Invitation to participate in the Intergenerational Dialogue (IGD)in Kasese-Uganda, September 21st, 2024

Hello IRAGUHA BANDORA! August marked Youth Month and we celebrated the International Youth day on 12th August 2023. We also  took it as an opportunity to amplify the voices, skills, and talents of young people through the Right Here Right Now (RHRN) project. This is an advocacy project designed to ensure that young people have access to accurate Sexual Reproductive Health information and services and create a Uganda where their identity and rights are respected and cherished.  Engaging Young People through Conversations and Skills Development. In August, we hosted a variety of activities aimed at connecting and empowering young people. These activities were designed to highlight their understanding of SRHR and equip them with essential skills for personal and financial growth. X-Space Discussions & Podcast Recordings: A platform was provided to young people to voice their opinions and share their understanding of critical SRHR topics. Their diverse perspectives were captured and will inform future advocacy efforts. We were-able to have 242 people tune in for the space and  have 118 views for the podcast. Youth Skills Showcase: We put out an online call (#MySkillsMyPride) for young people to demonstrate their talents, offering a chance for the winner to join the Peer Educators Academy for free. Additionally, the winner will participate in the Ikon Filmmakers Fellowship, a platform where young creatives learn to tell impactful stories. This is part of our continued effort to ensure young people are not only skilled but also financially empowered and able to make informed life choices. RHRN Activities: Empowering Young People in School and Beyond Alliance Week Peer Learning Session In collaboration with the SRHR Alliance, we facilitated peer learning sessions using our Kwiso Mu Cinema initiative. By filming short films, we sparked meaningful discussions among students about the SRHR challenges they face. We also held community screenings of Sabotage and Kyaddala, using these films to start important conversations around sexual and reproductive health in Uganda. RAHU School Clubs in Kabarole and Kasese   Our Reach A Hand Uganda (RAHU) clubs in schools across Kabarole and Kasese continue to empower students through peer-led SRHR sessions. These clubs provide safe spaces for students to learn, discuss, and engage with critical SRHR topics, building their confidence to make informed decisions about their health and future. These clubs were placed in the hands of trained teachers as Patrons. These were trained in 2023 by the Ministry of Education and Sport (MOES) on how to dispense sexuality education and handle SRH issues among students with care. Thus creating a supportive environment for students in school. Upcoming in September: Dialogue and Engagement for Change The Power of Cultural and Community Dialogues We have exciting activities lined up for September under the Right Here Right Now project; We will hold cultural dialogues that focus on youth social accountability in the Rwenzori region to bridge the gap between traditional practices and modern SRHR needs. In Tooro Kingdom, engagement of stakeholders through the cultural celebrations of Ekyoto Ha Mpango. In Kasese District, through the cultural gala at the Thelujji Festival which targets engagement of the Rwenzululu kingdom. Intergenerational Dialogue in Kasese In partnership with Save the Children Uganda, Reach A Hand Uganda will host the Intergenerational Dialogue (IGD) under the theme "Uniting Generations: Tackling Gender Inequality and SRH Issues in Uganda."   The IGD provides a vital platform for young people to engage with leaders and policymakers on pressing issues related to sexual and reproductive health (SRH), gender equality, and the challenges faced by adolescents in Uganda. With a significant portion of Uganda’s population being under the age of 30, it is crucial to continue engagement on how to address the unique needs and concerns of this demographic, particularly in the context of health and well-being. Given the challenges young people face ranging from high rates of teenage pregnancy and HIV infections to gender-based violence the IGD aims to foster dialogue that bridges the gap between generations. It is an opportunity to ensure that the voices of young people are not only heard but also considered in shaping the policies that impact their lives.  The Chief Guest will be Her Royal Highness the Queen of Rwenzururu Kingdom. Call to Action: Skilling Young People for a Brighter Future The future belongs to skilled, empowered young people. As we continue to advance sexual reproductive health and rights, it's crucial that we also integrate skills development into SRHR projects. This holistic approach ensures that young people are not only informed about their health but also equipped with the tools they need to thrive financially and make better life choices.