Network for Africa partner interviewed by the BBC World Service

Agnes Nyaga at counselling training sessions for 

Patongo Counselling Community Outreach, an N4A-supported program.

Today, the BBC World Service aired an interview with Agnes Nyaga, the Programme Officer of Network for Africa's community program in northern Uganda.  Agnes is a former child soldier, having been kidnapped by the Lord's Resistance Army as a teenager.  Hear her story and the amazing work she and others in Patongo are doing to rebuild their community.

Listen to Agnes on the BBC World Service.

N4A celebrates International Women's Day

"The world is awakening to a powerful truth: Women and girls aren’t the problem; they’re the solution." - Nicholas Kristof

Network for Africa is honored to work with women who have overcome great odds to create productive, meaningful lives.  We have witnessed women with nothing but determination create change in their communities.  We applaud their tenacity, and their commitment to give their children better chances than they had, including the opportunity of education.  They are changing the world one step at a time.  


Thanks to all of you who have shown your support of vulnerable women by giving to Network for Africa's projects.  You are part of long-lasting, positive change.  May you celebrate that this Women's Day.

Perspective

Recently Network for Africa founder Rebecca Tinsley visited a school for deaf children in Rwanda, which N4A helps support.  She related this anecdote from her visit:

I met all six classes, and independent of each other, each group of kids came up with the same deaf signing name for me: a gesture pointing at the fringe of hair that flops over my forehead. I guess that's the one thing that differentiates me from them, apart from skin color.

There is a tendency for those in the West to sometimes feel that our lives are so far removed from those of people in developing countries.  But even these Rwandan children, many of whom are ostracized because in their culture deafness is believed to be a curse from God, know that not much of significance separates us from each other.

To learn more about Network for Africa’s work in Rwanda and Uganda and how you can help support our projects, visit our website: http://Network4Africa.org.

Helping women improve their lives: a photo essay

The leadership team (above) of Aspire, the year-long educational training program for women that Network for Africa supports in Rwanda, has created "Aspire in Photos": a photographic essay of Aspire's activities from October 2010-December 2011.  These photos were taken by Aspire leaders and participants.  Please enjoy the images, knowing that your support has helped make these life-changing activities possible.

Breast cancer awareness

Education about breast cancer and self-checking is provided.

Community work
Participation in "umuganda" - a monthly clean-up done by all Rwandans - is coordinated.

Malaria prevention
Mosquito nets are distributed and their proper use is explained and demonstrated.

Solar lamps
Women living in houses without electricity receive solar lamps.

Literacy
Women learn to read and write in English, helping them succeed in business and increasing their self confidence.

Farming
Participants are trained in farming and using their crops to generate income.

NGOs exhibition 
Aspire was featured as part of the Gasabo District NGOs Exhibition.

Nutrition

Participants learn to prepare balanced meals using local ingredients.

BMI testing
Before the nutrition training, Body Mass Index testing is used to help participants gauge their health.

Male sensitization
Husbands and partners of Aspire women participated in seminars on family welfare - or, in short, "just being good men!"

Wedding ceremony
Nineteen couples decided to legalize their marriages after the family law training.  Aspire then hosted a party for them at the Aspire campus.

Red Cross first aid
Participants completed a first aid seminar hosted by the Red Cross.  Their certificates indicate that they are now able to help with medical issues from labor and delivery to burns (which are a common problem, especially among children).

Family planning for couples
Couples receive information about family planning.

Small animal husbandry
Participants received chickens and goats for raising, to generate income.

Kigali City skills training
Participants learn basket-weaving and beadwork, as part of a project run by the local government.

HIV/AIDS testing & family planning for women
Participants were tested for HIV/AIDS in a private, respectful environment and were given lessons on family planning.

Childcare
A childcare program is created, providing a safe, fun place for children of participants to play, learn, and grow. 

Family law seminar
Education is provided on issues such as child protection, inheritance and marital laws, and domestic violence.

Hygiene & nutrition
Issues of hygiene and nutrition are addressed.

Batik
Participants learn batik (tie-dye) as a means of generating income.

Twese Hamwe Centre culinary classes
Selected students were sponsored to complete classes through a local culinary program.

To support these and other sustainable projects in Rwanda and Uganda, visit the Give page on Network for Africa's website.