During the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns, adolescents globally suffered greatly, not just in terms of their health but also physically and emotionally. Schools closure especially led to a rise in the number of mental health issues among the adolescents. The social distancing measures disrupted learning, friendships, and family relations and only added to the pressure and stress related to the COVID-19 spread. A high number of adolescents were reported to be experiencing depression and anxiety during the pandemic period.
For Asiimwe Jackline, thinking about the adolescents in Uganda gave her sleepless nights. She was moved to start an initiative to equip the adolescents in her community with life skills and build their resilience in the midst of Covid-19 related challenges.
Jackline’s husband who works as a doctor, supported her endeavor. He provided financial backing so Jackline could start the initiative that hoped to help adolescents stay safe and be holistically empowered.
“My husband and I always seek to serve others for peace beyond our family. Extending goodness and helping the depressed is embedded in us as the Bible says “love others as you love yourself”.
Jackline worked with her husband to engage the youth online. The couple taught key competencies to the youth to help them face adversity and live well. Life skills include: self-esteem, communication skills, critical thinking, decision making, teamwork, goal setting, creativity, innovation, empathy and respect.
Together they would read, study and share on important topics and issues like violence prevention, conflict resolution and peace. “We found a place of social cohesion,” reflected Jackline. The study sessions reduced stress, and made the youth more open to sharing idea, more confident in their skills and strengths, and more open to exploring opportunities.
“I loved the spirit of self-reliance and self-discovery amongst adolescents I shared with. I was excited seeing them smile, expressing their emotions and gaining courage to overcome the negative effects of Covid-19 that they were undergoing,” she added.
We are proud of Jackline and her family for spreading love and care for others during the pandemic and for supporting holistic growth of the adolescents in her community. At GPW we aim at amplifying the impact of true and service-minded women leaders in communities from around the world. If you have a Sunshine Family Volunteer story to share or your family wants to start a project, email younshim.park@globalpeacewomen.org.