Joel Kidega address a group of Uganda youth
This week I sat down with Joel Kidega, Coordinator of A4A Uganda’s Youth Outreach Program. Joel is originally from Kitgum District, northern Uganda. He has previously worked with four different NGOs focused on youth. He has worked across northern Uganda—in Kitgum, Lira and Gulu. He has 2 sons.
Joel, when did you start working with A4A?
I started working with the organization in July 2009. I was working for another organization but wanted to get back to working with youth and A4A provided that opportunity.
Why do you think the Youth Outreach Program is important?
In terms of programming, little is being done to target the youth of northern Uganda. Other than youth centres, A4A is the only NGO targeting youth in four different districts. Change starts with the youth of our time. They were the most affected by the conflict in the recent years and it makes reconciliation among this population very important. That’s why I joined A4A. The youth need assistance. All too often, you see youth becoming heads of family, co-habiting, and most lack a means of production to provide for their family. They need a lot of help in terms of life skills.
What do you like best about working with youth in northern Uganda?
I enjoy working with the youth because they are so active and want to participate in the programs. They are longing for programs that will help change their lives and A4A is trying to assist them. Their participation is very positive and I just love working with the youth in northern Uganda.
What challenges do you think still face northern Uganda?
Key problems such as poverty, HIV/AIDS and early marriages are still present throughout northern Uganda. In terms of programming though, there are still inadequate programs directed towards youth. There are many expectations from the community and there are just not enough programs to accommodate everyone.
I think many youth in northern Uganda need more comprehensive income-generating, HIV/AIDs education, and literacy programs. The dropout rate in primary school is still high because of things such as school fees and family responsibility. Female youth are most at risk of dropping out due to early pregnancy, which happened frequently while living in the IDP camps.
Why are sport and cultural activities important to youth in northern Uganda?
Sport and cultural activities are a source of learning and it brings people together in northern Uganda. The youth are looking for sources of activity and do not want to continue to be idle. Through our programming, the youth can also receive information in this format. It reduces their time for participation in things that are unproductive. Not only does it help communities with reconciliation, it is a source of leisure and keeps them healthy.
– Andrea McKinlay is a former GuluWalk organizer and employee at Athletes for Africa. She is now working on the ground in northern Uganda with one of A4A’s local partners. Contact her here or post a comment below.
