Back To School

There is anywhere from 193 to 196 different countries in the world.  Well, Uganda ranks number one in regard to having the world’s youngest population.  Over 78% of the individuals living here are below the age of 30 and approximately 8 million are aged between the years of 15-30. 

Random side note that will eventually tie everything together.  I think I can confidently say that a majority of PCV’s take on secondary projects and work, which many classify as their meaningful work in the community.  This is not to say that our primary projects are not important and necessary, but through our secondary projects we can identify where we want to work and what we want to do.

With that being said, I decided to go back to school.  Since arriving to Uganda it became clear to me that the most efficient way to disseminate information and initiate clubs is through the schools.  Through the youth.  The youth are the next generation, the generation for change, so who better to work with than them. 

See how everything is now coming together?  I hope…

Yesterday I visited four schools in town, two primary and two secondary, to discuss with the Headmasters and Headmistresses the opportunity to start up a health and life skill program.  I anticipate that these classes will address everything from HIV/AIDS and malaria to life skills, WASH (water and sanitation) and so much more. 

Some of you may be asking, “What is life skills?”  Well life skills includes supporting and working with the community, specifically the youth, to encourage positive decision making skills that empower them to live healthy, positive lives.  For example, addressing areas of assertiveness, positive relationships with others, and resisting peer pressure.  Essentially, it is encouraging a positive, healthy outlook on all aspects of ones life. 

Back to my meetings with the schools.  We discussed introducing the health classes now during first term then slowly introducing clubs during second term, where students voluntarily would attend, and finally implementing different programs into the third and final term, such as the construction of tippy taps and the painting a world map.

Everyone was receptive to the program, including the students.  This new opportunity has opened my eyes to the possibility of teaching back in the States. 

I could get used to the sound of Miss Matthews.