The Ugandan Community Youth Leadership programme took place in the diocese of Kebale over a period of two weeks from mid-late June 2008. The three Irish youth leaders who organized and co-ordinated this project in conjunction with our partner, Sister Maureen O’Connor and the Diocese of Kebale, were Shane O’Connor, Mark Moran and Niamh Hurley. Mark Moran is currently employed on a full-time basis with YMCA in Dublin; Niamh Hurley is a full time project worker with Foroige and Shane O’Connor is an experienced development education facilitator who has prior knowledge and skills in documentary making and film production. All three leaders have taken part on the “Development Perspectives” project 2007 and have a firm understanding of youth work combined with development education. In May 2008, Mark and Shane embarked on a preparation visit to the village of Kebale where they were warmly welcomed by Sister Maureen and her partners. They decided together on an appropriate and worthwhile programme for the young people of the community.

Holding Hands

The aim of the Ugandan programme was to work alongside the local community sharing Youth leadership skills with a group of 45 young people from the diocese of Kebale. There was a strong emphasis placed on young woman’s health through participation in sport with a focus on gender equality. Another key aspect was the promotion of volunteer work within the community. The three youth leaders who designed this programme have gained first hand knowledge and experience to pass on to the young people they work with on a daily basis and the documentary will act as an educational resource in development education programmes.