Mobile Movement Community Member shares his thoughts on Mobile Movement

My name is Ismail Wamala. I was born in Uganda and moved to Canada in November of 1987. I've been drawing and designing as long as I could hold a pencil - constantly reading, writing, learning sharing and applying new skills. I've been working in the film industry as an animator and designer for many years and have worked on productions including the Transformers.

A friend told me about Mobile Movement and I was moved to see that you can establish active partnerships with people living in challenging environments. To be given the opportunity to communicate with one another, share news, and continue to exchange and implement ideas is amazing. Also, the variety of projects in Mobile Movement is another draw.

I supported a number of groups in the pilot project in Kenya. One, in particular, caught my eye. Victorious Youth Group is a jewelry making collective in the Kibera Slum Community. I was captivated by their intention ? even embodied in their name: a constant reminder to never give up and to always claim victory, in a sense, to be a living embodiment of perseverance, ingenuity and co-operation operating at a high standard. Victorious, to me, is one of many organizations symbolizing a strong present that will utilize the skills and talents of the future today. For all we have is today and as we live and act in the present we are creating the future.

In general, what I see in Mobile Movement projects is a mindfulness of the environment, and skills development, for self-sustainability. When I saw the goals of the businesses, I thought back to two particular events in my life. One was when I met my Aunt in Uganda a few years ago and asked her how I could be a partner for growth and sustainability for a strong present and future. Her words to me: "Make sure what you get involved with has the intention to be self-sustaining and able to be replicated, this ensures that what you are involved with will be able to stand and continue strong even when you are no longer present."

Two: I thought of William Kamkwamba of Malawi . He had to leave school due to not having the funds to pay for tuition fees, and yet out of intention and persistence he still continued to study by going to his local library. He found a book titled "Using Energy" and from applying the knowledge he read he built a windmill from parts salvaged from a wreckage heap. The windmill generated electricity for the families in the village he was a part of. When I look at the Projects on Mobile Movement, I see the intention of self-sustainability, and initiative. Seizing the day and being proactive.

To paraphrase Khalil Gibran: all the gifts we have and receive in life will be given to us so let us continue the season of giving within our lifetimes. In gifts, it is time, love, and energy that we share. We are facilitators in sharing with each other. In this partnership of everlasting prosperity, I experience a community.

-Ismail