Simpson M
The Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS) is advocating for the impartation of Life Planning Skills (LPS) among the youth in Rukungiri and Kanungu districts to facilitate the achievement of their set objectives.
During the conclusion of a four-day youth camp held at St. Gerald’s Secondary School Nyakibale, URCS Rukungiri-Kanungu Branch Chairman, Edison Mpilime, emphasized the importance of the youth focusing on building self-esteem and assertiveness to effectively tackle contemporary challenges. Speaking at the ceremony held at Hotel Riverside Rukungiri, Mpilime cautioned against succumbing to Western culture and media influence, emphasizing that resisting such influences is crucial for significant personal improvement and change.
The camp’s theme centered on equipping youth with skills and knowledge to overcome present challenges for a brighter future. Key topics covered included the dissemination of Red Cross principles and ideals, life skills development, consequences of war and conflicts, and Universal Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law.
Mpilime stated that the project is specifically targeted at out-of-school youth and will be implemented across all Red Cross branches. He urged the branches to continue empowering youth by organizing similar camps.
Derrick Turigye, one of the participants, commended the initiative and encouraged fellow youth to stay focused in order to achieve their mission and vision. He pledged to assist in recruiting more members into the Red Cross to increase youth participation in the club. Turigye also urged camp participants to apply the acquired knowledge in practical activities, serving as examples for their peers who did not attend.
Santrina Nahwera, the Rukungiri woman councilor representing Buhunga and Ruhinda subcounties and the guest of honor, lauded the Uganda Red Cross Society, especially the Rukungiri branch, for prioritizing youth development. She emphasized that such initiatives can contribute to reducing youth unemployment and encouraged the youth to actively engage in government programs, including the Youth Livelihood Funds and PDM, to secure funds for their well-being.
