Navigating Growth and Harmony through YPMP
Laker Winnie joined YPMP with the intention of leveraging a robust network of established professionals and seeking mentorship to enhance both professional and personal development. In this personal recollection article, she narrated her journey of growth and harmony through the program.
My YPMP journey commenced with an orientation on January 14, 2023. The subsequent sessions were led by accomplished professionals in diverse fields such as media, communication, health, finance, leadership, advocacy, and entrepreneurship. Alongside these sessions, I actively participated in individual assignments, including blogging on various topics, networking, and engaging in volunteer activities. Additionally, group assignments emerged, with our cluster delving into the review of the Inclusive Education Policy in Uganda and China, providing recommendations for Uganda to adopt a more inclusive education system.
One noteworthy volunteer activity, titled “Peace Building In and Out of the Classroom,” involved supporting teachers in the Imvepi refugee settlement. Observing an average of 10 student fights per school session, I collaborated with the 12 teachers I assisted daily. I devised and implemented short 5-minute talks before classes, introduced interactive jigsaw puzzles to help children channel their emotions constructively, and spearheaded community engagement activities aimed at breaking ethnic divides and fostering unity. These initiatives addressed underlying psychological challenges resulting from the displacement induced by warfare in South Sudan. Over time, the number of disputes decreased, creating a more peaceful learning environment where learners collaborated harmoniously. Volunteering brought me immense fulfillment, as people remember how I made them feel.
Professionally, YPMP has honed my consistency, rendering me more reliable at work. I’ve learned to position myself for opportunities, take initiative more frequently, and significantly enhance my communication skills, facilitating effective meetings and producing quality reports. On a personal level, through volunteerism, I took the initiative to request a training slot for fellows at my former organization, an idea that was warmly welcomed. I now feel like a purposeful contributor, making intentional decisions, being more accountable, and achieving a balanced life to thrive holistically.
