Beatboxin’ B-Boys

Last May I was introduced to an organization located out of Kampala called Breakdance Project Uganda, BPU.  BPU works towards positive, social change through the means of dance, music, and other unique means. 

After meeting many of the youth that spend their free time at BPU and the counselors and founders of the organization, I knew I wanted to pursue additional projects and work with them. 

Luckily for me Kitgum has a youth center called Straight Talk that is supported by BPU. 

I was pumped.  This made my goal that much easier to achieve.

My first four months at site have been unbelievably busy; catching up with existing projects and initiating new ones with my Counterpart.  The New Year has brought a new time for me focus on the ideas I have had in mind, mainly working with youth, especially those at BPU.

Yesterday I met with Candy, who was one of the Ugandan Counselors at 2013 Northern Camp BUILD.  When he is not studying media in Kampala he volunteers at BPU, helping the youth to perfect their dancing skills. 

He is home in Kitgum for the holidays and we decided to catch up on lost time and make a work plan for the future.  We met at his family’s restaurant in town where we discussed the importance of working with youth, what topics to address, and how to bridge the gap between what is taught by Peace Corps Volunteers to what is actually be carried out by them back at their respective homes, schools, and villages.  Candy has started a Facebook page called, “Share to Inspire” where people can post stories of various programs, debate on hot topics, and come together as a community of committed young people willing to work towards a successful Uganda.  We talked about how we could use this page and what its foundation is when it comes to the work we do.  I fully support his passion and work and look forward to see where it goes. 

I mean this is what Peace Corps is… Empowering and enabling Host Country Nationals to carry on existing projects and helping them find a passion deeply rooted in themselves in which they can use to help strengthen their community.

Candy and I made a plan on how to bring this to Meeting Point, including him coming and sharing his story because I know I could not convey his passion to the extent it deserves.  We are also meeting tomorrow at Straight Talk to meet with the B-Boys and B-Girls to see how they have used this knowledge and to inquire whether or not they would be interested in helping to facilitate some sessions.  In my experience the participants better understand the information if it is coming from another local. 

Hello sustainability!

The previous B-Boys and B-Girls that I have met are eager to share.  They are knowledge about life skills topics and emit a sense of confidence that many youth don’t have due to cultural reasons or ones gender. 

My hope is that after tomorrow’s meeting we can pave a way forward in how to best incorporate the youth into existing projects, including the Student Seminar Series.  I hope they will have ideas for malaria month and help me kick start my Scour and Devour (thank you Chico!) program. 

There are a handful of people throughout Uganda, and even in America, think that any and everything related to hip-hop is dangerous.  It takes place in dark streets of the Hood.  I can confidently say that like most things in the world, there are two sides. 

Including hip-hop.

I have seen how BPU uses media and art to educate on topics ranging from HIV/AIDS to gender norms.  I have seen youth break out of their traditional roles to learn something that a classroom environment with eighty other students could never provide. 

I have seen the change and this is just the beginning.