...who we are
Bajjo Staff
wannabeamazin has the philosphy of employing local people, giving those who would otherwise not be able to find employment due to lack of qualifications, the chance to get a secure job, with a decent income.
During the 6 months that the team spent in Bajjo we conducted an intensive training course with Vincent, Innocent, Isaac and the rest of the team. This equipped them with the skills to be able to perform their duties, however we were also keen to hear their ideas about how the project could be improved. We have been delighted with the response that we have received from the team, who continue to suprise us with new ideas and commitment to the project.
Vincent
(wannabeamazin Programme Manager)
Vincent is one of 5 bothers. His father passed away when he was 17 and, although Vincent was a keen student, someone had to look after the family house and land - Vincent was chosen by his eldest brother for this task. Although Vincent understood that someone had to take on this responsibility, he was disapppinted that he could not complete his education. When we arrived in Bajjo Vincent made his living as an 'odd job' man, finding work wherever and whenever he could.
We initially employed Vincent as a translator as his English was far superior than most in the village. However, the more time we spent with him, the more we were impressed and, after a pilot run of our programmes in which Vincent shined, we decided to offer him the opportunity to become our programme manager in Bajjo with full responsibility of all programmes, staff and budget.
We have been extremely pleased with the way Vincent has handled this responsibility, and the progress he has shown over the last year has been phenominal - the Bajjo project could not run without Vincent.
Rick and Vincent
Isaac (Football Coach and Whizzkids Assistant)
Isaac plays football for Bombo Town FC, a local football club in the third tier of the Ugandan league system. Isaac approached us whilst in Bajjo with a desire to get involved. He now runs the football coaching for the youth in Bajjo as well as assisting Vincent with the Whizzkids HIV prevention programme in local schools.
Innocent (Resource Centre Supervisor)
Innocent is Vincents 'right-hand man' in all matters related to the Resource Centre. He has responsibility for all the books, games and sports equipment in the centre. He also performs regular stock takes, keeps a detailed record of Resource Centre attendance and helps Vincent with sports pitch maintenance and the organisation of the Village party.
Innocent comes from a poor family who, unfortunately,did not have enough money to send him to secondary school. However, since finding regular employment with wannabeamain, Innocent has been able to save enough money to return to school. Always with a smile on his face, Innocent has become a highly valued member of the wannabeamazin team.
Rick and Innocent
Jude (Resource Centre Assistant)
Jude is a very pleasant young man that, due to unfortunate family circumstances, has missed several years of schooling. Jude is a keen participant in our programmes and helps out in the Resource Centre at the weekends.
Gerald (Resource Centre Assistant)
Gerald is an extremely bright individual but, unfortunately, is unable to complete his secondary education due to lack of funds. He has attended our programmes from the beginning, always keen to learn something new and now helps out in the Resource Centre when needed.
Zulaika (Netball Coach)
Zulaika is an engaging young woman who has been a very enthusiastic participant in our programmes, resource centre and netball training. She has a particular gift for netball and now runs the youth netball coaching at weekends. In addition, Zulaika independantly runs HIV awareness sessions for the youth in her neighbourhood after attending the Whizzkids programme in 2008.
UK Staff
Click here to find out more about the people behind wannabeamazin in the UK.