The Vplusplus programme exists to support, amongst others, the past graduates of the VPlus programme. That programme taught vocational, business and life skills to young people with disabilities, at Gulu Disabled Persons Union, in Gulu, Northern Uganda. Vplus plus includes follow-up training, often in the workshop or place of business. This case study might help show how it works in practice.
Kic Ber Sweater Weaving Group: Anaka.
The was a follow up to check on how group members are catching up with their business; on the gaps that exist. It would also allow members to share their personal experiences, to find any safeguarding issues and plan the way forward.
Kica Ber Sweater knitting group is based in Anaka, 50 kilometres west of Gulu. They knit sweaters, mostly for school uniform and have other smaller side businesses. They have enough space and the right machines to do the sweater work effectively. The group is doing well, the customers are turning up, but slowly, and the group is keen to expand.
Vplusplus: following up
Previous trips by the Vplusplus team identified the need for training on the design cards that fit into the Kica Ber knitting machines. Working with these cards would really improve the quality of their sweaters and help them compete. The card brings out the best in fabric and design, making them more attractive to the community.
The right instructor
The instructor at work
An instructor was hired to train the group on making different sweaters using the cards. The female instructor is very interactive and relates well to the members; she also has a disability. She is one of the community members in Anaka, so she will keep in touch with the enterprise in future.
The cards
The instructor trained Kica Ber for one week, teaching them a range of new skills. For example, the group members learned how to weave and join a sweater directly on the knitting machine, without taking it to the tailors to finish. Joining sweaters has always been a problem for groups like this, getting outside tailors to finish is expensive and loses time. This solution will make a huge change.
They were also taught to make buttonholes in sweaters, using the knitting machines directly; again something that had to be sent out to finish in the past.
The importance of marketing
After some discussion about marketing, members have brought artwork into their workshop. They’ve given some work space to a young man who does art and design, he stamps badges on school uniforms and he is teaching them the process. They have also designed their own signpost, clearly showing what they do, and indeed people are starting to check what they are doing.
Constant support
A new design
A busy week for the group at Kica Ber, but a very productive one. Graduates often think learning finishes with the graduation certificate. But these industrious and successful young people are showing how much continuous learning can help, and how important it is to tailor the learning to the learner. Constant support to help constant development.
If you would like to know more about the ETC of PWD charity that manages the Vplus plus programme please go to our Home page.
If you would like to give something, please go to our Donate page.
If you would like to know more about Gulu Disabled Persons Union (GDPU) please go to their website or Facebook page.
How is the revolutionary new music programme, Viva@GDPU, pushing on at Gulu Disabled Persons Union, Northern Uganda? How is the training of young people with disabilities, in music making and production, proceeding?
Up and running
Well, the studio is up and running, the studio equipment has been bought and installed successfully. 9 out of the 10 trainees reported for the music programme, good going for this context and we have hopes that the 10th will get there one day.
Singing training in the Viva@GDPU studio
Many songs have been written and recorded, all about social change; music for advocacy.
New software please
In fact it is going so well, the basic software programme they are using is not enough, trainees need something more sophisticated. Andy Corrigan at Viva la Visa, the sponsors of Viva@GDPU, has agreed that trainees should be more ambitious. In future, alongside the freeware programmes (‘FL Studio’) that local musicians and studios use, trainees will work with software that is common in professional studios and the West; ‘Logic Pro’ mostly. This also means that recordings made in Gulu can be mixed elsewhere if need be.
Kama Boo by Abramz
Local instruments
The team in Gulu have realised the importance of local instruments, (traditional ones like: thumb pianos, xylophones, flutes, drums etc) mixed with synthesizers, guitars and keyboards to give the unique ‘Viva’ sound. Viva la Visa have also agreed to pay for another instructor to teach local instruments.
Learning to play traditional instruments
Open mic
Alongside training and time to write their own songs, the trainees have an open mic session on Friday afternoons when they perform their new songs to a critical audience; their peers.
Friday afternoon open mic session: a brief glimpse
New songs?
A total of 18 songs have been produced so far, a small selection included here. The accompanying videos are on their way.
Yesu En Ceng by Nelson P
Viva trainees have presented their music to the community on Radio Speak FM in Gulu, they had good feedback from the community, many people are interested in what they are doing.
Although the VPlus programme has ended, support and skills training for those 113 young trainees with disabilities in Gulu and surrounding districts does not stop. With funding from private individuals and ETC of PWD trustees, Vplusplus @GDPU has just begun. This is so that Gulu Disabled Persons Union (GDPU) can give long term Post Training support to all graduates. The first steps have been carried out: Reflection Meetings and trips to the field; to liaise with them all, What will help them succeed in the future? What will get them, their families and their community to a sustainable life?
Out To The Field
One on One Interviews
Formal support trips have begun too, visiting all those graduates in their places of work, or not work as the case maybe. And to discuss with each person what training might help them – core skills perhaps– the latest hairstyles for hairdressers, how to mend the different motorbikes in your area; different techniques for sweater weavers etc. Inevitably literacy and numeracy – book keeping/ invoicing that sort of thing.
Innovation
The new areas brought in for Vplusplus include training members of the family to temporarily produce your goods when your disability prevents you from working yourself. Also, peer support: creating local networks with other people with disabilities banding together for practical and moral support, particularly useful for sweater weavers, for example, whose work is seasonal and intensive when the demand comes.
VPlus Graduates meeting at GDPU
The Vital Role for the Guidance Counsellor
One on One Interviews
Vplusplus field visits also allow the Guidance Counsellor to give support, encouragement, to identify and follow up Safeguarding incidents. Sadly, abuse is, a constant factor in the lives of these graduates. Sometimes that abuse comes from members of the family, sometimes from colleagues at work; often it comes from both. The solutions involve discussion, advocacy, alerting the relevant authorities where necessary, finding safe refuge, medical aid and more; changing the mindset, as the team puts it, is a very slow process
New location for Rubanga Mamiyo Knitting group in Nwoya,
The first monthly report from the Vplusplus team in Gulu:
What went well? We linked up with our beneficiaries in Gulu, Omoro and Nwoya The Knitting group in Nwoya can afford to shift to a better house, along the main road to Anaka Town Council. Diversification of work witnessed during the follow up visit: many members are doing side business to support their main skills. Well facilitated to conduct the activities. Able to identify skills and gaps that exist among the youth. We managed to identify some key safeguarding issues.
What challenges did you have? We faced challenges of mobilisation: some students are not at home; others take so long in the garden, they are still not at home. Some parents are not supporting their children. Some students are not employed or starting their own business. Some students are failing to pay back the revolving capital. Sometimes you get disappointed seeing a student not engaged in work. Long distances and sitting on the bike for long period of time. Bad weather keeps you too long in the field waiting for the rain to stop.
Lessons learnt and recommendations for future trainings: Students do better when they work in a group.
We were impressed that the team in Nyowa are doing so well, because they have a strong team spirit. They are always willing to support one another, physically, financially and emotionally.
Those who have mobile phone are doing quite well; they get in touch with their friends for more business connection and networking.
Where trainees are earning some money, their lives are improving and they are being valued by their parents and relatives.
Opiyo Derrick, Knitting, Nwoya
If you would like to know more about the ETC of PWD charity please go to our Home page and please keep in touch via Project News.
If you would like to give something, please go to our Donate page.
If you would like to know more about Gulu Disabled Persons Union (GDPU) please go to their Facebook page.
VPlus was the shorter name for the Enhancing the Capacity of Young Persons with Disability through Vocational and Literacy Education and Training project, delivered by Gulu Disabled Persons Union (GDPU) and jointly funded by the Enhancing the Capacity of Persons with Disability charity (ETC of PWD) and UK Aid Direct. UK Aid funding has now finished.
VPlus Cohort 1 Graduation Day Graduates with the GDPU Chair: Allii Geoffrey
Who was VPlus for?
VPlus was targeted at young persons with disabilities in Northern Uganda, many of whom have received little or no formal education. They enrolled on a six-month vocational training course at the GDPU training centre combined with all-important ‘Plus’ elements of training in literacy, numeracy, financial literacy, and cultural and community activity which build confidence and self- esteem.
Post Training Support
The six-month training is followed by long-term support to graduates in establishing and sustaining businesses or employment. In 2021 and 2022 113 young persons with disability graduated from two training cohorts and, in 2023 are working on establishing a business or finding a job to earn income.
Aroma Elvis and his mother being supported on skill gaps
VPlus: some figures • 119 recruited to the two cohorts (53 Cohort 1; 66 Cohort 2) and 115 graduated/passed their exams (49;66). Of these, one carried onto further training and one, sadly died. So GDPU, supported 113 trainees. (64F, 49M; all bar one with disabilities; 89 aged 15 to 24 years and 24 aged 25 to 32; all from Gulu.) • In addition, the project trained 32 GDPU staff and workplace providers in safeguarding and, for GDPU staff, sign language. • Cumulatively, 114 trainees (100%) are showing that they have improved their confidence and self-esteem significantly, some more than others (65F, 49M; 113 disabled.) • 94 graduates (44M, 50F) having increased their income by the end of the project, • 107 graduates from both training programmes securing employment or establishing a business (62F, 45M; all bar one with disabilities; 64 aged 15 to 24, 23 aged 25 to 32.) This includes a couple of trainees who were employed within their family’s farming work but not paid a wage. The employment of 98 (58F, 40M) of these was assessed as being sustainable.
This case study probably sums up the VPlus approach best:
VPlus@GDPU 2023 Case Study 1: Akello Brenda
Akello Brenda with Musema Faruk (VPlus Programme Coordinator)
Akello Brenda is a Cohort 1 Design and Decoration VPlus graduate who has a real eye for colour and design. She returned to GDPU to help teach Cohort 2 trainees and their new instructor in basket weaving. (The previous instructor decided to move on and a new instructor with different skills was employed.)
Brenda’s Dream
Akello Brenda used to make her products at home, supported with the cost of materials by her mother, where she also helped in other work of her family. She takes her products to the big, local market once a month where they sell well. However, it is some way to travel, and the market days were occasionally rained off. Brenda dreamt of finding a unit in the trading centre on the main road, as well as learning how to make more complicated jewelry.
How the Revolving Loan Scheme Helped
In 2022 she was supported with a revolving capital loan of about UGX 150,000/= (about £35.00) from the VPlus @ GDPU project. Interest is not charged on loans from this fund and there are no strings attached to it, in order to help VPlus beneficiaries consolidate, enhance and grow the business they have started.
Brenda Realises Her Dream
With support from her parents, Brenda gained new skills in tailoring by enrolling in the Emmanuel School of Fashion where she studied on weekends. She graduated in August 2022, and managed to buy a sewing machine for UGX 350,000/= (about £75.00) from her savings. She found a shared space to make and sell her products in the centre of Loyo Boo, Unyama Sub-county, Gulu District. She always displays her products for tailoring and decoration in front of her shop, Brenda also goes to every Sunday market day to sell her products. She earns an average of UGX 25,000/= (about £6.00) in a week.
The ‘Plus’ Element
Brenda enjoyed the non-vocational elements of the VPlus programme as well, especially the traditional dance in which she excelled and which gave her the confidence to develop her own business.
Akello Brenda and VPlus Cohort 1 at their Graduation Day
Challenges and the future for Brenda
Brenda’s Sickle Cell Anaemia is an issue, a hidden impairment, which has greatly affected her business because of frequent admissions to hospital.
High market competition especially from traders who have started hawking their wares from house to house, diminishing the incentive customers to come to shop based traders.
Lack of materials for basket weaving which are sometimes out of stock in Gulu as these materials are brought from Congo.
VPlus and the future
What next? Is it all over for training and support for these determined young people? Not at all. Please see the next blog for news about Vplusplus @GDPU and exciting news about another new programme: VIVA@GDPU.
Want to know more?
A Support Session for VPlus graduates at GDPU
If you would like to know more about the ETC of PWD charity please go to our Home page.
If you would like to give something, please go to our Donate page.
If you would like to know more about Gulu Disabled Persons Union (GDPU) please go to their website or Facebook page.
Many Thanks.
VPlus was match funded by UK Aid Direct and ETC of PWD
ETC of PWD is supported by its trustees and private donations
Tracer studies are the backbone of post training support. As name suggests, it’s about tracing trainees; where are they now, what are they doing, what extra support do they need? And, of course it’s a vital form of feedback on that their earlier training programme: what worked and what didn’t what should be changed next time?
All of the information below comes from recent field reports by the Vplus team as they go about Post Training Support.
Aroma Elvis and his mother being supported on skill gaps
Tracer Studies: how do they work?
The main aim of these Tracer Studies is to find the 66 Vplus youth from Cohort 2 of the programme. Actually, given the nature of their locations and forms of activity, it also involves trainees from Cohort 1 and even those we supported during the etc@gdpu programme some years ago. Tracer Studies take three forms:
Home visit.
Phone calls.
Visits to workstations.
And cover the following Districts:
Gulu with 16 students,
Gulu City with 28 students,
Nwoya with 4 students,
Omoro with 9 students,
Kitgum with 2 students,
Amuru with 5 students and
Pader with 2 students.
Gulu and surrounding area
Objectives of the Tracer Studies.
Support session at Koch Goma
To help identify and locate where our beneficiaries are working from or staying.
To check on the different activities our students are directly involved in after completing their skills training.
To identify the success, gaps and challenges our beneficiaries are going through in regards to employment, and skills.
To support and guide our students in stages of their business plan development and implementation.
To check on any safeguarding issues our beneficiaries are facing and offer all forms of supports and referrals.
Statistics from the Tracer Studies
Bob Gumakiriza at Niange Ber Motorcycle Repair one of the workshop in Koch Goma
60 youth were followed up, through the different methods listed above.
InCohort 2, 22out of 66beneficiaries are employed by others. The highest number of employed are from Motorcycle Repair and Maintenance and Hairdressing courses.
Akello Fiona working on the hair of a customer
InCohort 2, 13out of 66beneficiaries are self-employed in three areas: Electronic Repair and Maintenance; Tailoring; and Decoration and Design.
25out of 66beneficiaries are still unemployed: 15 females and 10 males. Some are still in the process of job search. Others are planning to start their own businesses, mostly through parental support and the Revolving Capital Loan, especially for Sweater Weaving.
Sweater Weaving is a seasonal business that won’t start until schools go back after the Ebola outbreak shutdown (in February). We are also still in the peak period for farming and many trainees have to work on family concerns. Parents are waiting for money to come back from farming before they can support their child..
6out of 66students are not have not yet been traced but the team are working hard to reach out to them.
Some Examples and Case Studies from the Tailoring course:
Tailoring was a new addition to the Vplus programme, with a new instructor (an ex- graduate). Afterevaluation and discussion with past trainees we realised that Tailoring could be an employment route in some contexts. In the past Tailoring has been put down, certainly Gulu Town is overloaded with tailors, but as we have discovered, away from the town the picture is different.
11 students graduated from this course with a total of 4 employed and 4 self- employed and 3 only unemployed. As the Tracer Studies have shown, there is a high demand for tailoring in the rural communities.
A Case Study in Tailoring: Lakica Sharon
Lakica Sharon at work
Lakica Sharon lives in Odek sub-county and trained in tailoring at GDPU under Vplus. She has strong support from her parents, they have done all they can to empower their daughter to earn a dignified life.
During the visit the Vplus team saw how she communicates well with customers bringing in clothes for repair; she has challenged the stereotypes people have about people with disabilities. Sharon has made UGX 20,000 from minor repair of clothes, usually costing UGX 500 to 1000/. You can now imagine how busy she is in the village, the next tailor within the village is about 5km away.
Lakica Sharon at work
A Case Study in Tailoring: Achiro Joyce
Achiro Joyce at work
Achiro Joyce, is a mother of one child and lives in Palara village, Odek, 6 km from Acet trading center. She rents her sewing machine from a neighbour for UGX 20,000 per month, although this is high she did not refuse because she wants to work. Her workplace is just under a tree, near the road side alongside her family home.
The Vplus team managed to meet her parents and they expressed interest in the Revolving Capital Loan scheme to get a machine for their daughter. Joyce is very happy with the change she has experienced in her life she managed to make UGX 35,000 within two weeks of her work.
Achiro Joyce at her work place
Successes registered:
8 graduates are employed directly in tailoring.
Another good example: Lanyero Scovia from Omoro Omony Jubi village, her parent bought a second hand sewing machine at a cost of UGX 200,000 and she has started working at home.
Students are learning new skills from the engagement they have with others and the work that they are doing, especially those employed by others.
We have witnessed improved livelihood in the families of the youth who completed their training and are working.
Challenges:
Post Training Support visit with VPlus Programme Manager and GDPU Head Teacher: Musema Faruk
Trainees still have gaps in skills and knowledge about maintenance and minor repairs of the sewing machine. For example Achiro from Odek, said she cannot mend machines herself and only one person who can repair machines, and she has to move 6 km to Acet center to find him.
Heavy rainfall affects a number of the youth in the rural centres, because they work under trees and in front of houses.
It’s a farming season, people are planting and harvesting which cuts the number of customers they receive.
Commitments at home, like farming and cooking, have prevented number of students from getting employment.
High levels of poverty mean trainees cannot afford to buy equipment and materials.
Trainees have Skill gaps in making other fashions, like Gomez, (the traditional dresses for formal occasions), shorts, etc
Recording the transactions made in the record book is still a big gap.
Recommendations:
Opiyo Benson in his workshop in Koch-Goma
Training on repair and maintenance skills.
Trainees need more training on book keeping.
To support youth who are interested in the Revolving Capital
Support visit by GDPU instructors to selected youth who need support in identified gaps and demands from their communities.
Safeguarding
A Reflection Meeting at GDPU with VPlus Guidance Counsellor: Okello Emma
Although many graduates live with their families, they are still vulnerable, often from members of their extended family. Tracer Studies are also support visits, and will include Guidance Counsellors amongst the team. Sadly, these visits often uncover significant safeguarding issues.
Recent trips have included supporting parents and trainees in reporting abuse by other members of the family, helping to collect evidence and present it to the Police, providing sign language interpreters for deaf graduates in liaising with the Police and in court, and continuous follow up after official involvement.
Safeguarding in this context is a very difficult area needing highly skilled people. GDPU programme officers are used to dealing with the communities involved and through constant training have become very skilled and experienced in this field.
Members sharing their experience’s during the reflection meetings at Koch Goma
Some Conclusions
As Post Training Support rolls out on the Vplus training programme across a wide area of Gulu and surrounding districts, it is great to hear these reports. We can see how the lives of these young people are developing as a result of the training and support they have been given. It is so heartening to see Vplus trainees take up new opportunities and cope with the challenges that life throws at them.
Want to know more?
A Support Session for VPlus graduates at GDPU
If you would like to know more about the ETC of PWD charity please go to our Home page.
If you would like to give something, please go to our Donate page.
If you would like to know more about Gulu Disabled Persons Union (GDPU) please go to their website or Facebook page.
Many Thanks.
This programme is match funded with aid from the British people
ETC of PWD 