On the road
On Monday the 7th of November, three representatives from the Development Section of the Embassy finally made it out of their offices and went on the road heading for Northern Uganda. After getting through the hectic Kampala morning traffic, the road lay straight in front of us, the sun was shining, and almost no cars on the road ensured a pleasant journey. After approximately four hours of driving, we stopped in Gulu, for a brief, but very informative, courtesy visit at NRC’s offices. We meet with some of the NRC’s staff and were showed around, before heading off to Kitgum further north.
On the way to Kitgum. Photo: Kine Fjell JohansenWhen leaving Gulu, the road was no longer paved, but rather consisted of the very red soil so characteristic of rural areas in East Africa, making a colorful contrast between the red soil on the road and the very green vegetation on each side. We experienced no problems on the road, keeping a comfortable speed, ensured by our competent driver. A small “issue” with one of the other cars only gave the passengers the opportunity to stretch their legs in the sun, and study the pumpkin plants along the road in 31 degrees Celsius.
Upon reaching Kitgum we were welcomed to the Bomah Hotel, in where the NRC screened a documentary introducing the RAY project which the embassy is funding. The following day we were escorted by the NRC staff to visit some of the project sites. For two of us, it was the first visit to the acholi region, and we were amazed by the beauty of the nature in Kitgum district. Beautiful hills, fresh green grass, banana trees, pineapple fields as well as open distances against the backdrop of a blue sky with only small dots of white clouds, was a breathtaking view, so different from the busy sights of Kampala city. Upon enjoying the view and the fresh air, it was devastating to think about what the local communities in the area has experienced during the two decade long war, fought by the Lords Resistance Army (LRA).
The situation in Northern Uganda
Northern Uganda has been heavily affected by the rebel activity of the LRA for more than two decades. About 90% of the Acholi sub-region has experienced great losses, and only the most central areas have not been as heavily disturbed by the war. As a result, many people in Northern Uganda have had their daily lives interrupted. Many have had to flee their homes, and many kids have missed out on going to school. The LRA has, however, moved out of Uganda, and is now operating in neighboring countries.
The situation in Northern Uganda has stabilized during the last few years. According to NRC, 90% of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) have now returned to their home village or area. Although this is a positive sign, it also poses many challenges for the local communities and local authorities. The high number of people who have returned to their home area, at fast paste, has created what NRC calls “mini-emergencies” in many local
communities. These come about because of, for example, lack of clean and safe drinking water, lack of security structures in the community and lack of schools. Basic service provision is poor, because of a general lack of resources of the local authorities. As a consequence of the war, a large number of children have missed out on education, and people are often struggling to get back to what they were usually doing. Many local communities are as such lacking the capacity to get back to everyday life.
NRC Uganda
NRC has been active in Uganda since 1997, working with refugees and IDPs. NRC is the largest Norwegian organization operating in Northern Uganda, and Uganda at large, both in terms of activities and the number of staff. The Embassy is currently funding the NRC-project RAY, which aims to give children and youth access to good and relevant education. The ultimate goal is to empower the youth to become self-reliant, so as to ensure economic recovery and sustainable peace in Acholi sub-region in Northern Uganda. RAY is made up of three components, which are the “Youth Education Pack” (YEP), the “Accelerated Learning Program” (ALP), and the construction of schools and houses for teachers. The project started in 2010 and will be going on until 2013.
The YEP program is designed for youth between the age of 14 and 24 years which have received non, or little, education. The program offers a one-year training program involving vocational training intended to enable the youth to create a sustainable income. Upon completing the one-year program the graduates receive a “Start up tool kits” meant to enable them to get started with an own business or income generation. Skills taught include; tailoring, catering, brick-laying, carpentry, metal fabrication etc. In 2011 there were 7 YEP centers in Northern Uganda in which approximately 1040 students were undertaking training.
ALP focuses on children between the ages of 9 and 14, that have dropped out of school, for various reasons, and that also face chalenges attending normal school. ALP presents an alternative education model, in which the seven years of normal primary school is to be completed within only three years. This program is designed for children that are, for example, the heads of households, that have children, that are orphaned or that by other reasons have missed out on school and need a good and quick reintroduction to school. In 2011, 28 ALP centers reached 2500 former school-dropouts. In 2012, 22 more ALP centers are expected to be in place, and the NRC’s goal is that by the end of 2013, 7000 children will have benefited from the ALP programs.
The construction of schools, as well as houses for teachers, is an attempt to improve the quality of the education provided. In addition to a lack of teaching facilities, it is often a problem that teachers live far away from the schools. Bad conditions of the teacher’s homes are also common. This affects the quality of the teaching that the teacher can provide. The construction of teacher’s houses, close to the schools, is therefore a priority under RAY. During 2011, 44 new classrooms were built and 10 were renovated. 70 teacher’s houses were under construction or finalized.
During our field-visit with NRC we were able to visit two YEP centers (in Kitgum Matidi and Wol), and three ALP centers (in Akona Laber, Wol and Kalongo). We met with many enthusiastic and welcoming teachers, students
and children, and were able to observe the work done by the students in the YEP centers, such as for example carpeting and bricklaying. We also visited two sites where the construction of teacher’s houses was underway.
Many young people and children have already benefited from the projects and work of NRC in Northern Uganda. Okeny Michael is a former LRA-captive who has benefitted from YEP. After graduating from the program in Namokora – Kitgum, he has been able to make use of his skills and the tool kit provided to him to start his own carpenter-work shop. The finances acquired from this business have further enabled him to open his own general merchandise shop, which again increases his income. Through his skills acquired he is now able to earn a living and to cover his basic needs, and to support his family.
Another YEP-student is Akello Evelyn. She dropped out of school at the age of 10, when her father died. Her hopes for the future at the age of sixteen were still dim, but through the YEP program she was able to attain catering training. Upon receiving the training, and working hard, she was able to open her own restaurant, which she was later capable of upgrading. Her restaurant is now considered to be the best restaurant in Acet trading center – Odek sub-county, and Evelyn is able to support herself financially. A review study done by NRC found that 90% of the graduates from the YEP training find that their life- skills have improved after attending the program.
Many have benefited from NRC’s programs in Northern Uganda. However, although NRC is providing much needed services, many local communities are still faced with great challenges, some of which are critical. Our visit to Northern Uganda, and meetings and communications with the NRC, did however, show us that positive developments are taking place on the ground, and that there are great potential for a better future for the people living in Northern Uganda.