After establishing an arm of outreach in Uganda, Founder of Girls First International, Stephanie Hazle decided to partner with fellow Jamaican creatives to form Project GIFT – a Jamaican-infused film and theatre workshop. A pilot of this flagship program will take place in the Wakiso District, Uganda where it will offer a strategic and impactful form of intervention to support youth vulnerable to victimization. The unique cross-cultural approach not only provides therapeutic and developmental benefits but also promotes cultural exchange and solidarity. The statistical evidence underscores the urgency of addressing domestic violence among other social issues affecting youth and their development. By incorporating Jamaican cultural elements, this initiative can empower and inspire a more resilient and empowered generation, fostering hope and change in the community.

Integrating a film and theatre workshop that infuses Jamaican cultural elements, led by Jamaican creatives, offers a unique cross-cultural approach to empower these young individuals. This initiative not only provides a creative and therapeutic outlet but also promotes cultural exchange and understanding, fostering resilience and empowerment.

Why should you support Project GIFT?

1. Addressing Domestic Violence and other forms of Victimization:

• Prevalence of Domestic Violence in Uganda:
  • According to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), 56% of women aged 15-49 have experienced physical violence at some point in their lives.
  • The Uganda Demographic and Health Survey (UDHS) 2016 reported that 22% of women in the Central region, which includes Wakiso District, experienced physical violence in the last 12 months.
  • The National Survey on Violence Against Children (2018) found that 59% of children in Uganda had experienced physical violence and 35% had experienced emotional violence.

2. Impact on Youth:
• Exposure to domestic violence and other social challenges lead to psychological distress, academic difficulties, and a higher risk of engaging in violent behavior.
• Youth need supportive and creative outlets to process their experiences and build resilience. This medium also gives them an opportunity to tell their own stories.

Benefits of Project GIFT

1. Therapeutic and Psychological Benefits:
• Film and theatre provide a therapeutic outlet for youth to express their emotions and experiences, fostering emotional healing.
• Creative expression helps build self-esteem and confidence, crucial for those who have faced victimization.
2. Skill Development and Empowerment:
• Workshops teach valuable skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
• Empowering youth with these skills provides alternative pathways to success and self-sufficiency, breaking the cycle of poverty.
3. Cross-Cultural Exchange and Enrichment:
• Infusing Jamaican cultural elements introduces youth to new perspectives and artistic expressions, enriching their cultural awareness and understanding while also  celebrating and highlighting their own culture.
• Led by Jamaican creatives, the workshop promotes a sense of global community and solidarity, showing youth that their struggles are shared and understood across cultures.
4. Promoting Social Change and Advocacy:
• Theatre and film can be powerful tools for raising awareness and advocating for social change. Highlighting issues affecting youth, through performance can educate communities and promote dialogue.
• Cross-cultural narratives can foster greater empathy and solidarity, motivating community action to address and prevent social ills.

The Value of the Jamaican Cultural Influence

1. Resilience and Empowerment Themes:
• Jamaican culture, with its rich history of overcoming adversity, can inspire and empower Ugandan youth. Themes of resilience, strength, and unity in Jamaican storytelling can resonate deeply with those facing victimization.
2. Music and Dance Integration:
• Integrating Jamaican music and dance will make the workshops engaging and relatable, offering an enjoyable way to process and express emotions.
• Reggae and dancehall music, known for their powerful messages and rhythms, can serve as a backdrop for storytelling and performances.