Highlighting Changemakers - Kisubi Denis
Briefly introduce yourself
My name is Kisubi Denis I live in Kampala, Uganda, Africa. I am the Founder and current Team Leader of a grassroots youth led and youth serving CBO called Give Hope Uganda. It seeks to advance and promote quality and improved health and well-being for adolescents and young people with specific emphasis on promotion of sexual reproductive health and rights, gender equality and empowerment of women and girls, entrepreneurship and skills development.
Why did you choose to become a community activist?
I said 'enough is enough' in 2016 and with health campaign talks and environmental conservation activities I managed to unite my community and bring the spirit of togetherness.
What kind of community work are you involved in?
I do health advocacy, Campaign Advocacy, Culture and Sports Advocacy through Sensitizing, Mobilizing, Dialoguing, Lobbying and Informing my community the challenges affecting them.
What inspires your work?
Young people, listening to their ideas so that we can find solutions together.
Are there some success stories that you can share from your work?
Yes, In October 2018 I joined the 2018 SPEAK! campaign, an initiative of CIVICUS World Alliance, in which we empowered almost 100 girls from three community primary schools to discuss the stigma and discrimination regarding menstrual health management (MHM) and bridge the gap of silence between the girls and their parents. This campaign yielded a lot of partnerships. We registered with Menstrual Health Hub in German who helped the girls stay in school by donating 100 Sanitary Pad kits. Later we registered another partner Books as Bridges International by pairing local with an overseas partner classrooms. The students write and send three or more letters to each other over the course of the academic year allowing for friendships to develop and at the same time strengthening the writing skills of the students.
Any key lessons that you’ve learnt throughout your community work?
I have learnt to be committed, focused and humble. Taking action by following what we love leads to a lifelong passion
What are the main challenges that you encounter?
The biggest challenge is funding. We have been ignored by donors who are looking to work with big organizations yet our capacity is at grassroots. This has limited our day to day running of activities but we do collaborate with other community groups which better helps manage our daily activities.
How can other youth interested in being active in their communities start?
Many fellow youth have become active in our volunteering program where we provide mentorship programs. By setting an example I aim to inspire others.
What do you think is the most important SDG and why?
All the SDGs are important but the most important is Goal 3 - Good Health and Wellbeing.
Any final remarks?
Thank you for the questions. We also work on SDGs 1,2,4, 5 and 13.
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