What inspired you to work for PLATFORM for the NEEDY?
The inspiration to work for an organization is that it is my hobby, and it comes from various sources. A few of the main reasons are to make a positive impact, the organization's mission and values, the potential for personal and professional growth, and the desire to collaborate with communities.
The ability to inspire and motivate others within the organization has been a driving force for my career leadership and team members. As a leader, I want to inspire and galvanize the team through targeted communications and project management.
Furthermore, the organization provides insights into inspiring and motivating people in the workplace, emphasizing the importance of learning about your audience and reflecting on the emotions you seek to inspire in a group or individual.
Describe a typical day at work.
A typical day at work involves diving into challenging projects, collaborating with experienced colleagues, and making meaningful contributions to our team. From brainstorming sessions to client meetings, every day brings new opportunities for growth and success.
The routine specialized IT project and production supervision is merged with continuous oversight of the organization's process by implementing KPIs (Key Performance Indicators), organization optimization of the project processes, achieving their day-to-day goals, driving greater efficiency and profitability, identifying areas for improvement, make data-driven decisions, and create a culture of continuous advancement and innovation.
Interacting with a medical doctor in Kampala
What is your favorite part of your job?
System Development: For NGOs (Non-Governmental Organizations), a consistent series of steps and seeking advice when needed can help minimize the difficulties of the process.
Understanding how an NGO functions, using the organization's human and monetary resources to build a viable organization, and planning and implementing actions that enable the NGO to improve people's lives are essential aspects of organizational development for NGOs.
Developing systems and policies for the organization, managing staff, building strategies for the long-term sustainability of services, and adhering to strict ethical principles are also crucial for the effective management and organizational development of NGOs. The challenges and the successes of it all I find exciting.
How do you use your education and international background in your current role?
In my current role, I use my education and international background to provide a global perspective and a deep understanding of various cultures, languages, and customs. This background allows me to communicate effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and to tailor my assistance to the specific needs and preferences of different users.
Additionally, my education has equipped me with a wide range of knowledge in various fields, enabling me to provide accurate and detailed information on a wide range of topics. Overall, my education and international background enhance my ability to offer well-informed and culturally sensitive assistance to users from around the world.
What are some current projects you are working on?
Documentary and Drama production. When it comes to producing documentary and drama content for NGOs, there are various resources and production services available to help create compelling and impactful visual stories that resonate with audiences.
We strive to make captivating documentaries that transcend mere visuals by weaving together narration, emotion, and expertise to deliver impactful stories that resonate with audiences worldwide, providing documentary production services specifically tailored for NGOs.
Additionally, documentary storytelling is highlighted as a vital, dynamic force within the contemporary media marketplace and public sphere, serving crucial functions that strengthen democracy, as discussed in the resource.
Public relations with artists
What makes PLATFORM for the NEEDY special?
Reproductive and Sexual health e programs make our organization special. Program Description: PLANE’s Reproductive and Sexual Health Program aims to ensure increased awareness of and education on Sexual Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) amongst teenagers and other relevant stakeholders, such as NGOs dealing with related issues, communities, and religious leaders.
PLANE works towards improving the Sexual and Reproductive Health and well-being of women and girls by harnessing the power of innovation. Through awareness creation, we empower women to take charge of their health and provide evidence-based approaches to meet the reproductive health needs of current and future generations.
The program applies a rights-based approach in combating the harmful cultural practices, Gender-Based Violence, and lack of relevant and accurate information on SRHR among the targeted youth in the Rwenzori region and Uganda at large through radio drama, outreaches, community dialogues, and health conferences.
Maternal, Newborn, Child Health & Nutrition: Improving maternal, newborn, and child health is essential to PLANE’s mission and work in the region.
Why should someone choose your organization over competitors?
Our objectives, missions, and goals, with a focus on the principles of our organization, aim to educate and provide healthy and empowering opportunities.
PLANE focuses on general health awareness promotion, social security, and economic empowerment for teenage mothers, preventing violence against children and women, human rights promotion, mitigating the impact of violence against children and the youth, and other related interventions.
Attending a symposium for creatives
Are there any developments with your organization that you would like to share with us?
BAHEMUKA DRAMA PROJECT. Bahemuka is a local word in the Rutooro language, when translated into English, means “to be ashamed.” PLANE formed the Bahemuka Drama project to support and increase awareness on critical health issues, and women's and children’s rights.
The Bahemuka drama is strategically used in communities to pass crucial information on essential topics and sensitize the public.
PLANE achieves this through radio drama and community outreach. The program effectively uses the local dialect to increase engagement with the locals via more education and entertainment.
The program enhances awareness and information on HIV, SGBV, and domestic violence prevention to more than 900,000 people in seven districts of Western Uganda.
What is your organization's mission and how do you continue to work toward it?
To promote empowerment programs for better Health, Education, and Livelihoods for disadvantaged populations.
We advocate for the protection of children, youth, and women’s rights through the provision of prevention and multi-disciplinary intervention in investigation and information dissemination to have a healthy, violence-free society.
What do you hope participants take away from your programs?
Participants in NGO programs can acquire a wide range of skills, including leadership, communication, problem-solving, teamwork, project management, and community engagement.
These programs often aim to empower individuals with the skills and knowledge they need to create positive change in their communities.
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
Experiencing new cultures through travel is important because it broadens people's perspectives, fosters empathy and understanding, promotes personal growth, and encourages intercultural communication and collaboration.
It allows individuals to gain a deeper appreciation for diversity and develop a more global mindset.
Developing systems in an office
Why do you think learning a new language is important?
Learning a new language is important because it opens up opportunities for personal and professional growth, enhances cognitive abilities, and facilitates cross-cultural communication.
It allows individuals to connect with people from different backgrounds, understand diverse perspectives, and navigate international environments with greater ease.
Additionally, it can lead to improved career prospects and a deeper appreciation for other cultures.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel, to me, involves experiencing new cultures, connecting with local communities, and gaining a deeper understanding of the world. It means engaging in travel experiences that are enriching and respectful and contribute positively to the places and people visited.
Meaningful travel also involves responsible and sustainable tourism practices that support local economies and preserve the environment. It's about creating authentic and meaningful connections with the destinations and people one encounters while traveling.
What does ethical global engagement mean to you?
Ethical global engagement involves conducting international activities and interactions in a way that is respectful, fair, and considerate of the diverse cultures, perspectives, and values of people around the world.
It means recognizing the interconnectedness of the global community and striving to promote positive social, environmental, and economic outcomes for all. Ethical global engagement also entails a commitment to upholding human rights, addressing global challenges, and working collaboratively with others to create a more just and sustainable world.
What qualities in program & host community relations are important to you? (And your organization?)
The qualities that are important in program and host community relations include respect, cultural sensitivity, open communication, transparency, collaboration, and mutual benefit. It is essential to build relationships based on trust and understanding and to ensure that programs are designed and implemented in a way that respects the needs and priorities of the host community.
For my organization, these qualities are also crucial as we strive to engage with host communities in a manner that is ethical, respectful, and mutually beneficial. We aim to create a positive and sustainable impact while fostering strong, collaborative relationships with the communities we work with.
