THE CARRIER PIGEONS SUMMARY REPORT FOR THE PERIOD OF AUGUST 2005-AUGUST 2006

The group is made up of 45 youth members, including the 15 new ones. The fifteen joined around the months of May and June 2006. Of the 45, 15 are pursuing their studies. This means we only get the services of these members during holidays. The 3 members who have always been around have put up good performances, in the midst of unbearable problems.

In August 2005, one of our members, Madam Gertrude Nakagolo left as she was transferred to Masindi District by her employer.

  Activities

Meetings General monthly meetings convened at our center point as indicated on the work plan are held. This creates chances to analyze the achievements and failures hence attaining solutions, new skills and techniques. Twelve (12) general meetings have been conducted in the last 12 months.

  Seminars
A culture to organize seminars is still well organized. ON 15^th December 2005, we organized a seminar conducted by Mr. Kasozi Peter at Gayaza community. The theme was “Declaring War on Child Abuse”. The seminar attracted 55 people from all walks of life in the community. We also organized a seminar on the Candle Light Memorial to remember the people lost to the killer AIDS. Mr. Katumba Samuel, a member of the Post Test club of Mulago talked about Health Management and Post-Testing. He directed his help to those who had tested either negative or positive. This seminar was held at Kawempe LC 1 government hospital.

Out Reaches
Kabubbu Community hosted us for a show on the 10^th of August 2005 and we presented a play on the proper use of mosquito nets and good sanitation. This presentation was done to the entire community and the students and members of the Staff of the primary school. We celebrated the AIDS of 2005 (1^st December) with the District at Wakiso district grounds. There we performed a song about Stigma and Discrimination, and recited a poem – Killer Disease. The District authorities estimated the gathering at 400. We had a show at Nangabo Sub-County on 4^th Jan 2006 with the theme “Fight Stigma and Discrimination”.

Bulamu community was privileged to host us on the 24^th of Feb 2006 for a show about good parenting and the advantages of writing a will. Writing wills helps reduce family disagreements over the sharing of property of the deceased. Where a clear will was not left by the deceased, family members normally struggle over the property leaving the widow and the orphans at a loss. The gathering was around 180.

Kasangati community was also given a show the 30^th Feb 2006. This was about the A, B, C letters for Abstain, Being Faithful to one’s partner and using Condoms. They’re simple letters and help carry the message well and clearly.

We visited Savannah High School and presented a show to its 683 students, and the staff. The show was on Declaring war on Child Abuse.

  We took part in the celebration of the Day of the African Child at the National Theatre on the 19^th of April 2006. The theme was “Every Child Needs a Teacher”. Over 500 people attended.

We visited Kabubbu Community on the 13^th of May 2006. We presented to the community and the students and staff of schools there a show on HIV infection, abortion, excessive bearing of children and their related consequences. The gathering was well above 500 hundred people all-together.

Gayaza community celebrated its day of the African Child on the 29^th May 2006. We hosted people at our training grounds. We had a match through area with a brass band and we’d different performances from other groups and individuals we invited. 266 people turned up for the function, including local area leaders and representatives from the local court, police and security personnel. They gave speeches about child abuse, and the community should do to protect the children.

We visited Kisenyi Community, Rubaga Division, Kampala district and presented a show on the theme “AIDS KILLS, KEEP THE PROMISE”. Around 480 people turned up in the community grounds to see the MDD performances we presented along with other groups from that very community.

On the 8the of July 2006, we presented a show at Green Light Academy, Manyangwa, Kabubbu Parish. The presentation was on Good Sanitation and Hygiene.  The schools population of 187 children and staff attended.

Manyangwa as a community hosted us on the 13^th of August 2006. The show was on good parenting and proper sanitation.

We hosted a Red Cross Team at Gayaza after we’d mobilized people to test for HIV. 100 (35 youths 65 adults) people tested for HIV and 40 of these donated blood.

In August 2006, A Ray of Hope, UNESCO Youth Ambassador for the Culture of Peace donated to us a new scenery painting.

Achievements

Challenges

Future Plans

Acknowledgements:

Prepared by

Namiiro Bridget

Chairperson