Rotaract Club of Bukoto, proudly sponsored by the Rotary Club of Bukoto made two years in Service on the 16th of November, 2014.
Appreciation to all those that were with us during this celebration. It wouldnt have been a success without you.
Saturday 29 November 2014
Charter Night Celebrations
Thursday 2 October 2014
Second Annual Swimming Gala
The swimming gala is a fundraising event organised by Rotaract Club of Bukoto. It will take place at Le'Grande Hotel Bwaise on 1st November, 2014 starting from 12:00 hours. Come and participate...
Proceeds go towards the Kabutemba Literacy Project.
Monday 22 September 2014
Luigi Giussani High School Project, a story like no other.
3:57 pm on Sunday 13th of September, 2014
clocked as I was gazing at the beautiful building surrounded by magnificent
scenery in the compound of Luigi Giussani High School (call it LGHS).
Dumbfounded by the architecture of the building, the finishes to the structure
and the detail to cover every aspect you could think about (be it the light
from the sun) I stood in awe. I was only wondering why we were at this place
and what kind of project we were going to do. Were we here to offer scholastic
material, start an interact club or talk to the students of the school? I had
many questions running through my head. But having escorted mother club for
their project, I simply looked on as I awaited further information about the
project. By the looks on the faces of the Rotaractors and Rotarians, I could
tell many had questions but no one wanted to judge. We stood in the compound as
we awaited the DHL team.
Our colleagues from DHL later arrived and we were
ready to start on the project. I had seen the program, and few speeches were lined up, I hoped that someone was going to explain to us what kind of
project this was. Probably, the various questions people had would be answered.
The Director of the school (an Italian gentleman) then
invited us to take a tour with him around as we headed for the main hall which
was a few flights of stairs above. He had to explain to us what the school was
about, and why it was as it was. His opening remarks, “this school is beautiful
and clean, and we wish to keep it that way” later followed by “we hope to take
in as many children from the slums of Kireka as we can” hit me hard. I could
now tell partly what the project was about but I did not figure out why the
kind of structure (triple storied building spanning over 100 meters in length)
that was very aesthetically appealing.
Further to this, how were these children going to keep the structure as
tidy (considering the various schools I have visited, this seemed impossible).
As we ascended, we couldn’t help but notice the
paintings in the buildings, replicas of paintings hang on the walls. “The calling
of St Mathew by Caravaggio” is one of the paintings that had been hung. These were
paintings that had been purposely placed to remind the students every day of
their purpose and value. They were paintings that had value (a word we later
got to learn had a big role in the school). In addition to this, was a painting
of Father Luigi, a person after whom the school had been built, his painting
also had a story to it (a story for another day).
On arrival into the main hall, we were received by
students who were singing happily and cheerfully a song in a language we were
not familiar with. But looking at the people singing, and how they were
singing, we were sure they were happy to receive us. “Wiki, wiki……wiki, wiki”
are words I remember from the song. It was here that the story about LGHS was
told to us by one of the ladies from AVSI (one of the bodies behind the
project).
Having been displaced during the war in northern
Uganda by the LRA, many ladies were moved to a slum in Kireka now known as the
Acholi village because of the language being spoken there. Many of the women
had not only lost their loved ones during the war, but also contracted HIV
AIDS. Many of these women viewed life as meaningless because of their state.
The coming of AVSI into their lives was a life changing opportunitiy for these
people. AVSI presented hope to these people, not in monetary means per say, but
rather teaching them about the value of life. What they had, and what they
meant to those around them.
The women in this area began viewing life
differently, they began using available resources to make a living. They also
began appreciating the use of ARVs to help them live a better life.
At one point after Hurricane Katrina, these ladies
collected the little they had, others went to the streets to beg, and after
collecting what they could; they approached their coordinator with AVSI and
asked her to take their collections to the people affected by the hurricane.
All they had to say was as much as we have little, those people need help too.
But with all of this, they wanted their children to
have a better life than theirs, they wanted their children to study from good
schools, to have access to facilities like all other children did. It was a
dream they longed for.
To achieve this dream, the women of Acholi village
started making paper beads, these they sold in the European market with the
help of AVSI at a 15 – 20 Euros a piece, 48,000 pieces were made. The money
from these sales contributed majorly to the setting up of LGHS. Donations were
received to complete the school and their children had the gift of a school
before them. Their dream was realized and the women can proudly say, they
contributed to their children’s future.
LGHS is a school that has been built on a basis of
“value”, everything about it is related to value. It is a school where the
children not only go to read and pass exams, but rather realize the value of
education to life. To make the best of the opportunity presented to them. It is a school where the chair and the table
have value.
Wednesday 17 September 2014
The special joy that comes from giving
Kiswa primary school is one of those you walk right by, see kids trudge in and out, their uniforms perhaps worse off than the building they call class. I say building because until recently, the school was housed in the church in the image below. All the classes. (take a moment to picture that, various classes, various subjects, various teachers, all in the same room)
I choose to dwell on the sad nature of the situation, perhaps to point out the need for more to follow in the footsteps of Rotary club of Bukoto who in in conjunction with DHL decided to help out where they could. For why should be blessed with a lot and not be willing to share with the less fortunate.
I love my Sundays, more so the afternoons and I'm yet to forgive MAT Uganda for the classes they schedule in my precious time (it's okay, I'm not crying). So when mother club requested we join them on 14th to give back, i have to confess their was some serious deliberation. But pull on jeans i did and an appearance did i make.
Kiswa is somewhere in the area where lots of MUBs hostels are located (more familiar to some than others. You know yourselves) and out reception, for lack of a better word, was musical. It is always overwhelming when the things you take for granted, have another break into song. These children and their teachers were elated. Growing up, the schools i went to, a stranger bringing new desks would only be exciting because new to kids, is always better. its always about the aesthetics for them. This time though, i will presume it was a combination of the new desks, coupled with the actual need for them.
There were a number of inspired performances by the school choir. Photographic evidence may be hard to come by due to the nature of smart phone batteries. (So you just have to trust that i'm telling the truth).
I will skip through the speeches and give you a quick glimpse of what was said. A speech from the head teacher welcoming the Rotarians, Rotaractors and the DHL staff, another from the director who gave us an insight as to the origin of the school, one form Rotarian Hellen introducing the basis for the project, one from President Yohannes thanking DHL mainly for teaming up with mother club to help put their plans into action, and finally from the DHL MD, thanking mother club for reaching out to them and assisting them fulfill their Corporate Social Responsibility.
Then of course came the reason we were there in the first place. (Look at the photo below for clarification if you weren't sure yet)
Scholastic materials were another item handed out to students, ranging from back packs and rain coats from DHL, right down to exercise books. (Surely you trust me enough by now to not require photographic evidence)
We wrapped up our visit at Kiswa and moved on to Kireka for the next planned visit. Luigi Guissani High School.
At first glance, the perimeter wall in itself is intimidating. That is until you go through the gate and see the structure itself. A lovely building I tell you. Brian is the Architect and he too was left in awe.
Yes, that's the class building. Believe me. (Whispers like, "are we in the right place, are you sure they need help, don't you think they'll expect us to dance for them" were evident all around)
In we went, and the history of Luigi Guissani was laid bare to us. The efforts that had been put into building the school. The women who lived in the slums of Acholi quarters and Naguru had the dream to see their children in a good school so together with AVSI Uganda, and meeting point international, they came up with a project where they made jewellery from multi-colored beads, which was sold in Europe for about 15-20 Euros a piece and all that revenue was channelled into the project. That together from money from other donors who came on board wen they heard about the project gave birth to Luigi Guissani High school.
To keep the school running costs low, the women from the same slums volunteer to carry out various jobs in the school ranging from preparing meals in the kitchen, to cleaning the school.
At the end of the speeches, and a testimony from one of the students, President Yohannes, asked whether we were convinced that we indeed were in the right place, a question later echoed by the DHL MD. People all around nodded to themselves, agreeing that we indeed were in the right place. They really did need the help.
One of the oldest idioms sprung to mind while all this went on, "Never Judge a book by its cover."
A picture of the events at Luigi Guissani High school is in order, no?
By the way, these Luigi guys could sing. Real talent there. Real talent i tell you.
Great thanks goes to the Rotary club of Bukoto, their partners in this venture DHL Uganda, and of course the Rotaract club of Bukoto. Let me leave you a collage to wrap up the days events.
I'm glad i traded my Sunday afternoon at home for this. Keep them coming.
I choose to dwell on the sad nature of the situation, perhaps to point out the need for more to follow in the footsteps of Rotary club of Bukoto who in in conjunction with DHL decided to help out where they could. For why should be blessed with a lot and not be willing to share with the less fortunate.
I love my Sundays, more so the afternoons and I'm yet to forgive MAT Uganda for the classes they schedule in my precious time (it's okay, I'm not crying). So when mother club requested we join them on 14th to give back, i have to confess their was some serious deliberation. But pull on jeans i did and an appearance did i make.
Kiswa is somewhere in the area where lots of MUBs hostels are located (more familiar to some than others. You know yourselves) and out reception, for lack of a better word, was musical. It is always overwhelming when the things you take for granted, have another break into song. These children and their teachers were elated. Growing up, the schools i went to, a stranger bringing new desks would only be exciting because new to kids, is always better. its always about the aesthetics for them. This time though, i will presume it was a combination of the new desks, coupled with the actual need for them.
I will skip through the speeches and give you a quick glimpse of what was said. A speech from the head teacher welcoming the Rotarians, Rotaractors and the DHL staff, another from the director who gave us an insight as to the origin of the school, one form Rotarian Hellen introducing the basis for the project, one from President Yohannes thanking DHL mainly for teaming up with mother club to help put their plans into action, and finally from the DHL MD, thanking mother club for reaching out to them and assisting them fulfill their Corporate Social Responsibility.
Then of course came the reason we were there in the first place. (Look at the photo below for clarification if you weren't sure yet)
We wrapped up our visit at Kiswa and moved on to Kireka for the next planned visit. Luigi Guissani High School.
At first glance, the perimeter wall in itself is intimidating. That is until you go through the gate and see the structure itself. A lovely building I tell you. Brian is the Architect and he too was left in awe.
Yes, that's the class building. Believe me. (Whispers like, "are we in the right place, are you sure they need help, don't you think they'll expect us to dance for them" were evident all around)
In we went, and the history of Luigi Guissani was laid bare to us. The efforts that had been put into building the school. The women who lived in the slums of Acholi quarters and Naguru had the dream to see their children in a good school so together with AVSI Uganda, and meeting point international, they came up with a project where they made jewellery from multi-colored beads, which was sold in Europe for about 15-20 Euros a piece and all that revenue was channelled into the project. That together from money from other donors who came on board wen they heard about the project gave birth to Luigi Guissani High school.
At the end of the speeches, and a testimony from one of the students, President Yohannes, asked whether we were convinced that we indeed were in the right place, a question later echoed by the DHL MD. People all around nodded to themselves, agreeing that we indeed were in the right place. They really did need the help.
One of the oldest idioms sprung to mind while all this went on, "Never Judge a book by its cover."
A picture of the events at Luigi Guissani High school is in order, no?
Great thanks goes to the Rotary club of Bukoto, their partners in this venture DHL Uganda, and of course the Rotaract club of Bukoto. Let me leave you a collage to wrap up the days events.
Saturday 13 September 2014
THE THRILL OF FIRSTS!
I'm a man of firsts.
There's a special thrill that comes with that first ever time u encounter an
experience. Let me take you back down memory lane, when you wore your first
uniform, the first day you came home and could write your full name, when you
first met that girl/guy who made your heart skip a beat, the first day you
attempted to ride a bike (oooh, wait, that came with wounds and lots of girls
wailed so maybe not a thrilling first but you get the general idea).
As it was, on 8th November, I received a whatsapp message from Paul, inviting me for a Rotary fellowship with mother club. Now I did mention some time that I am student, so the weekday allocated to Rotaract regardless of school is Wednesday. (This is a Tuesday Fellowship boss, first relax. Class. I respond)
The next day, my phone beeps, whatsapp message, same content as Paul's, a much much better looking face the source. Joseph, I would like to invite u to our fellowship with mother club, Zed's message read. (Where's this boda guy, I need to be at Kabira by 7.)
Sadly, the manager had some questions, so I didn’t arrive till about 7:20.
I like to stand tall when I’m late (at 5'7" maybe 5'8" tops wen I have grown my hair, it makes standing tall a hard number). As usual though, i do my thing, head held up, potraying confidence, in I walk. Serial back bencher.
Onward forwards to introduction of the guest speakers and lo and behold, ours truly, Paul and Brian; quantity surveyor and architect respectively. (yaaah, definitely a construction topic you must be thinking, well, you are definitely as wrong as I was).
What is the one thing our generation can confidently boast at being better than our predecessors? (No one giving it a try; fine, I’ll tell you). Technological advancement. With the advent of the smartphone, apple tearing it up with all those “Igadgets” there’s no way they are able to keep up with us. (My mum's questions; Does it call? Does it send texts? Wait, it takes pics too? Added advantage in her book)
Wait, where was I? Yes. Presentation. Paul says he’s going to take on social media, twitter to be specific, while Brian would deal with blogging.
As it was, on 8th November, I received a whatsapp message from Paul, inviting me for a Rotary fellowship with mother club. Now I did mention some time that I am student, so the weekday allocated to Rotaract regardless of school is Wednesday. (This is a Tuesday Fellowship boss, first relax. Class. I respond)
The next day, my phone beeps, whatsapp message, same content as Paul's, a much much better looking face the source. Joseph, I would like to invite u to our fellowship with mother club, Zed's message read. (Where's this boda guy, I need to be at Kabira by 7.)
Sadly, the manager had some questions, so I didn’t arrive till about 7:20.
I like to stand tall when I’m late (at 5'7" maybe 5'8" tops wen I have grown my hair, it makes standing tall a hard number). As usual though, i do my thing, head held up, potraying confidence, in I walk. Serial back bencher.
Onward forwards to introduction of the guest speakers and lo and behold, ours truly, Paul and Brian; quantity surveyor and architect respectively. (yaaah, definitely a construction topic you must be thinking, well, you are definitely as wrong as I was).
What is the one thing our generation can confidently boast at being better than our predecessors? (No one giving it a try; fine, I’ll tell you). Technological advancement. With the advent of the smartphone, apple tearing it up with all those “Igadgets” there’s no way they are able to keep up with us. (My mum's questions; Does it call? Does it send texts? Wait, it takes pics too? Added advantage in her book)
Wait, where was I? Yes. Presentation. Paul says he’s going to take on social media, twitter to be specific, while Brian would deal with blogging.
Paul laid out the basic
concepts around twitter from the maximum number of characters in a tweet, the
significance of the hash tag, down to the use of the mention symbol. He
highlighted the role twitter had played in advertising the cancer run as an
example of twitter’s role in publicizing events.
Paul’s presentation
centered on showing Rotarians that there is no such thing as twitter is for the
young people, his proof being a slide that raised murmurs through the room. The
slide had H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, H.E Paul Kagame and H.E Uhuru Kenyatta.
The existence of a twitter handle for our very own H.E Museveni seemed to
convince the most people that twitter really wasn’t a thing just for the young.
Brian stepped up and his
concept was a fairly new one, even to the Rotaractors in the house. Lots of
them, though on twitter, had never so much as attempted to blog. (Wait, I’m one
of them too. Why am I taking myself from the equation?)
Fast forward to the end of
the presentation, and Rotarian Mercy requested president Yohannes to handover
the contributions from the Rotarians for past president Grace’s wedding. (She
actually called it a small contribution. *ahem*)
Rotarian Linda was called
upon to move a vote of thanks to the guest speakers, and she joked that she
would not blog but rather tweet (A jargon that was picked up by the house from
the guest speakers’ presentations, the former to signify speaking endlessly,
and the latter to signify keeping it short)
As she concluded, she
reminded us of the Rotarians' plan to visit Kiswa Primary School and Luigi
Giussani High school, to provide scholastic materials and take part in a tree
planting exercise, and requested Rotaractors to join the cause.
The photo session after
the Rotarians left, is evidence that we love to enjoy ourselves. (How about I tease you with a picture)
So, Sunday 14th
September, how about we put aside what we feel we have to do, and do something
that we genuinely need to do. Let us go give back. Service above self.
Take over of mother club's
fellowship, yet another first on my list.
I just keep falling in
love with this Rotaract plan.
Thursday 7 August 2014
Thinking different....
Rct Club of Bukoto hosted Jonathan Kayemba, a systems engineer at our new venue Zodiac, lumumba avenue.
Thursday 31 July 2014
Rotaract Bukoto in July,14
In this Rotary Month, there is no specific theme but the spotlight is on the new Rotary Year under new club leaders.
As this year's theme is geared towards lighting up Rotary, President Zahara Mpaata Babirye is leading the Rotaract club of Bukoto in achieving this. Its been a great start through fellowships, club assembly,projects, visit from the District Governor at the sponsoring Rotary Club of Bukoto, etc.
But this was crowned by the Take Over fellowship between Rct Bukoto and Rct Kampala Sese. It was well attended with a very inspirational talk about "Transition into Rotary," led by Rtn Ben Waira.
We convey our heartfelt thanks to all the clubs, guests and other friends of Rotaract Bukoto who have supported us throughout this month.
Sunday 27 July 2014
Special Eid Wishes
The Rotaract Club of Bukoto humbly congratulates the entire muslim community for the successful completion of the Holy Month of Ramadhan. May Allah accept your fast and put you among those that reaped from it on earth and in the here after. Happy Eid Al Fitr
Eid Muburak.......... Eid Mubarak
Tuesday 22 July 2014
The take over fellowship
Its been long since word came out from the Rotaract Bukoto camp. But I must say that we are back. Fresher and better.
Intoducing the first of many theme fellowships for this Rotary Year dubbed THE TAKE OVER FELLOWSHIP.
Well the idea is basically inviting another club to take over the fellowship norms and activities for that particular fellowship.
Quite cool.. Huh!! Yeesss.. COOOOLLL!!!
Anyway. The first club will be The Rotaract Club of Ssese Isalnds.. THE SAILORS..
The date, Wednesday 30th July 2014.
Where? The Nook restaurant. Be there.
And do not forget to
LIGHT UP ROTARY
Monday 2 June 2014
President Zahara n family
There is nothing as encouraging as having your parents support u in your endeavours. The rotaract club of Bukoto was hambled to host Mr. & Mrs. Mpaata.
Mwekume Installation 2014
Solomon Baguma was awarded Rotaractor of the year from President Amina. He truely engaged Rotary and Changed lives through his unlimited committment....
The Rotaract club of Bukoto applauds you.
Monday 12 May 2014
The Mwekume Installation
Preparations are underway. A night of glitz and galmour awaits all in the service come the 30th May 2014.
An ambient venue, the Arirang Hotel and restaurant; what more could a person ask for? Redcarpet entrance exclusive KODAK moments; I can already picture and envision this great day as Zahara Mpaata, JP Sonko and Simon Nashonji will be installed as presidents of their respective clubs, Rotaract Club of Bukoto, Rotaract Club of Kyambogo, Rotaract Club of Rubanga.
Best thing about it is that you can also be a part of this glamourous occasion.
A card is just priced at 40,000/-. They are available and you can miss this occassion for the world. Join us on the 30th of May and together we shall continue in our journey of engaging ROTARY and changing lives.
Monday 28 April 2014
Last day of DCA2014
Yahya, a Rotaractor from Tz...one of the friends made from Rotaract club of Young Professionals, Dar es salam
Sunday 27 April 2014
District Conference and Assembly
Rotaract Club of Bukoto's Representatives at the District Conference and Assembly2014, at Common wealth Speke Resort, Munyonyo.
Tuesday 15 April 2014
Together with our parents
On this day, we the members of Rotaract Bukoto have decided to join our Mother, Rotary club of Bukoto as they host their counterparts from other Tuesday.clubs. A well arranged event, many Rotarians present and ofcourse, the signature delicious popcorn from Kabira International Club.
Wednesday 9 April 2014
The tale of human trafficking survivor
Today, the 9th of April, the rotaract club of bukoto hosts a young man by the names of Mr. Sunday.He will be sharing his experience and how he survived this rapidly growing evil amongst us.
Thursday 27 March 2014
Wednesday 19 March 2014
Thursday 13 March 2014
One of the best counsellors
Gava Ibrahim
IPP , Rct lake Victoria..thanks for the good work.His demonstrations n counselling was just what we needed.
A great team always gets the work done
Reducing the world of silence. So people could actually hear for the first time. Thanks to a great n humorous team.
Wednesday 12 March 2014
So the world can hear.
Today has been a successful day thanks to
Rct Bukoto
Rct Kasangati
Rct lake victoria
Rct Kyengera
Rct K.I.U
And most of all Starkey Hearing Foundation.
Tuesday 11 March 2014
Starkeycares....
Rotaract Bukoto is partnering with Starkey Hearing foundation to extend the gift of hearing to over 10,000 Ugandans allover the country with two missions. Firstly in Gulu,President Amina and Allan Ntambi made it there. And on 12th-13th, the rest of the club will be joined with other rotaractors to volunteer in the Kampala mission at Kampala Serena Hotel.
We do it big....Aglutinate Network that Serves.
Wednesday 5 March 2014
Wednesday 26 February 2014
Wednesday Joint fellowship
A very well organised all Wednesdays joint fellowship hosted by Rct Nansana.
Rct Bukoto was well represented....thanks to all those who made it there...
Tuesday 4 February 2014
Candle-lit fellowship
Greetings to the rotary family and fratenity.
FELLOWSHIP AT ROTARACT BUKOTO
Today at Rotaract Bukoto will be a better than
ever fellowship. Rebranded CANDLE-LIGHT
Fellowship.
Come join us today for a fun-filled,
interactive and informative fellowship at 6:00pm.
The venue is our home STEAK OUT, Lumumba
Avenue.
Come and fellowship with us and be part of our
FAMILY.
Rotary International, Rotary The World Over.
Hope to see you there.
Public Relations Team
Rotaract Bukoto..
Wednesday 29 January 2014
Club assembly
Many great ideas coming up
trully nice to serve above self
looking forward to great things
We do it big
xoxo
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