What inspired you to work for Platform for the Needy?
Having grown up in a small village community with so many school dropouts resulting from lack of certain basics, along with being from an extended family with all the load shouldered on one parent.
It was quite challenging to secure a better living and education in particular, and based on that, I developed an urge to serve the less fortunate people at a tender age.
Describe a typical day at work.
Well... a typical work day to me differs quite often from most normal working women, and it all starts with morning prayer with my family members. I like to report for my official duties fifteen minutes before the actual starting time.
While at the office, I make sure I have held a brief morning meeting with all my staff. We review the previous day's activities, share the challenges, and look for ways forward as a team. Then, I do staff activity allocations and provide them with what's necessary to set off for the fields.
I remain in office, responding to inquiries and approving or disapproving financial requisitions based on the budgets.
Why do you do what you do?
Well, I like playing my roles and responsibilities as a Human Resources and Finance manager.
Our mission, which is to promote empowerment programs for better health and education, is for the disadvantaged population. The belief is to provide for all in a friendly and secure environment.
Secondly, I like ensuring my team is working in a conducive and friendly environment.
Nyamata Rosemary
What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of my job is on orientation and training day. Most of the participants find it interesting to be introduced to new ideas and products, so that all team members familiarize our mission as a platform for those in need.
I like guiding and supporting my team with any relevant information.
How do you use your education and international background in your current role?
Based on my work experiences and education, in various national and international organizations, I have found it easy in the field of accounting and handling payroll and reconciliations.
Plus petty cash handling for the organization as well as transparently handling all the organization's funds.
What challenges do you often face and how do you overcome them?
One of the major challenges we often face is the poor infrastructure and roads that are always full of potholes and this makes it impassable during the rainy seasons.
As a team, we have resorted to using motorcycles and sometimes bicycles, and where we can provide or use, we have always resorted to footing or walking especially if the fields are near.
What are some current projects you are working on?
One of the projects we are working on is planting trees around schools to promote conservation and provide shade to the students.
We are doing a radio drama and outreach project, which is done to create awareness about social health issues affecting our communities and people. We also do sexual reproductive health education and sexual gender.
What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?
A platform for people in need is a very welcoming, loving, and team building with a high level of team spirit.
The Human Resource Manager and Director carry out orientation where briefing of volunteers and interns on the organizational policies.
Normally, in the evenings, we walk to see nature, and on weekends we tour National Parks.
What makes Platform for the Needy special?
PLANE is special in a way that we have pro-people programs. We have radio drama and outreach live performances that pull masses of people, allow interaction and instant feedback, and entertain and educate people on social, health, and economic issues that affect them.
We have the family clinic radio program that tackles issues affecting our people at the family level. It allows the community members era to engage in the program.
Special programs like Girls Matter Mentorship and Boys Matter Mentorship look at different sexes and respond to their issues differently. It has trained children to become responsible future women and men. Tips minimize conflicts in the family and an irresponsible generation.
The partnership and collaboration with the local partners have given use of meaningful relationships.
Nyamata Rosemary with one of the needy families in Kagote.
Why should someone choose your organization over competitors?
Our programs are unique in such a way that we are focusing on youth and women who are the most affected category of people in our communities.
Also, our organization is truly effective in the way that it exhibits strengths in areas of leadership, decision-making, structure, people, work processes and systems, and our African culture as well.
What hopes do you have for the future for your organization?
One of the hopes we have for our organization is to travel abroad to experience new cultural understanding and sensitivity. Experiencing new and different cultures firsthand helps broaden one's perspective and enhances understanding and appreciation for diverse viewpoints, traditions, and ways of life.
It promotes cultural sensitivity and fosters empathy, breaking down stereotypes and promoting mutual respect.
Secondly, personal growth and self-discovery, as in traveling abroad pushes individuals out of their comfort zones and challenges them to adapt to unfamiliar environments. This promotes personal growth, builds resilience, and fosters self-discovery. It can lead to increased self-confidence, independence, and a better understanding of one's values and beliefs.
Thirdly, global awareness and perspective, as in experiencing new cultures, enables individuals to gain a broader global perspective.
Are there any developments with your organization that you would like to share with us?
We have a plan to secure land so that we can construct a school for the less privileged children and the teenage mothers so that they can attain a better education and improve their living.
We are also fundraising for the establishment of a vocational school that will train more job makers than seekers and this will help reduce the levels of unemployment and allow teenagers to think beyond the box.
Cases of drug abuse that result from idleness will also be reduced.
From an external perspective view, PLANE is hopeful to see our organization focus on those in need in the future with innovative strategies, dedicated team members, and strong political and communities. This shall be achieved by building partnerships, attracting more volunteers, and securing funding for sustainable growth.
PLANE staff and beneficiaries with scholastic materials at local school.
What makes your organization easy to market to potential participants?
Demonstrated success that provides evidence of past accomplishments and outcomes. Being able to share statistics, data, and testimonials that demonstrate the effectiveness of PLANE's programs and initiatives. This helps build trust and credibility with our potential partners.
The unique approach of involving the needy children and the less privileged adults in income-generating projects like this skill and in the rearing of animals at the homestead levels.
Collaborative opportunities that aim at emphasizing the potential to collaborate with partners for the smooth running of PLANE.
Explore joint marketing opportunities with potential partners to increase visibility and reach.
What is your organization's mission and how do you continue to work toward it?
PLATFORM FOR THE NEEDY mission is to promote empowerment programs for better health, education, and livelihoods for disadvantaged populations and how we can continue working towards it.
To continue working towards promoting empowerment programs for better health and education, our platform can consider some of the strategies:
Program expansion involves identifying communities that are underserved and assessing their specific needs in areas of health, education, and livelihood.
What do you hope participants take away from your programs?
Participants may develop a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by vulnerable populations, such as those accessing health services, experiencing gender-based violence, or lacking educational opportunities.
This can foster empathy and passion, leading to a greater desire to make a positive impact on the lives of others.
Also, engaging with diverse individuals from different backgrounds can improve participants' communication and interpersonal skills.
How do you help support participants?
PLATFORM FOR THE NEEDY supports volunteers and interns through orientation and training. Here PLANE starts by providing orientation and training to participants so that they can get familiar with the organization's mission, values, and programs. This greatly helps volunteers and interns understand their roles and responsibilities.
PLANE assigns dedicated supervisors or mentors to volunteers and interns. These individuals provide guidance, support, and feedback throughout the participant's involvement. Regular check-ins and meetings are also held to discuss the progress of the participants.
Nyamata Rosemary and friends
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
Traveling abroad is a transformative journey that yields numerous personal and professional benefits.
Firstly, it propels individuals out of their comfort zones, promoting personal growth, building resilience, and facilitating self-discovery.
Secondly, Exposure to diverse social, economic, and political systems enables individuals to understand global issues from various angles. This heightened awareness can inspire them to become engaged global citizens, contributing to positive change.
Moreover, international travel serves as a platform for language skills and communication development. Engaging with locals offers opportunities to learn new languages or enhance existing skills. Learning new languages or enhancing existing skills positively impacts effective communication, deepens cultural understanding, and proves advantageous in both personal and professional contexts.
Immersive cultural experiences also play a crucial role in breaking down stereotypes and prejudices. Interacting with individuals from diverse backgrounds challenges preconceived notions, fostering a greater appreciation for human diversity.
Furthermore, traveling abroad hones adaptability and problem-solving skills. Navigating unfamiliar environments and solving challenges enhance adaptability, resilience, and problem-solving abilities applicable to various life aspects.
The journey also creates enduring memories and experiences that shape lives, providing a profound sense of fulfillment. These cherished stories often serve as a source of inspiration and motivation in the future.
Lastly, international exposure and cultural understanding gained through travel significantly enhance career prospects. In today's interconnected world, experience with different cultures, languages, and global perspectives is highly valued by employers across various industries.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
To my understanding, traveling is not just a physical movement from one place to another. It is a transformative experience that has the potential to broaden our perspectives, deepen our understanding of cultures, and foster personal growth. Meaningful travel digs into the heart of a destination, fostering connections with host communities and leaving a positive impact on both the traveler and the visited.
Meaningful travel involves immersing oneself in the local culture, engaging with the people, and gaining a genuine understanding of their way of life. This connection promotes mutual respect and appreciation, breaking down cultural barriers and creating a more enriching experience for both the traveler and the host community.
A meaningful travel experience recognizes the impact of the visit on both the environment and local communities. Sustainable and responsible travel practices are essential components of meaningful travel. By treading lightly and respecting the delicate balance of nature and culture, travelers can contribute to the preservation of the destinations they visit, ensuring they remain vibrant and authentic for future generations.
Meaningful travel is an opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery. Stepping out of one's comfort zone, navigating unfamiliar landscapes, and engaging with diverse perspectives contribute to the development of resilience, adaptability, and a broader worldview.
Meaningful travel embraces the unpredictable nature of exploration. Some of the most profound and memorable experiences occur when travelers allow themselves to be guided by unexpected events, such as meeting locals with remarkable stories or navigating unforeseen challenges. These unplanned moments add depth to the travel experience, creating lasting memories that go beyond the surface attractions.
Meaningful travel recognizes the interconnectedness of the global community. It involves breaking down stereotypes and acknowledging shared humanity. By fostering a sense of interconnectedness, meaningful travel has the power to bridge cultural divides, promote tolerance, and contribute to a more harmonious world.
What does ethical global engagement mean to you?
Ethical global engagement is a holistic approach to navigating the complexities of our interconnected world. It requires a commitment to respecting diversity, environmental stewardship, fair economic practices, community empowerment, and human rights advocacy.
As global citizens, we have the power to shape a more just and sustainable world through our everyday choices and actions. Ethical global engagement is not just an ideal; it is a responsibility that each of us carries to contribute to a more compassionate, equitable, and harmonious global community.
