Community meetings

These are the seeds of development. Community members organizing and speaking about their concerns. Community members wanting support but not charity. Community members genuinely seeking to assist each other. THIS is the root of development.

We have found that in both Masese and Kakira there are tailoring projects that were originally set up by FRO about a year ago. Women in the communities identified as those who are the most in need of a sustainable income are trained in tailoring suits, dresses, etc. They are especially in need because they have children and other orphans to care for (which seems to apply to everyone…after the war and displacement, many have orphaned nieces and nephews). Because of a lack of funding and other complications, the projects were cut short only a few months into the training and there was also no funding for materials, rent and to pay a teacher to train the women. So for the last few months, they have been just waiting to find a way to renew funding.

The reason I am encouraged by finding these projects is that it may give us the base we need to build on in terms of helping to building community programs. As I mentioned in an earlier blog, a multi-faceted approach to a community based program seems to work the best and be the most beneficial. So, helping with providing some funding to resume the tailoring projects would just be a first step (if we decide to take that route), hopefully coupled with business management training and once capital accumulates, a microfinance scheme and some kind of psychosocial support to address other community needs are possibilities.

I was reminded today that the biggest concern of people in the community is school fees for their children. At least 5-6 people stressed this during our meeting in Masese today. And to me, empowering people with a way to make a sustainable income is the first step to addressing this issue, although it will not get immediate results. I’d much rather have parents be able to pay then for fees than for outsiders to send money which might not last. But it is understandable…I mean there are so many kids who are idle all day because they cannot afford an education.

The meeting with Masese was still very encouraging though. About 25-30 people came and told us all about the project and its expenses, etc. and what they wanted. Many men from the community showed up as well and were very interested and committed in seeing this project resume. They plan to elect members into leadership positions during this next week so that we can stay in touch with them. We plan to meet with the leadership next week to discuss the next steps.

The meeting in Kakira two days ago was Ok as well. The best part was we met a guy named Donald who works for the community development branch of the government and what he was saying about that issue was exactly what I wanted to hear. He helps community based groups in capacity building and is adamant that community building comes from the grassroots up. And I agree wholeheartedly. We plan to meet with him alone soon.

Well, we are off the North tomorrow. Can’t wait…might be a little nervous, but still can’t wait. It is most likely that this will be my last blog for at least a week since there isn’t running water and electricity there (for the most part).

So…until then take care and Peace be with you…