My name is Humphrey Ottaru. My journey with UWEZO PROGRAM began in
2018 when I was a student leader at Jitegemee Secondary School. At the time, I
was a young person with passion and ideas, but still searching for the right
platform to turn that passion into meaningful action. Through UWEZO PROGRAM, I
was allowed to lead an environmental conservation project that encouraged young
people to take responsibility for protecting their school environment and the
surrounding community. The project not only changed attitudes among students
but also enabled our school to win the Silver Award, becoming one of the 13
winning schools in UWEZO AWARD Projects 2018.
For me, this was the first
clear proof that when young people are trusted and supported, real change is
possible. What stayed with me most was not the award itself, but the way UWEZO
PROGRAM invested in young people with professionalism, transparency, and belief
in their potential. After completing secondary school, I chose to remain part
of this transformative journey. I volunteered as a District Coordinator in
Ubungo and later in Kibaha, working closely with schools, teachers, students,
and a wide range of stakeholders. In these roles, I witnessed firsthand how the
program empowers young people to see themselves not just as participants, but
as leaders and problem-solvers within their communities.
Through these experiences, I learned the true meaning of accountable leadership, service, and responsible resource management. I developed strong skills in coordinating programs and projects with clear goals, measurable outcomes, and lasting impact. I also gained a deeper understanding of quality assurance and project assessment, ensuring that youth-led initiatives are not only innovative but also socially impactful. This journey transformed me from a beneficiary into a catalyst for change for other young people.
As trust in my work grew, I was honored to be selected as a Judge
for UWEZO AWARD Projects for two consecutive years. This role allowed me to
engage with hundreds of youth-led ideas and reinforced my belief that investing
in young people is not a cost, but a long-term investment in sustainable
community development.
Today, I carry forward the values and skills gained through UWEZO
PROGRAM in my role as a Coordinator at Global Impact Transformation (GIT). I
work to design and coordinate youth-focused programs, connect partners, nurture
talent, and ensure initiatives generate positive and sustainable impact.
My story is a living example of how investing in one young person
can create a ripple effect—developing leaders, coordinators, and change-makers
who go on to empower many others. Through UWEZO PROGRAM, one opportunity became
a lifelong commitment to community transformation.
