PROMOTING AND SUPPORTING THE WORKS OF ART AT KiBO

George at KiBO

This world will miss the opportunity to see the fruits of your extraordinary talent if you don't tap into it and express it. This is not the case with George Lukwago who is bringing out the best of himself through the gift of art. A young, enthusiastic, and forward looking gentleman. His works are expressions of brilliant ideas. His paintings show a touch of elegance, they will make your wall look absolutely beautiful. And the photo frames that he makes are splendid. George makes use of anything that comes his way ranging from egg shells, stones, beads, plywood, and even paper to express his passion for art. All his beautifully crafted pieces (which are available at the moment) cost between 20,000 UgShs (8USD) and 40,000shs (16USD).  

What an industrious youth George is! Let's all support his amazing art project. KiBO Foundation wishes George all the best.

Some of George's pieces

George is a member of the 33rd class of KiBO Foundation, sponsored by Empower African Children, an organization whose mission is to prepare orphaned and vulnerable children for a life time of influence.

To support George's work, you can contact him on +256-777020812 or lgeargewillard@gmail.com. Alternatively, you can contact KiBO Foundation or Empower African Children and ask for George Lukwago.

Here's to youth who are taking initiave..... 

A JOURNEY OF A THOUSAND MILES BEGINS WITH THE FIRST STEP: THE KiBO FOUNDATION & THE UGANDA SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF

It is always interesting to see what happens when a group of committed children with special needs undertake a course in Information Technology. At the Uganda School for the Deaf, eighteen very brilliant young minds are attending a digital literacy program based on INTEL'S EasySteps program supported by the Australian Volunteers for International Development,  designed and implemented by the KiBO Foundation.

This modularized course is aimed at improving everyday computing skills among these children and discussing issues affecting them including their roles in communities. Sitting in the computer class for

the first time, some of these participants were nervous, scared and excited at the same time. “Touching a computer has been one of the best things that has happened to me”, said one of the participants through an interpreter.

Imparting knowledge to these exceptional children using a language that the (KiBO) facilitators did not understand (sign language) was quite challenging. However the commitment, energy, and attention demonstrated by these trainees gave the facilitators the drive to give it their best. These young minds asked questions, helped each other out and were not afraid to express how they felt during the course of the session. The excitement and gratitude expressed by these children at the end of the day showed that something out of the ordinary had been achieved. When asked about what they had learnt, one of the participants, Leticia, spoke so precisely on how she can now turn on a computer, use the keyboard and create folders. She is not the only one who learnt something; the entire class had some kind words towards the program. The interpreter, Mr.Bosa relayed their comments and most of them said, “we want them (the trainers) back because today’s session exposed us to things we never knew”.

A sign language experience for Lilian from KiBO

To these deaf children, it is not only about gaining computer skills. It is about building them as a whole and teaching them relevant life skills as well. The program has just begun, let us wait and see what transformation takes place in their lives at the end. Perhaps the next Steve Jobs is seated in one of these classrooms.

On a final positive note, the KiBO faciltators have learnt much about the indomitable human spirit, perseverance, patience, empathy, a smuttering of sign language and life! The future looks bright....

WE ARE KiBO

This is what it means to be part of the KiBO family. At KiBO, the joy of every youth counts. As KiBO continues to Change Lives & Communities, we bring smiles to the faces of youth through empowering them with skills that help them thrive and make the world a better place for all. KiBO Foundation, No Youth Left Behind.

JOIN US FOR THE GRAND GRADUATION AND SHOWCASE AT KISAASI PRIMARY SCHOOL ON FRIDAY, MAY 30th 2014 FROM 9:00-2:00P.M.

AIMEE MUKARUGIRA: REAPING FROM CRAFTS AND BRACELETS

Aimee is a humble, hardworking and goal driven young Rwandese lady. She is a self employed KiBO alumnus of the 31st class who currently makes exceptionally beautiful crafts and bracelets.

Hers is a story of continuous self improvement against all odds. She stopped her studies in S.4 and then joined an institute for a certificate in Secretarial Studies. She managed to save her pocket money, bought a few materials that enabled her start a crafts Business. This is how she currently earns a living.

HOW SHE KNEW ABOUT KIBO

She was informed about an opportunity to study ICT by a friend at KiBO. She went to the Refugee Law Project where she was then sent to Rubaga Division to apply, and this brief explains how she got to know about KiBO.

KIBO EXPERIENCE:

Aimee expected to gain ICT skills and get a certificate at the end of her KiBO training. However, she got more than just ICT skills.

• ·         She appreciates the new friends she got and the team work spirit that was exhibited during project work.
• ·         Community service enabled her learn how to sensitize communities on good hygienic practices and doing service above self
• ·         She further sharpened her entrepreneurship and saving skills.

A jolly Aimee Mukarugira at KiBO Foundation

Above all, she is so proud to know that her personal participation in every activity is very important in changing lives and communities

Aimee says, “….this program should not stop with us. So many youth need the skills imparted through the KiBO program and should therefore be expanded to different communities. The KiBO program helps people to become better leaders who can effect positive change in their communities for National transformation and development”.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

• ·         Aimee did not believe she could start up a big business for herself. She is grateful for the project planning and management practical sessions she had while at KiBO. The green House project made her see the possibility of doing something bigger than herself.
• ·         The Speaker series and spontaneous class presentation sessions enabled her learn how to speak to people with confidence.
• ·         She has a better self esteem than she had before KiBO.
• ·         Fundraising skills for a genuine cause is another lesson she took home from her KiBO journey
• ·         Aimee has learnt that it’s not always about having a job. Doing voluntary work to make a difference in communities is also important.

LIFE AFTER KIBO

Aimee lives a life full of optimism and hope for a better tomorrow. She applies some of the lessons she learnt from KiBO in her day to day running of business. She has worked hard to build her customer network. She is also using the power of social networking to expand on her customer base.

Aimee has been in position to export some of her crafts and she is so grateful that all these lessons were brought to her attention during the KiBO program. She really appreciates the power of networking in business.  Her customers are members from the neighborhood and community. She is currently developing a business proposal to start up a Crafts shop that portrays the diverse cultures in Uganda.

Aimee is grateful to the George Drew Trust for the opportunity to experience this unique training that KiBO imparts to the youth. This amazing journey has helped her get equipped with skills that have changed her life style, financial status and mindset.

(Article written by Douglas Balikuddembe, Tutor KiBO Foundation)

CALVIN MATOVU: THE KiBO ALUMNUS WHO IS TURNING GARBAGE INTO BRIQUETTES

Calvin is an industrious and creative young man. He runs an environmentally friendly and sustainable project that turns garbage into a product used for cooking. His briquettes business tells a story of patience, focus and resilience.

After hearing about the KiBO program from a youth councilor in Kawempe Division, he decided to join this interesting and challenging journey of contributing to the well being of society. The aspects of Technology, Leadership & Project management are what mainly attracted him to KiBO.

Calvin Matovu passionately talking about Briquettes

While at KiBO, the pillar that had the most impact on his life was Community Service. He was engaged in this activity even before joining the KiBO program. However, the way in which KiBO implements its community service gave him an idea on how to take this back to his community and more especially use it to build his business. The KiBO program gave him proposal writing tips and ideas on how to fundraise for projects. He has managed to receive a grant from Kampala Capital City Authority to further grow his business. He also works with colleagues who have gone through the KiBO program.

When asked about what makes his business survive, he says “Faith and Passion. I love rubbish no matter what other people say”. He continues to say that determination, endurance and good leadership (especially for his staff) are very vital. His inspiration for joining business is Mr Ashish Thakkar, Founder Mara Group.

Calvin looks at KiBO Foundation as a place where he sharpened his critical thinking skills and teamwork abilities. “KiBO has made me a better leader”, he concluded.

KiBO Foundation wishes Calvin Matovu all the best in his business. Calvin will be exhibiting at the KiBO students graduation at Kisaasi Primary School on 30th May 2014.

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.