Millennial Challenge

GOTV'E' - GETTING OUT THE VOTE EARLY

2008-10-23T10:51:00.003-05:00

The temperate is cold, but down in Columbus the energy and enthusiasm is keeping us all warm. Out of state and out of country volunteers have descended to battle-ground states, like Ohio, and the camaraderie is strong. They come from New York, California, Texas, Illinois, London and Holland.

Their efforts in partnership with the many local Ohioans volunteering at phone banks, registering people to vote, and door knocking has helped to get so many voters out to the polls early http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27308749/

Personally, this has been one of the most profound stories that I have heard. People of all ages, from various neighbors and from urban and rural communities, have already cast their vote and many of them for Barack Obama and Joe Biden.

Tomorrow, Michelle Obama will be in Columbus to speak at 'A RALLY FOR CHANGE' at Capital University.

More blogging soon.

Homecoming 2008...

2008-10-16T16:28:00.005-05:00

I was born and raised in Ohio, and though I now live in Washington, D.C. I will always be an Ohioan.

As my friends and family know my social and community change journeys usually take me to places far away from the United States. I have been privileged to participate in community based projects and witness first hand the determination, optimism and hope of Africans across the African continent. Its shaped me in many ways, and specifically helped me to realize the many things that we take for granted in the greatest country in the world, America.

Yet, in the years before traveling to Africa it was my experiences volunteering in local political campaigns in Lorain County (Ohio), organizing student education forums and voter registration drives in high-school, and interning for the Democratic Party in Washington, D.C. where I first caught a glimpse what individuals and their communities can do to effect positive change.

However, over the course of the 5 years since my journeys commenced in Africa, here at home... here in the United States... Americans have experienced one disappointment after the next. In fact, for many Americans the American Dream has vanished. Their homes are foreclosed, grocery bills climb, and filling up the tank takes a hearty chunk out of the pay-check. All the while, unemployment in places like Ohio is over 7 percent(the highest it been since December 1992).

But, rather than continue to hang these problems on the proverbial blogsphere laundry line, over the course of the next 19 days I'll use this blog to document my homecoming... campaigning for Barack Obama in OHIO. I am doing this because I believe that we can do better as a country and we will do better when we are open to new ideas, approaches and solutions for our shared future. This is why I support Barack Obama for President, and Joe Biden for Vice-President.

Fortunately, the many members of the "global family" to get Obama elected enabled my trip to the land of the Buckeyes, the home of Rock 'n' Roll, and now Joe the Plumber.

What happened was this... earlier this year I was fortunate to be selected as a Starting Bloc fellow (check them out, great organization and great people) and when an email from the founders (read: entrepreneurs) of Travel for Change came across the list-serve, I went right to the TFC website.

After sending an mail to TFC staff, setting up my profile and speaking with them over the phone I received an email. A generous donor from Austin agreed to donate her frequent flier miles so that I could travel from D.C. to Columbus, Ohio for the remaining 3 weeks of the campaign.

So, here I am. About 36 hours from pounding the pavement in Ohio and ready to help restore confidence, hope and effect change here at home. I am exited to get back home and help turn Ohio Blue for Obama.

Red Ball Drop Day #5: Finale!

2008-08-12T02:14:00.003-05:00

My last official day for the Red Ball Drop in Uganda, and Ball Drop #23 and #24, took place at the ENGAGE Uganda, Namuwongo Youth Soccer Tournament (attended by over 500 people) and Uganda's School for the Disabled. 10 youth from GYPA who live in Namuwongo, some of which also participate in Gomo Tong Football Club, participated in sporting matches with the children and youth including, hand ball and tug-o-war. View the photos here and more details coming soon!

Red Ball Drop #23 - Namuwongo
We distributed 5 Special Edition Kevin Carroll Katalyst Red Balls for the ENGAGE Uganda, Namuwongo Youth Soccer Tournament, which included more than 80 children in the matches.

Red Ball Drop #24 - Mengo
We distributed 4 Special Edition Kevin Carroll Katalyst Red Balls and 5 Molten Balls to over 200 children and youth.

In just 5 days here are the numbers:

Number of Red Balls and Molten Balls Distributed: 162
Number of Cities and Towns: 10
Number of Districts: 3
Number of Ball Drop Sites: 23
Estimated number of Ball Drop Uganda Beneficiaries: 3,000

The GYPA staff will embark on Ball Drops in Gulu later this week, and some of the balls will be used for the Gomo Tong Football Club preparations and practices for Homeless World Cup Melbourne.

Stay tuned...

Red Ball Drop Day 3 and 4 - Ntinda, Lugogo, Mukono, Masese and Jinja

2008-08-11T14:44:00.005-05:00

Here is the latest photo album from Red Ball Drops Day #3 and #4. Commentary coming soon! Our days took us to a variety of inspiring and challenging places in Central and Eastern Uganda. Enjoy the photos here

We conducted the following Red Ball Drops:

Day # 3
Red Ball Drop #17 - Uganda School for the Deaf (Located in Mengo); 7 Special Edition Kevin Carroll Katalyst Red Balls and 7 Molten Balls. Total number of students at the school is 200.

Day # 4
Red Ball Drop #18 - Ferdinand's Proline Academy; 4 Molten Balls to 30 under-10 children

Red Ball Drop #19 - Mukono; 5 Special Edition Kevin Carroll Katalyst Red Balls and 5 Molten Balls to 100 youth

Red Ball Drop #20 - Uganda Remand Center and Prison (Jinja); 2 Special Edition Kevin Carroll Katalyst Red Balls and 6 Molten Balls to 600 people

Red Ball Drop #21 - Masese Landing Site (located near Lake Victoria); 4 Kevin Carroll Katalyst Red Balls and 4 Molten Balls to 80 youth and children

Red Ball Drop #22 - Africa Youth Development Organisation; 4 Special Edition Kevin Carroll Katalyst Red Balls and 4 Molten Balls to 100 youth and children

On Day # 3 and Day # 4, we distributed a a total of 23 Special Edition Kevin Carroll Katalyst Red Balls and 31 Molten Balls. The balls are estimated to reach more than 1,100 people.

A Break in the Ball Drop....

2008-08-10T04:49:00.006-05:00

Like many people here in Uganda, I've started to follow the various early stage Olympic Games. Right now, I am watching Nigeria v.s. Japan in soccer (and Nigeria just scored the first goal of the match). In 1996, and maybe you wouldn't believe it, but Nigeria won the Gold Medal in soccer. Don't believe me?

Tonight I'll look forward to the USA v.s. China basketball game. The stage is set for the U.S. to redeem itself from it's terrible performance at Athens in 2004.

However, this morning, I watched Russia v.s. Iran. Russia, who has star NBA player Andrei Kirilenko, was the overwhelming favorite, and defeated Iran 71-49. However, Iran played a fantastic game and fans cheered them on throughout the game.

After the game was truly the BIG moment (and thanks to ESPN for putting this on their homepage). Reporters had questioned the team members about the tensions between Iran and Israel. In response, it is reported that Russian Coach, David Blatt (who holds dual Israeli and American Citizenship) and Iranian Team Captain, Mohammed Nikkah, shared a hug and pat on the back. The questions came about after an Iranian swimmer refused to participate in a pre Olympic meet because an Israeli athlete was competing in the same race.

This demonstration of hope, and friendship through sport - even in the face of prejudice - is alive across the globe.

In fact, to bring it back to Africa for a moment in 1999, the East and Central Africa Club Championship was being held in Uganda between two countries that have been in conflict for several years, Ethiopia and Eritrea. During their stay in Kampala, the media and locals reported that the teams were sharing smiles, laughs and a meal before the match.

There is more work ahead and the challenges are many, but sports is a way that we can further embrace cultures, societies, and peace in our world.

From Uganda's Villages to the Olympic Village

2008-08-08T04:25:00.004-05:00

The world may not expect Uganda to win a gold medals - or any medals for that matter in Beijing - but, considering the country's history of conflict in the 1970's and 1980's, Uganda has performed well over the years, and is churning out some exceptional young talent.

Over the last 6 days I've studied a bit about Uganda's Olympic and Sporting History. I learned that the best of times (and the worst of times) was during the regime of General Idi Amin.

Amin was well known as a sports enthusiast and athlete. He was a boxer, basketball and rugby player (oh, and by the way, he stood a imposing 6'4" and weighed 280 lbs). Today, he is considered both an evil tyrant that you never wanted to enter the ring against, and a sports hero who advocated and financially backed Ugandan athletes. Amin, some say, viewed this as an easy way to promote his country to the world.

The evidence of his backing is the following:

During his regime, the national boxing team, the Bombers, was ranked 3rd in the world amateur boxing. In 1978, the Uganda national soccer team, the Cranes, qualified for the Ghana African Cup of Nations finals where it finished second place after losing to Ghana 2-0, but they have since not achieved this level of success on the soccer pitch at any Africa or international tournament.

So, where are Ugandan sports today? Thanks to informative reporting by the Daily Monitor and New Vision, Team Uganda Athlete Profiles, Uganda's Olympic History, and and color commentary, it's been enlightening to learn a bit more about the state of Ugandan sports.

Uganda's Medal History

Uganda first took part in the Olympic Games in 1956 in Melbourne, Australia and have won a total of six medals, with the late John Akii Bua (photo left) winning the country’s only gold medal in the 1972 Munich Games in 400 meter hurdles.

Bua became a national hero and upon returning to Uganda, he received a city bungalow, a street and a stadium in Lira, northern Uganda, were also named after him.

Other notables from Uganda includes

• Mexico 1968: Eridadi Mukwanga, Silver, Boxing (bantam weight)
• Munich 1972: Leo Rwabdogo, Silver, Boxing (flyweight)
• Moscow 1980: John Mugabi, Silver, Boxing (welterweight)
• Atlanta 1996: Davis Kamoga, Bronze 400 meter

Additionally, according to the Daily Monitor, only 12 countries (of 54) have won Olympic Gold: South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Algeria, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Morocco, Cameroon, Mozambique and Burundi.

In Beijing, the Uganda Olympic Team features 12 athletes in running, track and field, swimming, weightlifting, and badminton. They are:

Moses Kipsiro - Track and Field
Alex Malinga - Marathon
Boniface Kiprop - Track and Field
Geoffrey Kusuro - Track and Field
Benjamin Kiplagat - Track and Field
Abraham Chepkirwok - Track and Field
Justine Bayiga - Track and Field
Ronald Serugo - Boxing
Gilbert Kaburu - Swimming
Sam Mubarak Kivumbi - Weightlifting
Edwin Ekiring - Badminton
Aya Nakitanda - Swimming

From The Village to the Olympic Village
These young people, representing Uganda in Beijing, come from many of the same remote villages and communities that Global Youth Partnership for Africa (GYPA) youth come from or that GYPA works. In fact, the stories of the Olympic athletes over-coming adversity are similar. Starting with very little, without much formal training and without a real grasp of how sports can change your life.

For example, Alex Malinga (33 years old)was born in Kapchorwa - which borders Kenya to the East. According to him, "I hated running. At school (primary) I would refuse every time they told us to run." It was not until high-school, in 1996, that he started serious running. Since that time, he's participated in nearly a dozen regional and international track and field events, and placed 6th at the IAAF World Athletics Championships (2005) in Helsinki.

Aya Olivia Nakitanda, the only female representative on Team Uganda thanks her mother for her success as a swimmer. Aya is asthmatic, but with training and support from coaches and her mother, she has beat the odds. At the 2004 East Africa University Games hosted in Nairobi, Aya picked up 11 gold medals, two silver and one bronze. Yet, no matte how busy, Aya has kept up with her studies and is now in her fourth year at Makerere University in the department of medicine.

According to the Daily Monitor, her dream.... "I would love to see more and more girls turn into top class swimmers and compete internationally like me."

It begs to ask the question, who else is out there is dreaming BIG? Who in Uganda will represent Uganda in 2012, 2016, 2020, 2024.... Who are the other youth of today in the streets of Kampala? In the rural areas of the North or the East or the West? Who else will one day qualify for the Olympics in other sports dominated by the United States, China and Europe. Basketball? Soccer? Tennis?

There are many out there, but without financial investment in sports, without the commitment to training and practice and coaching, these dreams will not be realized. The timing is now when the world's eyes are on sports and soon will be on South Africa for the World Cup (2010). Fortunately, the private sector and public sector do have the ability and should endorse the sports for social change movement in Uganda. The organizations, the youth and the country is ready. Let's not miss the opportunity... let the games REALLY begin!

Football In Real Life

2008-08-07T08:36:00.002-05:00

So, I may not get to see Messi v.s. Ronaldinho? You mean, I’ll only get to watch that on YouTube set to techno-music? I about lost it when I opened up the Daily Monitor Today (one of Uganda’s Daily Newspapers) to these headlines from the Beijing Olympics.

As we all know, the Olympics have been heavily politicized and criticized for more than the past year. And today, more bad news headlines, the football (read: Soccer) had also become politicized, and my favorite team (after the U.S. team), Argentina, was at the center of the controversy.

As most would argue today, Argentine football is two-words: Lionel Messi. Argentina selected Messi for the Argentine Olympic Team for Beijing in-line with FIFA’s rule that club teams must release under-23 players for the Olympics. Initially, FC Barcelona did not comply and took him off to a pre-season training camp located in Scotland. However, eventually, they allowed him to travel with his native country to Beijing. Yet, just a few days ago, FC Barcelona appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) against the FIFA ruling. Unfortunately, CAS ruled in favor of Barcelona.

Messi has made it clear that he wants to play for Argentina in Beijing, and it sounds like he will play no matter the CAS ruling. However, this politics hurts the game and harms the fans (Read: A Possible Argentina v.s. Brazil match-up for the gold medal becomes impossible)

So, in light of this saga, and hoping that Messi does play because he loves the game and wants to represent his country, this is my humble ode…. “Football in Real Life.”

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In the United States it’s baseball diamonds and basketball courts. In the rest of the world it’s football fields. Every football field has distinct features and everyone has their favorite field. Something at the field that leaves an indelible mark on any football fan from Boca to Chelsea.

Some of the fields are surrounded by mountains and mango trees while others are located on the grounds of a church, a primary school or an old industrial site.

Some have wooden football goals whose roots sink deep into the earth and serve as “the oxygen” for aspiring young players. Others are rusted orange metal pipes or wooden sticks plugged into the ground. No matter, it all works.

Some fields have rocks that come from a nearby quarry to mark out of bounds, and dirt or mud to draw the mid-field line.

Ultimately, each football field is a unique expression of the football artists in the community.

The field itself is usually the central space of the community and thus, the heart of the community. The football field is the place where the youth, the children, the young boys and girls create, ask questions, discuss, and play. The football field belongs to each and every one of them, it is their home and where their dreams are nourished.

So, simple, yet so life changing, the football field explains why the game makes so much sense wherever it appears. All you need is an open space – whether its 100 yards, or 20 yards – the game can be played, the ball can be passed… the game is shared.

It’s not about the bleachers, because the fans and players will come whether or not there are bleachers.

It’s not about lighting, because at sun-down players still dream and replay the practice, the tournament, the game. And tomorrow, the sun will rise, the rain will fall, but a game will be played.

And, it’s not about having nets in each goal, some player will chase after the ball once it goes through the goal, and play will always resume. Why? Because as in life, in football it’s about the journey and it is impossible to be entirely individualistic. You need your team, and you need coaches if you are going to score the goals, cross the ball, or stop a defensive strike.

Yesterday, in Bukomero and Kiboga, those football fields, those players, those coaches, those mountains, mango trees, primary schools and churches that I’ve passed many times driving across Uganda, became a place I visited.

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The images remain so vivid….children scrambling the field their blue or yellow school uniforms, goats roaming (and grazing) on the field, young kids in torn t-shirts and pants or without shoes sweating around the pitch and forgetting about life for a while. In fact, in the rural areas, I’ve even seen the young cattle herders park their cows as they take a little break in the middle of their afternoon to play.

Nearby, I could smell the women cooking local food like matoke, brick making kilns, and the horrible smell of sewage. These are not distractions, this is life in its unedited form, this is football in the barrios, the playgrounds, the favelas, the industrial parks, the rural areas, this is football in Uganda. This is “Football in Real Life.” This is why I love this beautiful game.

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Red Ball Drop Day 2, Bukomero and Kiboga

2008-08-06T15:28:00.004-05:00

The drive from Kampala to Bukomero was just around 2 hours and Bukomero to Kiboga is another 40 minutes. Thanks to our friend Martin, we visited the soccer fields that appear along the highway that takes you throughout this District.

To view photos from Red Ball Drop Day # 2 view here

In Bukomero and Kiboga Gomo Tong Football Club encouraged the various communities, teams and organizations to continue using the soccer ball as a tool for change. Not to just play soccer, or any game for that matter, but to find new ways of learning, exploring, training and earning a little income. At a local Primary School, the administration uses soccer to bring the community together to teach life-skills and host tournaments to raise a little bit of money for text-books, or to purchase a goat to award to the winning team.

Red Ball Drop Destination #6 – Bukomero Field #1
We arrived to our first stop of the day and the young men were sitting under the shade of the trees. A few were scattered about on the football pitch, kicking a beat up white soccer ball, in their teal school uniforms. The smiles emerged and the young men eagerly engaged Joseph Ochitti (Homeless World Cup Copenhagen 2007) in the conversation about the power of practicing and training.

At this first field in Bukomero, we distributed 2 Special Edition Kevin Carroll Katalyst Red Soccer balls and 2 Molten Soccer Balls to a group of 30 young men.

Red Ball Drop Destination #7 – Bukomero Field # 2
About 12 feet up a hill from the highway, this soccer pitch was home to the group of local youth that call themselves the Farmers Club. The field was surrounded by the mountains and a large mango tree shaded the goal at the south-end of the pitch. The young men were dribbling about, and they had some of the most impressive juggling skills we’ve seen so far on the Ball Drop in Uganda.

At this field, we distributed 3 Molten Soccer Balls to a group of 12 young men.

Red Ball Drop Destination #8, 9, 10 and 11 - Bukomero Field # 3
This soccer field was on the site of a Primary School that enrolls more than 250 children. In front of the school is a huge soccer field that is also shaded by a mango tree. In fact, just about every step you walk, you’ll find mango peels or mangos that have fallen and been stepped on by footballers. In addition, you’ll find mangos on the bare feet of some of the youth.

We organized 4 separate distributions at Bukomero Field # 3. We distributed 2 Special Edition Kevin Carroll Katalyst Red Soccer balls and 5 Molten Soccer Balls to a group of 35 young men. We then distributed 3 Special Edition Kevin Carroll Katalyst Red Soccer balls to a group of young boys attending the Primary School. We then distributed 3 Special Edition Kevin Carroll Katalyst Red Soccer balls to a group of 20 girls attending the Primary School. Finally, we provided 1 Red Ball to a group of mothers and school administrators.

Red Ball Drop Destination #12 and 13 – Kiboga Field #1
We arrived to another Primary School, and the bright yellow uniforms of the children rushed to the vehicle as we arrived. The school headmaster greeted us and explained that there are 348 children attending the school. He then introduced us to some of the youth playing at the soccer pitch, but that were not in Primary School. Ochitti organized a brief training for them where the team lined up and practiced dribbling between each of the players as you would through cones.

We distributed 2 Molten Soccer Balls to this group of 7 young men. We then distributed 3 Special Edition Kevin Carroll Katalyst Red Soccer Balls and 4 Molten Soccer Balls to this group of 60 young children.

Red Ball Drop Destination #14 and 15 - Kiboga Field # 2
Our second to last destination point of the day before heading back to Kampala, was at smaller soccer pitch with one soccer goal and more than 40 youth and children playing. A number of kids had created balls out of various trash bag type materials and were juggling and throwing these balls about. At the same small field, a group of youth had organized and discussed their team, their goals and ideas for using sport in the community.

We distributed 4 Special Edition Kevin Carroll Katalyst Red Soccer balls and 1 Molten Soccer Balls to a group of 10 young men. In addition, we distributed 2 Kevin Carroll Katalyst Red Soccer Balls to a group of street children living near the area who often play at the same field as the youth.

Red Ball Drop Distribution # 16 - Bukomero
At our final stop of the day, we provided 5 Special Edition Kevin Carroll Katalyst Red Soccer Balls and 5 Molten Balls to the World Vision District Offices. GYPA works closely with World Vision on projects in Bukomero and Kiboga that includes health education, treatment and capacity training for youth. These balls will be used as part of the our health education outreach efforts that bring Israeli physicians to the District. These programs reach hundreds of people living in communities throughout the District.

Overall, the total number of Balls distributed today was 40. We estimate that the total number of people who these balls will reach is 800.

On Friday, we’ll continue the Red Ball Drop in a few locations in and around Kampala. We anticipate to reach Jinja (which is about 1 hour East of Kampala), Mengo (which is about 20 minutes outside of Kampala), and a team is headed to Gulu located in Northern Uganda (5 hours from Kampala) within the coming week.

Red Ball Drop Day 1, Kampala: A Message of Unity and Friendship

2008-08-05T16:57:00.004-05:00

There are times in life when you have those “WOW” moments and you wonder why you’ve been so fortunate to be there. Today, in entirety, was one of those WOW moments. (To view the Red Ball Drop Uganda Day 1 Album click here)

We were up early, unpacking, organizing and planning for Red Ball Drop Uganda Day # 1. Joseph (GYPA Country Director) and Ritah (GYPA Staff) coordinated and planned out a terrific schedule for the day, and it all started in nearby Namuwongo.

Around noon, members of Gomo Tong Football Club kicked-off the events, and throughout the day they described how sports have changed their lives from Kampala to Cape Town to Copenhangen. Each of them motivated and challenged youth in and around Kampala to use the power of sport to build new friendships and unify their community.

Joseph Ochitti (Homeless World Cup Copenhagen 2007) put it perfectly, “How many people can play with this red ball? 1,000? 2,000?” Students at Kiwuliriza (Ball Drop Destination #2) responded, “Everyone can.” With his trademark smile Joseph responded, “Yes, you are right. The world can play with this ball and we all can and must play together!”

Our trip in and around Greater Kampala took us to many special places and introduced us to many special organizations and individuals.

Ball Drop Destination #1: Namuwongo, an urban slum community where Project Namuwongo, which eventually evolved into the Global Youth Partnership for Africa, was founded 5 years ago this month (August 2003).

We arrived to Kisugu Junior Academy which is the center of primary school education for more than 600 students between 5 – 13 years old. Ronald Mukibi, the Headmaster, is not just an inspiring educator, but a long-time friend and supporter of the Global Youth Partnership for Africa. He welcomed the group to Kisugu and informed the members of Gomo Tong that they should come back and implement the Sports Outreach Program that Gomo Tong and GYPA Youth Group Members lead in various communities.

We distributed 6 Special Edition Kevin Carroll Katalyst Red Soccer Balls and 10 Molten Soccer Balls. Some of these balls, as Mukibi told us, will be used at the “School Sports Day” this coming Saturday, August 9, 2008.

Ball Drop Destination #2: We arrived the Kiwuliriza COU Boarding and Primary School also located in Namuwongo. More than 40 students, primarily young women, greeted the team at the site of the basketball court that Kevin Carroll funded in 2004.

The members of Gomo Tong Football Club Distributed 4 Kevin Carroll Katalyst Red Soccer Balls and 8 Molten Soccer Balls.

Ball Drop Destination #3: We arrived "Tigers Club," an organization that offers safe place to stay for street kids living in Kampala, around 3pm. This organization works with children and youth up to the age of 25. Many of them have been involved in drugs, petty-theft, and prostitution. The Tigers Club successfully uses sports as a tool to rehabilitate them.

The members of Gomo Tong Football Club distributed 6 Special Edition Kevin Carroll Katalyst Red Soccer Balls and 8 Molten Soccer Balls. In addition, the Tigers Club issued a “soccer challenge” to the members of Gomo Tong Football Club. We hope that the Tigers Club and Gomo Tong will organize a sports for social change soccer tournament in the near future.

Ball Drop Destination #4: We then headed 25 minutes outside of Kampala to Chiwanga. Chiwanga is just past the Nelson Mandela Stadium, the home of Uganda’s National Team, the Cranes. At Chiwanga, we visited the Phillips House. Phillips House is a home for young men and women who are orphaned and disabled. I have been fortunate to visit Phillips House on 3 occasions since 2003. Philips House is maintained by a tremendous team of women who feed, teach and provide social services with heck of a lot of love and friendship.

Currently, Philips House is home for 10 young men and women who live with physical and mental disabilities. In addition, they deal with an unacceptable degree of stigma and are ridiculed by most of Ugandan society. However, as we witnessed first hand when the balls were distributed the smiles, the laughing, the playing, tossing and kicking didn’t end. Sport IS the great equalizer.

Members of Gomo Tong Football Club gave all 10 youth the Special Edition Kevin Carroll Katalyst Red Soccer Ball.

Ball Drop Destination #5: Our final Red Ball Drop of the day also took place in Chiwanga at a nearby grass field with two wooden soccer goals. We randomly spotted a group scrambling around the soccer pitch. So, we stopped by. After all, all of this distributing of the balls made us eager to kick the ball around, too. At the pitch, we found out that the young men playing were between 20 and 28 years old and organized themselves into a local football club called the “Uganda Boca Juniors” in honor of the great Diego Maradona.

As the player/coach of the team explained, this team was formed by their older brothers about 5 years ago and they have continued it on in their name, but because they love football.

Again, Gomo Tong Football Club was challenged to a soccer match by the Uganda Boca Juniors and invited the players to come back to Chiwanga in the near future. We provided 2 Molten Soccer balls to this “field of dreams” in Chiwanga that would make Diego proud.

By the end of the day, we distributed 54 balls that we estimate will reach over 800 young men and women in Uganda.

Tomorrow, for Day # 2, we are off bright and early to the Kiboga District, located just under 2 hours west of Kampala.

Yes... let's practice

2008-08-04T08:34:00.006-05:00

Today begins the Red Ball Drop Uganda. In preparation, I talked with local organizers, students and youth who participate in the GYPA soccer programming and peer-to-peer youth leadership training programs in Namuwongo. One of the common themes is that the youth want to get better at sports, but primarily want to become better leaders. In their mind, the more time they put in, the more they will get out. Essentially, "practice makes perfect."

Unfortunately, too many kids around the world don't have the opportunity to practice. Yes, because they do not have a ball, or the equipment needed, but more so because they don't have role models, coaches or others to give them a pat on the back, or a thumbs up after great hustle. As the sports for social change movement grows, these important elements MUST be central ingredients, otherwise the movement falls short of its goals: to empower individuals, and uplift and fundamentally improve communities.

Fortunately for my organization, the Global Youth Partnership for Africa (GYPA), over the past 2 months the GYPA youth in Namuwongo have worked with students from Northwestern University as part of the ENGAGE Uganda (founded by my friend and fellow social entrepreneur, Nathaniel Whittemore) program. The students, in collaboration with the youth implemented a peer-to-peer, life skills learning program with soccer, net ball and arts and drama as central elements of the curriculum.

As I was told last evening, the youth are retaining the lessons, but also practicing what they preach in the larger community. They are looking beyond stereotypes and stigma, advocating for gender equality, and all in the spirit of volunteerism. Every day, on and off of the soccer pitch, they are perfecting the lessons, asking questions, being creative and and making their community a better place.

These examples are inspiring not only to the students or the GYPA staff, but to other younger kids in the community and to their parents. Sports for social change is working in this community.

I found the timing of these conversations unique since I recently read an article written by A.J. Thomson at Philly.com. The article, “Let’s Talk About Practice” emphasizes the power of sport, but the power and importance of “practice.”

As A.J. writes, practice has become a word that for thousands of kids "has little significance." Thousands of kids are missing out on important life lessons like discipline, team-building, sportsmanship, and the opportunities afforded are only qualified by the amount of time, passion and dedication that one puts into the game he or she plays.

Tragically, sports fans are drowning in the ‘lights, camera, action” of today’s professional sports world. It’s no longer about spending time as a volunteer coach with a young player who's shooting 1,000 free-throws after dark at the local playground.

Take for example, Michael Phelps. Is he a supernatural talent, yes? But, his rigorous work-out routines, and unfathomable hours spent in the pool is what leads most to believe that he will win 8 gold medals in Beijing and break Mark Spitz's record. Phelps did not get to where he is today magically, the "lights, camera, action" came as a result of his achievements of course, but because of his dedication to practice, and the coaches and mentors surrounding him.

I agree with A.J., let’s practice, let’s put more time, more effort, more funding into practicing. Kids in Africa, Kids in Latin America, Kids in the United States today are craving the opportunity to play sports, but seeking mentors, role models, and a safe place to play. But, until those of us make time to volunteer, save a little money to donate, young people with big dreams, but without a helping hand will suffer, and we as a society will too.

So, as I embark today on the Red Ball Drop Uganda, it will be about chasing your dreams and your passions, but it will also be a challenge to those who receive the Red Balls. The leaders in each organization, in each school, in each community, to each of the Namuowongo Youth leaders, to commit to teaching, training and mentoring. Because, sports, as we more are learning from this sports movement, are more than just about the game.....it is about improving the world that we live.

From Uganda's Remote Villages to the Olympic Village...

2008-08-04T03:41:00.014-05:00

The world may not expect Uganda to win a gold medal, or any medals for that matter in Beijing. But, considering the country's history of conflict in the 1970's and 1980's, Uganda has performed well over the years, and is churning out some exceptional young talent.

Over the last 6 days I've studied a bit about Uganda's Olympic and Sporting History. The best of times (and the worst of times) as I learned were during the regime of General Idi Amin. Amin was well known as a sports enthusiast and was a boxer, basketball and rugby player (oh, and by the way, (he stood a imposing 6'4" and weighed 280 lbs). Amongst many, he is considered both an evil tyrant that you never wanted to enter the ring against, and a sports hero who advocated for sports and financially backed Ugandan athletes. Amin, some say, viewed this as an easy way to promote his country to the world.

The evidence of his backing is the following:

During his regime, the national boxing team, the Bombers, was ranked 3rd in the world amateur boxing. In 1978, the Uganda national soccer team, the Cranes, qualified for the Ghana African Cup of Nations finals where it finished second place after losing to Ghana 2-0, but they have since not achieved this level of success on the soccer pitch at any Africa or international tournament.

So, where are Ugandan sports today? Thanks to interesting reporting by the Daily Monitor and New Vision Team Uganda's Athlete Profiles, Uganda's Olympic History and and color commentary, it's been an enlightening to learn a bit more about the state of Ugandan sports.

Uganda's Medal History

Uganda first took part in the Olympic Games in 1956 in Melbourne, Australia and have won a total of six medals, with the late John Akii Bua (photo left) winning the country’s only gold medal in the 1972 Munich Games in 400 meter hurdles.

Bua became a national hero and upon returning to Uganda, he received a city bungalow, a street and a stadium in Lira, northern Uganda, were also named after him.

Other notables from Uganda includes

• Mexico 1968: Eridadi Mukwanga, Silver, Boxing (bantam weight)
• Munich 1972: Leo Rwabdogo, Silver, Boxing (flyweight)
• Moscow 1980: John Mugabi, Silver, Boxing (welterweight)
• Atlanta 1996: Davis Kamoga, Bronze 400 meter

Additionally, according to the Daily Monitor, only 12 countries (of 54) have won Olympic Gold: South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Algeria, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Morocco, Cameroon, Mozambique and Burundi.

In Beijing, the Uganda Olympic Team features 12 athletes in running, track and field, swimming, weightlifting, and badminton. They are:

Moses Kipsiro - Track and Field
Alex Malinga - Marathon
Boniface Kiprop - Track and Field
Geoffrey Kusuro - Track and Field
Benjamin Kiplagat - Track and Field
Abraham Chepkirwok - Track and Field
Justine Bayiga - Track and Field
Ronald Serugo - Boxing
Gilbert Kaburu - Swimming
Sam Mubarak Kivumbi - Weightlifting
Edwin Ekiring - Badminton
Aya Nakitanda - Swimming

From The Village to the Olympic Village
These young people, representing Uganda in Beijing, come from many of the same remote villages and communities that Global Youth Partnership for Africa (GYPA) youth come from or that GYPA works. In fact, the stories of the Olympic athletes over-coming adversity are similar. Starting with very little, without much formal training and without a real grasp of how sports can change your life.

For example, Alex Malinga (33 years old)was born in Kapchorwa - which borders Kenya to the East. According to him, "I hated running. At school (primary) I would refuse every time they told us to run." It was not until high-school, in 1996, that he started serious running. Since that time, he's participated in nearly a dozen regional and international track and field events, and placed 6th at the IAAF World Athletics Championships (2005) in Helsinki.

Aya Olivia Nakitanda, the only female representative on Team Uganda thanks her mother for her success as a swimmer. Aya is asthmatic, but with training and support from coaches and her mother, she has beat the odds. At the 2004 East Africa University Games hosted in Nairobi, Aya picked up 11 gold medals, two silver and one bronze. Yet, no matte how busy, Aya has kept up with her studies and is now in her fourth year at Makerere University in the department of medicine.

According to the Daily Monitor, her dream.... "I would love to see more and more girls turn into top class swimmers and compete internationally like me."

It begs to ask the question, who else is out there is dreaming BIG? Who in Uganda will represent Uganda in 2012, 2016, 2020, 2024.... Who are the other youth of today in the streets of Kampala? In the rural areas of the North or the East or the West? Who else will one day qualify for the Olympics in other sports dominated by the United States, China and Europe. Basketball? Soccer? Tennis?

There are many out there, but without financial investment in sports, without the commitment to training and practice and coaching, these dreams will not be realized. The timing is now when the world's eyes are on sports and soon will be on South Africa for the World Cup (2010). Fortunately, the private sector and public sector do have the ability and should endorse the sports for social change movement in Uganda. The organizations, the youth and the country is ready. Let's not miss the opportunity... let the games REALLY begin!

A Red Ball is Changing Lives

2008-08-04T03:37:00.003-05:00

This month, a landmark event will take place in Uganda: the selection of the 1st All Female Homeless World Cup team, who will represent their country at the Inaugural Female Homeless World Cup in Melbourne, Australia (December 1 – 7, 2008). Through the generous support of the Homeless World Cup, the players and coaches will have their airfare and accommodation covered entirely. Gomo Tong Football Club, representing Uganda at the Homeless World Cup in Cape Town 2006, Copenhagen 2007, is sponsored by Kevin Carroll Katalyst.

I first met the Kataylst in September 2004 at the Uganda North American Association (UNAA) Conference in Seattle, Washington, DC. This was shortly after my second trip to Uganda and you could say that I was on a “fundraising-spree.” My efforts were, similar to today, focused on sport and leadership programming for youth and community empowerment programs in one of Africa’s most densely populated slums, Namuwongo. In advance of the event, I reviewed the conference schedule looking for people who may be interested to support my efforts. Kevin’s name and title “Katalyst” immediately caught my attention. So, off to the UNAA Youth Forum I went, and the rest is history. It’s hard not be drawn to Kevin’s personal story from the playground in Philly chasing the red ball to the global stage. His genuine charm and ability to tap into your passion drives you to dream BIG.

However, who’d ever have predicted, that nearly 4 years later, I would find myself in Uganda with 300 Kevin Carroll Katalyst Red Soccer Balls and Red Rubber Balls, and preparing to do the largest Ball Drop in the country’s history to celebrate Kevin’s mantra, “A Ball Can Change Your Life” and the Sports for Social Change Movement.

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In conjunction with the selection of Gomo Tong Football Club for the Melbourne Homeless World Cup, I am with the Global Youth Partnership for Africa Uganda Country Office, Sports for Social Change Red Ball Drops. From Kampala to Rakai to Jinja to Gulu, Gomo Tong Football Club players who traveled to Cape Town and Copenhagen for the Homeless World Cup, and the newly selected Team for Melbourne will mobilize communities, local leaders, schools to participate and embrace the role of sports for development in their communities and country, and that “A ball can change your life.”

According to his website, Kevin’s special edition Red Soccer Ball and Red Rubber Ball represents what grabs you by the soul and captures your imagination. These customized soccer and playground balls were created by Molten USA Inc. (also a sponsor of Beijing Olympics) exclusively for Kevin. The Red Rubber Ball represents any activity, topic or purpose that excites and inspires you each day. Mark your moment of discovering what inspires you with this tangible reminder of your daily "chase" and your quest to turn your DREAM into a reality.

The timing of these ball drops, in my opinion, couldn’t be better. With the opening ceremonies of the Beijing Olympics just a few days away (August 8), celebrating Uganda’s local Olympians and honoring them in the spirit of play and sport, we will aim, through Kevin’s leadership, organizations like the Homeless World Cup, and our team Gomo Tong Football Club, to expand the power of sport and play across Uganda.

Photos, stories and other commentary from the field will appear throughout this week. Stay tuned.

Red Ball Drop Uganda

2008-08-01T04:27:00.005-05:00

Greetings readers and new readers of Millennial Challenge. It's been a little while, but I am pleased to rejoin the blogosphere with some great news. My travels find me back in the pearl of Africa ... Uganda.

There is an exciting development brewing, and the timing (Beijing Olympics) couldn't be better.

Stay tuned... the RB Drop is coming to Uganda.

More Than Just A Game -- Nelson Mandela and Futbol

2007-11-27T13:47:00.000-05:00

Unfortunately, I didn't find Sports as a priority topic at the Commonwealth Heads of State Meeting last week in Kampala. In the lead up to South Africa's 2010 World Cup, I felt that Sports could have been a key contributor to discussions and plans for social, and economic development not only for 2010, or the 2009 Commonwealth Games, but also year-in-and-year-out in CHOGM nations.

Yet, fear not, I see that the world is catching on to the Sports for Social Change Movement. Most recently, the movement pushed forward, with the premiere of the feature film "More Than Just A Game." I've heard a bit about the stories of futball on Robben Island, and Nelson Mandela's passion for the game, but this film aims to give the full story.

I am interested to see the film and believe it may have the power to teach more of the world that sports (and in this case football) are more than just a game!

(see info below about the film)

WORLD PREMIERE OF “MORE THAN JUST A GAME” ON 23 NOVEMBER IN DURBAN

The World Premiere of the film, More Than Just A Game, which tells the dramatic and little-known story of organized football played among prisoners on Robben Island will take place at the occasion of the Preliminary Draw of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ in Durban on Friday, 23 November at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre. The film, produced by Anant Singh and Helena Spring is directed by Junaid Ahmed and stars Presley Chweneyagae (Tsotsi) and Wright Ngubeni (Generations).

Told through the stories of five former prisoners, More Than Just A Game follows the story of how political activists who were unjustly imprisoned on Robben Island in the 1960s rise above their incarceration by creating a football league, the Makana Football Association (Makana FA), thereby finding an outlet for their passion and commitment to discipline through football.

Last week, producer Anant Singh pre-screened the film for executives of the world governing body of football in Zurich and met FIFA President, Joseph S. Blatter, who commented, “What happened on Robben Island was a revealing example showing that football is much more than just a game. For the "Freedom fighters", it was about dignity, respect, fun and hope in a space where humanity was surviving in the middle of oppression and infamy. In the world of today so divided and so unfair, football can teach us a lot on the universality and the solidarity embodied in the values and principles of our sport. The docu-drama More Than Just A Game is a beautiful project that FIFA is proud to support."

Producer Anant Singh commented, “We are thrilled to be having the World Premiere of More Than Just A Game as part of the Official Programme of the Preliminary Draw of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in our home town, Durban. More Than Just A Game is a story about human beings trying to succeed against all odds and to survive using football as their inspiration. The film is a tribute to the people on Robben Island who fought for the privilege to play football. We appreciate the support of FIFA and the 2010 FIFA World Cup Local Organising Committee for the opportunity to showcase our film at the Preliminary Draw. The film demonstrates the continent’s love for the game, validating the FIFA World Cup finally coming to Africa in 2010.

Durban will be abuzz with activity from 22 to 25 November with more than 2000 people descending on the city. The film premiere will be attended by the original five Robben Islanders on whom the film is based, i.e. Mark Shinners, Anthony Suze, Lizo Sitoto, Sedick Isaacs and Marcus Solomon, as well as the actors that play them – Presley Chweneyagae, Wright Ngubeni, Az Abrahams, Tshepo Maseko and Merlin Balie. Also in attendance will be soccer legends such as Michel Platini and Franz Beckenbauer as well as representatives of more than 100 football associations and a large contingent of international media.

The film will be released at more than 50 screens nationally in South Africa through United International Pictures (South Africa) in December 2007. The 2010 FIFA World Cup, the first to be staged on African soil, will be held in South Africa from June 11 through July 11.

More Than Just A Game is a Videovision Entertainment production in association with Telkom Media, Filmex (Pty) Ltd, Distant Horizon, and the National Film and Video Foundation of South Africa. The film stars Presley Chweneyagae, Wright Ngubeni, Az Abrahams, Tshepo Maseko and Merlin Balie. It is executive produced by Sudhir Pragjee and Sanjeev Singh and produced by Anant Singh and Helena Spring with Chuck Korr, Lord Ted Rowlands, Double Jab Productions and Hannelie Bekker co-producing. The screenplay is by Tom Eaton and it is directed by Junaid Ahmed.

Part 2 - Uganda, An Entrepreneur’s Canvas: How Ugandans are Molding and Painting the Future

2007-11-24T17:43:00.000-05:00

One of the world’s greatest natural wonders, Lake Victoria, is now home to Uganda’s first Academy of Art and Design. One that could become the model art academy in Africa..

This upcoming March the doors to the Nagenda International Academy of Art Design (NIADD) officially open. Fortunately for me, I know the visionary behind NIAAD. He is one of the very first people I met in Uganda in 2003 and has provided wisdom and inspiration to me, hundreds of others from within and outside of Uganda. His name is Dr. Kizito Maria Kasule, he is 36 years old, and born in the Masaka District of Uganda. When I describe his work to friends and potential buyers, I call him the “Picasso of Africa.”

From extremely humble beginnings as a street child to earning a PhD and teaching at the Makerere University, Kizito has made a name for himself as one of Africa’s Premiere artists. His oil paintings are in the homes of many distinguished diplomats, in hotel and bank lobbies, owned by development agency staff and in the dorm rooms and apartments of US university students. However, as impressive this may be, Kizito is always teaching, always creating and remains relentless in his dream to create the model African Academy for Art and Design for university age students.

This dream is the culmination of just 2.5 years of taking virtually every Uganda Shilling, Euro and US dollar from his paintings sold to lay (brick-by-brick) the foundation for the Nagenda International Academy of Art and Design.

Walking through the halls of Kizito’s nearly complete school on the shores of Lake Victoria reminded me of why I have so much hope for Uganda and Africa’s future. Essentially, the students and children that will enter the halls of Nagenda in 2008 will enter as students of art, and leave as artists that contribute to the re-birth and growth of Uganda.

Realizing that creative energy may be stifled within the walls of conventional primary and university institutions, Kizito believes in offering an environment where students are free to express themselves, collaborate on projects and have the physical space to paint, sculpt, dream and take their art to the local and international markets. The curriculum will include art history, cultural literature, oil painting, sculpting, textile design, and the school will embrace the power of ICT through graphic and web-design course work.

Another unique feature of Nagenda includes opening up the academy to street and other vulnerable children between the ages of 8 – 15 years. Each month, children will come to Nagenda and will learn art from Kizito and the admitted students.

Why is he doing this? Kizito believes in the power of African Youth and that artists have the capacity to paint a brighter future for Uganda, but that they are stifled with the current education system.

However, most interesting to me is that NIADD steps outside the conventional, antiquated education practices in Uganda. While primary and secondary education is free to Ugandans, and this is a step in the right direction, a place like NIADD will encourage and enhance Uganda by being student-centered.

NIADD also wants to build new connections and networks with Universities around East Africa, Africa and internationally. These networks could help to facilitate international student and teaching exchange programs. These could also help the youth better understand global issues. Moreover, the prospects for relationships with universities and linking with foundations could mean art fellowships and study abroad courses for Ugandans in New York, Paris, and Rome. This type of exchange would go beyond the headlines of “what you think you know about Africa,” these art ambassadors will showcase a new Africa.

NIAAD is truly a dream that is being realized. And, while there is a lot of re-beautification of Kampala going on for CHOGM, I found real beauty during the few hours I spent with Kizito near the shores of Lake Victoria at NIAAD. If Kizito has anything to do with it, Uganda will become the epicenter for social change through art in Africa.

Uganda, An Entrepreneur’s Canvas: How Ugandans are Molding and Painting the Future

2007-11-19T03:30:00.000-05:00

The starving artist does not starve in Uganda, or at least they don’t have to if they are an entrepreneur.

I didn’t expect to stumble upon art as a way to improve economic development in the Bottom of the Pyramid (BOP) during CHOGM. But, as I’ve learned while traveling in Africa, there are pleasant surprises everyday.

“Vision is the ability to see what the naked eyes can’t see about the future.” These are the words of David Ssegawa, who received the Faidika Na BBC (Prosper with BBC) Young Entrepreneur Award at the Commonwealth Youth Forum earlier this week.

A native of Kampala, 22 year old David Ssegawa won $2,000 and a new lap-top for his vision to create a candle making factory. Ssegawa intends to start his business by purchasing a machine that can melt and mold wax, rent an office space for 3 months and bring on an associate to help him. He says his company will “benefit local communities across Uganda” that are not connected to the grid.

But, there are already candles in Uganda, right? “At present, candles are imported from China,” David recently explained to BBC, “but I want to launch a business which will make them locally and bring savings and benefits to the local community.”

David’s approach is ambitious, but incremental. With new found partnerships and networks developed during the Commonwealth Youth Forum they could help to “light-up Uganda.” Now, I don’t necessarily believe that this is the silver-bullet idea to light-up Africa; however, I do believe that David’s idea is one that is more than what the “naked eye” can see.

For example, David could turn his vision (with additional resources) into a full-fledged candle making business. Scented, colored, large, small, all kinds of shapes and sizes of candles that can be sold locally, regionally, and internationally. A home-grown, youth driven Ugandan Candle Factory.
This idea makes sense because anyone who has been to Uganda knows that talented artisans span every corner of the country. Artisans range from textiles and fashion designers, to mask-makers and wood-carvers, to sculptors, painters, and seamstresses. Candle makers would be another notch in the belt.

Let’s say on the low-end that these uniquely Ugandan candles are sold for 20,000 USH ($10 US) at the Buganda Road Market or National Theater Market in Kampala. Tourists flock to these sites to find new and different crafts to take home to friends and family. After the sale a portion goes back to David, a portion goes to his company, and portion could be used toward the purchase of additional wax melting and molding machines. The machines can then be loaned to semi off-the-grid rural communities (Note: someone reading this must have the technical skills to develop a solar powered wax molding machine). People in the community are then taught by David or his associates on:

• How to use and maintain the machine (and possibly in new ways)

• How to market the candles

• Basic management/ledger book skills

• And brainstorming meetings that tap into the creative spirit to develop new product lines

From what I could tell, David’s entrepreneurial, can-do spirit will “light-up Uganda and Ugandans.” He has the benefit of being in the CHOGM spotlight, has seed-money in his pocket and a new lap-top (Note to David: consider purchasing a web camera, a low cost cell phone or digital camera with video recording capabilities and YouTube your business!)

He is well-positioned to turn his vision into a powerful social business venture, and I look forward to hearing more about his success.

A Challenge to CHOGM Youth: Here Come the Hummers .....

2007-11-16T10:32:00.000-05:00

There’s a whole lot of buzz right now in Kampala about what to do about climate change. Yes, it is because of environmental champions like Wangari Mathai and Al Gore, but here in Kampala, from what I can tell, it’s because people are realizing that Uganda is losing the battle and it’s getting worse by the year.

Since I arrived to Uganda on Monday, several editorials have appeared in both of Uganda’s daily newspapers. The articles range from how to reduce the carbon footprint in the home, to daunting statistics about the global climate crisis. These have teased my thirst to know more about what Ugandans and specifically Ugandan youth are doing about climate change.

More interesting is the commentary reminding readers about people power in Uganda. Earlier this year Ugandan youth mobilized and protested in the streets of Kampala. They protested the Government of Uganda’s proposed give-away of a portion of the Mabira Forest Reserve to the Mehta Group of Companies for sugarcane growing. Unfortunately, 5 people died during the demonstrations, but not in vain. The Government of Uganda withdrew the plan, and this was a victory for environmentalists, for civil society and a victory for future generations of Ugandans.

Today, this story was brought up by delegates at the Commonwealth Youth Forum during the opening session on “Climate Change and Sustainable Living.” Overall, I was impressed with the delegates. They asked panelists interesting questions, demonstrated lots energy to do good work, and talked about their passion for sustainable living in a time of severe climate change. However, I was surprised not to hear more personal stories, examples and suggestions for tanglible action in the movement to fight Climate Change.

But, before I continue, allow me to digress and paint the climate change picture in Uganda:

The Facts: (Strike the organ music…. Here come the chilling statistics)

• In Uganda, due to Climate Change, farmers lose 120 billion Uganda Shillings annually (that’s about 71.2 million USD)

• In Uganda, disasters which include floods, drought, pests, disease reportedly destroy 800,000 hectares of crops annually (that’s about 2,000 acres)

• In Uganda, climate related disasters contribute to over 70 percent of the natural disasters.

However, there is also some good news:

• Uganda is being proactive. There are several solar power start-up companies, there are solar power street lights in Kampala, and community organizations are facilitating community clean-ups and education programs in slums.

• Uganda is on the verge of long-term peace and security in Northern Uganda. This means more opportunity for education, employment and investment, and potentially clean technology investment.

• Uganda’s GDP grew steadily by about 6 percent since 1998.

• On a personal note, I was out in the Wakiso District the other day (about 50 minutes outside of Kampala) and a local engineer working on a construction project asked if I could help him to bring wind-power to rural parts of the country.

Unfortunately, all of this good news does come with a footnote. As Uganda grows and the urban centers further industrialize, carbon emissions are likely to increase. So, therein lies the opportunity (note: TODAY) for youth to do something in the grassroots and grasstops.

So, here are a few ideas:

• Adopt innovative solutions to change attitudes and habits. This begins on the community level, in the home, in the school, in the slum. One excellent example is the SeSe Islands Ball Project in Uganda. A young entrepreneur named James organized local children in the SeSe Islands to participate in community wide plastic bag clean ups. The children are taught about the dangers of waste and litter and then spend time collecting plastic bags throughout their community. These plastic bags are then converted into soccer balls for the youth to play with, and also, sold on the local market for a couple hundred Uganda Shillings.

• Get Moving. Don’t wait for Government to introduce policies, it’s time for youth to introduce polices to the Government. Form partnerships and relationships with local, district and national Government representatives that can become the Climate Change Champions. Don’t just host meetings and summits with them, but work on education and awareness campaigns that could lead to incremental reductions in carbon emissions country-wide.

• Develop new networks. Establish relationships with universities around the globe that participate in cultural exchanges, do cutting-edge research and offer technical expertise in alternatives energies (i.e. Kigali Institute of Technology is a great place to start). These are great networks that could help to build new knowledge, potentially funding, and hopefully lead to long-term friendships and partnerships in the public and private sector.

• Maximize the power of the Internet. Blog on places like “Global Voices,” use Facebook and YouTube. The best story is a personal story. If you have a story then tell it and spread the word. Let people know what’s happening in your country, because it’s likely happening to them too.

There’s a lot that of work to do, and many ways to go about getting it done. But, at the end of the day, the youth are the best leaders to lead the climate change movement. So, my challenge to the CHOGM Youth is this:

You’re already aware climate changes is a problem, you’re energetic, and you’re ready to make an impact it's time to make moves to fight climate change. It’s time to take it to the next level, because our shared future depends on it. And if that’s not enough, then let me leave you with the following story:

“You know, here in Uganda we have 6 Hummers.” At first, I thought my friend Vincent was trying to be funny. “Hummers in Uganda?” I responded. “Yes. They are moving around town and they eat the gas. I don’t like it.” I thought to myself, would these gas guzzling vehicles be the new Ex-Pat vehicles for long trips to the North? For Safari companies? Would tomorrow’s fleet of aid and development agency vehicles be replaced with hand-me-down Hummers? I certainly hope not. Do you?

Allow me to introduce you, TINU. (This is the New Uganda)

2007-11-15T06:24:00.000-05:00

The traffic jams are just too much! The air is just too polluted! Things move too slowly! The Government is just too corrupt! Well… many would respond, TIA (or this is Africa). Now, maybe it’s because I look at my glass of Uganda Passion Juice as half-full because I cannot respond so cynically.

Before landing at Entebbe International Airport this past Monday night I realized that this particular trip to Uganda is like a first date. Well, it’s not exactly my first time visiting her, but it has been more than 1 year and from what I’ve heard Uganda is changing.

One only need to Google “CHOGM” to find that Uganda’s plans, renovations and preparations for CHOGM have been praised and criticized (more of the later) by those within and outside of Uganda. I’ve read many of these articles, editorials and blogs for background more than anything else.

Again, it’s like the hype before going out on your first date. Your friends, your family and your Facebook have their 1,000 Uganda Shillings worth to share. But, at the end of the day you have to see for yourself.

So, it’s now Thursday, and my first impression is that I AM impressed with Uganda, because positive change is underway and here’s what I learned….

A. The airport is renovated. Though of course smaller and without the busy monitors, running advertisements and chaos of a JFK Airport, the baggage claim is cleaner, mosquito’s aren’t nesting at the and the lights aren’t flickering.

B. We now have street lights and we do don’t want you to drink and drive. In Uganda in 2002, it is reported that 15,000 road accidents took place resulting in more than 2,000 deaths. A contributor to these accidents is drunk driving. Today, sign-posts and billboards across Kampala and its surrounding suburbs bear the message “Don’t Drink and Drive.” The best part of it all is that you can actually read these signs between the lights turning from red to green. Road safety and security is becoming a key issue in Uganda.

C. Celtel has taken over the Uganda cell phone market. MTN Yellow used to be the color of Uganda and now it’s Cel-Tel Red. I’ve talked with several Ugandans who made the switch from MTN to CelTel. Why? Simply, because the quality of the connection meaning fewer dropped calls and network outages. I can vouch for this too. My CelTel SIM card is making my communications easy.

D. Freedom network. Virtually, and no pun intended, Uganda’s Wifi “Freedom” Network can be accessed throughout the majority of downtown Kampala. While you cannot always sign-on to the network so easily, maintain some patience and you’ll get on.

E. More wireless networks. While driving around Kampala City I used my Skype Phone to see how many wireless signals were in range. At any given time I was able to view 3 – 5 different wireless signals. Unfortunately, though, the Skype Phone only works on one of those wireless networks, see item D above.

F. Solar Street Lights. Last night while driving up toward Parliament Road, a friend pointed out the solar street lights (a technology I also noticed in neighboring Rwanda). This is a BIG step and something, perhaps, that can become a permanent fixture throughout the city. From what I’ve been told, the plan is to bring more solar technologies into the downtown.

Now, of course, in some ways, the critics are right….. (I owe you at the very least a small paragraph)

A. Not all of the hotels are ready for visitors.
B. The quality and pace of service in restraunts and bars is to be desired
C. Not all of the roads have been resurfaced
D. Traffic jams persist

But, to all of you out there…… Readers, skeptics, critics and even fans of Uganda, I say to you T-I-N-U. This Is the New Uganda and I think we’ll be going out again.

Reading Uganda at Schiphol Airport

2007-11-12T02:08:00.000-05:00

Fresh off my 7 hour over-night flight from Dulles, I witnessed a beautiful sunrise on the other side of the Atlantic as we approached Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. I've spent many, many hours roaming the boutiques, art galleries, food courts and signing into several wireless spots at Schiphol. Forunately, it's just 2 hours before the next flight, but I just had to get the blogging going.

After sending a few quick emails, I Google'd "CHOGM" to see what Uganda's Daily papers aresaying now that it is Monday and this IS officially the week of CHOGM. The headlines are just too many to mention, but at least a few are worth noting. If for noting more than they are comical. Howver, they remind me of just how much I look forward to reconnecting with my Ugandan friends and "getting on the ground" as the Ugandan's say.

Here's a sample of the headlines (and I plan to share more during my week at CHOGM)......

"Ready for Chogm? If you are, indicate left and turn right"

"Is Chogm another way of writing 'life presidency for Museveni'?"

"Uganda: Boda Boda Banned From CHOGM Areas"

"Is CHOGM a curse?"

"The Chogm riddle"

"Uganda: CHOGM - Kayihura Sorry Over Jams"

"Uganda: The Shoeshine - I Know Who Isn't Ready for CHOGM"

Zogby/463 Internet Attitudes Poll - Do you fit into this 24%?

2007-10-26T10:28:00.000-05:00

This morning I read through the latest Zogby poll and "24 percent of Americans said the Internet could serve as a replacement for a significant other." Intrigued, and alarmed, this study caught my eye because it's ?*&^% (use your adjective of choice).

Now, I am a fan of technology, and the poll revealed some fun facts. For example, but not surprisingly 78 percent of 18 - 24 year olds use Facebook or MySpace. However, Implanting the Internet in your brain? The study says that only 11 percent said they would be willing to "safely implant a device that enabled them to use their mind to access the Internet."
Say what?!

Here's a sample from the poll ..... what do MC readers think? Where do you fit into the mix?

Website: http://www.zogby.com/news/ReadNews.dbm?ID=1378

* Your (Digital) Identity. More than one in four Americans has a social networking profile such as MySpace or Facebook. Among 18-24 year-olds, it’s almost mandatory – 78% of them report having a social networking profile. More Democrats have a social networking presence than Republicans (32% to 22% ). But few Americans say it plays a large role in their identity as a person. Only 14% say the Internet is an important part of what they consider to be their identity; 68% responded it’s just how they identity themselves online; it’s not really who they are.

* Implant the Internet in Your Brain. Americans may love the Internet, but most are not prepared to implant it into their brain, even if it was safe. Only 11% of respondents said they be willing to safely implant a device that enabled them to use their mind to access the Internet. Interestingly, men were much more willing than women. Seventeen percent of men said they were up for it while only 7% of women wanted to access the Internet using their mind.

* Kids Chips. While most Americans don’t want the Internet implanted in their brain, they are more willing to insert a chip into a child 13 or younger to help track them if they are lost, abducted, or just tend not to be where they are supposed to be. Nearly one in five Americans said they would do so to track a child’s whereabouts. Interestingly, there was no difference in opinion among parents who had younger children and those who did not.

* The Internet and God. Most Americans don’t think the Internet has had an effect on their spirituality. Ten percent said it made them closer to God, while 6% percent said it made them more distant. Those who call themselves “Born Again” were the most likely to feel it affected them spiritually. Twenty percent of Born Agains said it made them closer while 11% said it made them more distant from God.

* The iPhone Isn’t That Sexy. Despite the hype surrounding the launch of the iPhone and the adoration that its biggest fans hold for the device, people still find other people more attractive. When asked who or what is sexier, the vast majority of Americans don’t think the Apple’s phone gets their blood flowing like Halle Berry, Scarlett Johansson, or Patrick Dempsey does. In the face-off of good-looking stars versus smart-phone, Berry dropped the most jaws with 27 percent of the responses. Johansson got 17% and Dempsey 14 percent. The iPhone shared a spot with Derek Jeter at 6%. It hasn’t been a good year for the Yankees. (31% were too flummoxed to answer.) Johansson was the favorite of those age 18 to24 (30% ), but Berry was selected the most by every other age group.

* What’s in a Name? And while there are well-documented fears about identity theft, many Americans would gladly give up their name for a cash windfall. If they were offered $100,000 by someone who wanted to adopt their name, more than one in five Americans said they would change their name to something completely different. Thirty-four percent of 18 to 24 year olds were prepared to take the offer.

All eyes on UG, and you're invited

2007-10-25T16:30:00.000-05:00

I am a bit anxious - and more than a bit curious - to get back to Uganda next month. There won’t be a grand welcoming party for my arrival into Entebbe International Airport. We won’t be driving our banged and bruised Toyota Corona over any freshly cut flowers on Entebbe road. I am but your humble CHOGM Virtual Tour Guide. A young, idea-driven entrepreneur and I see lots of hope and opportunity in Africa.

Next month, the eyes of the world will be on Uganda for the biennial Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (or CHOGM, as they call it). The meeting brings together the heads of state from 53 nations (and includes her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Charles to round out the list of VIPs.) CHOGM is an unprecedented opportunity for Uganda, its leaders, and its people to showcase the country’s unlimited potential, its lovely hospitality, and its transitioning and growing economy. Uganda’s CHOGM, unlike any other CHOGM on the African continent before, can serve as a visionary example for the continent’s development.

Over the past 16 months if you’ve been to Kampala, or even if you’ve just read a few of the articles about CHOGM preparations, you’d know that Kampala has quite literally been under construction most of the time. Indeed, an already dusty, polluted and congested capital (though still charming in my eyes!) is updating its roads, and building new 5-star hotels, and generally getting a bit of a face-lift.

However, as significant as the physical changes might be, the preparations that I am most impressed with are Uganda’s technology re-birth. From the deployment of Celtel’s Third Generation wireless technology, to improvements of its tech backbone and signing a deal with Blackberry, Kampala is technologically on the move, and very different from the Kampala I last visited in 2006. These are exciting times, and I look forward to taking advantage of these technology options and using them to be your eyes and ears throughout CHOGM.

So, aside from seeing old friends, eating lots of naan and chicken tikka, going to my favorite coffee shops (yes, big ups to Café Pap), etc. what do I really want to see at CHOGM?

• Sports. I am a sports fan. Soccer, basketball, tennis, golf, you name it. I am active in the sports for social change movement through organizations like the Homeless World Cup (HWC), and I was proud to organize Uganda’s participation in the 2006 and 2007 HWC. I believe the role of sports in economic and social development is key; and I just don’t think enough people yet are taking it seriously. Rumor has it that sports and development can go beyond this years CHOGM agenda aside from celebrating the 2010 South Africa World Cup, I want to know what is CHOGM planning to do to make sports for social change more of a reality?

• The Youth forum. An all-star cast of change-makers have been invited to address the Youth Forum. Wangari Mathai, Mohamed Yunus, and Betty Bigombe – the environmental visionary, the BOP Guru, and the Peacemaker. This is a really exciting opportunity for the youth participants so what kind of action will the forum shoot for? What impact will the recommendations of the youth forum have for the other CHOGM meetings?

Additionally, why are these young leaders not also participating in the Business Forum? (*Note, my suggestion to the CHOGM Secretariat, perhaps a Youth Business Forum in 2009?) Youth, after all, especially in country’s like Uganda, are the innovators, creators, and consumers of the products produced by the companies attending CHOGM.

• The Business forum. I work in and with Emerging Markets, and I am interested to learn more about the projects that the private and public sector are working on together and how it connects to Africa’s economic development.

• Three forums, or really one? Finally, I want to explore my personal belief that while there are 3 summits taking place during CHOGM, the Youth, the Peoples’ and the Business, they are not mutually exclusive. In fact, they are all interrelated and inputs from everyone are important for the long-view. I am interested in seeing how the results form these three separate forums might be combined and shared to take the maximum effect from such a meeting (As a young entrepreneur and NGO leader, I would like to attend all three).

Three weeks from now CHOGM will be over. I will have toasted Lucky Dube at Fatboys, the private jets will be back in their home capitals, and Kampala returned to its habitual organized chaos. So, I look forward to sharing with you stories from CHOGM – some of the off-beat conversations - and what’s happening next in Uganda. Join me for that ride down Entebbe road…..

Downloading the Future: IP in the Digital Age

2007-08-23T11:50:00.001-05:00

By Jeremy M. Goldberg with Andrew Mack

Earlier this summer I spoke to a group of young telecom professionals from around the world at the United States Telecommunications Training Institute (USTTI), in a meeting here in Washington, DC. I couldn’t have walked into a room with a better collection of today’s emerging telecom and technology stars, from the Philippines and India to Singapore, Nigeria and Sri Lanka. They work in TV, radio, and Government and have been a part of true telecoms revolutions in their respective markets.

My topic was “Intellectual Property in the Digital Age.” And if this sounds like weighty stuff, well I guess it is. When I first went into this process I was thinking that this was an abstract, almost academic talk. But through the discussion, what I realized was just how much it could mean to Emerging Markets like the ones my group represented.

Now, let me say off the bat that I am not a complete authority on IP law. This was actually the first time presenting to this kind of audience. Naturally, I was eager to engage in conversation and debate with these professionals, because I am more convinced than ever that IP must be protected if Emerging Markets are to develop their own knowledge-based industries like software development. But, I didn’t always think of IP in this way.

Flashback to 1999….

Like many of you reading this blog, I was in college in 1999, the year Napster was born. I definitely remember when I met Napster in a college dorm room in Amherst, Massachusetts. “Really, an unlimited library of music at your fingertips? How could I pass this up?” I didn’t. The chance to have access to that much cool music was enough to make any poor college student salivate. After all, who wouldn’t want to OWN all those tracks? And so I built a top-notch collection: Coltrane, Dylan, Mingus… As fate would have it, my computer crashed at the end of the semester. My “borrowed” music emporium was lost.

Fast-forward to 2007….

Since college I’ve traveled a bit more, and visited places where people live on $1 a day, where everyday life can be a struggle. In these cities and countries I have met with young entrepreneurs who write, produce and market their music, art, film and books. I met and heard people with things to say and beautiful music to offer, people who might some day be the Coltrane, Dylan or Mingus of a place like Sierra Leone – if they get the recognition. I have heard their voices and I want the world to hear them, too. I now see a closer connection between their work, their genius, and my respect for Intellectual Property. Needless to say, I now pay $0.99 for my music on iTunes.

So, back to the USTTI presentation. After introducing myself, I asked the group, “What is copyright infringement?” Hands shot up without hesitation and a gentleman from the Philippines said, “Harry Potter came out in the United States July 11th, but it was being sold on the street in Manila on July 10th.” A perfect example. Unfortunately, far too many people around the world don’t see a problem with ripping a copy of Harry Potter, and posting it online for millions to download. Of course, it’s hard to argue that this will put JK Rowling out of business, but our little group in Washington did understand. They realized that it’s about more than one song. They realized that safeguarding development means protecting what they produce in the digital marketplace. In a very real sense, what’s at stake is the digital future of their country.

Similar to what I’ve found during my interactions and work with African and US youth, these rising professionals are not legacy-focused. Many of them are using social networking sites such as Facebook and MySpace to interact and share ideas with friends in country and around the world. Many of them are blogging and creating new material and content on topics ranging from politics to sports to technology. Like me, they believe in the power of all things digital and are seeking out new digital platforms to build broader audiences.

And, while there are many new avenues to promote and gather information, but this also creates new challenges. From broadcasters to content providers, to technology pioneers and Government, it’s increasingly difficult to protect IP. Even if you aren’t a policy maker or broadcaster this does affect you. After all, at the end of the day we’re all consumers and quality matters.

You may be thinking, “So what? I’m still going to sign into a File Sharing P2P, because film and recording studios are raking in the dough…”, but hear me out. Now, maybe it was the fact that I was reading “The Wizard of Menlo Park” (about Thomas Edison) at the time of the presentation, but in our session in Washington I truly felt for the attendees. I heard their stories of how hard they work to hatch new content, and how they receive little compensation and recognition for their work. They want to be digital entrepreneurs and yet so many of them felt almost duped, since the laws that could protect their IP are simply not in place or enforced.

And so I thought… WWTED (What Would Thomas Edison Do?) What would Edison do if he were alive and living in Bangalore or Abuja? My guess is that as a creator, he’d be the first one banging the drum for IP protection, building partnerships in the public and private sectors for copyright and trademark laws. Imagine the world without light bulbs, or cell phones.

So, yes, this is what I think it takes… building a network of pioneers of different ages, and from many sectors who can raise awareness, influence policy-makers and encourage creativity and innovation in Emerging Markets. This means collaboration between business, Government and consumers. Not just those in tech, but the young people who are filmmakers in Cameroon and artists in Uganda whose livelihood depends on selling original works that have taken months and years to complete.

It all comes back to Edison; is there an African Edison? Of course there is and I bet his light-bulb is glowing. But, without assurance that his work will be protected, his inventions may never get the attention they deserve, or the finance to go to scale. Without IP protection he’ll never be able to reap the benefits of his creation, and he’ll remain in the lab. Without IP protection, you and I miss will out.

IP protection made Edison’s vision a reality, and we’re all the richer for his brilliance. Without IP protection, we might all still be stuck in the dark.

Rwanda's President Wins ICT Award for Second Year in Row

2007-08-09T09:00:00.001-05:00

Africa's emerging ICT hub, Rwanda, is once again recognized for its leadership and accomplishments in ICT.

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Kagame Wins Africa ICT Award Again

New Times (Kigali)
NEWS
15 July 2007
Posted to the web 16 July 2007

By Mansur Kakimba
Kigali

Engineer Albert Butare, Rwanda's energy and ICT minister receives the awards on behalf of President Paul Kagame and Rwanda from President J.A Kuffor's representative at the summit in Accra, Ghana. Looking on are Dr Hamadoun Touré, ITU Secretary General and other Ghanaian government officials. (Courtesy Photo)

President Paul Kagame emerged the best head of state in Africa in support of Information Communication Technology (ICT) during 2006. Kagame won the same award last year in May, in a similar event that took place in Kigali.

The nominees for the award were President Abdoulaye Wade of Senegal, President Kuffor of Ghana and President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa among others.

The announcement was made Friday during the ongoing 7th annual ICT African Investment Summit in Accra, Ghana. The four-day 7th summit theme was "Strategies for Low Cost Broadband Access in Africa".

Kemilinks international, an independent global firm that provides advisory, consultancy, training and investment facilitation services in ICT in the emerging markets, particularly in Africa did the rankings.

Rwanda also emerged the country with best ICT Policy framework last year, beating nominees; Ghana, South Africa and Tanzania.

Of the countries that gave most support to regional ICT initiatives, Nigeria emerged the best, beating nominees; Rwanda, Kenya and South Africa. South Africa emerged the most effective in the use of government websites, again beating Rwanda and Egypt.

Engineer Albert Butare, Rwanda's Energy and ICT Minister received the awards on President Kagame and Rwanda's behalf in Accra. In an exclusive interview with minister, shortly after touching down at Kigali International Airport, the minister carried both awards, said he would present them to the president in a few days.

The summit according to minister, "is a forum where African countries and investors meet to share best ICT experiences in line with regulation, investment and technological convergences." At the summit, awards basing on policy, regulation, mobile operation, fixed line operation and TV Broadcasting are also given. On Regulation, Instituto Nacional das Comunicaçoes de Moçambique (INCM) emerged the best regulator with the most informative website.

Vodacom South Africa won the best national mobile operator with best innovations, beating MTN Nigeria, Sonatel, and Cell C. Celtel beat MTN and Vodacom as the best regional mobile operator with best innovations. The best national TV broadcaster with the best innovations was SABC, beating AIT Nigeria and NTA.

Asked about Rwanda's secret to success, the Engineer said, "It is simply Rwanda's commitment to its ICT vision."

He said, while sharing experiences with West Africans at the summit, they were indeed impressed with how fast and organised Rwanda moves on her ICT policy.

"We have goals, objectives and milestones so far registered. We know we are not yet there but out there we are seen as stars," the quite jubilant minister was quoted as saying.

He observed that Nigeria is already connected to submarine cable that runs from South Africa but their internet charges are higher than in Rwanda.

Minister Butare however said, "We know our weaknesses on regulation and have a vision to work around them."

ENDS

An MC Interview with Ethan Zohn

2007-07-19T12:56:00.001-05:00

Ethan Zohn is an activist, reality television star, friend of Africa and soccer player. He is involved in a variety of causes including HIV/AIDS, and Sports for Social Change.

In 2005, I was fortunate to travel with Ethan to Uganda where he visited several projects that support refugees and internally displaced youth. Ethan’s a really busy guy, but made time for a conversation about what he’s doing, his thoughts on philanthropy, sports, youth and technology…

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Millennial Challenge (MC): So, what’s new in Ethan’s world?

Ethan Zohn (EZ): Well, Jeremy, there’s so much going on… To start, it’s been a big year for Grassroot Soccer, the organization I co-founded. We’ve expanded across South Africa and now have programs running in Jo-Burg, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth and Pretoria. We’ve also developed some excellent relationships with key private sector players… Mercedes Benz and De Beers.

MC: That’s really perfect timing considering the World Cup in 2010.
EZ: Absolutely, people who are not working, doing business, and otherwise preparing for SA, well, they’d better get going soon. 2010 is going to be an incredible year… I’m actually headed to the country in August. I was asked by the State Department to represent PEPFAR on a 15-day speaking gig around South Africa. The focus is on HIV/AIDS, of course, and also the role of Sport for Development.

MC: So let’s talk a bit more about sports. You know that we – AMGlobal – as a firm we’ve been involved in the Sports for Social Change Movement, for example, with the Homeless World Cup. We’ve also been writing a lot about it on our blogs, and talking with people involved on the private sector and public sector side of the cause. Seems like the buzz is definitely catching on.
EZ: I agree. Its really exciting. I read your blog on Sports by the way – very cool. I am a huge fan of the Homeless World Cup, and I think it’s awesome that you’re involved and bringing a team to Denmark. I’d love to be there.

MC: I also heard you were recently honored for your HIV/AIDS work

EZ: Yes, I was honored with Dr. Thomas Clark and Grassroot Soccer, with the Courage of Conscience Award. This year, Jackson Browne and Eugene Jarecki are being honored for “celebrating human greatness.”

MC: Wow, that’s some crowd to be a part of, E.

EZ: No doubt. It’s been quite a time. Busy, lots of traveling, but lots of fun. It’s good to be in New York for a few days and relax right now.

EZ: But that’s not everything. This past spring I created a project called “KickAIDS Across America”. Essentially, the concept is that I would dribble a soccer ball across the US to raise awareness for HIV/AIDS and raise money for Grassroot Soccer. The NY Times and EuroSport signed on as the media sponsors. Of course, my big challenge now is finding the right time…

MC: Very cool. These are great ideas, new ways to get a lot of people involved in the movement…

EZ: Absolutely. It’s a no-brainer, really, sports are truly an awesome instrument for enabling lives and communities to change. If you think about it, sports are a natural infrastructure for things to get done. Any sport, not just soccer.

MC: And there are a lot of roles for different people, as players, coaches, supporters, lots of places. Sports can also be a good model for partnership between government, private sector, NGOs and other groups, you know?

MC: One thing that we sometimes hear is that the private sector could be doing more. You know we do a lot of work with firms that are interested in social involvement. What’s your take Ethan?

EZ: Well, I think the key is to think longer term. I don’t have the silver-bullet idea, but I think that a company with so much influence and interest – you know, commercial interest – someone like a Nike or Adidas, well, I am hoping that they could come up with a template that could be used in a lot of places and go to scale. In the end we’re all looking for something that creates a kind of dynamism, not just something trendy.

MC: So, what’s this television show that you’re talking about? It ought to be something big if you’re passing up the Homeless World Cup.

EZ: Now, you’re going to get me in trouble. Anyway. The show I’ll be hosting is an eco-friendly TV show called EarthTripping and it will air on EquatorHD.

MC: EZ the environmentalist?

EZ: Well, I wouldn’t say I’m Mr. Eco-friendly, though I really do try and make responsible decisions. It’s a learning process for me and I’m excited at becoming more “green.” Obviously, recycling and buying fair trade products are things to do. Just last week, I actually switched over to wind-power in my NYC apartment.

MC: So, tell us a little more about the show…

EZ: EarthTripping focuses on eco-friendly travel adventures. The concept is that I’ll drop in on major cities around the world to teach and show our audience how to travel in an environmentally friendly way, have a good time and hopefully bring them to a part of the world they may have never been.

MC: Did the show already kick-off? Are you filming?

EZ: Absolutely. We launched the show in New York City in June, and rather than renting a car, I rented a bike, did some kayaking on the Hudson, and went to hotels and restaurants in the city that are eco-friendly.

MC: So, when can I tune-in and check out the show?

EZ: The show is on EquatorHD (Voom Network) – it’s on in 25 countries… I think people really want to travel like this, but information just isn’t out there, or at least its hard to find. I hope I can help get people pumped about traveling (and living I guess) in an eco-friendly way. I think people will be pretty amazed to know that you can do all this stuff in Mexico City, Santiago, Chile; Buenos Aires, Singapore and Malaysia.
MC: Speaking of “in the know” and “online” as you know most young people today are always connected -- whether by PDA, mobile phone, or MySpace, I was wondering what you think about the role of technology in social change.

EZ: Yeah, absolutely. Technology plays a very important role in development. It engages young people in causes that they care about – whether it’s HIV/AIDS, Darfur or others. It’s also a great tool for teaching and education in the developing world. One idea we have is taking our Grassroot Soccer curriculum, putting it onto a DVD and sending the CD to colleagues, contacts and potential partners to load up onto their computers. In fact, with this $100 laptop initiative –

MC: So, in what ways have you used technology for social change?
EZ: Well, let’s take KickAIDS for example. You can sign onto our website and if you want to host a fundraiser you have all of the details and information you need to get involved in the fight against AIDS… from pledge forms, to video clips, to marketing materials. It’s one-stop-shopping.

MC: That’s cool. What about social networking sites?

EZ: Definitely. We also have a Grassroot Soccer MySpace and Face Book pages. We’ve noticed that a significant number of young people are watching, signing in and interested in our work. Social networking sites are definitely something that we’ve benefited from.
MC: Let’s talk a little more about your approach to philanthropy and what you see as the trends and new approaches to philanthropy

EZ: Well, even though I don’t have a lot of money to give, I do see my self as a philanthropist. Truly, whether you give $25 or $25,000 you’re doing something good for a cause or issue that you care about. I find that people are incredibly interested to give you just have to offer them the vehicle to do it. And, it’s no longer the conventional way of the past….people don’t want to write blank checks. People want something specific and they want to make an impact. Whether it’s 300 soccer balls, or building a school or providing money for AIDS medication, it’s a personal experience now. I think that a lot of that has to do with the ways people used to approach giving, before the Internet. Now, there is so much information about there and you can pick and choose your cause, it makes for more informed giving experiences.

MC: Well, Ethan, I think that’s a great place to end for now. We’ll be interested to follow-up with you … your adventures, your TV stardom, AIDS work and your role as social catalyst. Who knows, maybe we’ll have the chance to work together again some time soon...
EZ: Definitely. It sounds like there are exciting opportunities and we’ve all got a role to play.

MC: Take it easy and safe journey

EZ: Take care, J.

Really want to help Africa? Let’s build an Africa TechCorps

2007-05-22T15:36:00.000-05:00

Guest Post

By Andrew Mack and written with Jeremy M. Goldberg

All over Africa, there is a significant realization that tech is the wave of the future. African Government Ministers are traveling around the world – from San Francisco to the UAE to Bangladesh – pitching opportunities for new investors and building deals. Technology has also quickly become a major item on the development agenda, thanks in large part to Africa's new tech champions and a blooming tech sector.

This, of course, is not completely new news. Initiatives to get urban and rural African cities on the grid have been going for over a decade – things like USAID’s Leland Program spring to mind, but there are many others. However, in today’s Emerging Markets ICT world, especially in Africa, two things are different:

The first difference is Leadership. African leaders, including Presidents like Kagame, Kufuor and Johnson-Sirleaf, are more ICT-focused than their predecessors, offering high-level support to projects and policies that will really (not just rhetorically) help the spread of ICT. Countries from Senegal to South Africa are increasingly getting serious about protecting intellectual property, lowering burdens on ICT businesses and promoting investment – and Africa’s economies are benefiting.

Moreover, Africa’s leaders are investing in their e-futures. One need only look at the growing number of large World Bank-supported eGovernment projects planned for Kenya, Ghana, Rwanda, Tanzania and other Sub-Saharan countries. From paying taxes and registering land, to getting passports and driver’s licenses, Governments’ are seeing ICT as crucial to their ability to offer service.

African leaders are even adopting the language of ICT, building Government around the needs of what they hope will become a new class of “eCitizens”. And to make this a reality, they are implementing institutional reforms. As just one example, according to Ghana’s Science and Sports Papa Owusu Ankomah, that country will introduce universal ICT education into the basic educational system in September 2007. And, as we saw at the March Sub-Saharan Africa ICT conference in San Francisco, Ghana is far from alone in its focus on ICT. Quite a change from even a few years ago.

The second difference is the increasingly active private sector, and its willingness to work with Government and civil society on all manner of partnerships. Some of these efforts are primarily philanthropic. A good example is the NEPAD e-Schools Initiative, which works with more than a dozen countries and major tech firms like Intel, Oracle, HP, Cisco, and Microsoft. The initiative aims to equip African youth with in-classroom technology and ICT skills to participate in today’s information society. It’s an approach that is innovative in the way that it brings together multiple companies and countries and is a long-term commitment.

And there are other examples – risk taking by private sector actors large and small that recognize the opportunity presented by technology in the re-building in places like Liberia or Northern Uganda. These are tough environments, and you can’t just come with your container of goods and try to sell. So businesses are working with Government, with donors and with communities and local entrepreneurs like never before.

However, today it’s simply not enough to raise the flag for enlightened Governments and innovative companies. Why? Because tech today is reaching only a small fraction of the people that it should. Specifically, tech is reaching only a small fraction of the youth and young adults that need it most, the citizen-consumers that are the heart and soul of tech-centered innovation and commerce in the “more developed world”.

What will it take for ICT in Africa to REALLY catch on?
The answer is as simple as YouTube, the same as anywhere in the world – DEMAND, specifically demand from networks of fearless, innovative tech-friendly young Africans. And what will it take to bring African youth and young adults more into the global chat room? Why not start by building bridges – and programs – to work between young techies in Africa and the US?

There are already good models that can be leveraged and groups with much to teach us. Perhaps the largest is GeekCorps (www.geekcorps.com), with more than 3,500 technical experts in developing nations around the world. Another group is Kabissa (www.kabissa.org), an international NGO that trains African NGOs on the use of ICT. In addition, there’s the International Education Resource Network or iEARN (www.iearn.org), an organization that enables teachers and young people to use the Internet and other new technologies to enhance learning.

We should build on these examples but we can go further, with broader reach and a broader focus on creating sustainable businesses. Imagine young African and American TechCorps members paired to work on technology projects, providing training aimed at youth, taught by youth, with an end goal of building not just friendships and skills but legitimate, lasting young business networks. Imagine some day soon – projects currently being outsourced to international firms could instead be “in-sourced” to TechCorps teams on the ground with support from the TechCorps network around the world.

Naturally taking this idea to “the next level” would involve investment. It would require close collaboration with the ICT development plans of participating countries. However, many parties – from donors, to Governments, to universities, the private sector and people themselves – are eager to make this happen. And think of the opportunities…

…TechCorps hubs in secondary cities like Gulu or Makeni that might start as a collaborative aid project, but morph from Peace Corps-type activity to legitimate corps (as in corporations) – creating an ongoing commercial relationship with Gulu TC members wherever they are in the world, something made possible by today’s technology.

… Partnerships with suppliers of hardware and software, bringing the latest technologies and training to young adults who will run the new e-gov programs and service the back offices of growing companies – after all, a country unfamiliar with the latest technology can hardly demand it.

… real business-focused training aimed at creating real businesses, directly addressing issues of project sustainability and employment that have stymied the growth of these markets and opportunities for years.
… a way for US young adults to get to know Africa and its future – today’s real Africa – in an organic way, giving future US business leaders a real, on-the-ground understanding of technology’s next frontier, something that today only European (and increasingly Chinese) companies have.

Is this a big idea? Perhaps. But it could be closer than you think. The projects are out there… Consider the ICT hubs program recently proposed by Uganda's State ICT Minister John Nsambu. With a budget of 1.2 billion Uganda shillings (just US $700k) for the establishment of 20 ICT hubs in 20 districts across Uganda, it would hardly be a big money maker for a consulting firm. However, it might be a great fit for a kind of Africa TechCorps with a focus on training and entrepreneurship aimed at BOP markets. If experience from around the world is any guide, much more than computer literacy education is possible and the personal connection is the key.

The future is rapidly approaching, one in which the Government is no longer the prime provider of jobs for young Africans entering the workforce. When Uganda Minister of Youth, James Kinobe met with a group from the Global Youth Partnership for Africa this past January he acknowledged as much: "Put away your hopes for jobs in the Government. Innovation and creativity is the reason for the gap between the rich and poor countries," said the Minister, and innovation will be the answer for Uganda as well. We couldn’t have said it better.

The best thing that we in the West can do regarding tech in Africa is not to approach it as a charity case, but approach it like a market. In a rapidly globalizing world, where personal networks and technology are the keys to prosperity, a TechCorps approach could help build the skills, networks, markets and experience, combining the best of both the development and business worlds.
Send us your thoughts.

The First African Video Game

2007-04-18T10:16:00.000-05:00

Technology innovation and the creative nature of African youth continues to spread across all sectors of the continent. More specifically, East Africa is fast becoming a hub for young and tech savvy entrepreneurs.

However this brings lots of questions which includes:
-Questions over IP
-Questions over eCommerce
-Questions over web security

With those questions in mind, take a look the following story that rolled across my email yesterday.

Young Computer Expert Makes African Video Game
Catholic Information Service for Africa (Nairobi)
NEWS
April 17, 2007
Posted to the web April 17, 2007
Nairobi

A young Kenyan computer programmer has produced an adventure video game he says is first of its kind in Africa.

Wesley Kirinya, aged 23, developed the 3-dimensional action game in his Gwimgrafx Studios in Nairobi. It is called 'The Adventures of Nyangi.'

The game is about a character named Nyangi who has to find some rare African artifacts. Each artifact has an interesting and mysterious story behind it, Kirinya says.

"I want to bring the entertainment from reading a book or watching a film on African stories into video games."

He said the task took him about three years to accomplish. "Since there are no video game development schools in Africa, I taught myself the skill," he said.

"I developed this game on a tiny budget. I'm impressed with the outcome, considering that it costs millions of dollars to develop games using the latest technology."

In Kenya the game can be purchased at Nu Metro Media Store, located at The Junction Shopping Center, Dagoretti Corner, Nairobi.(Tel: 020 386 5739).

The game can be purchased electronically as a digital download from the website: www.gwimgrafxstudios.com

Log on and Save the World: Part I

2007-03-28T10:51:00.001-05:00

Log on and Save the World
the iGeneration, technology and the future of philanthropy

In case you haven’t heard, the days when you simply wrote a check to charity – when you left money with a community foundation, association or organization and let them go about dispersing it – those days are over. A new generation is writing the checks, (or actually using PayPal) and they are fundamentally different than any generation before them. If you think Millennials (those born between 1979 and 2000) are apathetic or lazy, you have Millennials all wrong. They want to make a big impact and, different from generations before them, they’re thinking “technology first” on their way to save the world.

At heart, the iGeneration is made of change agents. They take to the streets when they think it matters, as with Darfur. They believe in service and want to make a difference, both locally and around the world.

At the same time, these new iInvestors, (as in Impact Investors as we like to call them), are a generation that grew up with and is in some ways fundamentally defined by the Internet. For them there really never was a world before text-messaging and hands free devices, ATMs or digital cameras. Millennials use the Internet to eagerly identify alternative spring breaks and cultural exchanges to Africa or India. They engage the world through Wikipedia and MySpace and YouTube. They make their voices heard through on-line message boards, fill out on-line petitions, and post to blogs, they text-message with their friends around the globe.

But, most interestingly, the iGeneration is already taking philanthropy seriously – and in this way they are also different than any generation before them. Millennials take university courses on corporate social responsibility, environmental protection and social investing. They form their own foundations, after-school clubs in middle-school to learn about giving. You’ll find organizations and associations springing up across the country seeking to attract and provide a philanthropic learning experience for them and their counterparts – including wealth management, grant-reviewing, selection and cooperative giving.

So, the question is… what will we do with our money? Will our approach to philanthropy spur the interest and of others who have come before us and those who will follow? Have we learned from the past, or will we repeat the mistakes we’ve made? Can we contribute to changing the world?

I think we can, if we develop a vision to match our enthusiasm and engage and improve our understanding of technology. Stay tuned…

Welcome to the Millennial Challenge

2007-03-28T10:49:00.001-05:00

In the new millennium, unlike any generation before, change agents and their social causes have a digital billboard from which to "broadcast" and "engage" millions of people. The platform is on-line, whether via mobile device or on YouTube, and it's 24/7. New and personal media is changing the world and it is not a short-lived fad; it's here to stay.

Millennials (those born between 1978 and 1998) are at the forefront of those using technology to enable social change. They learn about issues from web sites, blogs and emails from friends and counterparts in emerging market countries. Millennials donate to pet causes online and use technology to spread the word about efforts to fight genocide, hunger, and poverty in our time. They also use the web to find the cheapest air-travel to Kampala or Cambodia for a spring, summer or winter break cultural exchange.

Questions and challenges, however, remain:

-Will Millennials learn the lesson that band-aid approaches to development are not sustainable?

-Are they ready to nurture and incubate ideas and solutions with their counterparts in cities, states and countries around the world?

-Are Millennials up and ready for the long-term challenge?

My name is Jeremy Goldberg and I will be your emcee [MC] to understanding the new ways young people are approaching changing the world. I bring with me the perspective of a millennial who has participated and facilitated conferences from the US to Morocco to Uganda, worked with and run NGO projects, organized and mentored young people at high-schools and universities, engaged in networks for young professionals working in the private sector, and attended youth summits in the United States and Africa.

These experiences have given me a fresh and informed view about millennials’ innovative nature, their trends in giving and service and development around the world. This blog, Millennial Challenge, or MC, is dedicated to exploring how today's IGeneration approaches social change, building global networks, and philanthropy – for many Millennials changing the world is experiential, not just sending a blind check MC will also look at the personal media and other technology Millennials use to address serious global development issues and challenges.

MC will cover a broad range of topics including my work with youth in Africa and Latin America and conversations with young philanthropists and social change agents in the United States and abroad. Some of my articles will address my trips to Africa, visits to U.S. universities and donor agency seminars, social marketing events, and a look inside the Washington, DC NGO beltway. I will also blog about topics in which Millennials are engaged, as well as what is on the horizon. I'll also interview and share insights from leading experts in the field of philanthropy, technology and social investment. Monthly, I'll have a "Guest MC" featured on the blog.

These are exciting times and I look forward to having you join me in this new and up-beat conversation about them.

Let the challenge begin.

Can a ball change the world? Yes... it can.

2007-03-28T10:46:00.000-05:00

Sports today are nearly everyone’s global obsession, but did you also know that they are also a new trend in international development? Donor agencies from Sweden and Norway along with the United Nations and sports outfitting companies like Nike and Adidas, have all joined the “Sports for Social Change” movement. Sadly, most donors – like most sports fans around the world – haven’t taken advantage of the excitement this new phenomenon is generating. However, this game is just beginning…

In addition to the millions of dollars we spend on bags of rice and cooking oil to throw at the world’s poorest communities, why not throw them millions in soccer balls and sports programs as well? In the service of economic development, why don’t we make a serious effort to harness the power of sports?

To make this point, allow me to introduce Jeremy’s Top 6 Reasons why donor agencies – and sporting types everywhere – should add “Sports for Social Change” to their development (and charitable) playbooks:

1. Sports are empowering: Most sports begin with chasing a ball “Sports for Social Change” projects encourage youth to also chase their dreams and PLAY, like in Rules of the Red Rubber Ball. Sports enable youth to think positively about their futures, and encourage teamwork as a way to accomplish big things. Whether as an individual and as a team member, sports are empowering.

2. Sports programs are pro-health: In addition to obvious fitness benefits, sports also increase psychological health. Research has shown that impoverished youth who play soccer feel they have an opportunity to rise above crime and delinquent behavior. Don’t just take my word for it – check out an increasing array of scientific evidence from groups like the International Platform for Sport and Development. Sports are good for body and spirit.

3. Sports programs are intuitive and fun: Young people around the world may not be able to discuss the intricacies of development economics, but give them a soccer ball and they know what to do. People can relate to sports, and through the platform of sports, they can be exposed easily, naturally to important messages that can make their lives better. After all, would most kids go voluntarily to a lecture on nutrition? Of course not. But if they got nutrition information was part of their team training and if messages were repeated during league games, well…

4. Sports make sense to funders: Many development schemes seem unusually complicated. Terms like “sustainable development” just don’t resonate with people outside the development biz. However, nearly everyone PARTICIPATES in sports. That makes it easy to understand how young girls in Africa are learning about HIV/AIDS prevention on the soccer pitch.

5. There are sports funders out there: From the Mia Hamm Foundation to the NBA’s Basketball Without Borders program, sports come with the star-power and the financial resources that can take an initially small project to large scale. In fact, nearly every big-name sports star in the US or Europe has some sort of charitable presence these days. Moreover, there are big-name, big earning sports stars from the developing world who can – and are – willing to put in some of their money. For a sports star, what could be more natural?

6. Sports are unifying: Long term development depends on working together. Especially in the many communities rebounding from conflict, sports – limited, rule-based, for-the-fun-of-it competition – provides a new, positive alternative model to conflict and violence. Sports can bring old enemies together. Successful basketball programs for youth in South Africa and sports teams comprised of Palestinians and Israelis show that the language of sports is universal. As they say, there’s no I in team… and as it turns out, no I in development either.

So by now I am sure you are convinced. But if there are such clear benefits to Sports for Social Change, why have donor agencies been so slow to encourage and fund these programs?

Probably the most commonly expressed concern is how to effectively monitor and measure the impacts of these programs. Donors want to know “How does a community playing soccer stack up against a group that doesn’t?” Fortunately, there are new advances in programming that are addressing just these issues.

Last month in Nairobi, Care USA and Nike launched a public-private sports for development partnership, establishing a network for East African sport organizations to share and document the best practices of Sports for Social Change. The partnership will collect data to show in specific terms how and where sports help further the cause of development. As part of the plan, the partnership is using the proliferation of new media, the Internet marketplace and ePhilanthropy to support its work and share results.

And, at the grassroots level, monitoring and evaluation is, if anything, easier. Going to the field and talking with young people and communities about their sport experiences provides a wealth of information. As the Global Youth Partnership for Africa (GYPA) has seen in Uganda, youth will tell you that they are more likely to attend programs because sports are now a part of the curriculum. Improved attendance rates directly indicate a measure of success. Groups like GYPA, Grassroots Soccer and Playing for Peace are working together to add real-life stories to the broader data picture.

So there you have it. The game is on. Are you ready to get on the team?

Well, if you’re wondering where to start, the Internet is a good first stop. Check out the Homeless World Cup (HWC), which this year celebrates its 5th anniversary of bringing together the world’s homeless for a week of soccer for social change. Look at the Afghan Youth Sports Exchange, which uses soccer as the vehicle for education and leadership development for young Afghani girls and women. The program received the Arthur Ashe Courage Award at ESPN’s 2006 ESPY Awards. But, it doesn’t end there…

Thanks to new media tools like blogs and YouTube, sports for social change have gone beyond the old organization-to-organization setup, and can now be a real person-to-person experience. I can tell you firsthand that blogs helped us bring a team of young Ugandan men and women to the Homeless World Cup. In the six months leading up to the HWC, the Ugandan players and coaches posted diaries and streaming video on the Katalyst Consultancy blog, building a network of supporters that played (and continues to play) a significant role in the success of the Uganda program.

Sports work. And through today’s new technology every fan can get involved. The time has come to recognize Sports for Social Change as a legitimate development tool, and provide the funding to take this to scale. Starting with the donor community and reaching down to every one of us that laces up a pair of sneakers or picks up a bat or racket.

All it takes is a little funding and we will see. It’s time for all of us to get in the game. A ball can change the world…