You are the Change

Patricia Nyasuna was inspired by her childhood to start KWE'KO, a community-based organization in Uganda.

 

As a child, I was loud, so full of life,  and intelligent.  My parents were always happy whenever around me.

 I vividly remember, them blowing a trumpet for me during different school competitions, some of which I was never the winner, but as a child, you are always encouraged that everyone is a winner, even when you come last, the finishing line is more pivotal. Patricia narrates.

Time has gone by, I have grown into an adult and yet still my parents are my number one fans,  knowing that there is a force behind me that believes, roots, and celebrates my work has kept me grounded.  Every child needs to feed on this energy.

I started KWE'KO with two friends to uplift children in the education, health, and social spheres of their lives. We also support women by enabling them to have strong and sustainable livelihoods in addition to equipping them with the information necessary for them to run their day-to-day lives.

Kwe’ko uniquely originates from one of Uganda's local languages, " Lusoga,  and its full terminology is “Kwegemaku ”which means “touch and make a difference”.

Early this year, Kwe’ko conducted a school engagement with pupils of Township P/S in the Kamuli District. We shared post covid skills in problem solving and entrepreneurship and also distributed scholastic materials to smoothen their learning experiences.

The journey has been merry with some loopholes along the way,  like many startups, funding is a very big challenge, at times, some members due to unavoidable circumstances are stretched from their other commitments, and making time for KW'EKO activities becomes hard, however, we appreciate all their efforts in ensuring that our activities go as planned.

Patricia says, with persistence and working with other people can do a lot of magic, also it is key to have your initiative registered for purposes of professionalism, transparency, and liaising for support. People in rural areas have so many expectations from the good wishers that visit their communities,  I have learned that before you start your project, one needs to know: What am I offering these people? What sustainable solutions am I coming up with?. Knowing these can save you from a lot of pressure.

To the people out there, you are the change you want to see, not everyone will allow you to embark on the impact you wish to create,  the road is bumpy, some will pay less attention to what you do, but it's okay to take a chance, to try and see how it will go.

Never think you are too insignificant to build something good for your community and yourself. The happiness KWE'KO has put on the face of both women and children cannot be erased. And you too can be a blessing and even more than what we are doing.

Patricia adds, read widely, there is so much availability of resources now, ask questions and be receptive to listen to advice. Make sure at the end of the day, you have a chat with yourself, to reflect, make your own decisions and be intentional with the steps that take you forward.

I envision a community where children and women are educated, knowledgeable, and skilled to better their lives. - Patricia closes

More about Patricia, 

Apart from KW'EKO, Patricia is a feminist and entrepreneur that loves to read, dance, and eat chicken.

She works as a Program Officer Gender & ICT Policy Advocacy at Women of Uganda Network, an organization that empowers women to use Information Communication Technologies for Sustainable Development.

For more information about KWE'KO : 

Email: kweko2020@gmail.com 

Twitter: kweko3

Facebook: kwe’ko Uganda

Instagram: kwekoug