“We keep emphasising the importance of learning your language – in this case, Luganda – because so many of us at home find ourselves expressing ourselves in a foreign language however it’s never too late to learn your language”
– HRH Nnabagereka Sylvia Nagginda
As the COVID-19 pandemic redesigns every aspect of our day to day life experiences, Ugandans can expect to take part in many traditional events and activities of previous years, but differently.
One of those is the Ekisaakaate kya Nnabagereka for International Schools and diaspora mentorship camp. Normally a two weeks-long, in-person event filled with activities such as sports, counselling, heritage, entertainment and so much more.
This year however the camp was instead held virtually from the August 17th to 21st, a first for NDF. Participants were availed with over three hours of content that was uploaded per day. Topics ranged from Heritage to Cultural outfits, Obuntubulamu, Yoga, Fitness, and Preparation of local delicacies, life as a teenager, basic Luganda, contemporary meals, cultural dances and personal presentation.
The Foundation Manager, Andrew Adrian Mukiibi in his introductory speech said that the camp was aimed at encouraging participants to appreciate their roots and language while juxtaposing it with their day to day life; indeed what a way to do it
In one of the sessions, we had Princess Joan Nkinzi thank participants for being part of the experience, she urged them to embrace their local languages because it gives them a sense of belonging.
“While abroad, my little sister Sanga likes to speak in Luganda as a way of encrypting her message,” says Nkinzi
Mother and child in an assisted online learning session
Contrarily to the pre-recorded videos, the final day of the Ekisaakaate Online had us served with a live Question and Answer session where participants and trainers interacted.
The closing event was highlighted by a live speech by HRH Nnabagereka Sylvia Nagginda broadcast on zoom, Facebook and Youtube to enrich the experience.
“We keep emphasising the importance of learning your language – in this case, Luganda – because so many of us at home find ourselves expressing ourselves in a foreign language however it’s never too late to learn your language,” said HRH Nnabagereka Sylvia Nagginda
When asked about the public’s feedback on the move to go virtual, the Ekisaakaate Program Manager Isaac Kintu said;
“We have heard so many parents appreciating the Foundation’s idea to make the Ekisaakaate virtual as this helps keep children busy while also letting them get an insightful and interactive experience of their culture.”
Conslusively, the covid normal is here to push us to innovative heights and the Ekisaakaate Online 2020 is just a pinch of more to come.
