World Camp Clubs

New Programming: World Camp Clubs

In early November we introduced World Camp’s new geographic focus, the Malikha Zone. We’re working hard to initiate sustainable programs and interventions for locally challenging issues.

Students and youth are a key part of any and all solutions taking place as they are future leaders, members of their community, and a massive force for change! They have a vested interest in the wellbeing of their communities and neighbors, and should be involved in community development projects.

To this end, World Camp will establish a World Camp Clubs (WCC) at each of the 11 primary schools in Malikha Zone (and we’ve already done so at the five schools we visited in 2012!). These clubs foster and encourage youth activism and involvement in community projects that address issues such as deforestation, stigma surrounding HIV positive patients, youth rights, and community infrastructure.

Liwera World Camp Club members

Each WCC is led by two teachers and at least five students elected by their peers. The addition of elected student leaders fosters youth ownership, responsibility, ability, and power; something that can be lacking in many of the communities we visit. In September, Teacher Mentors went through training to equip them with the basic knowledge of encouraging student activism, budgeting, reporting to WC, planning effective outreach activities, and many other skills! WC will continue to work with Teacher Mentors every month to provide support, answer questions, facilitate idea sharing, and encourage Zone-wide events. Additionally, WC will visit each Club at least once a month during one of their meetings to check-in on logistics, observe discussions, and provide on-site support.

In the few short months since their inception, WCCs have been a huge success: Mkhoma WCC planted 40 trees in their community to combat deforestation and Liwera WCC participated in a quiz to show off their knowledge of HIV (see the video here!). All five Clubs have developed detailed action plans for the 2012-2013 school year to ensure continued progress, and we can’t wait to see where the students of Malikha Zone take this project!