The change begins with you

                                         Image by Shutterstock Gender Equality is a state in which women and men enjoy equal rights, opportunities and entitlements in civil and political life. It implies equal participation of women and men in decision making, equal ability to exercise their human rights, equal access to and control over resources,the benefits of development, and equal opportunities in employment and in all other aspects of their livelihoods (FAO, 2009) ‘’Humanity has the ability to make development sustainable to ensure that it meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of the future generations to meet their own needs,’’- (WCED,1988) Our Common Future, p.16.  Social, Economic and environmental sustainability, which are the pillars of sustainability, and interdependent on each other are impossible without the empowerment, support and contri...

Today, the topic of focus is on how to handle work related stress in order to remain productive and stay afloat the tight schedules. Stress is our body's normal automatic response to change in our lives. The change may be negative, positive, or imagined. When we feel unable to cope with a new demand, we begin to feel stress. Stress is highly individual; what may be very relaxing to one person may be stressful to another. Not all stress is bad. We need a certain amount of stress in our lives as it stimulates and energizes us. At low levels, it motivates us to face challenges and achieve, and it adds excitement to our lives. Without stress, we may feel bored or depressed. The two types of stress Eustress; The good/ positive type of stress. Distress; The bad/ negative type of stress. As we come to the end of the year, the most felt stress is the negative one as a result of working longer hours, having heavier workload to avoid carrying forward load into the new year and tight deadline...

  This morning I inquired from a colleague what support was needed for the specific day. The response was;  '' I am going to ask a question, but don't laugh. How can I access Agresso and Timesheets...?'' Before she could conclude the other part of the question I was already laughing at the seriousness of her question to access 'Agresso' I remembered the first day I joined the organization, and the misconception I had that someone was hired to run the printer just like at a commercial stationery shop, or internet café. How would the email be printed out with the name on the top? I realized everyone had to have hands on skills on how to print, scan and copy on 'that machine' that kept beeping all day long. My first hands on orientation was on how to operate the printer! (Feel free to share some funny first time memories in the comment section.) That funny memory reminded me of how being a new staff can be overwhelming at the start, and here to share a ...

For Iona .H, my dear friend turned sister. In celebration of all we share, and the positive energy that keeps us pushing for greater better things. To all the decisions we have painfully and happily taken to better our lives. To a sisterly connection across two continents... Cheers to that chord that never breaks! I once met a girl so innocently beautiful Her smile would touch the  Deepest soul But beyond the magic smile and laughter lay a loneliness unheard Beyond the smile... lay a past... Peeping from the void Only she knew the battles  That lay beyond that void. The scars hidden in her soul... A testimony of her triumph And when I met her, I smiled back... And our souls mingled In utter comprehension. She was me, and I was her And together we embarked on an unstoppable journey To take on our dreams To take on our lives Being ultimate encouragers from two different worlds... G ladys x It's a story of two creative souls bound together, soaring above the barriers through crea...

                                                                                                                                                            ''If you can't figure out your purpose, figure out your passion. For your passion will lead you right into your purpose'' Bishop T.D Jakes Two years ago, I had lost direction, lost hope, and could not figure out what my passion was. When asked what I really was passionate about, I had exactly no perfect response, all I knew was I loved teaching, but that I felt it was never my unique passion! I needed something unique, something creative, something ou...

The day we first met...😍 Dear Desire and Salama , Our time together is soon coming to an end...and knowing that you will soon leave makes me a little sad. However, the special memories you and I have created in the few weeks make me smile satisfactorily. You have brightened each of my new day with new experiences, adventure, care, hearty jokes, smiles and laughter. It all started that day after the Managers' meeting. Remember when I hiked with you to one of the mountainous schools? We all sat in the same vehicle, and the two of you could not stop chatting. Then you asked a question, and I responded. I remember one of you saying, ''This girl has a nice voice!'' That's when I first fell in love with you. Time went by, and you came back unexpectedly. This time you came on a more serious mission, to respond to the Refugee influx in the region. It felt like a reunion of long lost friends. I was grateful that it was the two of you that had been sent, for I knew that ...

The fear of the unknown and leaving behind all the familiar places, family and friends can be really upsetting, depressing and exciting at the same time. However, I have always dreamt of a job that would fit into my personality and expectations, and I finally landed one as a field based program officer, working and residing in a district far away from home, up in the ranges of Mountain Rwenzori.  During my teaching days, that seem so distant, the work routine was a little monotonous, teaching the same concepts year in year out. Then I made a decision to change and pursue one of the most adventurous careers, and as such I get to do, and learn something different and exciting every single day.   There is a bit more adventure in my life too! I have been pushed out of my comfort life , and have gone to new places that keep me happy and excited. (can't help but feel like a photojournalist or mountain guide sometimes) Although my nature of work has enabled me get numerous connection...