Well that was a lot of work but we have found our groups and they have now begun to plan for their projects. In the end we selected 12 groups in three subcounties. They are a good mix of the most vulnerable youth, between 15-25 years old. They have selected specific projects for us to guide them on for the next 2 years.As they are scattered throughout the area its a good thing i will be getting my motorcycle license next month.
While reviewing the files many were shortlisted based on the individual surveys completed and the stories they shared with us about their life so far. Vulnerable? we have two groups of child mothers one story struck me specifically, an HIV positive, abductee child mother, orphan who also takes care of her remaining siblings in what is called here a “child headed family”. She is 19 and explained she is just too tired to dig to provide support for the family. This is a typical profile of the youth we encountered and are supporting with this program.
Last week we went out to visit the selected groups and have them choose their projects… we will have 3 beekeeping operations, 3 tailoring projects, a pure agricultural group growing soya and sunflower for oil production, a local chicken operation, a piggery, a few bakeries some welding and brickmaking operations, and even a hairdressing salon (they call them saloons here).
After the group selection we then conducted Organizational training for the Community Development Officers in the sub counties. They will then help us in training the youth on group formation and will be the first training we offer for the groups.
It is interesting to see how well some groups worked on identifying their common project and how that project will give them money to then diversity. Our agricultural group want to get an Oxen plow and hire it out to plow other fields as additional income to their crops. I am very excited to work with the group of girls that want to do the hairdressing as we can make cosmetics and soap as well for sales locally and perhaps throughout Africa. This area is part of the Shea belt and this weekend Andrew and I are going out to his village in Olilim to collect and discuss how we can use the Shea here for these products.Cant wait,should be another wonderful time.
Last night I had a chance to take out another volunteer (Yvonne from Ireland) presently working in Kampala but moving soon to the north (gulu) as she changes projects. We had a great time out at Boston pork joint eating the most wonderful roasted goat meat and having a few drinks with Andrew and Frank. Then on the way home we stopped at “one for the road” my completely local local (really just a shack) for some more drinks and some chair dancing. Neither of us really dance, so we just boogied in our chairs as we were entertained by one guy who put on quite a show of Northern Ugandan dance moves. She was the first “white” person i have been out with here socially, as all of my friends are Ugandan. It was nice to see how easily she fit into my social network. Really looking forward to having someone to come and visit me that GETS my jokes! We had a great night. Just what i needed after a few hectic weeks with some great high points but also some lows…
next week 2 days of computer training and three days in the field checking out the locations where they will be doing their projects. but first the weekend….
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