Monday 8th July 2019, Kampala, Uganda
The Minister for Gender Labour and Social Development, Hon. Janat Mukwaya has on Monday 8th July 2019 officially opened a one week girl’s Camp organized by ISESCO in partnership with Uganda National Commission for UNESCO and Kampala International University dubbed ‘the camp of excellence for mentoring girls in human development’ running from 8th -14th of July 2019. In a message delivered by Prof. Eriabu Lugujjo, the Chairperson of Uganda National Commission for UNESCO and ISESCO board, he called upon young girls and youth to take up careers in scientific fields and become educationists. He decried poor representation of women at schools and universities and the notion that woman cannot succeed in the field of sciences.
He emphasized the desire to empower communities (girls) through the camp together with a call to harness their potential through education and skills development so that they can become productive citizens of the world who are culturally responsive to their respective communities and countries. He implored the participants to embrace the five pillars of education namely: learning to be, learning to know, learning to do, learning to learn and learning to live together. He pointed out further that the future is now and the participants must aspire to be agents of change in their communities.
Participants pose for a group photo at the Camp, Kampala International University (KIU)
“We are here today because of the imperatives of Sustainable Development Goals 4 and 5 [i.e. trying to transform our communities by ensuring quality education and gender equality] more so, the intrusive challenges surrounding gender parity.” The Minister noted.
He reiterated the commitment of the government of Uganda towards girl’s empowerment through education and skills development.
The Vice Chancellor of the Kampala International University (KIU) Dr. Mouhamad Mpezamihigo emphasized the need for sharing human resources as a way of fostering peaceful coexistence. He implored participants to think wisely in this digital age and invest in technology.
The Secretary General, Uganda National Commission for UNESCO and ISESCO (UNATCOM) Ms. Rosie Agoi delivered a special message on behalf of ISESCO, the main convener of the camp who underlined the importance of girls´ empowerment and involvement in innovation as leaders of the future. ISESCO believes in the high potential of girls and stated that the camp will create lifelong friendships that will help the participants in their future careers.
She stated that ISESCO’s areas of intervention are Education, Culture, Social and Human Sciences, Natural Sciences and Communication and Information and the theme for this year’s camp cuts across all and emphasizes the importance of all the programmes. She urged the girls to take the activities of the camp seriously in order to achieve a lasting difference. “The skills and knowledge gained at the end of the camp should be brought back to the communities where you come from so that they too can benefit from your being here.” Rosie cried out.
The seven (7) day event has brought together participants from 3 African countries of Nigeria, Sudan and Uganda. A number of activities have been lined up to engage the participants during the duration of the Camp, they include; excursions to the National Mosque in Kampala, Islamic University in Uganda, paintings, Uganda National Museum, gaming sessions, cinemas among others.
Rector Islamic University in Uganda Dr. Ahmed Kawesa Sengendo (left), Secretary General UNATCOM Ms. Rosie Agoi, Prof. Lugujjo Eriabu Chairperson UNESCO Board, Dr. Mouhamad Mpezamihigo of KIU (right) during girl’s Camp.