In Karamoja region, things have been tough. The area has always had some of the lowest rankings in the country for things like health and development. But now, there’s an exciting new project that’s turning things around. The Mill Hill Missionaries are leading the charge, and they’re doing things a little differently. Instead of just giving aid to people, they’re empowering the community to help themselves. They’re working with local self-help groups (SHGs) to make a real, lasting difference.
The reason behind this initiative was that the usual way of doing things, where people from the top make all the decisions, was not working for the Karamoja people. Back in 2011, an NGO gave maize seeds to the community without asking them first, and the people ate them instead of planting them. This showed that outsiders didn’t really understand what was happening in the community. It was clear that the only way to make real progress was to listen to the people who lived there and work with them to find solutions.
The project shifted to a participatory model centred around existing SHGs, emphasizing collaboration and co-creation. The goal was to amplify the voices of marginalized groups, particularly women, who historically had been side-lined in decision-making processes.
The project wanted to help SHG leaders, mostly women aged 18-35, take charge of their own development. At first, the project staff gave them a lot of support. But as time passed, the staff stepped back and let the leaders learn to lead themselves. The leaders got training and mentorship, which helped them become good at leading. They also taught their friends what they learned and even became project staff themselves. Overall, the project helped these leaders become real agents of change!
The initiative’s success was mainly due to the involvement of the field staff within the SHGs. They became a part of the communities they served and formed strong relationships with the locals, which helped them understand the local dynamics and aspirations better. This approach allowed them to develop unique projects tailored to each group’s specific needs and interests. However, it is essential to note that this approach is resource-intensive and requires much time and effort.
The project faced challenges like training staff who were used to traditional methods and dealing with unpredictable timelines, but it made a significant impact despite that. They had open discussions about gender roles, which helped improve family relations, and initiatives to stop gender-based violence raised awareness and support. The project also encouraged women to lead and start their own businesses, which not only improved their financial independence but also inspired others in the community.
The project taught us some essential things about working with communities. Instead of just giving people things, we worked with them as partners to ensure the project was sustainable. We talked to women a lot and helped them speak up more, and now they’re like leaders in their communities!
The project in Karamoja is unparalleled and unlike anything else we’ve ever encountered. It’s truly a one-of-a-kind experience! It’s all about giving the community power so they can make decisions and help themselves. It’s a great example of how communities can work together to improve things for themselves, not just in Uganda but worldwide. As the project continues, it shows how communities can take control of their lives and make a real difference.
MHM Kotido
