Reach A Hand Uganda officially launched GN Trybe, a community of empowered young people.
The launch took place on 24th May 2025 at the Reach A Hand Headquarters on Lungujja Avenue.
GN Trybe—short for Generation Now Trybe—is a youth-centered behavioral change communication initiative. It is designed to address the evolving challenges faced by Gen Z (1997–2012) and Gen Alpha (2013–2015).
The initiative uses bold and innovative strategies to raise awareness and reduce sexual and reproductive health risks. These often limit young people’s right to quality education, mental well-being, and a healthy, empowered life.
Over 200 young people attended the launch. These included secondary school and university students, out-of-school youth, teachers, school administrators, and international students from Colorado State University.
The event featured engaging discussions, networking opportunities, and edutainment activities such as games and music.
Inaugural Patrons’ Conference
The launch also hosted the inaugural Patrons’ Conference. This forum brought together teachers and administrators from private, public, and international schools, representatives from the Ministry of Education and Sports, and peer educators from Reach A Hand Uganda.
The goal was to highlight student issues and develop collaborative solutions.
The conference follows the onboarding of various schools to activate RAHU Clubs, also known as GN BEATs. These are hubs and safe spaces where students can access age-appropriate Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) information and life skills in fun, engaging, and meaningful ways.
Conference Theme and Focus
The conference theme was: “Building Empowered and Transformed Youth: Challenges and Solutions.” It focused on the role of patrons—mostly teachers—who oversee GN BEAT activities in schools.
Practical strategies were discussed to help patrons promote positive behavior among students. Since students and teachers spend over 75% of the calendar year together, the impact of schools, clubs, educators, and communities on student development is significant.
Keynote and Government Support
In his keynote address, Humphrey Nabimanya, CEO of Reach A Hand Uganda, called for a renewed commitment to guiding the next generation with empathy, relevance, and resilience.
He reflected on the journey from early peer education initiatives to the birth of GN Trybe. He emphasized the need for connection, mentorship, and real-life role models, stating:
“Today’s young people no longer just need information—they need connection, mentorship, and real-life role models.”
Mr. Henry Semakula from the Ministry of Education and Sports outlined policies supporting youth development. These include:
- Mandatory senior men and senior women teachers in every school
- Talking compounds in schools
- Formal guidance and counseling programs
- The re-entry policy that allows teenage mothers to return to school
Most patrons noted increasing emotional and behavioral challenges among students, such as isolation, identity crises, and the effects of digital exposure.
Solutions and Artist Support
Proposed solutions included strengthening guidance and counseling channels and creating safe spaces through student-led clubs like GN BEATs. These clubs promote mentorship, mental health awareness, and life skills development.
Musicians at the event used their platforms to amplify messages on youth empowerment and mental health.
Artist Chozen Blood stated:
“There are a lot of challenges facing young people today—especially around mental health—which lead to anxiety, depression, and untold suffering. Whenever you encounter such struggles, don’t keep silent. Speak out and seek mentorship.”
Artists Daxx Kartel and Ykee Benda added:
“Young people should be bold and energetic. This is a stepping stone in your career because you’re being mentored and prepared to shape your future.”
Why GN Trybe Now?
GN Trybe is a modern revision of the “Get Your Mix Out” (GYMO) program by Reach A Hand Uganda. GYMO, started over a decade ago, was a behavioral change communication initiative that reached millions of students with youth-responsive education on issues such as:
- Menstrual Health Management
- Teenage pregnancy
- Drug and substance abuse
- Mental health
- Life skills
Today’s youth face more complex challenges. Technology has reshaped learning environments, peer interactions, and emotional well-being. The challenge now lies not in accessing information, but in filtering misinformation.
Empowerment alone is not enough. Young people need connections to real opportunities—for growth, mentorship, economic engagement, and leadership.
GN Trybe addresses these needs by offering a dynamic, modernized platform. It enables youth to access life-changing knowledge and belong to a community that values their voice, nurtures their talent, and links them to pathways that turn potential into purpose.
GN Trybe’s Three-Pronged Approach
1. In Schools
GN BEATs (RAHU Clubs) will serve as hubs where students can belong, be inspired, and lead. Each club is overseen by patrons (teachers or school administrators) and supported by 2–4 trained peer educators.
Peer educators will coordinate activities, facilitate peer learning, promote SRHR and mental health discussions, and organize events and outreach. They also act as bridges to external support services.
2. On Digital Platforms
GN Trybe will connect with youth through The GN Plug, a podcast series hosted by young people for young people. It will cover real, relatable topics such as relationships, mental health, body image, purpose, and career aspirations.
@GNTrybe social media pages will serve as digital hubs for engaging, youth-centered content—from videos and Q&As to memes in Gen Z’s language.
3. In the Community
GN Trybe will engage out-of-school youth through outreach activities and tailored programs. These include mentorship sessions, skilling workshops, community dialogues, and health camps.
The highlight will be an annual GN Trybe event. This high-energy gathering brings together youth from schools, communities, and digital platforms to celebrate achievements, showcase innovations, and foster meaningful connections.
How to Join GN Trybe
- High school students: Register through your school’s GN BEAT.
- Out-of-school youth: Register via gntrybe.com.
Members receive updates on upcoming events and can apply to become mentors or feature on The GN Plug podcast.
