TWO HOURS WITH FLAVIA TUMUSIIME AT KiBO FOUNDATION SPEAKER SERIES: 10 LESSONS FOR THE YOUTH

We have listened to her on radio, watched her on our screens and seen her emcee at events. But who is she when not in the confines of a studio or on a stage- Smart, Charismatic, and a rare Gem. Flavia Tumusiime spared her precious time for the youth at KiBO Foundation where she shared about her life and career. What a humbling moment that was! She took us on a journey of her life, a journey that was filled with lessons for any youth out there. 

“The world is tough. You need to know things that make you look and be different”-Flavia Tumusiime

Lesson 1: Exploit every opportunity 

Life is not a straight path. The opportunity you get to work today could be the stepping stone to your big break.  Therefore, once someone has entrusted you to work for them, give it your absolute best. The relationships you build, the impression you leave at your work place and the output of your effort will all count at one point. In Flavia’s words, “The minute you are given the chance to work, make the best of it such that you are not forgotten”.

Lesson 2: Make use of your talent(s)

So many people despise their talents. They would rather have another person’s talent forgetting that you cannot live another person’s life. “The youth have talent but they want someone else’s” says Flavia. If we all realized the power of our skills and talents, the unemployment rate in this country would be way down here by now.

Flavia Tumusiime speaking to the youth at KiBO Foundation

Lesson 3: It doesn't always have to be about you

There is so much we can do to make this world a better place. The next generation should be able to benefit from the fact that we graced this planet.  Flavia says, “It’s not about me. It’s about the next generation that will look up to me”. We should always aspire to do things that will inspire our community as well as motivate the next generation to be better people.

Lesson 4: Be mindful of whom you associate with 

No one is immune to peer pressure. It’s important to have friends of every sort of character but watch out for those who influence you to do things just for the sake of it. Life is more than just pleasing your friends and having a blast without thinking of the consequences. “Your circles can wreck you”, warns Flavia.

Lesson 5: There are four kinds of people

“The people who’ll meet you when you are a “no body”, The people who’ll help you on your journey to the top, The people who’ll meet you on your journey to the top and The ones who’ll meet you when you’ve reached the top”. All these will have different opinions about you but it’s important to stay humble and acknowledge their contribution towards your growth in life.

Lesson 6: Never let people define you 

It’s important to know your worth, who you are and what you believe in. You’ll have to develop a thick skin on your journey to success because people will speak whatever they want to speak about you. You’ll have to ignore the negatives and focus on the bigger goal. “Actions speak louder than words but it takes patience for those actions to convince the world”- Flavia Tumusiime

Lesson 7: Stick to your story and be very consistent 

This is related to lesson 6. If the world portrays you as someone that you are not, you’ll have to disprove them by your actions. These actions should be in line with your personal beliefs and values such that over time, your true self will surface for all to see. This takes time but you will need to be patient. 

Lesson 8: Learn from other people’s mistakes 

What would be the point of putting very hot food in your mouth yet you saw your colleague being burnt by the same hot food? In every venture you aspire to undertake, speak to people who have been through it before. Listen to their experiences. This can help you succeed much faster and with fewer mistakes.

Lesson 9: Keep the right mindset 

Let's celebrate this wonderful moment

Things will not always go your way. Even if you fail at something or you are despised by someone, just hold your head high and keep going. One day, you will catch a break.

Lesson 10: Humility, Humility, Humility 

No matter what your achievements are, always remember to stay humble. Meekness doesn’t imply weakness. Take a look at the very successful people who remain at the top and are revered by many. Humility is a common virtue that they all share.

PLATINUM CREDIT LIMITED SUPPORTS THE GREENHOUSE PROJECT

Platinum Credit is one of the fastest growing and most reliable Microfinance companies in East Africa. They have a simple mission,-to be there when we need them. True to their mission, when the status of the greenhouse was relayed to them by one of the members of staff from KiBO Foundation, they happily offered to make a contribution towards the success of this project. With the generous donation of One Million One Hundred Thousand shillings (450 USD) from Platinum Credit, a fence will be constructed around the greenhouse.  

The greenhouse at Kisaasi Primary School was set up using funds raised by youth from the 30^th and 31^st classes of KiBO Foundation with support from Kampala Capital City Authority and UN-Habitat. The main goal was to introduce modern agriculture technologies to the young minds in this school since agriculture is the backbone of Uganda. In the process, the school would have an extra source of income, nutrition of the pupils would be enhanced and ultimately the community around the school would be inspired to learn the concepts of greenhouse farming and implement it.

Today, the greenhouse is a source of employment to one person who is further training two other young men on how to run a it. Furthermore, the tomatoes are now being harvested and sold. One can clearly see that within just four months of implementing this project, it is yielding financial returns. A job well done by the KiBO youth.

More information about Platinum Credit Ltd can be found here and you can like their Facebook page here.

THE GREENHOUSE YIELDS RESULTS

The greenhouse project was different from any other that previous KiBO classes had undertaken. Members of the 30^th and 31^st classes pondered on how it would successfully be implemented. Dealing with the challenges of fundraising and some colleagues whose commitment was wanting, were we ready to make the KiBO Foundation, Kampala Capital City Authority and UN-HABITAT proud? After successfully implementing the project, we have learnt that no task or goal is impossible to achieve. However, will the team at Kisaasi primary school give its absolute best in taking charge of the project?

Coming to a conclusion on the project to be undertaken was hard. However, in October 2013, both the 30^th and 31^st classes agreed to take on a greenhouse project amidst a few fears regarding the cost. Fundraising up to nine million shillings seemed like an uphill task in the beginning. Slowly but surely, the funds were raised through individual class contributions, selling snacks and juice, holding a concert, organizing events at KiBO, training other students in basic ICT skills during Students Training in Communities (STiC), and asking for donations from well wishers.

The implementation process began in January 2014. It was an arduous task which greatly tested the mental strength and commitment of the students involved. Slashing the bushy field, raking and digging up the 16m x 30m piece of land under the scorching sun was not easy. Strenuous as it was, we dug a number of holes which would later be used to hold the greenhouse poles and supports. In no time, the structure was up. With all the necessary supplies available, the process of preparing the nursery beds and planting tomatoes started. Today, the greenhouse is standing, tomatoes are growing and it is being taken good care of by a hard working young man, Isaac Mbaziira. Four months after the initial groundbreaking, we are now harvesting tomatoes and generating income for Kisaasi Primary School.

Inside the greenhouse

Celebrating a rich harvest

The sacrifice, commitment and hard work of the brave 30^th and 31^st class members who kept under the blazing sun has finally paid off. The leadership of two amazing tutors, Baingana Sabiti and Douglas Balikuddembe cannot go unnoticed- Thank you. When we look back at all the effort put, gladness fills our hearts for we have been an active part of this experience. This is evidence that the youth in this country can transform both their lives and their communities if given the opportunity. 

KiBO'S DIGITAL LITERACY SESSION FOR CHILDREN

At KiBO Foundation, each day brings new opportunities for growth and transformation. KiBO realizes that today’s children live in an era of technology but so many have no access to it. It would therefore be very unfortunate to leave them in the shadow while the rest of the world is progressing. That is why KiBO has embarked on running programs that initiate and promote the use of technology among children. The Digital Literacy Session for Children has been designed to introduce youngsters to a journey in the field of technology. It is further aimed at igniting interest among these children for the world of computers. This session is based on both the Intel and Microsoft Digital Literacy curricula modified to suit the needs of children in attendance.

The first of many digital literacy sessions at KiBO took place on 5^th May 2014. Sixteen children between the age of eight and eighteen attended. They were briefly introduced to computers by a certified ICT facilitator at KiBO who was assisted by very capable KiBO Alumni. The children then dived in to the use of computers and with guidance, learnt how to use the mouse/touchpad, keyboard and navigate the desktop.

Children attending the Digital Literacy Session at KiBO 

In the end, two things were noticed;

1.  The children developed a yearning to continue learning how to use computers
2. Those who thought computers were only for adults developed a mindset change

With such initiatives for children, KiBO Foundation will continue to champion change in communities regardless of age with technology as the main tool. 

Here's to Changing Lives, Changing Communities.....

A JACK OF ALL TRADES AND A MASTER OF ALL: THE STORY OF EMMANUEL TUMUHIMBISE

Emmanuel Tumuhimbise is a humble, hospitable and ambitious teacher.  Little did he know how much of an impact the KiBO programme would have on his life. “After all, I was just a primary school teacher whose future only lay in the classroom”, he narrates.  With a warm smile, he recounts to me his life during and after KiBO. Although his biggest challenge was balancing the duties of a teacher and attending the KiBO program, he managed to do both because of his unquestionable commitment. He currently runs a business and is in charge of the Ministry of Education Information System Program at his school.

Before KiBO

Emmanuel was a primary school teacher who gave so many excuses for not doing more than just teaching. He cited lack of finances as the reason for not progressing further with formal education. He talked of how closed his mindset was and how life was such a boring journey. Fortunately, he was sponsored for the KiBO Programme by Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) and that was his turning point.

KiBO Experience  

         

Emmanuel Tumuhimbise (in black jacket) at an ICT training organized by Right To Play and KiBO Foundation (Photo by Timothy Lutwama)   

During his time at KiBO, he was the class coordinator. Being a leader allowed him to discover other qualities such as his ability to coordinate teams and organize events. It gave him the chance to grow while interacting with the different stakeholders within and outside KiBO. After his class raised over four million shillings for their project (buying items for Kiswa Health Centre), he discovered that nothing was really impossible to achieve. The speaker series was what he always looked forward to. “It gave me the opportunity to see things through someone else’s perspective”, he said. Through these talks, he realized how much he could do with his life and discovered tips on how to make use of the skills he had gained while at KiBO. “It was at KiBO that I was introduced to and saw an opportunity in using computers as a source of earning”, he concluded.

After KiBO

Upon realizing that life is about making the best out of one’s skills, he got a second job as a sales person with Sanlam (an insurance agency). Interestingly, he performed excellently at both sales and teaching. For his hard work and performance in sales, Sanlam gave him a shopping voucher worth 150,000 Uganda shillings.  He went back to school for his Advanced level and scored four principal passes which allows him to join any university. His progress was tracked by IDI and for all his achievements, he was again sponsored for an advanced certificate in audio-visual production. To top it all, he received a laptop and a digital camera after completing this course.

With these two equipment, he started a company- KE-RITE Media which he runs with a colleague. KE-RITE Media trains people in computer basics and Microsoft Office Packages, offers secretarial, internet, still photography, video games and video editing services. In the process, he has so far created jobs for two people.

Furthermore, Emmanuel has become a Right To Play Volunteer. In his capacity as a coach, he trains children in sports and games. For those who love cakes, Emmanuel runs a bakery as well. He concludes by saying, “KiBO Foundation gave me the opportunity to think like a leader and to live like a winner”.

2014 Goal

In September this year, Emmanuel will be starting a degree course in Information Technology. He wants to get a Bachelors Degree in Information Technology in order to make himself more marketable. “This is important for my business because people at times look at one’s qualification before entrusting them with their work”, he said. "Going through the KiBO ICT and Leadership program helped me think beyond the NOW", he continued.   

  

Message to the youth  

“The youth should value education and aspire to be self employed. They should not fear to start up businesses.”-Emmanuel Tumuhimbise 

Here's to Changing Lives, Changing Communities........ 

A SUMMARY OF THE KiBO-RIGHT TO PLAY TRAINING IN KAMPALA

There is a growing need for technology in every aspect of life today. On April 24th 2014, a group of 30 young, vibrant, and energetic teachers/community coaches under Right To Play started a three day intensive basic ICT training in Kampala. What transpired during the course of this training is simply breathtaking. Mindsets were unlocked, opportunities were discovered, and possibilities revealed. The training began in high gear with all the participants freeing up their minds and tuning themselves in great anticipation for the world of computers. As coaches of Right to Play, they were very interested in discovering the relationship between ICT and games.  

KiBO Foundation has always used technology as a tool to empower individuals and communities. The idea of sharing games and communicating online was sold to the participants. The concept of attending virtual meetings, presenting well typed letters, and learning new games over the internet captured their interest. The best part was when the teachers were introduced to MS Excel. They discovered how simple it is to prepare marksheets and automatically organize it accordance to students' performance. Faith Nagudi, a teacher at Mulago School for the Deaf spoke so passionately about how gaining knowledge in MS Excel will help save time when taking her students' attendance and computing their performance. For Emmanuel Tumuhimbise who is the teacher in charge of ICT at his school, this training was a refresher course. 

At the end of the training, the participants shared expressions of gratitude towards Right To Play, KiBO Foundation, and Microsoft. The progress of these individuals at their various places of work will be tracked over the next few months to establish their continued use of computers. 

Here's to Changing Lives, Changing Communities- One Partnership at a Time.......