UPLIFT West Nile

UPLIFT – More than reading and writing

UPLIFT’s literacy training is based on universal ethical principles, supports villagers right to education, develops social responsibility and aims to build local communities. In today’s society, literacy is the foundation for personal development and growth. The method used by UPLIFT produces rapid results, as the education is directly linked to skills training in health, environment, agriculture and conflict resolution. The training is aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals 3, 4 and 5.

UPLIFT began as an NGO in Uganda, established in 2001 by a small group of Bahá’ís with a strong track record in social and economic development. Inspired by principles such as the elimination of extreme poverty, freedom from prejudice, equal rights for men and women, interaction between religion and science, and education for all, UPLIFT developed an innovative and effective one-year adult literacy program.

UPLIFT West Nile is the successor to UPLIFT, registered in West Nile with operations in the districts of Nebbi, Pacwach, Madi-Okollo and Zombo. More than one million people live here – most in simple mud and thatch huts in a geographical area the size of Østfold County.

In the 2002 national census, around 70% of adult men in the region were literate, but only 30% of women. UPLIFT therefore chose to prioritize women in its training program. Men also take part in activities.

Another result is the establishment of local community-based organizations (CBOs). These are self-governed grassroots groups – each of which may include 4-5 village clusters – that develop with their own resources and some municipal support. Some become sustainable over time with income-generating activities and a joint savings and loans program. The groups also serve as a forum to discuss issues of women’s health, education, environment and development.

For many years, UPLIFT provided services to younger youth with poor literacy skills. The teaching focused on personal development and community service. With a weak economy in 2019 and then the Covid years, this project component ceased (with the exception of the tailoring course). However, as part of the new FOKUS-funded women’s health project (2023-27), women’s health education was introduced for girls (primarily) in the 13-18 age group. Read more:

Reports and articles

VUP envisions UPLIFT’s work in the West Nile region as a foundation for empowering villagers and giving youth new skills and motivation to serve their communities. UPLIFT’s program can serve as a model for integrated literacy education that contributes to sustainable development in rural areas in Uganda.

Want more insight?

Here’s a shortcut to UPLIFT West Nile’s annual reports and interesting statistics for the past few years.