By Rose Nanziri, Uganda, part of the International Leaders in Education Program of Clemson University
I was given an invitation to the AHAM meeting by Ms. Margaret Warner who is one of our major coordinators for ILEP (International Leaders in Education Program) 2015. In the process of this invitation, she informed me of her presentation and sent me an email which clearly stated the Theme as “Women in History: Continuing the story of women making changes, forging ahead and carrying messages.” She then requested me to send her some information about an important woman in my country.
As soon as she mentioned “Important Woman,” my mind rushed to the Nnabagereka (Queen) of Buganda Kingdom in my Country, Uganda. The last segment of my report gives you the brief commentary I wrote about her importance.
I was excited to come and attend this meeting because I love associating with women organizations and am always sure that I will learn something in such events. On arrival, I was blown away by the beauty of this restaurant/hotel. It is such a beautiful site. I was a little nervous, at first but after the warm welcome felt at ease. However, I realized that I hardly new any Spanish. Luckily for me I sat near Mrs. Sandra Yudice, who actually immediately taught me a few words/statements in Spanish including the following;
- Como estas which means how are you?
- Mucho gusto which means Nice to meet you
- Adios which means Bye
- Gracias which means Thank you
- Hola which means Hi
Additionally, I had Ms. Margaret beside me who kept translating what was being communicated by the President of AHAM, Mrs. Martha De Leon. I fully followed the whole meeting and admired the whole team of women there. I particularly appreciate the founders of this organization and all the members for the good work they are doing. I also thank them for the family spirit which was expressed throughout the meeting as they welcomed all the new guests and celebrated birthdays of two of their members.
I also felt good when they appreciated our traditional wear which I was dressed in. The Gomesi is what they call it in our Mother Tongue (Luganda). Lots of photos were also taken and this too was inspiring. We also had fun by playing a game where we searched for Easter eggs and the winner got a prize.
I WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE AHAM PRESIDENT AND HER COMMITTEE FOR THE ARRANGEMENT AND INVITATION. I WOULD LIKE TO ALSO THANK ALL THE WOMEN I MET AT THIS INSPIRATIONAL MEETING AND WISH YOU THE VERY BEST IN ALL YOUR ENDEAVOURS.
I have incorporated a copy of my brief about the Nnabagereka of Buganda:
THE NNABAGEREKA OF BUGANDA KINGDOM
The Nnabagereka of Buganda Kingdom in Central Uganda, is the Queen of Buganda Kingdom. She is married to the King of Buganda, Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi. She is one of the most important women in Uganda because of the following reasons:
* She is a Queen of one of the greatest Kingdoms in Uganda.
* She is a mother of her children and of her tribe, Buganda.
* She founded a non-government organization known as Nnabagereka Development Foundation which puts emphasis on promotion of the welfare of Children, Youth and Women. The Foundation is a fully registered NGO whose overall mission is to contribute to the promotion of socio-economic development through support to education and health initiatives,community empowerment and promotion of good cultural values and practices.
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