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| Future of Africa is committed to increase student's understanding of issues they learn
about Africa and also giving students a chance to develop a personal
connection to the issues relating to at-risk youth and children.
Journey for Change is geared towards providing opportunities for
participants to experience selected countries in Africa on first-hand
bases. These opportunities provide participants with life changing
experiences and generate more insight into different cultures and ways
of life. Participants also gain empowerment by realizing how much
potential they have to make a difference.
Through Journey for
change, students are able to apply theoretical aspects of their
education to practical situations, therefore making students achieve an
all round knowledge.
Participants of Journey for Change get the
opportunity to listen, observe and understand the life experiences of
natives of selected countries which will ultimately enable us to
determine projects to undertake to make a difference.
Journey for Change 2009 (Uganda)
Seven students from Wilfrid Laurier University took part in 10 week Journey to Uganda from May-July 2009. On
this journey Future of Africa was hosted by Peace for All International
a grass-root NGO based in Arua. The first week of this journey was
spent in Kampala learning about urban life in Uganda and adjusting to
conditions in the country. The next nine weeks were spent in Arua, a
rural area North of Uganda. Participants implemented and managed
different projects such as:
 Sports Project: Participants provided sports equipments and organized sessions where children and youth
came out to play. There was basic peace building components attached to
these sessions to teach the children and youth values such as
non-violence, sportsmanship, effective communication etc.
Chicken Coop Project:
Some of the money raised by participants was used in the building of a
chicken coop and purchasing thousand chicks. The project serves as a
training ground for women to gain knowledge and skill s on management. This project is also geared towards providing a source of income to help sustain future projects PFAI undertakes.
Gender Empowerment Project: Some participants of JFC traveled to Pader an area severely
devastated by Lords Resistance Army (LRA). Participants donated money
to women groups who are engaging in small scale projects that are geared
towards building the community and supporting each other with basic
needs. This contributes to the building of
confidence and increasing solidarity amongst women, necessary to
eradicate the gender based inequality and injustices women in the
region face.
Internet Café Project:
Participants of JFC purchased 6 laptop computers and raised some funds
to contribute towards building an internet café. This project is
providing the Arua community with a faster and affordable internet
services.
There is an educational component to this project which
includes training youth and children to gain basic computer and
internet knowledge. Profits from this project is directed towards
improving existing projects and also generating new projects for Peace
for All International.
Aside the projects, Some participants
got the chance to pursue personal goals such as interacting with the
community, building networks, learning about the state of health care
in Arua and the structure of the society and country at large.
FOA
is making plans for a Journey for Change 2011. If you are interested or
willing to know more about this committee or to get involved, please click here...
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