For those of us on the outside, if we read the recent annual report from UPLIFT to Fokus (as a ‘sponsor’), there is reason to share this hope. We’ve referred to the UPLIFT program as a sunshine story. Locally defined needs, a simple pedagogical concept, a very high degree of volunteering, modest financial effort, – and an almost overwhelming result in terms of number of participants who have completed the literacy training (over 30,000 in the first 20 years).
Then the big leap happened two years ago, when Fokus stepped in with Norad funding and ‘commissioned’ a project with the main emphasis on women’s health and rights (SRHR) – an initiative in line with the UN’s international guidelines. At the same time, UPLIFT expanding its geographical area and almost tripling the annual number of participants (from about 1,500) would have been enough to break the backs of many a voluntary organization. Without ‘Norwegian aid’, and strong professional cooperation with the Ugandan Nurses’ Association, the result would have been unthinkable.
Let’s mention the most important goal achievements, from the report for 2024:
Qualitative outcome:
- The training has led to a new awareness of the entire spectrum of women’s health and rights, which is now spreading to the local community.
- The new knowledge has led to more open and better conversations in the families, not least between spouses. In several cases, men, who were previously indifferent, have also become SRHR ‘activists’ and shared this understanding with other men in the village area.
- The mentors have been key resources in this work, as the SRHR topics have been integrated into the literacy training.
- Participants in the program, both women and men, have demonstrated the ability to identify – and accordingly, correct – typical myths and misconceptions on gender-related topics, including family planning, sex education and menstruation.
- Local authorities and other community leaders have increasingly contributed both with motivation and practical support. The UPLIFT programme has in reality become their main ‘executive branch’ in areas that are at the core a political responsibility.
Quantitative acnievements:
- Literacy training, with women’s health and rights (SRHR) as the primary content, has been carried out in 100 village areas in the four districts, for almost 4,000 women and almost 400 men (3,896 and 389 respectively, to be exact).
- All coordinators and mentors (200+) have undergone quarterly special training in SRHR by district midwives (from the Uganda Nurses and Midwives Union).
- More than 5,500 schoolgirls have participated in information gatherings on SRHR topics – where the underlying principles of human rights and gender equality are highlighted.
- These gatherings have also provided an opportunity for broad vaccination against the HPV virus.
UPLIFT has also had to deal with specific challenges, to an extent that was not foreseeable:
- Expectations of new entrants, especially in the new Madi Okollo district, of direct financial gain, even wages for participating, which resulted in the drop-out of learners.
- Greater turnover of teachers (mentors) due to similar expectations, personal obstacles, and in some cases unsatisfactory competence, which in turn required the deployment of assistants and accelerated training of new teachers to avoid interruption of classes.
- Geographical accessibility within the village areas has further deteriorated – poorer roads during heavier rainy seasons result in time-consuming transport, even footing.
- Opposition to the program in new areas (such as Madi), especially older generations, due to rumors that its purpose is to achieve conversion to the Bahá’í Faith.
- In sum, delays and reshuffling of activities to attain the end of the schedules in time.
The fact that these many obstacles have been overcome in such a comprehensive project speaks volumes about the institutional capacity UPLIFT has developed since working with Friends of UPLIFT began 12 years ago – and the first 12 years prior to that time. In this context, it is appropriate to highlight the collaboration between Mark Ssemukasa, UPLIFT’s project manager, and Michael Vitols, CEO of Friends of UPLIFT – and at the same time point out that “Partnership” is one of the 17 global goals of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (open!)
Friends of UPLIFT (FUP) – its Board of directors, the women’s committee and not least our general manager – have maintained good contact with Fokus throughout the year, and Fokus itself has engaged regional advisors (Kenya and Uganda) who have observed and evaluated the project work ‘in the field’. In a month’s time, some of us will verify for ourselves (!) and be inspired once again when we participate in this year’s Graduation Ceremony.
As in previous member letters, we would like to remind you that UPLIFT still has tasks and needs that are not covered by the UPLIFT/FUP/Focus budget. These, in addition to our annual own share to Fokus, require continued contribution efforts by those of you who are the financial bedrock of FUP as partner organization. UPLIFT has asked for support for this year’s tailor ‘grant’ (10-12 learners), while last year’s external, additional grants for HPV vaccination appear to be cancelled in 2025. In total, these amount to approx. USD 2,000.
Finally, as always, we mention that the conversation about Friends of UPLIFT and the project is also a contribution, in referring to www.upliftvenner.no and encouraging ‘recruitment’ for free membership!
Happy spring greetings – on spring equinox itself
– which I just found is also the UN’s International Day of Happiness! – on behalf of the Board of Directors of Friends of UPLIFT,
Gunnar Lange-NielsenSecretary
About The Day — International Day of Happiness – 20 March