OUR YOUTH
ENGAGEMENT AND ROLE MODEL
GERALD NABETA:
Geraldine Nabeta presented a "Fashion With A Passion" of giving back to those less fortunate than her. When it comes to fashion, no one would fault the average 11th Grade student, especially one who goes to school in New York, of following the latest trends in glamour which giant fashion houses like D&G, Calvin Klein, Zara, Baby Phat houses release every year.
THE YOUNG AND RESTLESS
Geraldine Nabeta is one such 11th Grader but with a distinctively different outlook. Instead of thinking of what Dolce and Gabana is releasing this spring, she thinks of how to make a difference through fashion for those less fortunate than her. And she is all about action too. Every year she holds a Spring Fashion Show Fundraising Event for 'Kids for Uganda'.
Geraldine, a daughter to Alfred and Celia Nabeta both who work for the United Nations, is the founder of Kids for Uganda, an organization she founded in October 2010 to raise funds to build classrooms at the Aunt Mary Word of Life Primary School in Mbarara, Uganda.
A YOUNG PIONEER:
Geraldine's passion for those less fortunate than her has rubbed off on her siblings and her classmates.
Picture above: A humbled Geraldine at the Kids for Uganda Fashion Event in New York at UNIS
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This could clearly be seen at the fashion show they held on April 22nd 2011 at the United Nations International School, a school made up of students from a diversified culture. These 11th graders were willing to perform and do anything for their cause and raised almost $2,000 that evening. These youngsters are now actively committed and have pledged to continue the event every year at the school even after Geraldine leaves for college next year.
Picture above: Outgoing Permanent Representative of the Republic of Uganda, Dr Ruhakana Rugunda poses with the Students after the Fashion show
A YOUTH MOBILIZER:
Geraldine has a created a vision of what she would like to see at Aunt Mary's and she believes that one
Picture above: Students at the United Nations International School Perform at the Opening of the Kids for Uganda Spring Fashion show 2011
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brick at a time will lead her there. She has got the patience and also believes that the people in her life, the people she connects with here in the USA can help make that vision a reality for those underprivileged children. She is grateful for what her parents have given her. She also reveals that her parents have always kept her and her siblings mindful and grateful of the blessings they have. It is also this grounding which inspires her to help those less fortunate than she is. This spirit of ambassadorship that her parents have passed on to her drives her to work hard at whatever she does, which makes the many of us who know her very proud of her actions. Geraldine believes that creating a favorable learning environment for the children at Aunt Mary Word of Life Primary school will make a very big difference in their lives and through Education these children can also grow up and make a difference in someone else's life.
The Fashion show event showcased Afro-Caribbean original prints, Traditional Ugandan Clothing modeled by Gretel, Geraldine's younger sibling. These plus other pretty handicrafts and jewelry were sold to raise money. The fashion show was student oriented with a 4 year old as its youngest model.
A VISIONARY:
The group with the help of their teacher also held a raffle at the end of the event to attendees in
Picture Above: The models give their final Bow after the Fashion Show!
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gratitude for the support they got that evening. Among the special guests in attendance at fundraiser was Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, the out-going Permanent Representative of the Republic of Uganda, who later posed for photos with the students and their teacher at UNIS.
Geraldine's parents are very proud of what she does and give her all the support they can to make her cause a success, Mr. and Mrs. Nabeta were an integral part of organizing the fashion show and were joined by other participants in making sure Geraldine and her classmates had everything they needed for the show.
Geraldine Nabeta is a beacon of all Ugandan North American Association (UNAA) 11th Graders out there and UNAA is proud to share her story with the rest of the world.
To learn more about Kids of Uganda or to find out how to support their efforts, please contact the United National International School at (212) 684-7400, contact Geraldine directly at or email us at secretary@unaa.org
