The Cross Cultural Foundation of Uganda (CCFU) in partnership with the Cultural Research Centre (CRC) held a youth heritage competition on Saturday, 5th October 2024 at the Uganda Railway Museum.
The competition which focused on traditional folk songs, dances, games and a debate under the theme “my culture promotes equality between boys and girls.” was held at the Uganda Railway Museum.
According to Mr. Fredrick Nsibambi, CCFU organised the competition to provide a platform for young people to express their culture.
Furthermore, the competition also aimed at sharing information on the role of culture in promoting gender equality.
Ms. Kasifa Kisa, the Heritage Education Programme Officer at CCFU noted that the competition is part of CCFU’s Heritage Education Programme which is implemented in over 185 schools in Uganda.
The competition was a great opportunity for young people to showcase some of the lessons learnt as a result of the programme and to cross-learn from each other.
“We teach young people that they have cultural rights and expression is one of them. With competitions like this, they get a chance to express their culture.” Kisa said.
8 Schools with over 200 young people and teachers participated.
The schools included Jinja Secondary Secondary School, Jinja Progressive Academy, Mutai Secondary School, Mpumudde Seed School, Stephen Secondary School, Buwenge Modern School, Kyabazinga College and Mother Kevin Secondary School.
Prize awarding
Jinja Secondary School emerged winner of the competition and received Ugx 500,000 alongside a trophy.
Kyabazinga College and Mother Kevin Secondary School were the first and second runners up and received Ugx 300,000 and 200,000, respectively.
The club president of Jinja Secondary School said that the prize money will support the club to boost their cultural enterprise of establishing a herbal garden in the school.
Outstanding performers for each item presented by the young people received certificates to recognise their efforts.