I am a writer and believe in the true power of pen to paper. A lot of magic can happen there. I also like reading, so I write or journal when I am not reading. I have liked that about myself ever since I was younger. I have written for fashion blogs, school magazines, and newspapers and have always enjoyed the process. I share that to say that I, Sanyu, got published in the most recent issue of We Will Lead Africa. 

Founded by Yabome Gilpin-Jackson, Sarah Owusu, and Judith Okonkwo, We Will Lead Africa is a global network for African leaders—at home or in the diaspora—doing work that impacts Africa's progress. The issue’s topic was Courage, Community, and Creativity, and the team collected stories from African leaders around that theme. I happened to be one of them. 

I usually shy away from calling myself a “leader,” but when it comes to the growth and development of Africa, primarily Uganda because it is home….put me in coach. For the Courage, Community, Creative topic, I wrote about the first time I went to therapy, how my grandparents loved me, and how their deaths led me to start creating safe spaces for kids in villages to find and use their creative skills. All because my grandparents let me dance and sing for them, occasionally giving me a few shillings. It was those little moments that brought me back to life while I was in grief, and I decided to pour that love into advocating for girls like me who live in villages who we know lack access to basic resources. 

I was lucky to have access to education and never have to worry about school fees. Although my loans are now a stressor, they weren't when I was in school. I could go all the way for my Master's because I lived in a country with systems; in Africa, finding a scholarship or even a loan can be hard.  It is hard work, but I love to share what I learn and my resources with the people back home. So my mantra is “doing little things with passion” to remind me that it is not monetary or material things that they can benefit from but also the knowledge I have access to. I had vast access to mental health education and well-being resources, which has helped me have my voice when calling out toxic cultural practices because sometimes one has to. 

More about my EarlyBird256 work later. The Courage, Community, Creativity issue is available on Amazon. If you grab a copy, please leave a review to amplify this fantastic work from 

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Visit www.wewillleadafrica.com to learn more about participating in the upcoming issue. You are a leader, and your story deserves to be shared. 

Are you passionate about working for Mama Africa? We cannot afford not to put in the work.