Series Pictorial
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Cancer Run in Pictures
Rotary Club of Bwebajja
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Cancer Run in Pictures
Rotaract Club of Bwebajja
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A VOICE OF THE FUTURE INTERNATIONAL YOUTH CONFERENCE Hosted by: CMP | POP | PHF JB SSENGOOBA Rotaract Club of Bwebajja District 9214
DRR Allan Ntambi Lokoda Uganda
Mrs. Sofia Mutinta Mudenda Zambia
register today!!!! www.rotaractbwebajja.org
@Bwebajja Rotaract Club
Chef Eric Jr Gcina Malinga Eswatini
15th - 18th Sept. 2021
@Bwebajja Rotaract Club
@ofBwebajja
4:000 to 6:00pm
Rotaract Club of Bwebajja
Ms. Judith Mahlangu South Africa
Meeting ID: 8511 417 4349 Passcode: Open
in Rotaract Club of Bwebajja
SEPTMBER ACTIVITY CALENDAR Date
Club Fellowships
Topic
Guest Speaker
Tue 7th September
Rwamwanja Activation Fellowship
Rtr. Phillis Nabukeera
Tue 14th September
Virtual fellowship with the RI President
RI President Sheikar Metha & First Lady Rashi
Tue 21th September
Digital literacy impact on education
DRR Allan Ntambi Lokodo
Tue 28th September
Celebrating the End of the first Quarter
CMP Joseph Ssengooba
Club Meetings, Trainings & Events Date
Activity
Every Friday
New Members Virtual Mentorship Program
Membership
3rd – 5th September
Kalangala Season 2
Club Administration
13th – 15th September 2021
Rotary International Presidential official visit
Joint District event
18th – 19th September
International Youth Conference
Membership
24th – 26th September, 2021
Rwamwanja Phase II project
Community service
Friday 27th August 2021
Board Meeting and Club Assembly
Club Administration
Committee
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August Presidential Awards
Buddy Group of the Month - Sept. Every month a strong group of Rotarians and Rotarcators come together and take full charge of the month’s programs of the club. These buddy groups work side by side with the club administration committee to ensure that the club runs smoothly for that given month. This month we shall have buddy group Kasatiro taking over and the following are the members of this buddy group.
KASATIRO #
Name
1.
PHF Gorrette Kironde
2.
PHF Ida Kigonya
3.
Rtn. Imelda Kenzomba
4.
PHF Annie Ninyesiga
5.
Rtn. Hassan Nyenje
6.
PHF Robert Irumba
7.
Rtn. Gastone Baguma
8.
Rtn. Ddumba Dennis
9.
Rtn. Semogelele Sulpisio Semakula
10.
PAG Muhumuza
11.
Rtr. Akech L. Lisa
12.
PHF Ssengooba Joseph
13.
Rtr. Ssekono Shadrack
14.
Rtr. Nabatanzi Mary
15.
Rtr. Mutegiki Julian
16.
Rtr. Kobusingye Nital
17.
Rtr. Irunga Christian
18.
Rtr. Nakabuye Susan
19.
Rtr. Migisha Julie
Flash Back 2020 Back to School Fellowship 1
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On a lighter note, Enjoy DRRE FRANCIS MATOVU’S Back to School Moments in pictures
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