Are you in a hurry to get married?

A piece

of Biblical advice: Ruth patiently waited for her mate Boaz.

While you are waiting on your Boaz, don't settle for anyone: Broke-az, Lying-az, Cheating-az, Drunk-az, Lazy-az, Goodfornothing-az, and especially Beatingyo-az. Wait for your Boaz and make sure he or she respects yo-az. Dr Sabrina Kitaka
o. 3 Vol. 17 N er - Octo Septemb ber 2011

to be cool. But what does it take to be cool? Is it a swagger? Girls speak out about mannerisms that usually rob guys of the cool feel and looks.

ey ey, we all want

NK, 16, Uphill College Mbuya Kampala

"I don't like guys who say they love you but run away after using you or making you pregnant."

Pretenders

staff take n Uganda, Straight If you live in norther its youth centres in Talk welcomes you to ani and Nwoya for Gulu, Kitgum, Adjumational materials counselling, educ inquiries call: and games. For 0774667363.
"I don't like boys who don't bath, wash clothes, brush teeth or clean their armpits. The air around them is usually contaminated. 'Carbon mugere' gets worse when they remove their shoes." HN, 17, Honest
Hill SS, Jinja

Gulu youth fCerntre relax. time of thei work to

Dirty

The Almond College, Lira

"I hate it when I reject a boy and he starts spreading false information like: 'She is my girlfriend.' 'I finished that one.' 'She is not good in bed.' 'She smells." Adong P,

Gossipers

Dabani Girls SS, Busia

"I hate boys who demand for sex immediately a girl says yes to a relationship. Or boys who think when a girl visits him, she wants sex." Nyadoi Sharon, S4,

Sexmaniacs

"I hate boys who promise girls heaven on earth. They tell different girls the same empty promises like: "You are the most beautiful girl on earth and the love of my life', 'You are my heart beat, if you stop loving me I will die', 'I will love you until Kampala becomes a village."
L Acan, 14, S1, Gulu SS

Liars

"I don't like boys who think they are above everyone. The type who think they are from rich families and can use money to have anything. They don't attend classes but steal their friend's notes." Babirye e, Kiboga SDA , "I hate boys who divert school fees to useless things, escape from school, take drugs, alcohol, steal and rape."
Nandera Miriabu, 15, S2, Dabani Girls SS, Busia

Indisciplined

Girls want to hang out with cool guys of good character. Guys who are respectful, fair, trustworthy, caring and good citizens. Good character enables you to make right choices. This makes your school, home and community a better place. Guys, reflect on your behaviour. Are you cool or you need to change your behaviour.
Read more on page 2.

Social misfits

Straight Talk, September-October 2011

If you think about what you ought to do for other people, your character will take care of itself. The choices you make daily define the type of person you are. You either have good or bad character. The way you think, speak, feel and behave towards other people makes your character. Good character is a choice based on what is right, and not what is easy or just because others are doing it. It is about knowing the difference between right

and wrong and always trying to do what is right. Be honest, kind, supportive, keep your promises, and speak the truth, even when it hurts. Character is not inherited. It is a habit, and habits can be developed. Build it daily by the way you think and act. Good character does not rely on money, popularity, power, your tribe, or environment. Counsellor Edith Mukisa, Endanger Health Kampala

Straight talkers speak about what makes them cool

Feel special
Oweki Alexander, Biiso War SS, Buliisa, says: I believe that if you want to be somebody special, feel good about yourself. Be yourself. Dont try to be someone else. Be friendly. Even if you are not good at sport, join in and do your best."

Feeling cool & safe

Editor: Every year about 25,000 children in Uganda are born with HIV. So even a virgin can have HIV. Like KP, test to be sure of your status. HIV can live in the body for over 10 years without showing any signs.
Nalubega Margaret, 18, S4, Karugguza Progressive, Kibaale, says: Cool is about being calm, relaxed, confident and in control of a situation. That is me. I don't get frustrated easily. If I feel I am about to lose temper, or burst into tears, I take a deep breathe and excuse myself. Many times I think about the situation before I act."

Ziwa Silvester, 17, S3, Karuguuza Progressive SS, Kibaale says: "Cool guys

know when to run away from a dangerous situation without fearing to be called cowards."

Smartness

In control

Editor: If you feel bad about yourself most of the time, talk to your parents or teacher for help.

Namatovu Zuraika, Buyanja SS, Hoima, says: "You don't have to wear the latest designer clothes to be cool. Cool is about looking and smelling clean. Bath, wash your clothes, brush your teeth and wear clean shoes. I don't have any expensive clothes but people admire me. If anyone tries teasing me, then they are not acting 'cool'. It is still cool to be simple and a bit different."

how will anyone know what a great person you are if you don't say a word? You also need to listen to others. I always listen carefully and only talk when I have understood the topic of discussion. This makes me look smart and not stupid before others.

Safe at school

Ayerango Asindo, 17, S2, Butiaba Seed School, Buliisa, says: "Just being at school makes me cool. Not every young person from our Walukuba village realizes it. Many prefer fishing because our village is near Lake Albert. Even my three brothers refused to study and married very early. I want to be a nurse."

Disciplined

Safe decision

KP 18, S4, Buyanja SS, , Hoima, says: Knowing my HIV status is the coolest thing I have ever done. I no longer live under fear. It was scary at first but a life saving decision. It helps me to make healthy choices.

Nuwamanya Annet, 15, S2, Butiaba Seed School, Buliisa, says: I feel cool talking and sharing with my parents and teachers freely. I especially feel happy when they listen to me. I am encouraged to seek their advice and avoid mistakes. Also, I respect fellow students regardless of their class. I don't bully anyone, dodge class or escape from school or home."

Joy Turinabusingye, Makerere Competent HS, Hoima, says: As a student leader, I am very careful with words. I speak clearly and confidently. I avoid obscenity or being abusive. I feel that is cool."

Proper language

Musasizi Ignatius, 19, S4, Buyanja SS, Kibaale, says: "Many young people smoke and drink because they think it makes them feel like adults and courageous. But drinking and taking drugs gives you false courage to do wrong things. It also affects our health. Everyone has the ability to be what they want without using drugs or alcohol. I am a popular sportsman at school but I dont drink, smoke or take drugs. Besides, drugs are not allowed in sports."

Good lifestyle

Assertive but respectful

Nakimpi Rosemary, 19, S4, Kanjusi SS, Kibaale, says: "The way you talk is key. You don't have to talk all the time, but you need to talk. Otherwise

Birigayomwe Richard, Buyanja SS, says: I am a friendly person but choose my friends carefully. I wouldn't want a friend who changes boyfriends or girlfriends like knickers. You must be a person who thinks and does positive things."

Friendly but selective

er, catch Ali Lugbara speak ) and Spirit If you are a pm Pacis 90.9 (6:30

Radio

d tia every Sun(4ay0pm) FM 104.5 :3

on

ra radio show ight Talk Lugba Keep away a resenter of Str fe. n Alitia Elia, the perful to be cool and stay sahol. n Have friends co al n says it is woavd ur like early sex, drugs andEngage in activities io n

Spend free from risky beh share development ideas. ter people n whom you ound you bet t each other. n Talk with ar spec ou and those that make y you are in a relationship, re ted pregnancies. n Wait unwan ely. n If enough s and time wis om HIV, STD ies and are old t protection fr of you have finished stud ant and plan to have abou ntil both mily you w cool. to have sex u lk about the fa cate and love. Now thats a family. n Ta u to care for , shelter, ed can feed, cloth children you

Boys, how would you want girls to behave? What things do girls do that you like and dislike? Write to: Straight
Talk Po Box 22366, Kampala. Best stories will

Win Prizes.

Straight Talk, September-October 2011

Blood transfusion is safe

Afakoru Gloria Likico, 16, Sartori Memorial HS, Arua

Is it true that through blood donation you can get HIV?

Blood transfusion is a simple procedure in which blood is given to someone to make up for a loss of blood. Hospitals use blood transfusion to help people who are injured, have surgery, or being treated for diseases that affect the blood. Transfusions are usually given through a tiny tube that is inserted into a vein with a small needle. Each year, about 180,000 units of blood is needed in Uganda. The blood used for transfusions comes from people who volunteer to donate their blood. Like Gloria, many people worry about getting diseases from infected blood. But the blood for transfusion is safe. Doctors carefully test all donated blood to make sure it is safe. If blood has HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, syphilis, West Nile virus or other infections, it is destroyed. Uganda Blood Bank collects, tests, and stores safe blood.

Know your body

have read adverts around town that they can increase the penis size. My girlfriend says I should go and try it. I fear it may have bad side effects. Is there any other way I can enlarge my penis? M M, S3, Luweero SSS

Dr Sabrina Kitaka, Mulago

Penis and breasts worries

Penis

am still a virgin but my breasts are facing down. Is it true that if I start sex they will become sharp? AJ, The Almond College, Lira
Hi AJ, congratulations for keeping your virgnity. Starting sex doesn't play any role in making breasts sharp. Instead starting sex while still in school will cause you fears and worries of early pregnancy and dropping out of school. AJ, breasts come in different shapes and sizes. Each girl has different shape and sizes. Appreciate who you are and don't try to be someone else. Wear a bra to support your breasts in place.

Breasts

Hey MM, How did your girfriend come to know your penis size? You need to be in control of your sexual life. The size of the penis varies from male to male. Like there are tall and short people, there are big and small penises. Just remember: all penises, big or small is a right size. In future, you will be able to have sex and get children. These do not depend on penis size or shape. For now study hard. Good luck!

"Be clear about who you are and what you stand for. Refuse to compromise. Exercise self-control and if you must have sex, use condom correctly everytime. Just remember the slogan: If not ON,

Boys of Buyanja SS, Kibaale:

it is not IN."

Guys, how are true boys expected to behave in your home, school, community and before Girls/women? Tell us your story of being a true boy: how you behave, what you do and cannot do. What are the good and bad things that have happened to you or boys you know because of behaving like a true boy? What would you like to see changed about what boys are expected to do? Why? Girls, how are true Girls expected to behave in your home, school, community and before boys/men? Tell us your story of being a true girl: how you behave, what you do and cannot do. What are the good and bad things that have happened to you or girls you know because of behaving like a true girl? What would you like to see changed about what girls are expected to do? Why?

The diary of a young positive

The burden of ARVs
Josephine Nabukenya Tumusiime, 17, is in S5 and an ambassador for the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation. She shares her story of taking ARVs daily:
"I started on ARVs in 2006. At first they were syrups that looked like porridge. I disliked it. Later, I started taking tablets; 2 in the morning and 4 in the evening. I still take the same dose today. When you take these drugs without eating, they make you weak and reduce your strength you feel like vomiting. There are times I fail to concentrate in class because of the side effects from ARVs. Sometimes I feel like not taking them, but I know I would be subtracting years from my life. So, I have no option but to take my medicine as instructed by doctors." So would you take a drug that makes you vomit and have diarrhea if you were already starving to death? Josephine's story shows that taking ARVs is not easy but is important for staying healthy. Once you start taking these medicines you MUST CONTINUE for the rest of your life. Besides, many people who need ARVs cannot all get them. Stay safe, abstain and be faithful to one sexual partner whose HIV status you know. Use condoms correctly everytime you have sex. If you are HIV positive, protect yourself from getting more sexually transmitted diseases. fear to go for the test. What happened to you after testing positive? AT, St John's College Magale, Mbale Hi AT, it is good that you are thinking of testing. I felt bad. But I learnt that I wasn't alone and I could live to achieve my dreams. Luckily, my HIV does not limit what I do very much, and I still go to school. So my dear, go and test. You will be advised nicely on what to do.

Send your stories to Straight Talk, PO Box 22366, Kampala.

win prizes
Best and true stories will

Do you have r questions fo in ? JosephStraeht Talk ig

Send them to KAMPALA. PO Box 22366,

4 Straight Talk, September-October 2011

STF
O. Bo x 22 36 22 P.P.O. Bo x A L 36 6 A A M P K KA M P A L A 6

Dear

Is it true circumcision prevents HIV? At what age should boys be circumcised and when can't it be done. Opolot J, Mbuye Farm School, Rakai Are you circumcised already, or you're thinking of getting circumcised? Yes, males who are circumcised have 60% chances of

Circumcision

not getting HIV. This means that a circumcised male still has 40% chances of getting infected or infecting his partner. Circumcision works best with other prevention methods such as abstinence, faithfulness and correct use of condoms every time you have sex. Circumcision can be done at any age by a doctor. If you are not circumcised but you wish to, talk to a

health worker for more information.

Virginity and marriage

Withdrawal and HIV

I have sex with my girlfriend but we use the withdrawal method. Can we get HIV using this method? Boy, 18, Kigando SS, Mubende Oh boy! You are having unprotected sex. You are at a very high risk of getting infected, or infecting your girlfriend. Think about withdrawal. Your bear penis is getting into direct contact with your girlfriend's vaginal opening. So there is already exchange of sexual fluids from her to you and from you to her; even before ejaculation happens. By the time you withdraw, a lot of exchanging fluids has happened, and passing on infections such as HIV and other STDs if any of you is infected. Withdrawal exposes you to mega infections and also unwanted and early fatherhood. This is because before a man ejaculates, a fluid called pre-ejaculate is released. It contains enough sperms to make a girl pregnant. If the boy has HIV pre-ejaculate will also contains the virus. For effective prevention of HIV and pregnancy, abstain from sex or use condoms correctly every time you have sex to avoid unwanted pregnancies, HIV or re-infections with more HIV if you are already infected.

I am a virgin and dont have a boyfriend. Some students say I am not normal because a girl in secondary should have a boyfriend. Is it true? Arishaba B, 15, Mbarara SS Virginity is cool. Arishaba, your friends are wrong and most likely jealous of you for making such a safe decision to keep your virginity. Be proud of who you are and about the good decision you have made to keep your virginity. Nothing wrong will happen even if you abstain for 30 years.You are still young and a student. Focus on your studies. In future you will get a handsome boyfriend when you are mature enough to handle a relationship without fears or worries of getting pregnant, HIV and STDs.

Students of Lubiri SS, Kampala say: "You'll never be able to please everyone. Be happy with yourself and do what you enjoy."

My sister has a smelly vaginal discharge. She was given certain tablets to push inside her vagina by a doctor. She completed the dose but the smell didnt go. What can she do? Sharon A. St Claire Girls HS, Budaka Sharon, thank you for showing concern. How old is your sister? Is she sexually active? There are several causes of smelly vaginal discharge including poor personal hygiene and sexually transmitted diseases. Tell your sister to see a trained health worker preferably a gynaecologist (a doctor who specialises in female reproductive system) for help. She should feel free to share information.
Answers: Dr Paul Semugoma, International Hospital Kampala and STF Counsellors Jane Nambafu, Deborah Mbulanyima and Fred Ouma.

Smelly vaginal discharge

Students of Gulu College, say: "You'll never be able to please everyone. Be happy with yourself and do what you enjoy."

In ST May/June 2011, Aguma Juliet from Soroti SS said her boyfriend chucked her without a reason. She asked whether she should give him a second chance because? We received about 75 letters abd many of you advised her to forget him. Thank you. Hi, that boy is pretending to be sorry. Dont believe him even if he cries. Tebukoza Frank, St Josephs Technical Institute, Kisubi, Kampala Dear Aguma, that boy may hurt you when you least expect. Ignore him and read hard." Barigye Didas, Kigando SS, Mubende "That boy is not interested in you. Forgive him but dont give him another chance to disorganize your life. He will leave you and come back for

AD VI CE 2 Ag um a
the third chance." Okolimo Simon, S2, Kiira College Butiki, Jinja "My friend, I have ever been in similar situation. Control your feelings and dont accept gifts or anything from him. The right choice is yet to come." Namusisi Hanifah, S1, Bright Way Hill School, Wakiso "Aguma, that boyfriend is not only mysterious but also mean. I am sure he will do the same thing again when you take him back. You are not a ball to be kicked around as when he feels like." Nalugwa Winfred Joy, S4, Kitante Hill School, Kampala "Hey, you should not give him a second chance. He must have chucked you for another girl. If he is back, he must have been chucked too. Besides, you realize you could live without him." Ayebare Agnes, Kyamakanda SS, Rukungiri "My sister, that boy is a time waster. He may have been your first boyfriend but not the last. You will get a better boyfriend in future." Eyokia Mary, 16, S2, Muni Girls SS, Arua "Do you still love that boy? If so, he should admit his mistakes before you accept him back. But don't rush into sex." Ahereza Moreen, 17, S5, Ntungamo HS Editor's note: Dear Aguma, do first things first to avoid confusion. Delay a relationship until you finish studies and mature enough to handle one without worries of poor performance, early pregnancy or dropping out of school.

Lightning
We had just been at St Andrea Kaahwa's College in Hoima the previous day when lightning struck one of the tall trees in the compound. Fortunately, no one was killed or injured. While lightning can strike anywhere at any time, following these safety guidelines can reduce the risk of injury or death. roars, GO When thunders roars, GO INDOORS! Once inside, avoid direct contact with water. windows Stay away from windows and doors. telephone. Do not use telephone. Turn off, unplug, and stay away from electronic radios appliance like TVs, radios and computers. Inside Inside vehicle, roll the windows up, and avoid contact with radio or ignition. If outside, stop all activities. Squat Squat with your feet together. Place Place hands over your ears to reduce hearing damage from thunder. Avoid Avoid being close to other people. Avoid Avoid high grounds, open spaces and metal objects including electric wires, fences and machinery. Dont Dont hide under trees, in open buildings, open vehicles, tents and boats.
Source: US NL Safety Institute

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