KiBO Foundation JAN - JUNE NEWS LETTER_v5

PAGE 2: K iBO TACKLES YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT

PAGE 6: K iBO, THE NEXT BIG THING

PAGE 10: EMPOwErING COMMUNITIES fOr LIfE

PAGE 12: LESSONS IN LEADErSHIP

BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS FOR SUSTAINABILITY page 6

OUT AND ABOUT: KiBO ACTIVITIES page 13

KiBO PARTNERS WITH KCCA TO SUPPORT YOUTH page 3

JAN - JUN 2013KiBOFOUNDATIONChanging Lives Changing Communities

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EXCITING NEW PARTNERSHIPUN-HABITAT-KCCA-KiBO initative provides opportunities for Kampala youth

Dr. Judith Tukahiriwa, Deputy Executive Director of KCCA hands over a graduation certificate to Eron Nagawa. The ceremony provided a forum to celebrate a new partnership between UN Habitat, KCCA and KiBO. The KiBO Foundation will provide leadership, ICT, and entrepreneurial training to more then 350 youth over a 6 month period.

KiBO NEWSLETTER JAN-JUN 2013 PAGE 3

“I thought that as a graduate there was nothing new to learn. I learned how to be a leader”- Marion Nalikka (standing), engaging in forum theatre at the KiBO foundation


when KiBO was selected to participate in the Ministry of Education and Sports Non Formal Training Program three years ago, no one could have predicted the

astounding success that would become synonymous with the organization. “we decided that we would focus on information communication technology which is one of the pillars of the KiBO programme. In our first year of participation our hard work paid off as we had a 100% score”, says KiBO Managing Director, Abraham Temu. KiBO has achieved an average pass rate of 95% over a three year period since the programme started in 2010. Implemented by the Directorate of Industrial Training (DIT) the program is designed to respond to the problem of unemployment and lack of certified skills for youth across the country. Participating organizations are required to ensure practical skills transfer to trainees. In the global context, unemployment has become a pressing challenge with The Economist stating that “the number of young people out of work globally is nearly as big as the population of the United States” (April 26th, print edition)

The publication noted that key factors to increasing employability include improving the content of education; narrowing the gap between what students study and practical on the job work

(Continued from page 1)

Editorial

While addressing KiBO’s 26th graduating class Abraham Temu, quoted a speech delivered by his mentor Arthur Labatt. Labatt first wrote and delivered the speech in 2011 at a convocation ceremony at the University of Toronto where he was receiving an honorary Doctor of Law Degree; the speech is now also published in his memoirs. For more details on the book please see page 5.

“As you move forward; listen carefully to people who have your best interests at heart. Be fair and gracious with your colleagues and even with your competitors. Treat everyone the way you’d like to be treated. Give of yourself without expecting something in return. Today you are celebrating a major milestone in your life - at each turn will come a pressing need; to learn new ways of thinking; to approach problems with an open mind; to temper whatever you think - and whatever you do with true compassion for others.Congratulations to each and every one of you.”

Marion Nalikka, 25, is a social work graduate from Uganda Christian University, Mukono. Unable to find a job with

an NGO, she decided to work at a grocery store in her neighbourhood. Often when opportunities arose to try another field of work, Marion declined to apply, fearful that she could not possibly pass the job interview. Disillusioned about not being able to find a job immediately, Marion visited KCCA offices for more information on the government youth fund. Although she was not able to access the fund she learned of a more promising opportunity at KiBO foundation where youth were being given technology, entrepreneurial and leadership skills training.

At KiBO Marion feels she has gained something that she cannot get anywhere else. “I used not to believe in myself, but they’ve nurtured us into such brave leaders. KiBO enables you to know who you are.”

In addition to the invaluable computer skills, Marion has also discovered that she can make a difference in her community. As part of the training KiBO students engage in leadership projects that directly benefit their community. “ When we went to the missionaries of the poor, I was touched by the sight of all those needy, hurting people. Our project made a difference in those people’s lives, it was a humbling experience.” Marion is now employed as a customer service representative at a super market.

Osthman Mubiru (above), 19, was a first year student studying Adult and Community Development when

his family ran into financial difficulties and could no longer support Osthman’s college studies. He learned about the KiBO training opportunity while at KCCA where he had gone to inquire about the government youth fund to start his own business. Instead he was asked to apply for an entrepreneurial and technology training at KiBO, and he was admitted to the program.

“ My first day at KiBO was at the beach, and I was confused. When you hear of ICT, you think of something big. So when they took us to the beach on the first day, talking about team building I wasn’t sure I was in the right place.” with no option but to remain in the KiBO program, Osthman eventually grew to love KiBO.

“The approach is down to earth and the learning environment is friendly.” Osthman says he feels he has grown as an individual. . “Community service opened me to the need in Uganda. I realized there’s a lot we have to do for our community. It made me love my community more, and I kept asking myself; what can I give back?”

Osthman, a professional basketball player is now planning to start a youth basketball club which will not just be a sports club but an organization where they can improve the lives of the community around them through need focused projects.

Solving the global challenge of youth unemploymentPROUDLY MADE IN UGANDA

KiBO students engage in community service work every week, inspiring youth across Kampala to lead the change they want to see in their neighbourhoods.

while improving linkages between vocational schools and companies to build relevant skills. KiBO foundation works to inspire youth to see the world as a place they can influence and affect for their own good and not as a place that owes them. we are doing this through honing leadership skills, giving back to the community and transfer of high quality information communication technology skills. For the last 7 years the rate of employability of KiBO students has been at 95% within the first year of exit from the KiBO programme.

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WORDS FROM MY MENTOR UN-HABITAT-KCCA-KiBO initative provides opportunities for Kampala youth

KiBO NEWSLETTER JAN-JUN 2013 PAGE 4 KiBO NEWSLETTER JAN-JUN 2013 PAGE 5

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following the completion of the KiBO training programme, 7 KCCA youth joined hands to realize a shared dream. The idea was to start an ushering services company. Inspiration

for the group came from internship work done at a hotel during a KiBO community project fundraiser. The ushering was exciting as they often met many different people during the events and the hotel staff were appreciative of their services.

One of the members of the group, Andrew Muzoora, mobilized his friends, shared the idea with them and they all agreed it was something they would love to do. Already the team has worked at several events including weddings and graduations and continually reinvests the money earned in meeting business costs like purchase of uniforms, registration of the company and transportation.

The ushering company is named AKACEA, derived from the initials of all the members first names. Andrew, Kevin, Annet, Carol, Evaline, Eron and Augustine.

The JourneyThe team markets their services by distributing business cards

to friends, family and fellow alumni. They have also received support from KiBO foundation for meeting space until they can find their own location.

A rewarding experienceAKACEA is glad to have received encouraging support from everyone around them. The fact that people believe in them has provided a huge boost to their efforts. As youth, they are also proud to have come up with the something as big as this especially going against all odds. (All the members enrolled in this group are high school graduates who have not yet had the opportunity to progress to University.)

The biggest challenge that the team faces, as with many startups, is identifying a regular source of working capital to stay afloat and manage operations efficiently. Competing with established companies is a feat but the team is optimistic that in a few years the business will have stabilized and they will be able to create jobs for unemployed youth in Uganda. for now, AKACEA is enjoying the opportunity to be able to serve a wide range of people and earn from it.

Members of the AKACEA ushering company formed by 7 KiBO alumni from the 26th Class. Pictured here at a wedding at Graceland hotel on Ggaba Road, Ggaba. From left to right:

RecommendedKIBO FOUNDATION READINg PICKS

A letter from Nicky Blundell Brown to her godmother, about her visit to KiBO Foundation

Arthur Labatt, KiBO Foundation founding Chair, candidly describes his illustrious business career, family, history and why he and his wife Sonia, feel inspired to give back to various foundations and charities. An inspirational read about a man who has successfully combined business with social good.

“It was completely unthinkable that when we were there two years ago with KIBO’s Chair, Brad, that we would be having the meetings we had two years later to share the KIBO experiences and partnerships that we did!’ Abraham’s and Paul’s smiling faces were at the airport and we went straight from there into a meeting with Hital Muraj, the Business Development and Corporate Social Responsibility Manager for CISCO.

That was the most amazing brain-storming session and witnessing Hital’s commitment to KIBO. This was a foretaste of the subsequent meetings in the next 3 days, all representing opportunistic partnerships using the KIBO programme. Each meeting ‘fed’ into the next so by my last morning, we, Abraham, June, Natalie and I, were quite a quartet and had such fun presenting KIBO.

June is always such an asset at any meeting with her unique presence, enthusiasm, commitment and insights she is able to carry the excitement and guarantee next steps/follow up, in a way which will inflate the bank balance in the months ahead. And Natalie Bay is also such a special soul, and KIBO so fortunate to have her with them for six months. It was also obvious from her interaction with the staff who she spends most of her time with, that they really appreciate her. Hearing the vision and operations of KIBO direct from Abraham, illustrates how KIBO is what it is today. It is the best ‘vitamin shot’ to have time with him and having worked with him at AMREF I always appreciate the continuity and seeing him achieve some of his many dreams. Hopefully it will be possible to meet with Hital in Kenya and develop ideas to bring the KIBO ‘legacy’ to the wider scope of East Africa’s youth.” Nicky Blundell BrownFriends of AMREF Co-ordinator

KiBO NEWSLETTER JAN-JUN 2013 PAGE 7KiBO NEWSLETTER JAN-JUN 2013 PAGE 6

THE NEXT BIG THINGWhy June Sommers believes KiBO is Uganda’s gift to the world

June is effusive, alert, and raving to talk even after only a few hours of sleep on an early bird flight from

Toronto, Canada.

“I had 3 big bags during the airport check-in from Toronto and the airport policy was 2 bags only. They were going to charge me $200 for the extra bag. I handed the flight attendant my Foundation card and told her: ‘Those two bags have my personal effects. The large bag you see there has gifts for the foundation I’m going to visit. Could you possibly make an exception?’” June she was allowed to check in with all 3 bags. According to her, a good cause is worth endeavoring for, and KiBO is at the heart of all her endeavors.

An award winning real estate agent in Canada, June is also the Vice Chair of the KiBO foundation supporting the fundraising effort for the organization which she believes is Uganda’s gift to the world. “I am passionate about KiBO because I believe that we are preparing Ugandan youth to face the global challenge of unemployment. Youth worldwide are disenfranchised because they cant find jobs that match the skill set required for the world today.”

“So what’s different about KiBO? There are plenty of youth training centres”.

June smiles: “KiBO is the next big thing. The difference is that KiBO is training youth for the jobs that are available. Unlike previous decades where graduates got hired on

a degree, we’re inspiring KiBO students to sell themselves, through confidence building and helping them realize they have what they need to be successful through a change of attitude.”

June is quick to note that social media platform Twitter, is a great example of how the global economy has changed- no longer requiring verbosity but brevity in expression. “The key thing for youth today is that they have to express a winning idea in a short time frame Every single person regardless of what they are doing

has to be selling themselves constantly, and quickly.”

“Why does KiBO work?”“The KiBO programme is built on three foundational tenets: technology skills, the

We’re inspiring KiBO students to believe in themselves,

through confidence building, we help them realize they have what they need to be successful

through a change of attitude“June Sommers (holding portrait) with KiBO staff during her June visit to the Foundation.

Conversations with June Sommers

discipline of work and giving back to the community. It transforms the mindset of the individual from ‘what can I get or who can help me?’ to ‘what can I do and who can I help?’ It inspires action. This is a model that we want to see replicated worldwide.

You visit KiBO frequently. What keeps bringing you back? I have an unusual attachment to Uganda. There is no place in the world that I feel more kindness, warmth and welcome than when I am back here. Growing up as a young girl we were raised with the belief that to give back is a law of life, literally. It enriches your own life. If I can support even one KiBO student to become a change leader through fundraising support for KiBO programmes, this is refreshing and fulfilling for me.

What changes do you see from your last visit 2 years ago?I am delighted that 1500 or so young people have graduated from KiBO of which 95% already have employment. further to that, we are a Cisco Academy and our staff are trainers of trainers for all the Cisco Community Knowledge Centres so KiBO is becoming a centre of excellence.I also had the honour of signing the agreement between UN HABITAT for HUMANITY and KiBO to train youth for KCCA - this private-public partnership is promising as it is setting a model that can be used all over the world to address global youth unemployment.

Our staff have matured! It is such a delight to see how capable they have become-some of them were students when I was last

here. And of course it is always good to see that good financial practices are being implemented within the organization. What was the highlight of your visit?The reception that I received from KiBO staff, old friends of KiBO and new friends was almost overwhelming at times. They were genuinely appreciative of the effectiveness of our program and were enthusiastic about spreading the word. we now have a strong presence in the community.

I was touched by the money that has been raised by each class for charities of their choice and the pride our students felt in having done this. They really believe that we are all our brothers keeper .

Conversations with June Sommers


The International Development Research Center (IDRC) is a Crown Corporation that supports research in developing countries. IDRC sponsored a study of the KiBO Foundation conducted by Makerere University in March, 2011.

Empower African Children was launched in 2006 to work with children in Uganda and striving to provide a fresh approach that unlocks the potential of a new generation of leaders through experiential learning. All EAC Children are sponsored to the KiBO program on completion of their high school

Acumen is a social enterprise that raises charitable donations to invest in companies, leaders and ideas that are changing the way we tackle poverty. Abraham Temu, KiBO MD is an Acumen Fellow and KiBO staff are actively involved in the Acumen Leadership Essentials program

EY (Ernst & Young) is one of the largest professional service firms in the world, through Emerging World a leadership development organization, senior staff at EY (UK) worked on a leadership assignment with KiBO

The municipal offices in Entebbe will be home to one of the 6 community Knowledge Centres where KiBO is Uganda’s lead implementing partner with Cisco. During her visit to Uganda June Sommers (extreme left), KiBO’s Vice-Chair had an opportunity to inspect the facilities at the new centre along with His Worship the Mayor of Entebbe Vincent Kayanja, Sarah Nabirye the Manager of the Centre, and KiBO staff members Natalie Bay and Abraham Temu

Building partnerships for sustainability

The George Drew Trust set-up in memory of George Drew has graciously sponsored over 40 youth from Rwanda to KiBO programs since 2011

Alexander Forbes is a leading financial services provider, specializing in short-term and long-term insurance, health, retirement and multi-manager investment solutions. Alexander Forbes has generously sponsored the development and production of KiBO print materials

Featured partners

638people reached

8Districts covered

7average number of trainers

9 Number of local languages used

The numbers rose (names changed) sat quietly among the seventy-seven trainees that had been selected for the district training. After introductions, Nicholas Ochen, one of the KiBO trainers, recognized her as an old classmate. (Nicholas was originally sponsored to

the KiBO program by Empower African Children a KiBO partner.)He remembered her to be a lovely energetic girl, but now she was reserved and did not participate enthusiastically. She seemed to shy away probably because the last thing she wanted was for a former classmate and friend to know that she is HIV positive.

Nicholas approached her during the break on day one, to attempt to make her feel more comfortable. He discovered that when rose contracted HIV in 2010, she lived in denial, refusing to go for treatment. However as the symptoms worsened she agreed to go for testing, confirming her worst fears. She was HIV positive. She had a harsh reality to face. A high school dropout she had failed to find a job. She bitterly blamed employers’ bias towards her HIV status. During the training sessions, Nicholas firmly pointed out that self-pity was not an option and advised her to apply for jobs she was qualified for.

Since the program ended, Nicholas has been tracking Rose progress. She has developed an attainable Personal Action Plan (as they were taught in the KiBO sessions) and has began implementing it, a skill she acquired from the training.

rose has also started her own chapati frying business and later added mandazi, a popular local doughnut. She has secured a contract to supply a neighbouring hotel with snacks and food, and her profit has since risen from 7 to 20,000 UGX daily, which she uses to support her family. rose also received a scholarship to return to school to pursue a

Picture: A KiBO trainer engages trainees in team building activities

Beyond pity to opportunity: Rose’s hope

Scope of the KiBO ‘Now and Beyond’ project

The KiBO vision does not know boundaries. In early 2013, KiBO trainers dispersed across 8 districts in Uganda to conduct simultaneous trainings in local languages aimed at building self-confidence and giving practical

skills to adolescents, young adults, Commercial Sex Workers (CSWs) and HIV discordant couples. These vulnerable groups are often susceptible to low esteem, marginalization, and societal disadvantages. The role of KiBO trainers included impartation of life skills-- good communication, community focused activities and attitude change. The initiative was supported by IDI as project initiator, CSf as funders, and KiBO as the project implementers.

NOW AND BEYOND PROJECTEmpowering vulnerable communities across Uganda

“I came with no hope of doing anything for my self since I am HIV positive. But after this training, I have discovered great potential in me and my hope has been rejuvenated. Once an opportunity comes, I’m planning to start up a business,”

Participant, Mubende District.

7.3% of Uganda’s popu-lation between the ages of 15-49 are living with HIV/AIDS. There are approximately 129,000 new infections every year.

9,770 of those people are receiving care from the Infectious Disease Institute’s (IDI) Mulago Clinic.

600 + individuals were empowered by KiBO training to create and accomplish their life dreams

KiBO NEWSLETTER JAN-JUN 2013 PAGE 11KiBO NEWSLETTER JAN-JUN 2013 PAGE 10

ALUMNI UPDATES

JAnICE ARYAnYIJUKAJanice is working with Hima Cement Mbarara branch as a Point control Officer. She recently graduated with a Bachelors in Business Finance at Makerere University.

HADIJAH BATTEHadijah started up a garments business on bustling Kampala Road, only 3 weeks after her graduation from KiBO

MAUREEn nAnTOnGOMaureen is currently volunteering with AnPPCAn Uganda, studying for a Degree in Social Work & Social Administration, is serving on the student board of at Uganda Christian University Mukono and is an Empower African Children Youth.

StellA NANte KASibANteStella is a sought after professional actress and stand-up comedian. She has recently completed a Bachelors degree at Makerere University.

KiBO 22nd Class

KiBO 23rd Class

KiBO 14th Class

KiBO 21st Class

ACTIVITIES

FACEBOOK COMMENTSThe months I spent at KiBO were the most positive, impactful moments in both social conduct and hopeful hard work I have ever got in my life. I am so happy that many youth like me are continuing to be guided and taught by the same tutors at KiBO Foundation

Richard Walusimbi

I wish all people can visit KiBO. Communities and cultures would have discovered their potential to develop themselves and also transform the lives of people.Wilson Mugoya

Regan Tukamwesiga says he is lucky to be a ‘KiBOlet’, a former KiBO student. Now a KiBO staff member Regan says at KiBO he feels “free to discover his creativity”. More important though, he has found mentors who have helped him clarify his vision of what he wants to do in life-entrepreneurship. Today he is leading projects such as the recently concluded IDI project where he led a district

team.

“One of the things we learn at KiBO is service beyond self. You appreciate and learn to work for free, and to be a problem solver.” He does not take for granted the vast number of people from different backgrounds he has interacted with because of KiBO. “This has given me invaluable people skills, how to deal with different people and group dynamics.”reagan recalls of an incident in Hoima, during a project around 8 districts in the country, when a 56-year old man refused to play ‘the crate game’ that reagan had introduced to help build team spirit. reagan participated and let the man watch others fail and try again. As he watched them try and retry and fail countless times and finally win, he decided he could also give it a try.

“From KiBO I learned a lesson-when you fail, go back, plan, try again. Just because you can’t achieve it the first time doesn’t mean you can’t try again. To see others fail helps you know your failure is normal, to see them win encourages you to know you too can.”

regan says the most important thing being a KiBOlet has taught him is that “one cannot sit on the side and ‘lead’ a team, the best way to lead is to be part of the action.”

REGAN TUKAMWESIGA: LESSONS IN LEADERSHIP

“[You] cannot sit on the side and ‘lead’ a team, the best way to lead is to be part of the action.”Reagan Tukamwesiga, (centre) guides new KiBO students during a team building activity

Top: KiBO students during their weekly community service where they clean up communities; bottom, KiBO students during a team building activity


Profile KiBO out and about

NEWS & EVENTS

UPCOMING EVENTS LAUNCH OF THE KiBO ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

Graduands of the 25th KiBO class celebrate their success


REACH US Regional HeadquartersLujumwa HousePlot 796 Nkuzongere Rd, KansangaKampala, UgandaTel: +256 414 266 917Email: [email protected]: www.kibofoundation.comFacebook: www.facebook.com/kibofoundation

KiBO E-newsletterKiBO has an e-newsletter! Stay up to date with KiBO events, speaker series, opportunities and news by subscribing to our e-newsletter.Send an email to: [email protected]

Natalie Bay and Florence Mukasa, KiBO staff headed a team which officially launched the KiBO Alumni Association on June 29th at the KiBO Foundation offices tapping into the expressed interest by several KiBO alumni. The association will provide a platform for alumni to engage further with KiBO by providing professional support, capacity building and quality assurance in program delivery. The association will also seek to strengthen KiBO’s work in the community through needs identification.

ABOUT THE KiBO FOUNDATIONKiBO Foundation is a Social Enterprise, registered as an NGO in Uganda in 2007 with its regional offices in Kansanga, Kampala. The KiBO vision “changing communities, changing lives, one partnership at a time” is focused on developing self-sustaining, replicable community centred initiatives. KiBO Foundation’s flagship program called the ICT (Information and Communications Technology) and Leadership program is a transformative model that aims at equipping youth with the skill set to develop community centred initiatives and opportunities.

SMART WAYS TO PARTNER WITH KiBO

>>Inspire our youth, become a KiBO speaker>>Give a lifeline, sponsor youth to the KiBO program

>>Make a difference, fundraise for KiBO>>Build the next generation, create internship

July/August 2013• KiBO Walk-a-thon: July 20th, 2013 7am - 1pm • Intel Easy Steps programme launch: August 3rd 2013• CISCO IT Essentials: August 5th 2012• 1st Official Alumni event : August 10th • Visiting professionals at work: July 16th 2013, WizArts• Speaker series: Every Friday @ KiBO: 9am-12pm

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