Another back-to back Youth Feature

Due to our temporary hiatus from our blog we are trying to catch up on posting more on the youth in the area. This was a very special interview for me as it was open and I did little of the talking. This girl is really special (I know I say this about everyone), and I spend quite a bit of time with her outside of school. We do a bit of reading and writing, but I mainly listen to what's on her mind. My next step is making sure she is not made to feel inferior by certain males living near her in Kampala. This is an issue I am constantly trying to address, as the future for many girls following Primary School graduation is not always the most promising. Since many of the girls are refugees the possibility of obtaining school fees (which are greatly reduced at HOPE) for Secondary School is quite slim. Hearing stories of older males taking advantage of young girls and promising a secure life leads to many single mothers, prostitution, and even female trafficking. It takes leaders in schools like HOPE to show other young females that there are other choices to consider. To take a line from HOPE School, “Hope never fails.”

Name: Deborah Baunda
Age: 12
Grade: P6
Nationality: Congolese

Where were you born in the Congo and what do you remember about home?
DB: I was born in Bukavu and we moved to Uganda in 2006, I forget the month…
What I remember about Congo is wars. One time soldiers came to my house and they wanted to kill my father and wanted money. I was sitting in the sleeping room and was kept very quiet. They started trying to kick open the door and screamed, “If you don’t open we will kill you.” They left when they couldn’t get in the door. I remember when they took my older brother, but he came back.

Why did they take your brother? Is that why you came to Uganda?
DB: They took many boys in the village. They make them carry luggage for them. We came to Uganda because my mother got money stolen, and my mother was demanded for more money that she did not have anymore. She paid a little, but then was pressured so much that she thought she might die. We came here because of all that pressure.

How many are in your family? Did all of you come to Uganda together?
DB: We are ten. Eight children and mother and father. We all came to Uganda and live near Kampala. I don’t like Uganda so much, because father doesn’t have a house. Our mother works for a man who gives her money to sell clothes and its not enough for rent. My father is a tailor and makes clothes. My brothers and sisters don’t work yet.

Where would you like to live then?
DB: I would like to be in places outside of Uganda, like Canada, Unites States or Australia.

Did you ever find it hard to live in Uganda with different people than you weren’t used to in the Congo?
DB: Yes, at home (near Kampala) they don’t like Congolese. For example, the landlord says we are too many and don’t pay rent. At school I have never had a problem with Ugandans not liking me. I only have problems of lacking the requirements for HOPE. Requirements like school uniform, books, food, transportation because we have to walk far if we don’t have 300 UGS for a taxi. My best friends at school are many. But I like the teachers the most. I used to live with Teacher Winnie when she was at HOPE, she was my best friend, and I like Teacher Ronnie and Teacher Annett.

What do you want to do after graduating from HOPE?
DB: I’d like to study at University. I want to be a secretary or a doctor. Even football, but it is difficult for girls in Uganda. But in America I could play.

I think you would be a great doctor! But you are very good at football, probably the best at HOPE…how did you learn to play so well?
DB: I started playing football in P3 at HOPE. I was trained by some mzungus… Teacher James, Ben, Chris and Martino.

What is a normal day for you like?
DB: First, I read books, then I play games like football and netball.

Favorites: Music group/singer, food, football team?
DB: Weezer, chips, Manchester United

You like Weezer?!? How do you know about Weezer they are one of my favorites too!!? (I give her my iPod to listen to a song)
DB: No, no. I like the Ugandan singer Weazer. This music is not the same.
(This took about ten minutes to establish that we were talking about two different Weezers/Weazers)

Who do you think will win the World Cup?
DB: Manchester United

That is a club team! Only countries play in the World Cup.
DB: Oh! Well they would win if they were in World Cup. I will choose Brazil.

Youth Feature of the Week

What I find endlessly fascinating is how multi-ethnic and multi-cultural students at HOPE School are. It is more common to see a combination of Congolese and Ugandan, Kenyan and Ugandan or ____ and Ugandan, but after chatting with one of the most reserved students during break time I discovered he came from a Congolese and Rwandese household. After talking more at length it became apparent his parent’s respective countries and cultures weren’t an active part of his own identity. This could be a personal decision, or he’s simply acting as a typical teenager does and trying to define himself on his own terms. But reading in between the lines of our conversation, it could be a purposeful diversion prompted by his father due to their reasons for fleeing Rwanda. Either way, I really enjoyed his interview and perspective. I truly believe that one-on-one engagement such as this really increases self-efficacy and emphasizes value in youth’s personal outlook and opinion. After all, it will be these children that impact this community, and how they see themselves in it plays a vital role. Enjoy meeting Ronnie!

Name: Ronald Ngabo “Ronnie”
Grade: P7
Age: 15
Nationality: Rwandese

When did you move to Uganda Ronnie?
RN: We moved here in 2005. We were five. My mother died when we came to Uganda because she was very sick. I have three brothers and I am the fourth. We lived in Kampala first then moved to the Wakiso District.

What do you remember about Rwanda? You can tell me about good memories or bad memories.
RN: The good things…Rwanda…My sister is there and other relations. My sister is 27 and stayed because she is married. But some people didn’t like others at my home in Rwanda and were trying to imprison many people for the genocide. We left because things were bad like that. That is why Rwandese are here (in Uganda) or in other countries now.

That is pretty neat your parents come from two different countries. When or why did your father move to Rwanda? Have you been able to visit your father’s home in the Congo?
RN: My father moved from Congo to Rwanda because of his job as a mechanic. I don’t know when he moved there. I went to visit Congo in 2001 to see my father’s family in Goma once. It was nice.

Are you happy you live in Uganda now?
RN: Yes, I like living in Uganda. I like Uganda because there is freedom.

What is the hardest problem you have ever faced and how did you overcome it?
RN: My father can’t manage to buy us clothes or shoes so me and my brothers work to get money for him. He doesn’t work, but sometimes he gets some jobs. So when we don’t have money we help laborers build houses like the ones you see around here. They pay us 5,000 UGS for a day (approximately $2.50).

Thanks for sharing that Ronnie. What do you like most about HOPE Primary School?
RN: I like the teaching and the sports.

What do you want to do after you graduate from HOPE?
RN: I don’t know what I want to do…I like football and singing.

I remember you saying you liked singing. I still need to hear your skills! Who is your favorite singer, food and football team?
RN: Chameleon (Ugandan rapper), rice and meat, Manchester United

Who do you think will win the World Cup?
RN: England

Ronnie, they are in USA’s bracket… are you trying to suggest USA won’t do well?!
RN: [whips out a huge smile]

Is there anything you want to say to people around the world reading this?
RN: Tell them I love all people in the world.

Jacob's Introduction

This entry is long overdue, but the day was too wild, too entertaining, too eventful not to share. Teacher Jacob, the math and science teacher for P5-P7 is getting married! Three weeks ago he had his formal introduction to the bride’s family. Man, Ugandans know how to put on a show!

The all day affair started at 10:00 as we dawned our gomesi, traditional Buganda ladies’ wear. It took three Buganda women 20 minutes to dress each of the mzungus in these multi-layered rainbow dresses with shoulders that put 80s shoulder pads to shame. The men had it much easier with their white dresses called kanzus.

After we had all dressed and as I was pondering how I might pee wearing the gomesi, nine of us crammed into a van and drove to Teacher Jacob’s house. There we met a stressed-out teacher Jacob and his smart-looking family dressed in kanzus and electric rainbow colored gomesi.

As we waited for an hour or two for teacher Jacob to get dressed we were entertained in Luganda. First, his spokesman lobbied us for money, telling us that Jacob’s gifts for his future in-laws were too few. Next, as we waited for Jacob’s friends to extract the keys that they had locked into their running car, a Ugandan man with a guitar serenaded us. He had the most unique voice, very nasally, but somehow pleasant. He sang us what I thought was a happy children’s’ song, but was actually about how homosexuality is a sin.

Once the keys were extracted and our musical entertainment was worn out we boarded the cars and vans and moved the party to the bride-to-be’s house. After an hour an a half on a bumpy, unpaved road we emerged from the car with slightly droopier shoulder pads.

The ceremony itself was phenomenal, though I could not understand any of it. Each family had a professional spokesman, basically a comedian, who would make fun of each of the family members in Luganda as they appeared before the audience. It was like a 4-hour version of a Comedy Central’s roast, followed by TONS of Ugandan food.

At the end of the ceremony I got the Cliffs Notes version of what had gone on from Annet, the Hope School headmistress. She explained that almost all of it was a joke, but there were a few serious problems: First, Jacob’s gifts were not sufficient. With his teacher’s salary he could not afford the dowry of chickens, cooking oils, goats… that the bride’s family had required. Second, the bride’s father at the ceremony may have been a stand-in because the real father did not agree with the wedding. I have yet to find out if the man was actually the bride’s real father.

Tired and stuffed full of food, we made our way back home. We ran into a broken down truck in the middle of Ndejje road, and after trying three alternate routes, we finally made it back to Calm Guest House at 11:00 pm. The wedding is May 1 and I am looking forward to it! I’ll say it again, Ugandans know how to do ceremonies!

Youth Feature Double Narrative

(Joweria on left)

(Chelsea)

One of the unique facts about HOPE Primary School that I have neglected to mention is that it is the only school for refugees outside of a refugee camp. While it is not assisted by the government, it is recognized. This has most likely been achieved by the growing number of Ugandans attending the school and Jacque’s insistence of separating himself, a refugee, from the school in a public forum. While there are obvious qualms with this approach it is a necessary one it seems, and has led to this school being able to operate as it has thus far. I found myself wondering if intercultural communication and/or education is a part of the school, or if there were issues between refugee students and Ugandans. Initially, when the refugee population outnumbered the Ugandans Jacques mentioned that there were disagreements or conflicts that led to Ugandan children saying, “This is not even your land….you are from Congo…you shouldn’t be here…etc. etc. etc.” There were instances when these problems involved student’s parents who wanted to go to local authorities (despite the police force being very little compared to the 500,000 strong population in Ndejje) for certain conflicts, which would cause obvious problems for refugees. But it seems that there are no obvious issues to Lisa and I upon seeing the students interact, but also there is not much acknowledgement of HOPE’s diversity and potential arenas for stratification. They have a “Debate Day” once a week, but it appears to be more focused on general issues such as school systems, corruption, etc. So I took an opportunity to interview two P6 female students, one Ugandan and one Kenyan (with help of a translator) to get their perspective.

Chelsea Norah
Grade: P6
Age: 11 years old
Nationality: Kenyan

Where are you from in Kenya and when did you move to Ndejje?
CN: I am from a district in central Kenya called Kakamega. I moved here in 2007 so my mother could find work.

What work does your mother do? Did she move here knowing anyone?
CN: My mother still hasn’t found a job but will soon get. She wants to be a tailor. No, she moved here knowing no one.

Do you miss Kenya? Is that where your father is?
CN: I like Kenya more than Uganda and I miss it a lot. I miss my grandmother and cousins. My father works in Sudan. I talk to him on the telephone sometimes but I forget what his work is. I haven’t seen him in three years.

How long did it take you to learn Luganda? Was that difficult? You are so good at English did you learn that at HOPE?
CN: It took me a year to learn Luganda. I also speak Kibukusu and Swahili. In P1 I learned English from my teacher in Kenya so when I came in P3 it was not too hard to read or learn.

Did you find it easy to adjust or be welcomed in Uganda?
CN: It was hard at first. My best friends at school are in Baby Class. But I live next to Sharon (a Ugandan in P6).

What do you like most about HOPE and what do you want to do after school?
CN: I like that the teachers teach us so we can pass (exams). I want to be a bank manager because I see that it’s a good job.

What is your favorite food, football team and music singer?
CN: Chips, Chelsea – because it’s my name, and Esther Wahome – a Ugandan singer

Is there anything you want to say to people reading this?
CN: Tell everyone I’m a good girl.


Joweria Nakijjoba
Grade: P6
Age: 14 years old
Nationality: Ugandan

How many are in your family Joweria…is this your sister (girl in photo that she always minds like a little sister)?
JN: No, this is my friend. I am only one. I live with my mother. My father died in 2000 from malaria.

What work does your mother do?
JN: She sells clothes.

What do you like most about HOPE? I see that you are a great dancer where did you learn how to dance? Is that what you want to do after school?
JN: I like to play with classmates and speak English at school. My friend at another school taught me how to dance, I love it and singing so much. I want to be a nurse after school.

No, I don’t know how to play you’ll have to teach me, it looks fun. How do you like going to school with so many people from different countries? Was it ever confusing for you or strange?
JN: I feel happy and benefit from learning other languages and dances from students from other tribes or countries. At first I did have a problem with some of the Congolese girls because I thought they were talking about me all the time in their language (she gave an example of a classmate she felt didn’t share with her and felt she would only share with her Congolese classmates).

How did you overcome that feeling or problem?
JN: Now because the school is taught in English they (refugee students) don’t use their language as much. So I don’t feel as bad and we are friends.

What is your favorite food, football team and music singer?
JN: Sweet Potatoes, I don’t like football! I like netball…I’m want to teach you how to play. And I like the Ugandan singer Bugebe Wilson.

Is there anything you’d like to tell your Internet readers?
JN: Tell them girls should take care of themselves. Because men encroach on young girls after school. Know that AIDS is a killer disease and try to avoid men that take advantage.

Youth Feature # 4

This is a youth family edition – while all four of these young people deserve their own day, their collective story and the life they’ve shared is the epitomy of courage, love and resiliency. From the first day Lisa and I arrived here I was intrigued and drawn to these four individuals (and at the time was unaware they were siblings, despite the now very obvious resemblance). I had the feeling they carried themselves like they knew where they were going, without traces of a past burden influencing who they are today. They moved here from Burundi due to the vicious conflict between the Tutsi and Hutu populations. If you are like me, you might not have known that the Tutsi/Hutu conflict was not exclusive to Rwanda. In fact, Burundi’s conflict was as violent if not more so (two of the first three Prime Ministers were assassinated and scores of bloodshed on both sides); this most likely attributed to the shock-value of the atrocities committed during the Rwandan genocide and brutal civil war that flowed over into Zaire (Congo) – leading to the consequent demise of Zaire and conflict that still remains there today. Sadly, we are all well aware that age does not matter in war or conflict, and these four can more than attest to that. Their father was Hutu and mother Tutsi. The father’s family came and killed their mother in front of them, and Jacques informed me they had every intention of inflicting the same fate upon the children. These ‘purification’ campaigns stemmed from Belgium’s enforcement of ethnicity being the defining feature of day-to-day life (ID cards, prominent positions in society, etc.), effectively eliminating any sort of collective identity that had once existed.

These four, along with their 18/21 year old brother (it really says a great deal that all seemed unsure about their respective ages or birthdays, but knew to the hour when they arrived to Uganda) sought refuge in Ndejje shortly after their mother’s death, while their father remains (or has since past away) in prison. If there is any sliver lining to witnessing the worst of life at far too young an age, it is the blessing that they have each other and are as solid individually as they are as a unit. So, it is my honor to introduce Abigail (who I foresee becoming a diplomat), Jeledi (a jack-of-all-trades brimming with charisma), Asheal (an artist – I’m trying hard to find a proper sketchbook for him because he’s incredibly talented) and Jaelle (who is driven and sharp enough to do anything in this world).

Abigail Nukuri
5 years old
Top Class (Kindergarten)

Jeledi Nyenintsizi
9 years old
P2

Asheal Twarabishimye
11 years old
P3

Jaelle Nyeninganji
13 years old
P4

Do you all have a name that is the same?
Lots of giggling and shaking of heads…
*Sidenote: In Africa last names are given to individuals, so siblings do not have the same last names (one child in another class was given the name which translated is: “I have made a mistake”). But also there is (usually) a family name that a child can choose to adopt at some point in their life, or for official purposes. It seems to be similar to middle names in the United States but more official and utilized here.

Where in Burundi are you from and when did you move to Uganda?
Jaelle: We moved here on 14 July 2008 from Kinyinya District in Burundi.

How many languages do you speak? Did you know English before? Your English is so good for having recently moved here!
Jaelle: We speak Swahili, Kirundi and Luganda.
And English!
Jaelle: You think we speak English??!
Well, I’m talking with you all now aren’t I?
Laughter from everyone…(minus Abigail who is in the process of learning English).
Jaelle: And English! Four languages!

Do you miss Burundi? How do you like Uganda?
Asheal: I like Uganda enough. Don’t want to go back to Burundi.
Jaelle: I miss my friends.
Does Abigail remember Burundi?
Abigail (per her siblings): I like Australia.
More laughter.
Jeldi: I want to go to Australia too. Yes, I like Australia.
All come to the agreement that Australia is indeed the top destination.

What do you like most about HOPE School?
Jaelle: I like learning in English.
Jeledi: Being taught properly.
Asheal: I like the teachings of manners and discipline.

What do you want to do once you are done with school?
Jaelle: I want to be a manager of an office.
Jeledi: Train driver.
We call those people conductors!
Immense laughter ensues…and the word ‘conductor’ is repeated numerous times.
Asheal: Math teacher.
Abigail: (per her siblings) Nurse. She wants to be a nurse.
Hmm…I’m thinking you are answering for her.
Smiles and more giggling.

Tell me about your brother, what does he do?
Jaelle: He is 21
Asheal: No he is 19
I thought Mr. Jacques told me he was 18…Jaelle: He is 21. He works...
Jeledi: He works in a hotel.
Jaelle: Yes, he works in a hotel and we live with him.

Tell me what a normal Sunday for you is like?
Jeledi: We go to church
Jaelle: Then we do chores.
Jeledi: Cooking
Asheal: Washing
Jaelle: Then we play games
What kind of games?
Jaelle: Football…hiding…
Hide and Seek?
Jaelle: Yes! Hide and Seek.
Asheal: Then we bathe…eat and then sleep.

What is your favorite food and football team?
Asheal: Rice and Irish potatoes, Barcelona.
Jaelle: Chips, Barcelona!
Jeledi: Rice, Barcelona
Abigail: Rice, Arsenal
More laughter…
Asheal: Wait, also fish.
Jeledi: And meat!

Youth Feature of the Week # 3

This is a two-for-one youth feature. Having gotten to know the young people we’re around daily much better, I’m increasingly fascinated by the bonds between students and of course their amazing spirit and inspiring lives they’ve already led at such a young age. This week I chose two girls that are mature, leaders, engaging and bright beyond their age. Their names are Daniela and Eve and are very close friends. Their families are also good friends and know each other from the DRC. Daniela is Jacques daughter (and while she was born in Uganda she still maintains a deep attachment to the Congo) and Jacques knew Eve’s family from their village in the Congo, and encouraged them to come to Uganda. The lives their parents lead and the solidarity between them says a lot about the wonderful young people they have become.

A bit camera shy...

There we go, beautiful! Eve on left Daniela on right.

Name: Daniela Muisha
Age: 9
Nationality: Congolese (born in Uganda to refugee parents)
Grade: P5

“Where is your family from in the Congo, and what can you tell us about your family?”
DM: My family comes from Goma. I visited there once and I loved the lakes, seeing the hotels and how our family cared for us. My mother is a tailor (and we all know the many things her father does). My brother Ivan is in P3 and my sister is a year and three months old old.

“What do you like most about HOPE Primary School?”
DM: I like sports, learning – especially science, the teachers and the food.

“What do you hope to do once you are done with school?”
DM: I want to be a bank manager.

“Tell us what a normal day for you is like when you aren’t in school.”
DM: I read my school books and really like reading story books. I go to Jehovah’s Witness church and then I rest.

“What is the hardest struggle you ever faced and how did you overcome it?”
DM: When my sister was very sick…and also walking to school for an hour every day. I sang to her and always stay smiling and laughing…and try to play with her.

“What is a country you want to visit someday?”
DM: I want to visit California because of all the tourist sights. I want to visit the West and South regions of the USA. (Sidenote: We had our USA day and explained how the country was broken up into four regions and that Canada and countries in South America are not part of the USA – so I’m secretly delighted with this response!)

“What is your favorite food, music singer and football team?”
DM: Rice and chicken, Alinaportantion (a Ugandan band, in English called Goodlyfe) and Real Madrid.

“Who do you think will win the World Cup?”
DM: South Africa

“Anything special you want to say to the readers of our internet site?”
DM: Have a good journey. And come to Uganda!


Name: Eve Magho
Age: 13
Nationality: Congolese
Grade: P5

“Where are you from in the Congo, what do you miss about home and what can you tell us about your family?”
EM: I am from Goma and moved to Uganda in 2007. I miss my friends and family…my Grandmother and also my Grandfather before he died. I have five in my family. Three brothers, Ivan is in P1 and two older brothers that make windows and doors. My sister Dally is in P3. (Sidenote: Jacques informed me that Eve’s father works for an NGO called Medicine Sans Frontiers, aka Doctors Without Borders, as a driver that delivers equipment and medicine deep in conflict areas.)

“Wow, you moved here pretty recently! Did you know English before coming to Uganda? How many languages do you speak?”
EM: No, learned it here. I speak Swahili, Luganda, French and English.

“What do you like most about HOPE Primary School?”
EM: I like the school and the teaching. Also sports. (Sidenote: this girl LOVES to juggle the soccer ball.)

“What do you hope to do once you are done with school?”
EM: I want to be a doctor that delivers babies.

“Tell us what a normal day for you is like when you aren’t in school.”
EM: I do mopping, washing and cooking. For fun? I watch TV and films and play with Daniela and friends.

“What is the hardest struggle you ever faced and how did you overcome it?”
EM: Not having money. My brothers worked so my family could have money.


“What is your favorite food, music singer and football team?”
EM: The food that is given to me, Shakira, I like playing football – no favorite team.

“Who do you think will win the World Cup?”
EM: South Africa?

“Anything special you want to say to the readers of our internet site?”
EM: Greetings and hi to everyone.

Progress

The week started out with a very pleasant surprise. Stevie and I were planning on meeting a couple of friends at Bubbles O’Leary’s, an Irish pub in Kampala. Our friends ended up arriving about three hours late, so we made friends with some fun and very generous Irish businessmen. After explaining Soccer Without Borders and the work that we do at Hope Primary School to these Irish men, who are involved in several non-profit projects in Africa themselves, offered us a very generous donation.

On our way home that evening, Stevie and I thought about where we should invest the money. We are leaning towards investing in electricity for the Ndejje Community Center. Installing the infrastructure for electricity at the Center will cost approximately $400 USD. If we can find neighbors who are interested in splitting the cost of the electric pole and its installation, however, the cost could be divided several ways. These extra funds have set the ball in motion. Jacques has begun searching for people nearby who are interested in getting electricity. Sharing the cost is looking promising because there are a few new homes going up around the center.

With electricity we will be able to begin some computer programs. Though these programs are at least a few months off, I am getting excited about introducing the Hope Primary School kids to computers. Most have never used one. The will also allow us to run evening programs at the center, after the sun has gone down.

We are making progress on the activities front too. Sunday evening we had a couple girls over to our house and started reading a Nancy Drew mystery. Hopefully there will be enough interest to turn this into a regular thing (and hopefully we can move it to the community center once it gets electricity so we can read in the evenings.) We also began planning for P7 music videos. The class was divided on song choice. All of the girls wanted to perform Rhianna’s ‘Umbrella’, while all of the boys voted for the Rabadaba (a Ugandan singer) song ‘Indian Culi,’ so we are going to do both. Filming starts on Monday and I am excited to see them sing, dance, and hopefully let loose.

The construction crew is putting the finishing touches on the new building at Hope Primary School leaving the forever-busy Jacques looking for something else to keep him occupied. What better than another construction project? Lately, Jacques has been talking about building a temporary structure on the side of the community center to hold half of the nursery class. Currently, Hope School Nursery uses the Community Center during the mornings and early afternoons. For the Center to truly be for the community, rather than just Hope School students, I think it is important that at least part of the facility be available all day for equipment storage, equipment rental, art projects, games, etc. This temporary structure should go a long way in making that possible.

Still, our biggest challenge in establishing a sustainable community center is finding someone permanent to stay on, run programs, and make sure that the equipment is not disappearing. If only there were a million Jacques in the world! Another Jacques would be nearly impossible to find, but Stevie and I are perpetually on the lookout for someone to work with who will take over and continue the programs once we are gone.