In the bustling world of
U-Report Uganda, a dedicated soul shines bright in her mission to amplify the
voices of the young and underserved. Meet Rhinnet Namara, a U-Report Volunteer whose unwavering commitment shines
through as she works tirelessly to establish and empower Children's Reference
Groups (CRGs) nationwide.
Rhinnet's journey began at Makerere University, where she graduated with a bachelor's degree in economics. During her time there, she organized mental health and public sanitation activities, demonstrating her commitment to the well-being of her community and peers. Her passion for creating a safe and clean environment for all paved the way for her impactful work with the CRG.
The CRG, a groundbreaking
initiative led by the Ministry of Gender, Labor, and Social Development in
collaboration with UNICEF Uganda, was launched on the International Day of the
Girl Child in November 2022. This visionary project aims to strengthen the
implementation of Uganda's National Children Strategy, ensuring that the voices
of children are heard and their needs addressed at all levels of
decision-making.
Rhinnet's passion for
children's engagement in policymaking stems from her own experiences of being
neglected and left behind as a young girl. Through her role as a U-Report
volunteer and CRG Secretariat member, she works tirelessly to empower children
across Uganda, training CRG members and collaborating with local officials to
establish platforms for children's participation in national policy
development.
One of Rhinnet's most memorable experiences was her journey to Madi Okollo, a district in the far northern part of Uganda, where she helped establish a CRG to represent the views of children in the area. Despite the challenges, Rhinnet and her team selected 27 outstanding children from over 100 applicants, ensuring that the CRG of Madi Okollo would be a true reflection of the community's needs and aspirations.
During the week-long
establishment process, the children underwent training in leadership,
communication, and advocacy skills. They also scripted and acted out a play on
child marriages, highlighting the pressing issues facing their community and
honing their public speaking abilities.
The climax of the week was
the formal session of the CRG, where the 27 members elected their leaders and
decided on the focal issues they wanted to address. Committees were formed,
each member joining the committee they were most passionate about, ranging from
health and nutrition to children's rights and protection.
Rhinnet's journey with the
CRG has been nothing short of transformative, not just for the children she has
worked with, but also for herself. She considers it an absolute honor to have
been part of the establishment of the Children's Reference Group of Madi Okollo,
enabling young voices to be heard and paving the way for a brighter, more
inclusive future for Uganda's children.
As Rhinnet continues her journey with the CRG, her dedication and passion serve as a beacon of hope, inspiring us all to stand up and speak out for the rights of children everywhere.
