Concluding the project Young Writers for Peace, initiated by Writing Our World. A group of us traveled to Gulu to hear the real life stories of people who had experienced the war in Northern Uganda. 
As a part of the field trip we wanted to practice, presence, active listening and speaking from the heart. When we talk about conversations our minds immediately go to having something to say, seldom do we consider that great conversationalist listen more than they speak. Its also true that all people want to be seen and heard. Being able to listen totally to people as they relive sometimes very traumatic experiences is truly a gift to them.
The stories told to us were provoking and informative and eventually we moved to sharing our opinions about a range of subjects most of them related to African Development and what that really is. Its always so enjoyable to have conversations with young people and to challenge them to think differently, to question. At the end of a conversation with a young man called Collins he stated he was tired. When i asked him why he said ‘there were a lot of things to think about and right now his mind was full’.
To be honest i was glad with this response because it does take a lot of energy to think and problem solve in order to find solutions. Its what keeps the brain and the mind, adaptable and flexible. So him being tired meant he had put some energy into his thinking processes which is a positive thing.
Our task upon returning to Kampala is to create fictional narratives for the anthology we want to publish. Its a daunting task and as always we will strive to find a creative means of representing our discoveries.
I was excited to meet DJ Phat who interviewed Sekandi Ronald and I on JAL Fresh a Gulu radio station. He has invited me back to run a Drama workshop as a part of their premier ‘Cry for Help’ produced by United Youth Entertainment.
The event takes place at the TAKS Centre Gulu on Saturday 26th July 2014.
Its free and all are welcome