Roller skates happen to be part of the donations in the container to Uganda. I really did not know what these will become but as God has His way I met a group of students who love to skate. I approached them and offer to help them with some skates but suggested to them if they will like to formerly become part of MADI in Mbale as a youth group with the mission of sensitizing their peers on issues of health, education, social issues, and community service. They were so happy with the proposal and even more excited by the fact that they can have someone who can inspire them to be productive young men in their community. We had a long meeting laying down the modalities of the club and a frame work on how to begin. We talked about membership and training and the need to have guiding principles for the club. I promised them that I will ask for donations of roller skate for the club’s use.
Roller skating is rear in Africa and especially in this community of Mbale, Uganda. These young men draw crowds even with limited skills each time a few of them are on roller skates in public. Young men are particularly attracted to this kind of activity which presents a perfect opportunity for outreach.
I realized from these young men that many youths like them in Africa are hungry for a change. They understand fully the plight of their communities but feel helpless to do anything about it. They said that my ideas are what many youths like them need in Africa which basically is to change the way they think and asked themselves what they do to better themselves. I see the opportunity of these young men using roller skates to spread the message of change and inspiration in their community and building a generation of responsible young men. It is my desire that MADI stands by them to support them in spearheading the much needed behavioral change in their communities. I hope and pray that volunteers from the United States will come alongside and travel to Uganda to help these young men change their lives and those around them.