Service Learning
AISA GISS Presents: Kola Kati – Act Now!
Priyanka Nzoutchoua Nzitchoum Nana (Class of 2027)
During our three day trip (February 13-15,2025) to Kampala,Uganda, our group explored the wonders of taking action and participating in workshops based on the theme Kola Kati (Act Now). Five high schoolers from LCS (Solmem Damass, Dayila Alexis, Dhruv Jain, Priyanka Nzoutchoua, Nana Yaw) along with two school chaperons (Alexis Smith and Ann Manu) were present during this experience, and we are eager to share with you what we have learned.
Thursday, February 13, 2025
On Thursday morning, our small group was welcomed by the traditional drums and music of a local group of Ugandan performers. Swayed by the music and the impressive skills of these professionals, we were then escorted to an array of tables where we signed up for our student-led workshops. After a heartfelt opening ceremony, we spent the rest of our day in our chosen SDG groups, learning about our given sustainable development goals and different ways to act on them. With several breaks, guest speakers, and student led workshops, there was never a dull moment during the experience. To wrap up the activity-filled day, we returned back to the grand theater in order to watch and give recognition towards the winners of the east african film festival, many of them producing complex documentaries and winners from the very school that was hosting (ISU).
Friday, February 14, 2025
During Valentine’s day, we were able to spread love by dividing into our different service groups and voyaging into the depths of Uganda. Each SDG had the honor of witnessing local businesses owners, teachers, factory workers, farmers, (and much more) help and support their community in various ways. With undevoted passion, they tackled struggles and global problems with technique and care, all while using the minimal resources they acquired. Our SDGs were able to learn and perform hands-on activities with them, from learning how to tie die, to learning how to cultivate and farm using innovative strategies in different environments.
In the afternoon, we returned to ISU buzzing with inspiration and new ideas; but the fun was not over yet. Swarmed by local dancers, artists, musicians, jewlists, and designers, we became immersed in the heavy culture of Uganda and what it had to offer. We were then flooded with more inspirational speakers: from a man who continued to dance in a wheelchair despite his disability, to a woman who gave her children the best possible education and future despite her unfortunate situation, to a young man who is finding different ways to provide water and electricity to his local community. Even with it being one of the shortest conference days of the trip, there was no end to the motivational delights.
Saturday, February 15, 2025
Our Saturday morning started off quite glum, knowing that we would be leaving the following evening, but that did not stop ISU from hosting a tremendous closing day. After listening to some of our last guest speakers of the day, we set off to prepare for our student led workshops. LCS presented and led two workshops: Gentrification-the destruction of the local life in Africa was led by Dayila Alexis, Priyanka Nzoutchoua, and Solmem Damass, while Fundraising for Smiles was led by Dhruv Jain and Nana Yaw Osei-Adutwum. We focused on spreading awareness on these less spoken about problems, while encouraging others to act on possible solutions through educational games and activities.
Following a brief lunch break, our different SDGs presented what we learned to others, using a large showroom to put up different posters and presentations with examples of what each SDG means and how the place they were allocated to solve the issue. Spread out amongst the crowd in different stations, we each presented our SDG group and solutions to others, including our very own Director, Msrs Lesley Tait!
The closing ceremony ended on a bittersweet note, with our final guest speakers along with very young and extremely talented performers Ghetto Kids, whom we had the honor of going on stage and dancing with. After a tiring day and celebration filled soiree, we said our goodbyes and gave our thanks to the organizing crew and performers.
To say the least, AISA GISS was an unforgettable experience, filled with fun loving activities and core memories. This trip has taught and inspired us to do many things, circling around some of our core values: the more we do together, the more we achieve, and don’t just show me how it is done, let me try , and probably many more that have yet to be listed. Our hope is that next time, more teens will take advantage of such an astounding opportunity, as we often tend to take what we have for granted. So we would like to encourage others to take part next year, and the following years after.
With that being said, KOLA KATI- ACT NOW!
Lincoln Community School
#126/21 Reindolf Road
Abelemkpe, Accra
Ghana, West Africa
+233 302 218 100
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Accra, Ghana
