In a development context, we could rightly say that our small project is ‘a drop in the ocean’. But a mystic would argue that one can see the ocean in the drop. As in this letter, one may see the universal in the specific. So, what are we talking about? Yes, the current session of the UN General Assembly – an 80th anniversary! – and our recent Board meeting in Friends of UPLIFT about a month ago.
Still cryptic? In our Board meeting, Vicki (Victoria, chairwoman of Friends of UPLIFT) was able to announce that FOKUS Women has appointed her to be an observer to the UN General Assembly. She is one of 3 individuals, from various organizations selected by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who will participate in the official Norwegian delegation, to represent civil society in deliberations and preparation of issues for UNGA approval.
Victoria will take part in the committee work that discusses the big questions: human rights, environment and development. And – if that is not enough to tackle (!) – the renewal of the UN system itself. Specifically and centrally this year is the final work on putting in place the UN “Pact for the Future” – which commits nations to renewed, intensified efforts to fulfill the sustainability goals. In this context, let us repeat that UPLIFT works for 3 of the first 5 of these 17 goals: Good health, Good education, and Gender equality. (See the description at the bottom of the Home page of www.upliftvenner.no).
In this context, let us repeat that UPLIFT works for 3 of the first 5 of these 17 goals: Good health, Good education, and Gender equality. (See the description at the bottom of the Home page of www.upliftvenner.no).
In the current project period, UPLIFT’s collaboration with FOKUS and UNMU (Uganda Nurses and Midwives Union) is also a typical example of the 17th goal: “Partnerships for the goals”. In September, a renewed cooperation agreement (MoU, Memorandum of Understanding) was signed by UPLIFT and the UNMU.
Partners! UPLIFT’s Mark Ssemukasa and FUP’s Michael Vitols, and Secretary General and President of UNMU
So, what else is new? We haven’t shared news in a long time, so here’s a listed update:
- In our Board meeting a month ago (on zoom, from Lillehammer, Valldal (West Coast), the Spitzbergen Islands, and Kampala), ‘finance’ became a main topic. By the time of the FUP Annual Report in June, noticeably, contributions to Friends of UPLIFT in the first 6 months (project funds from Fokus not included) were significantly lower than in previous years.
- It is therefore gratifying to see that this is starting to improve. In August-September, in addition to the regular monthly contributions, approx. 4,000 NOK came in from our faithful Canadian supporting members and over 5,000 NOK as dedicated gifts for the chairwoman’s 75th birthday celebration. (A hot tip!) Friends of UPLIFT thus have enough for next year’s project funding share (to UPLIFT in January) and for expenses in Norway (the website, annual fee to Fokus, etc.) – but not enough to allow UPLIFT scholarships for tailor training this year.
- The PayPal payment function in our website has had ‘hickups’ this year. To be fixed!
- Next year will be 25 years since UPLIFT was established. We think that is surely worth a celebration, in Uganda, and perhaps some sort of commemoration in Norway. We have looked into the possibility, but are happy to accept ideas! (Brainstorming at the next board meeting, December 16).
- FUP Women’s Committee occasionally receives messages from FOKUS about events etc. – and also forwarded from some of Fokus’ member organizations. The FUP Board has been kept informed, and the committee proposes that those of the association’s members who so wish, can receive such information directly. We have enclosed a recent, typical example and ask that interested members contact the undersigned within two weeks, so that we can set up a small email list. (In Norwegian, so, for Norwegian members only)
- Our FUP General Manager and the UPLIFT administrative team have, in connection with his recent project visit to Uganda in August/September, finalized UPLIFT’s annual, detailed 7-months Narrative Activity Report (to be posted on our website), which also establishes the budget and plans for next year. This will be the fourth project year with Norad/Fokus funds!
- Most of it is ‘on track’, and the report with an adjusted plan for 2026 has been approved by Fokus. Michael’s latest ‘Mission Report’ is attached and will also be posted on our website.
- Latest news from Michael, is confirmation that UPLIFT/UNMU have even this year received funds for HPV vaccination of girls (7,000 USD for the project). The vaccines themselves are supplied by the (very grateful) respective Sub-counties in all four Districts.
And then we have to mention – since it is not a ‘daily occurance’ – that in August, Friends of UPLIFT made a little leap in ‘recruitment’ with 6 new members in the same week! That’s more than ‘normal’, annually, in later years! Dare we remind the friends again that it is nice to have a FUP business card at hand? A bit outdated, but practical for easy reference to the website!
With autumn greetings on behalf of the Board of Friends of UPLIFT,
Gunnar Lange-Nielsen secretary
– and greetings probably also on behalf of an UPLIFT coordinator, Judith, in action during the Graduation Ceremony last April. She is just as colorful in other ways too!