My African Roots: Teach, Learn, Explore

I graduated from high school, and I am one of a few of the indigenous Batwa tribe to have graduated secondary school as well as the only one educated in America. At least, as far as we know. I looked! :) I got accepted into Stanford University and will be attending in the fall 2024. Before I go off to college, I want to have an adventure to explore my African roots. Help me raise money to Learn, Teach, Explore. Read more below! 

Learn: 

I have always wondered what life would have been like if I had stayed in Uganda. Most students attend boarding school and, with permission from the schools, I want to spend maybe a week at each of several schools that the Batwa attend to see what it is like, and to also give a presentation to each school about something that might benefit all students. I will stay in the dormitory with students, eat at the dining hall, and experience what life would have been like.

Update ^ I will proceed with this educational experiment while at Stanford University. For this summer trip, I would like to reconnect and celebrate my achievement of being the first Batwa in my family to graduate from high school. I want to inspire the Batwa coming after me that my mom's organization, Redemption Song Foundation, sponsors as well other Batwa in the community.

Teach:

I want to share some opportunities I’ve had with my fellow Batwa youth. I’ve had supportive mentors, learned helpful study skills, been able to develop my leadership ability, and experienced encouraging and fun learning classrooms. These things have helped me become the outgoing, curious and confident student I am today. Having gained all this knowledge, I feel a responsibility and a strong desire to share it with my people. After all, sharing is caring! During my time in Uganda, I will give motivational, encouraging speeches and mentor Batwa kids to help them excel in school telling them my story. I would also like to bring some computers so if you have any to donate, let me know.

Explore:

I didn’t have much of a childhood until after I was adopted. I want to go and spend time with my extended family and fellow Batwas in all the different villages. I want to go into Global Studies/International Relations at Stanford University, so experiencing other cultures and learning more about mine can help me be a better scholar, as well.

Can you help me have some of these experiences? Donate below!