Update from the Frontline

January 2007 :

At the age of fourteen, you may expect most young girls to be preoccupied with fashion and image, but the thoughts and dreams that lay within Jenaya Keats, 14, proves this teenager to be truly unique.

After hearing about the horrendous stories of traumatised children in Northern Uganda, Jenaya knew that she had to contribute in some way. She has contributed to the FRONTLINE in a most unique way by creating a two-part video now seen by hundreds of people around the world.

To view Jenaya’s short films, click on the links below.

You will be touched and inspired by these videos along with the exclusive interview with this young lady below.

View Jenaya's Videos:

Part One

Part Two

Interview with Jenaya:

What inspired you to get involved with THE FRONTLINE?

I first learned about the children of (Nth) Uganda at a friend's birthday party, and really felt something inside of me that wanted to help them in some way. A school assignment came along where I was able to make the DVD. I knew that Dr Robi Sonderegger was really involved with the children of Uganda, so after a few emails, I set up an interview with him. Dr. Robi was part of The Frontline, and it was included in the DVD, and that's how I became involved.

What have you achieved on THE FRONTLINE?

I created a DVD that has gone far and wide and impacted many people. It started as a simple school project, but now it is a life project!

Who has your DVD impacted?

I'm not actually sure how many people have viewed the DVD, but I know that it has been a lot! It was on a website where it was viewed around 400 times, and now it has been posted on YouTube, where a greater range of people have been able to access it. It was also shown at a (recent) seminar presented by Dr. Robi Sonderegger about the Ugandan Children.

How do you feel now about your journey on THE FRONTLINE?

I feel privileged that I am able to be a part of something that is life-changing for so many people, and I'm looking forward to seeing what the future holds for me in this area of my life!

What do you hope to achieve in the future?

(i.e. on The Frontline as well as your general dreams for the future)

I would love to go to Uganda and see and help these children as soon as possible! (Of course, if it's part of God's plan for me, which I really hope it is!!) I also really want to be involved in more awareness campaigns to help these children and get the word out there to people about the stuff that has happened and is still happening to them.

When I graduate from school, I am hoping to go to university and study to become a Trauma Psychologist dealing especially with children. I had actually decided that this was what I wanted to do before I learned about what Dr. Robi was doing in Uganda. Now that I am aware of what he has been doing, I'm hoping to go and help out in Uganda in the same way, as well as other situations in the world, like children (or adults who were affected as a child) that have been affected by human trafficking and stuff like that.

I know I dream big, but I believe that .... 'If you can dream it, you can do it.' Michael Flynne.

I would also like to get some of the books I've written in the past few years published, and finish some of the many that I've started!

And lastly Jenaya, please tell a bit about yourself personally?

I just turned 14 (I was 13 when I made the DVD) and I am the oldest of four children. I enjoy doing many different things such as photography, dancing, soccer, piano, art, writing and baby-sitting. I like listening to music and hanging out with my friends and believe it or not, I actually enjoy school! I love to help people out and I love to tell people about God's love for them. I also enjoy trying to read my Bible every day (I'm getting better!) and growing in my faith.

Thanks Jenaya for your fantastic contribution to THE FRONTLINE. It goes to show that regardless of age, gender, or geographical location, everyone can use their talents, gifts, skills, and resources to make a difference.

We’re keen to hear from you and share with others what difference you are making on THE FRONTLINE.

Thanks everyone for your continued contribution and support for the children of Northern Uganda.

Kind regards,

Amy Conwell

THE FRONTLINE