Video: Evelyn Anite steals the show at BNN Youth Summit

Everything that happened as BNN Youth Summit Commenced

The second Billi Now Now! (BNN) Youth Summit commenced today 4th June 2024 at MoTIV Bugolobi. The gathering of young leaders from across Africa and beyond aims to equip them with the tools to connect and contribute to Agenda 2063. Agenda 2063 is the African Union’s strategic framework for socio-economic development. Rwanda, Senegal, Ethiopia, Kenya, Peru, South Sudan, Benin, and Uganda participated.

What is the motivation behind BNN Youth Summit 2024?

The three-day summit, implemented by Reach A Hand Uganda together with Planned Parenthood Global. It is themed “Brave and Coordinated Youth Action in Advancing Agenda 2063”. It has attracted delegates from diverse countries including Kenya, South Sudan, Peru, Ethiopia, Benin, Senegal, Burkina Faso, Uganda, and Rwanda. These young leaders aim to catalyse the development of tailored initiatives and action plans that drive tangible change in their communities and beyond.

What were the Key Discussions on Health and Advocacy?

Among the crucial topics discussed at the BNN Youth Summit was the inseparable link between sexual and reproductive health and mental health. The summit emphasized the need for increased advocacy for comprehensive health initiatives within communities. Furthermore, delegates agreed to amplify the voices of young Africans in advocating for greater access to critical services, education, and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR).

What message did Evelyn Anite send to the youth?

Hon. Evelyn Anite, the State Minister of Finance for Investment and Privatisation, made an impromptu visit. As the specoal guest, she pledged her support towards addressing the high taxes on raw materials used to produce sanitary products. This issue was raised by young people as adversely affecting the reproductive and mental health of young girls and women in Africa.

How Honorable Evelyn Anite made the party take on a life of its own

You would rarely expect a government leader to get overly invested in the moment. But, that’s just it, Koboko woman delivered what she promised when she danced to the amapiano music. She also made new official promises to the youth of Uganda. Watch Evelyn Anite dancing with young people below at MOTIV.

These were the major statements spoken by, Hon. Anite.

• Young people should learn how to carry themselves when given leadership roles
• We should stop following colonial boundaries and accept each other as Africans
• We are going make resources available for creative industries in Uganda
• We are going to look at reducing taxes that are levied on raw materials used for making sanitary pads

Hon. Evelyn Anite

Why empower Youth with Skills and Networking?

According to the RAHU Director, the summit was purposefully designed to equip young people with tools, skills, and networking opportunities. These should help enact meaningful change within their communities. Achieng Akumu, the Regional Director of Planned Parenthood Global (PP Global), encouraged the delegates to understand their power dynamics. She also reminded them on the role they must play in ensuring accountability. “This is your opportunity to amplify your voice and learn the tools that will help you embrace your destiny,” she stated. “It’s also very important for you to understand your power dynamic and the role you must play regarding accountability.”

The 9 Countries presented their findings during the BNN Summit

1. South Sudan 

The country got independence in 2011. Their commitment was information. They created a WhatsApp group which had over 120 people. This group informed people about how BNN helps youth make informed decisions. Many of the people signed up. They also collaborate with different initiatives to achieve their goal.

2. Kenya 

They’re creating safe spaces. Kenyan group has been able to create virtual spaces like IG hubs, x spaces and many more. Physical convening is getting space to give their views. They even had the BNN represented in the UN summit. They also centered young people as experts in co-creation.

3. Peru

Leah from Peru presented their team. It was their first time in Uganda. They have spread the agenda of BNN in Latin America. The Peru team have tried to bring these services of SRHR to people in Latin America. 

4. Ethiopia

They had only 1 Representative last year 2023. She sent her BNN commitment to her peers. They attended a masterclass which enabled her to come to Uganda. Some of the challenges they faced is that they couldn’t reach many youth because it was not known in Ethiopia. The partnering was not working though they had a lot of coordination with PPG and PSI. They now aim to create a linkage between BNN and different organizations in Ethiopia.

5. Uganda

Matilda Rosette was representing Uganda. They have been trying to localize the BNN message for the locals to understand. They went to Church. There is a youth parliament in Tororo. Teenage pregnancy has reduced from 33% to 28%. The movies that sensitize people like Kyaddala are translated to the local languages and presented in local cinemas known as Kibanda. However there were a lot of expectations from the community. There’s also other challenges like political influence, myths. The suggestions include the inclusion of marginalized people, engaging platforms, motivation, sensitization in schools.

6. Burkina Faso

They began BNN in Burkina Faso in 2017 like a normal program. The first commitment they took was to set up the BNN vision 2030. They are at 80% of achieving their commitment. As a personal commitment, they are always encourage young people to succeed so that there is a positive change in Africa. 

7. Benin

Last year they put information together for training among young people. We had to make sure we discuss with young people about SRHR and had a campaign where they selected over 300 young people who benefited from the SRHR. They also informed them where to find these services. Benin delegates also created online groups which sensitized young people about family planning. They also did mass training. 

8. Rwanda

Rwanda is going to start spreading the BNN message to Rwanda. They’re going to make sure that women have access to healthcare and knowledge to make choices for their bodies. They’re doing a project right now known as BREAKING THE FINAL BARRIER. Empowering access to services, integrating services through digital platforms that link youth to healthcare procuders.

9. Senegal

They started in 2023 the BNN movement in Senegal. There were so many challenges young girls in Senegal were experiencing but the team had to come through. The elections also interrupted their programs. The new suggestion is that they’re going to offer training programmes and encourage entrepreneurship in schools.

Celebrating Progress and Accountability

The event featured a session titled “Echoes of Progress,” highlighting the achievements and goals of the BNN Movement and urging the youth to prioritize accountability and action. James Tumusiime, the Country Director of Reach A Hand Uganda, expressed gratitude to Planned Parenthood Global for the opportunity to collaborate and learn from various partners dedicated to influencing the health and wellbeing of young people.

Shall Africa break Colonial barriers?

Hon. Anite mentioned a significant statement, “We must make sure we break the colonial boundaries and start looking at each other as Africans.” Delegates also formed mixed-country groups to foster collaboration and exchange ideas. There was also an increase in the number of participating countries from seven last year to nine this year. Partners supporting the summit include the Hewlett Foundation, Development Dynamics, Mr. & Ms. Ability East Africa, Unique Abilities Foundation of Africa (UAFA), UG Teen, CEHURD, SRHR Alliance Uganda, Samasha, Aquafina Uganda, Kyetume C.B.H.C. Program, and Awesome Mind Speaks.