In January 2024, Nerima Health and Education (NHE) hosted a three-day camp for over 75 youth, offering a unique and transformative experience. Inspired by Canadian camping traditions, the youth had the opportunity to sleep in tents, gather around campfires, and enjoy making s’mores. For many of the participants, this was their very first time sleeping in a tent, adding an exciting sense of adventure to the experience. The camp fostered a strong sense of community, with the evenings spent around the fire creating moments of bonding and reflection. The youth absolutely loved the entire experience, from the novelty of outdoor living to the fun of trying new activities, making it an unforgettable part of their personal growth and learning.
Bringing a bit of Canada to UgandaThey soon discovered there is a skill to setting up a tent.
The educational sessions were offered by volunteers in both Uganda and in Canada.
During the camps, we provided virtual education sessions via Zoom. We discussed how to build self-confidence and career planning.To encourage open dialogue and facilitate meaningful discussions, boys and girls were separated during the sessions on sexual health and relationships. This approach created a more comfortable environment for participants to ask questions and share their thoughts without feeling self-conscious or judged.In Uganda, mental health is a topic that is rarely discussed, yet it is desperately needed. Many young people face significant challenges, but due to stigma and a lack of awareness, these issues are often left unspoken. However, by the end of our discussions, the youth expressed deep appreciation for the opportunity to talk openly about mental health.Learning how to bake a cake was a completely new experience for many of the youth, especially for the boys, who are rarely found in the kitchen due to traditional gender roles.
