By Enock Nsubuga - MasterPeace Uganda.

The year is 2045, a time when the devastating effects of climate change have crippled Uganda. Once a vibrant and flourishing country, Uganda now faces the harsh reality of pervasive flooding, unrelenting drought, and alarming levels of food insecurity. The majestic forests that once adorned the nation now lie barren and lifeless, transformed into desolate wastelands. The heart-wrenching consequence of these environmental catastrophes is the imminent extinction of the iconic mountain gorillas, a symbol of national pride and heritage.

However, amidst this bleak scenario, a ray of hope emerges. A group of passionate and determined young Ugandans have united under the banner of the Cool Birds and Leaders of Uganda - Climate Change Campaign. Fueled by an unwavering commitment
to combat climate change, this collective of young minds is dedicated to raising awareness about the pressing issue and, more importantly, to finding viable solutions to  this crisis that threatens their very existence.
Among the group's myriad initiatives, the "Cool Birds" program has proven to be particularly successful. This groundbreaking program harnesses the power of youth by imparting them with the necessary skills to monitor the health and well-being of Uganda's bird populations. Birds, with their extraordinary sensitivity to their surroundings, serve as an invaluable indicator of climate change, their dwindling numbers serving as a chilling warning sign that the country's once-thriving environment
now teeters on the edge of collapse.

The Cool Birds program has not only fostered a deep understanding of climate change among the younger generation but also instilled in them an indomitable spirit to take action. Armed with knowledge and newfound empowerment, these young guardians of the environment have valiantly partnered with government officials to develop robust policies and strategies to address the grave environmental crisis that engulfs their nation.
The Cool Birds and Leaders of Uganda - Climate Change Campaign stands as a testament to the resilience and determination of Uganda's young people to combat climate change head-on. Their unyielding dedication serves as an inspiring example, illuminating the path towards a brighter and more sustainable future for themselves and the generations yet to come. In a world plagued by uncertainty and despair, these  young climate warriors offer a glimmer of hope and a promise of resilience in the face of adversity. Their relentless pursuit of a greener and more equitable world holds the potential to rewrite the future, transcending borders and leaving an indelible mark on the annals of history.

The Break-through
The Impact of the Cool Birds and Leaders of Uganda - Climate Change Campaign.

The Cool Birds and Leaders of Uganda - Climate Change Campaign has gained significant traction and has become an influential force in Uganda and beyond. The group's relentless efforts have not only succeeded in making climate change a top priority for the Ugandan government but have also stirred a global movement of young people committed to taking action against this pressing issue.

An Invited Voice at International Climate Change Conference.
Recognition of the Cool Birds and Leaders of Uganda's accomplishments and potential has led to a remarkable opportunity – an invitation to speak at a major international climate change conference. This conference attracts world leaders, policymakers,
scientists, and activists from around the globe, providing an ideal platform to rally support for climate action.

Delivering a Powerful Message with Conviction
True to their commitment, the young members of the Cool Birds and Leaders of Uganda seize this opportunity to deliver a compelling message about the urgency of climate action. Their eloquence and passion resonate throughout the auditorium, grabbing the attention of the audience and compelling them to listen intently.

The young activists take turns sharing their stories of hope and resilience. They recount personal experiences of witnessing the devastating impacts of climate change on their communities and how they have rallied together to find solutions. These stories serve as a testament to the human spirit's resilience and inspire the audience to believe that it is still possible to save the planet.

Uganda’s Youth: Inheriting the World
The presence of the Cool Birds and Leaders of Uganda at this international conference emphasizes an important truth – it is the young people who will inherit the world and bear the consequences of our actions, or lack thereof, in addressing climate change.
Their voices carry an urgent plea for the current generation to take responsibility and act swiftly to mitigate and adapt to the changing climate.

The Power of Youth-led Movements
The Cool Birds and Leaders of Uganda - Climate Change Campaign exexemplifies the power and influence of youth-led movements. Their success serves as a beacon of hope, inspiring young people around the world to stand up and take action against climate change.

Sparking a Global Movement
The awe-inspiring message delivered by the Cool Birds and Leaders of Uganda at the international conference sparked a global movement among youth. Motivated by the stories of these young activists, more and more young people from different corners of
the world join the fight against climate change.

The Global Youth Network for Climate Action
In the wake of the conference, the Cool Birds and Leaders of Uganda collaborated with like-minded youth from different countries to establish the Global Youth Network for Climate Action. This network provides a platform for young activists to share knowledge, experiences, and best practices in combating climate change.

The network's impact is immense, as it fosters international collaboration and enables the exchange of ideas and strategies in addressing climate change. It secatalyzesollective action, empowering young people to continue their fight for a
sustainable future.

Conclusion: The Hope for a Sustainable Future
The Cool Birds and Leaders of Uganda - Climate Change Campaign and Their Journey to the International Climate Change Conference signify a breakthrough in recognizing the power and potential of youth in addressing global challenges. Through their powerful message and inspiring stories, they instill a sense of hope and determination in the hearts of the audience, encouraging them to take immediate action.
Their participation in the conference also secatalyzeshe global youth movement against climate change. Together, the Cool Birds and Leaders of Uganda, along with other young environmental activists, build a network that transcends borders, fostering
collaboration, and reinforcing the shared vision of a sustainable future.
The efforts of these young activists remind us that change is possible, and it is our collective responsibility to support and amplify their voices. It is through the passion and commitment of young people like the Cool Birds and Leaders of Uganda that we can
chart a course towards a planet that thrives harmoniously with humanity.

Under our program "Women and Entrepreneurship in Colour!" We hope to build the capacity of women in the urban informal settlements of Nairobi and pastoral communities who are survivors of violence against women.

Using color energy profiling by Clarity4D, these women are coached to better understand themselves and their human environment with an aim to understand their strengths and development areas.
To achieve this, the women are engaged through; Lead Self-coaching- Lead Enterprise Coaching- Mental Wellness support- and Linkage to access to microfinance.

We are grateful to our partners Haella Stichting and Clarity4D for providing the resources that made this possible.

In this post, we want to share with you some of the benefits and challenges of our program, as well as some success stories from our participants. Our program is based on the premise that women's entrepreneurship can be a powerful tool for economic growth, social inclusion, and gender equality.

According to various studies, female entrepreneurs represent a fast-growing category of entrepreneurship worldwide, but they face many barriers and obstacles that limit their potential. Some of these barriers include a lack of access to credit, education, training, networks, markets, role models and mentors. Moreover, many women entrepreneurs operate in low-growth sectors or necessity-driven activities that do not offer much opportunity for innovation or scaling up.

“Women and Entrepreneurship in Colour!” aims to address these challenges by providing women with a holistic approach that combines personal development, business skills, mental health support, and financial inclusion. Using Clarity4D's color energy profiling system, we help women identify their personality preferences, strengths, and areas for improvement. This helps them gain self-awareness, confidence, and motivation to pursue their entrepreneurial goals. We also offer them coaching sessions on how to lead themselves and their enterprises effectively, covering topics such as goal setting, planning, decision-making, problem-solving, communication, and teamwork. Additionally, we provide them with mental wellness support through counseling sessions that help them cope with stress, trauma, and emotional issues that may affect their well-being and performance. Finally, we link them with microfinance institutions that can offer them loans or grants to start or grow their businesses.

Our program commenced a couple of months ago and we have already enlisted over 200 women from different backgrounds and sectors. Some of the outcomes we have observed include:

- Increased self-esteem and empowerment among our participants.
- Improved business skills and knowledge.
- Enhanced innovation and creativity.
- Expanded networks and market opportunities.
- Higher-income generation and savings.
- Reduced poverty and vulnerability.
- Greater social impact in their communities

We are proud of our participants' achievements and we want to share some of their stories with you:

• Namelok is a 23 year old mother of 4 who runs a bead making business in Impiro center, Kajiado County, Kenya. She joined the program having survived intimate partner violence from her husband for a couple of years. She could not leave the marriage as she hadn’t any income to support her young family. Having been married while still a teenager and transitioning to motherhood before she was even 16, she only had basic literacy and numeracy skills. From her mother and grandmother, she had learned the art of beading. Through coaching and micro-financing from the project, she has started earning income for herself and with support from other women, emancipated herself from domestic abuse. With renewed confidence in herself and skills, she is hopeful for a thriving bead-making business. She has more friends now and participates in community activities, previously, a taboo.

In the end, we are grateful to our partners Haella Stichting and Clarity4D for providing the resources that made this possible, and we are thankful for all the participants.

Our esteemed MasterPeace Kosovo Club - SIT, is delighted to announce the successful integration of Program Y – Youth as "Thematic Modules for Child Protection" into Kosovo's formal education system. This momentous achievement is the culmination of years of unwavering dedication and strenuous efforts within the "Future for Youth" project.

This accomplishment represents a profound advancement in the promotion of a healthy lifestyle, the prevention of peer violence, the advocacy for gender equality, and the cultivation of collaboration among various stakeholders, including young individuals, educators, school representatives, and the Ministry of Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation (MESTI).

What was once a cherished aspiration has now transformed into one of the most remarkable achievements for Program Y – Youth. This accomplishment serves as an indisputable testament to the power of collaboration and the unwavering commitment of all stakeholders. It signifies a significant leap toward enhancing the educational landscape in Kosovo and fostering a safer and more equitable environment for the youth.

As we celebrate this achievement, we also acknowledge that this is just the beginning of a journey towards a brighter and more promising future for Kosovo's youth. The MasterPeace Kosovo Club - SIT, alongside its partners, remains dedicated to continuously improving and expanding upon this initiative, ensuring that the benefits of these "Thematic Modules for Child Protection" reach every corner of the educational landscape and touch the lives of as many young individuals as possible. This integration is not just a success story; it is a testament to the power of collaboration, perseverance, and a shared vision for a better future. It is a commitment to nurturing the potential of youth and ultimately building a stronger, more inclusive, and harmonious society in Kosovo.

Storytelling is a powerful tool for education, communication and cultural preservation. It can stimulate creativity, enhance critical thinking, and foster social cohesion among learners. Storytelling can also help learners develop their literacy and numeracy skills by engaging them in oral and written narratives that involve counting, measuring, sequencing, problem-solving, and reasoning.

In Kenya, storytelling is a rich and diverse tradition that reflects the history, values and beliefs of different communities. However, many learners in urban and rural areas lack access to quality education and learning materials that can expose them to the benefits of storytelling. Moreover, many teachers are not trained or equipped to use storytelling as a pedagogical method in their classrooms.

The Hadithi Hadithi Project is an initiative that aims to improve the learning outcomes of learners in four locations in Kenya: Majengo, Kajiado, Mathare and Kisumu. The project will use storytelling as a means of enhancing literacy and numeracy skills among learners aged 6-14 years. The project aims at making storytelling interesting by further developing stories from the communities themselves and publishing them for their readership, in brief, help the children learn from their own environment that they can relate with. It’s in partnership with The Solomundo Foundation.

The project objectives are:

- To train teachers on how to use storytelling as a teaching strategy for literacy and numeracy.
- To provide learners with books, audio-visual materials and digital devices that contain stories relevant to their contexts.
- To facilitate storytelling sessions among learners where they can listen to, read, write and perform stories.
- To document and evaluate the impact of storytelling on learners' academic performance, motivation and attitudes.

The project activities are:

- Organizing workshops for teachers on how to integrate storytelling into their curricula.
- Distributing books, audio-visual materials and digital devices with stories to schools.
- Establishing storytelling clubs where learners can meet regularly to share stories.
- Organizing inter-school competitions where learners can showcase their storytelling skills.

The project outcomes are:

- Improved literacy and numeracy skills among learners who participate in the project.
- Improved confidence among the learners in their ability to communicate in English and solve mathematical problems.
- Increased interest and engagement of learners in reading, writing and performing stories.
- Enhanced cultural awareness and appreciation among learners who interact with stories from different communities.
- Improved teacher capacity and confidence in using storytelling as a teaching method.

Story of Change – Faith Muthoni

I have always loved stories since I was a little girl. They transported me to different worlds and made me imagine new possibilities. But I never thought that stories could also help me with my studies. That changed when I joined a storytelling club at school, there, I engaged with a story developed by other children in the community, about our community. This improved my communication skills, creativity, and confidence. I noticed that these skills also helped me in my academic subjects, especially because the Dandora Boy story has numeracy lessons entwined with the story. I could write better essays, solve problems more creatively, and participate more confidently in class discussions. Stories made learning fun and meaningful for me. Thanks to storytelling, I improved my performance in school and discovered a new passion.