The
day started early with lots of finishing touches being done. Shauna and I were
running around taking care of last minute preparations to ensure Team SWOPA’s
first community sensitization event went smoothly. Noella and Esme were literally
body guarding the refreshments while Patrick and Duncan were in charge of
registering the guests. Our ever able MC Jack was hiding in a corner rehearsing
his lines.
“YA
ZAARI” “ZAARI”, ZAARI………”meaning “You are welcome”, was heard upon reaching the
gates of the Sirigu Social Center. To help keep track of the number of locals
who turned out everyone was registered according to which part of the community
they came from. The people kept saying
“ho moya paaa” meaning you have done well.
A dance to commence the program (Jack Irwin with Madame Bridget
Adongo on the dance floor).
As
we waited to get proceedings underway, the
decoration of the event hall, the clapping, singing and dancing displayed by
both volunteers and the women under the cheerful leadership of SWOPA founder,
Madame Melanie Kasise lifted the spirits of everyone present.
There
was an opening prayer by Reverend Father Jacob, the head priest of Martyrs of
Uganda Catholic Church Sirigu. The
chairperson (Mr. Gabriel Adongo) was introduced by Mariam and the program
officially commenced at 1:30pm. Madam Bridget Adongo, the Director of Sirigu
Women’s Organization for Pottery and Art made her first presentation on the
history, mission and vision of the organization and in so doing reminded the
audience of the reasons for the establishment of SWOPA, which is “Empowerment
of the women to increase their income levels and to equip themselves with craft
skills to improve their standards of living”
Audience being attentive whiles Bridget Adongo made her
presentation.
With rapt attention, the audience listened carefully to
the passionate address. It was highly evident that the Director and the entire
management of SWOPA are passionate about what they want to do for the Sirigu
community as well as realizing the future goals of the organization.
Reverend Father Jacob touched on the topic of sacrifice
and why it, should be emulated. According to him, it was due to the
selflessness of an individual that led to the benefit of the whole community
especially women. The priest stated emphatically that “Melanie Kasise sacrificed her retirement benefits to establish this
organization instead of spending it with her family”. He encouraged the
people of Sirigu to be proud and appreciative of her efforts, while challenging
them to ensure the growth and sustainability of the organization through the
production of quality goods to meet the demands of tourists or buyers.
Dancing session by the
women present.
To show the joy
they felt in their hearts, some of the women started singing and dancing after
Rev. Fr. Jacob ended his speech. The priest, however, could not contain his joy;
he rose from his seat and joined in the clapping and singing of the song. This
went on for a while, making the whole room very lively and exciting, and
energized again for what was to still to come in the program.
A beneficiary of SWOPA. (Madam Atampore Agombire).
To give account
of what exactly SWOPA has done for the women in the Sirigu community, there was
no better way than to hear from one of the formidable beneficiaries of SWOPA.
Madame Atampore Agombire boldly came out as a woman of SWOPA to recount her
experience and the benefits she has enjoyed from being a member. Although she
spoke in the local dialect, it was evident from the numerous laughs in the room
that she was indeed giving a very memorable testimony of how SWOPA has helped
change her life for the better. She concluded her speech by encouraging the
community to take possession of SWOPA as their greatest treasure.
Esme with an interpreter making a speech on what International Service is doing in
SWOPA.
After all the dancing and information on
SWOPA, it was Esme’s turn to give a brief introduction on what the ICS program
was about and what it hopes to achieve with its partnership with SWOPA. Now
this was an exciting moment, considering her British accent and all, one could
hear giggles and see smiles of the faces of those present and listening. She
had help with translation, which made it easy for the audience to understand
what was being said. She then finished up with “Mposia” meaning thank you,
making everybody break into laughter.
The program then concluded with a vote of
thanks and a closing prayer and benediction. We then handed out refreshments
amid some relaxing background music. The sensitization indeed exceeded our
expectations, and it is safe to say that it was a great fun and a big success!
Written by Mariam
Atchulo
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