Amagezi Gemaanyi Youth Assocation (AGYA)

why it's important:

The loss of human capital represents the largest, most impenetrable barrier to the social, economic, and political development of the African continent. Educated Ugandans line the halls of foreign embassies seeking work in other countries, when teachers, doctors, university professors, lawmakers, artists, and engineers are desperately needed in countries like Uganda. Additionally, the HIV/AIDS epidemic has cut the lives of many talented people short, and left many children parentless without a safe, loving home. The sense of hopelessness that pervades the hearts and spirits of Ugandan youth needs to be counteracted so that the next generation of young people are equipped with the resources and skills to build a better, more just, more prosperous society. My work seeks to alleviate poverty and expand educational opportunities for Ugandan youth, so they can live healthy, productive lives, pursue their dreams, develop their talents and leadership skills, and evolve as socially active, responsible citizens to build a better Uganda, a better Africa, and a better world.

the plan of action:

The project was founded in December 2008 and is now operating as a non-governmental organization in Uganda. Amagezi Gemaanyi operates a community learning center in Lubya that provides outreach, education, and services to more than 200 youth, women, and children living in urban poverty. Daily classes and workshops are open and accessible to all youth, regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion, income level, education level, physical disabilities, or family background.

Within the past 13 months, A.G.Y.A. has successfully implemented a girls scholarship program that connects teenage Ugandan girls with positive role models and mentors, educational facilities and resources that will allow them to become successful female leaders in their communities. Additionally, we have provided nutritious meals and clean drinking water to more than 300 children and youth through our Free Lunch Program. Finally, our After-School program provides our members with a nurturing learning environment featuring tutoring and innovative arts and educational classes including computer skills, language training, textiles and fashion design, jewelry-making, poetry and creative writing, art, dance and music, photography, film and media. By participating in the After-School Program, youth have improved their English writing and communication skills, expanded their vocabulary, understood advanced grammatical concepts, and significantly improve their reading comprehension skills and computer proficiency, and elevated their level of cultural awareness through networking with our international volunteers.
Moving forward, I plan to continue seeking grants and private donations so that AGYA can focus on sustaining our programs. I want to construct a permanent facility in the village of Kyewanula, where AGYA Staff will offer programming and housing for vulnerable children and youth living in rural poverty and operate a community garden and raise livestock such as goats, chicken, and cows; generating enough foodstuffs to fully sustain our Free Lunch Program and feed more than 1,000 children annually; and I want to acquire the land deed to our present rented premises in Lubya, a 2-story, 14 room, 4 bathroom facility, in order to free our future leadership from the financial burden of renting, and solidify our commitment to having a long-term presence in the Lubya community. I love my work, and am constantly re-inspired and renewed by the agape love, hope, passion, and generosity of the youth I serve. One of my favorite quotes comes from Albert Einstein who said: “the world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing”. I believe that, rather than sitting by silently and idly, young people should look within themselves, identify their passion and “do something” to educate and empower others. If we all did that, the world would be a much better place.

how you can get involved:

AGYA has outlined several ways that volunteers can get involved on our website. Check them out here: http://agyainternational.org/get-involved/donate-funds/

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