The Vital Role of School Meals in Children's Education.

For the past three years, I have had the privilege of covering meals in schools for Cottonon foundation across Sourthen Uganda, and in that time, I have come to realize just how essential school meals are to children's education. Meals are not merely a break from studies, they are a vital part of the learning process. A well balanced meal provides the necessary nutrients that help children stay focused, energized, and ready to learn.

Unfortunately, many schools in Uganda still do not provide lunch for students. This lack of proper nutrition often leaves young learners struggling to concentrate in class. Without a midday meal, children can feel fatigued, irritable, and unable to absorb the lessons being taught. This nutritional gap is one of the key factors contributing to low academic performance and high dropout rates.

Ensuring that every child has access to nutritious meals in school is not just a matter of their well-being but also an investment in their education and future. It's time to recognize the importance of meals in the learning environment and make them a priority in every school across Uganda.

Primary one pupils at Ntebe za Dungu a COF supported school in southern Uganda wait for breakfast.

Good time in Kenya.

Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to travel to Kenya, passing through Mbale, to document a heartwarming story about a local farmer making a significant impact in his community. What drew me to this story was not just his work in agriculture, but the way he is using his education to empower those around him. With knowledge gained from his university studies, he’s teaching sustainable farming practices to others in his village, helping them improve their crops and livelihoods.

The trip was not only a chance to capture the beauty of the region’s lush mountains and rolling hills but also to meet the resilient and welcoming people who make the landscape come to life. The farmer’s mission is to support his fellow farmers by creating films that highlight the quality of the coffee they produce. These films will serve as a powerful marketing tool, showcasing the farmers' hard work and the exceptional coffee that grows in the region.

The goal of this project is simple: to give these farmers the recognition they deserve and create opportunities for them by shining a light on their craftsmanship. Through film, we can help elevate their work and showcase their coffee to a global audience. It’s a project that combines the art of storytelling with a purpose, and I couldn’t be more excited to be a part of it.

Documenting Coffee. A Fun Filmmaking Experience in Western Uganda.

I finally met my friends from the AOD Filmmakers Academy! They had a special project to tell a story about coffee grown in the beautiful Ruwenzori Mountains in western Uganda. I was lucky to get a chance to film behind the scenes of the whole collaboration for this documentary.

During my visit, I met Lars, the founder of Lykke Coffee Farms. He runs a big washing facility and employs local staff while buying coffee from the community. It was inspiring to learn from Robin and Isaac, two talented filmmakers with kind hearts. They handed me the BTS (behind-the-scenes) camera, and i spent time in Fort Portal filming the local people.

Working with Robin and Isaac sparked a lot of collaboration. Robin helped me learn more about film angles and lighting, even gifting me a big light! Isaac was a cool guy; I kept calling his name because he was so friendly. He also helps me picking music for my films.

Filming in Ruwenzori was an amazing experience. I had so much fun, especially watching Robin play with kids while flying the drone. It was a memorable time, and I can’t wait for more adventures with these talented friends!