Message for the CEO & Foundress of Pompilla S. Agalo Foundation
Susan Agalo Pompila is the author of The faces in their Eyes.
Dear friends,
As I wake up each morning, I'm reminded of that chapter in my life – an invitation to become a schoolteacher without any formal training. I recall feeling both exhilarated and terrified as I faced our nation's school-going teenagers.
My path has been a winding road - unexpected twists and turns. I started as a radio jockey on Kampala's only rock music radio station, 95.9 Touch FM. It was truly exhilarating, so I thought I had arrived, little knowing that this was just the beginning of a series of experiences that would shape my life today.
As I navigated through various roles, including radio jockey, music bandmate, music manager, teacher, author, and now nonprofit founder, I realized that these experiences took something from me while giving me something in return. It was a journey of self-discovery, with opportunities to explore different paths. Becoming a teacher at Bishop Cipriano Kihangire Secondary School in Kampala City, Uganda, was what ignited my passion for empowering young people. The school was founded by my benefactor, and adoptive father, Fr. John Scalabrini, a zealous worker for the warring northern Uganda's Acholi people. When I met Fr. John in 2003, he was in his seventies, but still full of life and energy. His acceptance of me into his multi-generational family was a turning point in my life, teaching me through his selflessness, the value of hard work, compassion, and giving back to the community.
In 2013, I founded a school club called Our Voices Now (OVN), where I mentored students to articulate their interests, express their opinions, and represent marginalized voices through poetry, short stories, music, and dance. A decade later, I established the Pompilla S. Agalo Foundation (PSAF) as a nonprofit organization to house OVN and scale its impact. We also launched Skill One Child Initiative (SOCI), a skilling program to complement the strong voices we nurtured at OVN.
Every child deserves a chance to thrive, and I'm committed to making a difference through PSAF. I'm grateful for your support and look forward to working together to create a brighter future for these little people.
Pompilla S. Agalo.
Skill One Child Initiative (SOCI): Beauty from Ashes
Environmental Conservation
Using recycled materials
African Craftsmanship
Celebrating cultural heritage
Entrepreneurship
Developing sustainable skills
SOCI teaches students to appreciate African beauty while developing practical skills that promote entrepreneurship through the creation of handcrafted items.
From Teacher to Mentor: Pompilla's Journey
Radio Host
Started as a Rock n Roll radio host
Teacher at BCK
Invited by Fr. John Scalabrini to teach at Bishop Cipriano Kihangire School
OVN Founder
Created a safe space for students to share their stories
PSAF Establishment
Expanded vision to reach more students across Uganda