In the bustling world of
U-Report Uganda, a dedicated soul shines bright in her mission to amplify the
voices of the young and underserved. Meet Rhinnet Namara, a U-Report Volunteer whose unwavering commitment shines
through as she works tirelessly to establish and empower Children's Reference
Groups (CRGs) nationwide.
Rhinnet's journey began at Makerere University, where she graduated with a bachelor's degree in economics. During her time there, she organized mental health and public sanitation activities, demonstrating her commitment to the well-being of her community and peers. Her passion for creating a safe and clean environment for all paved the way for her impactful work with the CRG.
The CRG, a groundbreaking
initiative led by the Ministry of Gender, Labor, and Social Development in
collaboration with UNICEF Uganda, was launched on the International Day of the
Girl Child in November 2022. This visionary project aims to strengthen the
implementation of Uganda's National Children Strategy, ensuring that the voices
of children are heard and their needs addressed at all levels of
decision-making.
Rhinnet's passion for
children's engagement in policymaking stems from her own experiences of being
neglected and left behind as a young girl. Through her role as a U-Report
volunteer and CRG Secretariat member, she works tirelessly to empower children
across Uganda, training CRG members and collaborating with local officials to
establish platforms for children's participation in national policy
development.
One of Rhinnet's most memorable experiences was her journey to Madi Okollo, a district in the far northern part of Uganda, where she helped establish a CRG to represent the views of children in the area. Despite the challenges, Rhinnet and her team selected 27 outstanding children from over 100 applicants, ensuring that the CRG of Madi Okollo would be a true reflection of the community's needs and aspirations.