Eddy Balina Interview
Please tell us about yourself?
Eddy Matagala Balina, 21 is a Ugandan Motivational speaker and social entrepreneur He is the Executive Director of The Nonviolence Project Uganda and East Africa regional coordinator. In 2012, he was selected as the National YouthStart ambassador for United Nations Capital Development Fund & Finance trust bank. He represents Uganda in the youth think tank of The MasterCard Foundation based in Toronto – Canada.His passion of inspiring young people has led him around Africa, U.S.A and Europe. Eddy believes that young people deserve a window of opportunity to spearhead positive social change and development.
What is the name of the community outreach project you involved in? And what is it all about?
The Nonviolence Project Uganda is a youth education and leadership organisation dedicated to inspiring, motivating and engaging young people in positive social action to reduce youth violence through alternatives like music, sports, entrepreneurship and school club programs.
When did it start? What motivated you to start this project?
I started NVP Uganda in 2010 after I completed High school, My school was best known for violence, strikes and hooliganism. Students could violently attack the nearby markets and loot beat up people etc. This was the same story with the youth in my community and this was because of rocketing youth unemployment, which yielded frustration, drug abuse and thus crime/violence. I felt I needed to do something about this; I mobilized my friends to start The Nonviolence Project Uganda under the mentorship of Jan and Rolf. With this program, I have seen a fundamental social change in our schools, families and community. I have since committed most of my time to advocating for safer and healthier lives /communities and travelling around the world inspiring youth to engage in positive action.
What is the purpose this project?
To reduce youth violence through promoting entrepreneur, sports, music and school club as best alternatives.
What do you want to achieve with project?
I want to see a safer and healthier community where youth invest their time and energy in resourceful and worthy ventures other than violence and crime.We want to create a meeting place for the next generation of leaders.
How one can get involved in the project?
We welcome volunteers, partners and those that passionate about causing positive change in their communities to get in touch with us.
What were some of the challenges you faced as a young person starting your own project?
Of Course, most of my colleagues discouraged me, it was not easy, i did have any money on me but i had the passion and I stayed focused and determined.
How has the journey being like so far?
There is nothing beautiful like doing what you love, the journey has been challenging with vicissitudes yet very rewarding with opportunities and satisfaction of making positive impact.
How has the community benefited from the project?
We have trained over 2700 young leaders with our educational program.Our imagine Uganda for Peace Campaign has directly influence many youth from drug abuse and youth violence. We have trained 400 youth in Entrepreneurship and life skills. We continue to mentor and connect youth to opportunities and youth development resources . We organise the annual youth in business summit that brings together young leaders/entrepreneurs and mentors from around the world.
What has been some of your biggest achievements yet?
I was nominated to represent Uganda in the Youth Think Tank of the MasterCard Foundation based in Toronto Canada. In 2012, I was selected as the National YouthStart Ambassador for United Nations Capital Development Fund [UNCDF] and Finance Trust Bank. I annually organise the Youth in Business summit which brings together outstanding young entrepreneurs, leaders and mentors around the world.
What do you think are some of the challenges facing African youth today?
The ever-increasing youth unemployment across the continent has become the most pressing challenge. In Uganda it is at 83%
Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?
I see myself as a role model to young people on the continent in the next 5 years. i hope to establish a youth hub for young people in Uganda, where youth can connect with peers and mentors on pertinent development and life issues plus an incubator for young entrepreneurs.
What would you like to change about Africa today?
The Mindset/attitude of Africans. The attitude of a hurter who believes in killing whatever they trap to the Attitude of a cultivator who believes in multiplying the little they possess.
What advice do you have for young people who want to start their own project?
If anything is too easy, do not waste your time on it because it will lead you to nowhere and secondly failure is nothing, keep trying until the 10th time.
How can other youth connect with you?
Via my email: [email protected] , facebook: eddy balina or Tel: +256701802787
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