Mentoring girls for a better tomorrow

RACHEAL NINSIIMA

Aristotle once remarked that “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” This perhaps epitomizes Owek Hajat Rehmah Kasule’s dreams. She is on a crusade to mentor girls so they become great leaders and change agents in society.

“I know and believe that one of you young ladies seated in this room will become the next president of Uganda,” she said attracting a deafening applause.

Kasule is the brainchild of the Rising Stars Mentoring Programme that seeks to create a new generation of economically independent and socially responsible women leaders to enable girls take charge of their destiny.

Last Thursday, she attended a graduation ceremony of over 175 girls from seven girls’ schools - Mbogo, Nabisunsa, St. Mary’s Aboke, Bweranyangi, Tororo Girls, Trinity College Nabbingo and Gayaza High School who sat listening to her attentively. 

The ceremony that was held at Namugongo Vocational Secondary School, followed a holiday camp that took place on December 9-13 at the school.

Victoria Sekitoleko, head of the Speakers Forum and chief guest at the ceremony encouraged the graduands to be ready to answer questions on family planning, women’s rights and sexuality that are bound to come their way.

“When you get out there, you will be confronted with questions like whether one is allowed to sleep with a married man or questions that would test your knowledge on family planning. Unfortunately, these are stories people never tell,” Sekitoleko said.

“As iron sharpens iron and diamond sharpens diamond, you too must be ready to sharpen your communities and Uganda with the skills and knowledge you have attained here.”

She also encouraged those undertaking entrepreneurial projects like hair dressing and baking to pursue them beyond the programme and make them employment avenues.

The graduation ceremony was coloured with poetry and music performances from the graduands.

“Take one step at a time, there’s no need to rush……” echoed Jordin Spark’s hit song throughout the hall as eight girls took to the stage. The essence of the song, which they refer to as ‘maama’s best’ urges them to always remain focused and keep moving if they are to succeed in life.

Then came the public speaking presentations on education, domestic violence and cultural identity that moved people to tears and got some off their chairs – the students had incredible renditions.

Birth of Rising Stars

On May 31 2011, with funding from the US government, CEDA International, a leadership, mentoring and entrepreneurship organization launched the Rising Stars Mentoring Program. It grooms a new generation of social, political and economic leaders to bridge the leadership and employment gap in the country.  Operating under the philosophy that “mentoring is like a candle, one can light up so many candles without losing its glow but creates more light and better heat,” the programme has been embraced by the seven schools.

Under the programme’s entrepreneurship project, the stars formulate project which they will pursue during the holidays and beyond.  

“One thing I know for sure is that your background does not shape your destiny, you have the power to design your future. Go in the direction of your dreams and mentor as many other girls as possible,” Kasule told the attentive crowd.

ninsiima@observer.ug