Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world. A statement by Nelson Mandela, which Ms. Agnes Aloyotoo and her friends are putting in practice by informing and educating their community in Gulu, the northern part of Uganda, through a radio program called Together for a new Africa sensitization program for the youth on Radio Maria.
T4NA sensitization program for the youth through Radio talk shows is aired on every 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of every month on Radio Maria Gulu-substation, in Gulu City, Northern Uganda. The T4NA sensitization program was launched on the 28th February 2021 by Ms. Agnes Aloyotoo together with Geoffrey Ojok and Blessed peace Sabano, also participants of the T4NA pilot project.
In the era where information is power and media an indispensable tool for communication, they came up with a great initiative that would help them to reach out to other young people for the best of their community. The main aim and objectives of the program is community transformation through self energies and efforts. Its vision is : community, transformation, reducing the level of poverty and promoting peaceful Leadership transition at all levels. Hence, values such as :responsibility, determination, universal fraternity through Ubuntu philosophy and its values, Peaceful coexistence and diversity in actions, are at core of their initiative.
Though the program targets young people, there is no doubt that adults are benefiting from this program because they are also their audience. A pleasant feeling which does not shift the focus of the mission: “We have unveiled many opportunities for the youth that suit their interests. For example last December we partnered with an NGO called CountrySide Harvesters that started the piggery project and has led to discoveries and Re-discover many other projects such as goat rearing, and also yet another opportunity for tree planting.” says Ms.Agnes, the host of the program.
Radio Maria Gulu-substation covers more than 10 towns in Northern Uganda namely; Gulu, Kitgum, Pader, Agago, Omoro, Amuru, Oyam, Alebtong, APAC, Masinidi, kabong, kotido and Lamwo that borders Southern Sudan on Eastern Equatorial. Covering over two cities Gulu and Lira. Reaching out to about three hundred thousands people.
Transforming a community requires a great collaboration with other organizations and associations.The spirit and skill of togetherness led Ms Agnes to establish a network with other organizations.This month T4NA participants and trainers from Uganda and across the East Africa community joined the Northern Uganda team to support another partner organization called Peace Together Uganda (PTU) for the 2nd Leaders Summit on the 16th July 2022. For this reason on 12th July, this Tuesday she will be on the Radio station to do massive mobilisations for peace matches, such as soccer games between 4 Districts in Pajule, Pader District.
Ms. Agnes strongly believes that the future of her community and of Africa will come from a very determined and engaged generation. She has made it clear for herself that nothing will stop her from doing her best for the change she wants to see, convinced that doing it together with others will slowly move the world. “Our cry daily is Not any different from those of st. Daniel Comboni the prophet for Africa “I wish I had a hundred hearts for Africa” the only thing that matters to me is Africa should transform”.
Furthermore, she undoubtedly believes that the success of these small projects are fruits of the influence and experiences gained from T4NA Leadership training from the 1st summer school. They were able to do a Youth Education Pack, by visiting schools, institutes and universities.The main goal is to spread a new kind of leadership that goes with responsibilities to serve people and to promote the culture of dialogue for more peaceful Leadership transition at all levels in Ugandan society.
