NYOTA has launched!
Last Saturday’s event was a delightful surprise and a great success. What I thought would be a simple session turned out to be a formal public ceremony, complete with an MC, the mayor, and other local leaders. UCBC leaders were among the more than 40 attendees. Highlights included—
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A teaching by Dr. Jean Musavuli on women’s leadership.
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A speech by the Director of the Gender Division on NYOTA’s community impact.
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A speech by Dr. Honoré Bunduki Kwany, UCBC Rector.
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Introduction of our candidates.
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The mayor’s proclamation of NYOTA’s launch.
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A time of fellowship and food.
We’ve posted videos and more details on our social media (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn). You can watch a recording of the event here.
Growing Interest
More women want to participate in NYOTA than we can accommodate right now. Several have asked when we will begin another cohort. There is so much interest that the Director of the local Collective of Females’ Associations for Development (CAFED) came to meet me this week to express her concern that we provide further opportunities for other women. She also made it clear that she would do whatever she could to support the program.
In addition to the local enthusiasm, women from other cities in the region have asked about participating in NYOTA via an online option.
All of this reaffirms the need for NYOTA. It also challenges us—Impact Now, the Leadership Faculty of UCBC, and NYOTA team—to figure out some important next steps!
Upcoming Session
This Saturday we will have a 4-hour session with participants. The first half will be time to “set the stage” and get to know each other, The second half of the time will be the first session of the first module on Work/Life Balance. Dr. Rebecca Wasingya, economics professor here at UCBC, is leading that module.
Appreciation
The success we’ve experienced so far is due in large part to the hard work of the NYOTA planning team, led my NYOTA Co-Director, JeanMarc Asobee. Thanks also go to the Impact Now Board, and to our graphic designer, Lindsay Kronmiller.
Finally,
As we prepare for NYOTA’s growth, please consider joining us on this journey and donate to Impact Now!