This report presents preliminary observations, evaluations and participation in a charity visit to Nkokonjeru providence Cheshire home by FOWODE Young Leaders Alumni Association (FYLAA) members on 12th June 2011.
Participation existed at a series of levels ranging from information giving to initiate action – true empowerment, compliance, contribution and collaboration are other descriptors used to outline the linear process of FYLAA participation/involvement from a one – way process of receiving information and collaboration with other key parties. It points out the main objective of the charity visit. It also points out to what extent the programme has impacted the lives of the needy in the providence home. It also highlights the main achievements of the FYLAA M.A.D programme objectives since its inception in 2009 and the main challenges that still have to be faced and suggests possible ways forward.
Forum for women in democracy Alumni Association Making a difference programme (FYLAA M.A.D Programme) is a strategy with in FYLAA members for equalization of opportunities and social integration of all the needy and persons with disability (PWDS).
FYLAA with a vision of a society where the leadership uploads the ideas of social justice and gender equality has actively engaged in advocacy, civic education, sensitization, leadership and charity activities.
FYLAA through its M.A.D programme is embarking on spreading the values of transformative leadership through impacting the lives of the needy vulnerable and cognitively impaired children and elderly of Nkokonjeru providence Cheshire home.
Nkokonjeru providence Home is a Cheshire dedicated to empowering the needy of Uganda regardless of ethnicity, religion, disability, illness or age.
It’s located in Nkokonjeru, in the new district of Buikwe, a lush and beautiful area that has suffered from civil war, HIV/AIDS, economic downturns, and a lack of infrastructure. Providence Home offers, residential and non – residential services, to the people with disabilities, the aged, the orphans and needy children
The providence home was started in 1928 by mother Mary Kevin, an Irish Missionary Sister. This was aimed at accommodating patients who had no where to go after getting treatment and those with debilitating diseases who where rejected and stigmised in their communities, the elderly who had no one to care for them and orphans.
Following the Franciscan charisma of solidarity with those neglected by society at large, the providence home has then dedicated itself to helping these people realize their full potential with a mission guided by “preferential option for the poor”.
Overall Evaluation
A visit to Nkokonjeru providence Cheshire home was organized by FYLAA Members.
There were 28 attendees, 3 committee members and 1 LBP Coordinator.
A 28 sitter van was arranged to reach the destination.
- 10 dozens of 96 pages exercise books
- 10 dozens of 48 pages exercise books
- 4 boxes of ball pens
- 4 dozens of pencils
- 2 cartons of salt
- 2 boxes of washing soap
7. 50 kg of sugar
8. Clothes and shoes
MAIN OBJECTIVES OF FYLAA M.A.D PROGRAMME
Equalization of opportunities and social integration of all the needy and persons with disability by exemplifying what can be accomplished through dedication to and love for our brothers and sisters
The FYLAA M.A.D programme process.
The process of FYLAA M.A.D programme emphasized integration and providing opportunity for the needy, and persons with disability to have full participation and equalization of opportunities. During this programme, the vulnerable children and PWDS of Nkokonjeru providence home were able to interact and bond with FYLAA members. FYLAA members where also able to provide psychological, social, economical and social support
Social mobilization and awareness:
The process of social mobilization began by informing the FYLAA members on the need to support the vulnerable children and the elderly, and PWDS of Nkokonjeru providence home.
This often involved meetings between FYLAA members, the Sisters of Nkokonjeru and other representatives from other interested partnering institutions and organizations.
A delegation of four FYLAA Member team was also sent to Nkokonmjeru to carry out a research on the providence home.
ACTIVITIES
FYLAA Members had mass with the community of Nkokonjeru providence home.
The members also participated in a tree planting session. An improved variety of a mango and orange tree were planted.
The FYLAA M.A.D programme has shown encouraging results considering the fact that it has only been under implementation since 2009. The results are more significant in both the number of vulnerable children receiving assistance and in mobilizing FYLAA members in supporting them. The approach taken in this current FYLAA M.A.D programme has proven that we have the capacity to make a difference in the lives of these vulnerable persons.
FYLAA has also contributed to a much wider awareness efforts with making this campaign known to other institutions, organizations and individuals.
This year, FYLAA members where able to fundraise five hundred thirty thousand shillings only (Ush. 530,000). Through fundraising from the organizations, institutions, groups, individuals, FYLAA was able to buy the following items:-
10 dozens of 48 pages exercise books, 4 boxes of ball pens, 4 dozens of pencils, 2 cartons of salt,
2 boxes of washing soap, 50 kg of sugar.
However, other items like clothes and shoes where also donated by individuals, institutions and organizations.
FYLAA Members were also able to interact with the children and elderly of the providence home and were able to know more about them. We shared our time to company and communicate with the kids.
Through the FYLAA M.A.D program, the members have learnt a lot to care about the others, willingly to help others that need help and have been able to understand the responsibility for being part of the community.
A good relationship has been built with the administrators of the home and the children and elderly of the providence.
Entertaining the orphans with games and dances
Entertaining the orphans with games and dances
MAIN CHALLENGES OF THE FYLAA M.A.D PROGRAMME AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Notwithstanding the above achievements there are some challenges and constrains, which need to be addressed for successful continuation of the programme.
The main challenge is associated with the organizational structures of FYLAA. The major constrain is the limited capacity in the coordination system, that is between FYLAA leadership, FOWODE & FYLAA members. The FYLAA president has not shown commitment to her duties as stated in the constitution (Article 11, section 1). She has not been able to attend or even organize any activities for the association ever since she got into office. This has rendered the FYLAA Committee inactive and has made the organization process so difficult and has left the association lugging behind. The issue could be addressed by having a better communication system in place and have all the inactive persons in the committee step down and pave way for new office bearers who will serve the association better as per the aspiration of the association.
To some extent, this programme has been less successful due to financial constrains. Coupled the fact that FYLAA is not a fully registered association and it’s not yet financially stable. It has not been able to run this programme adequately.
CONCLUSSION
Evaluations have shown that the FYLAA M.A.D programme was instrumental in making a difference in the lives of the vulnerable persons at Nkokonjeru providence home. They have perceived a more positive attitude towards FYLAA and have shown their appreciation.
Thanks for making a difference! We are very much proud of you guys for fostering change in lives of those!!!
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