GDPU – Page 2 – ETC of PWD

TWO MAJOR IMPROVEMENTS TO THE GDPU PREMISES

Guest blog by Mary Bennell: ETC of PWD Trustee and Treasurer

The premises AT GDPU (Gulu Disabled Persons Union, Gulu City, Northern Uganda) have been painted and improved over the past few months.

GDPU murals: the newly decorated main office and classrooms

The main buildings have been painted and murals applied to the walls depicting and celebrating people with disability. The offices where the staff and volunteers work have also had new ceilings floors and a lick of paint.

Morale

This has been a real morale booster for the team and the disabled community. It has also made the wider community and people in the neighbourhood sit up and notice GDPU and become interested in what is happening there.

It’s amazing what a bit of smartening up can do for the people who work and train there.

A new stove and kitchen

The former kitchen was a dark and rickety wooden structure with a cast iron sheet on top and two open fires with trivets for the cooking pots.

It was unsatisfactory in so many ways – the open fire a risk to health and safety, the smoke causing the cooks to cough, the difficulty in keeping the area clean and tidy and the environmental impact of using so much wood.

The ETC of PWD trustees agreed to use some of the underspend from the Vplus plus programme to buy new stoves and reconstruct /smarten up the GDPU kitchens.

The new stoves were bought from Aid Africa, a charity specialising in reducing deforestation by installing energy saving stoves. They are the same as used in local hotels and schools.

They are obviously much more efficient than an open fire, having a contained firebox as shown in the pictures.

The whole kitchen has now been improved. There is now a concrete floor and strong working surfaces outside for large pots and an area for food preparation making it a safe and pleasant place for people to cook.

Savings

GDPU was spending at least 50,000 UGX (£10 -15) a week on firewood for the old kitchen. But now, the same amount of wood has lasted for at least 3 weeks and will probably go longer. Fuel costs are down by a third or more, making a considerable saving to the operational costs and programme budgets.

Benefits

It’s these, apparently small, operational costs that really affect institutions like GDPU. If you can’t pay to light the kitchen fire, you can’t feed the trainees and staff. No feeding and the people don’t come or worse, they protest often violently and the whole situation collapses very quickly. There is also of course the environmental benefit of using less firewood!

And, and and….

GDPU Programme staff have also been extremely active. Not only is there the new Vplusplus extension going on, including a fascinating new Peer Mentor programme. But, the Viva @ GDPU (sponsored by Viva la Visa the UK Based visa specialists) music and music production programme has been extended and improved into a second year. All very busy and exciting. More information to come soon.

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.

Many Thanks.

Disability, GDPU, Gulu, Vocational Training

Kica Ber: a Vplus plus case study

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.

Many Thanks.

Viva @ GDPU: how is it pushing on?

Viva@GDPU

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 10^th 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.

Kwan Ber by Brian Ug

And a gig too!

Visitors from NAD (Norwegian Association of Disabled and National Union of Disabled Persons of Uganda) were impressed with the VIVA project and asked the trainees to produce a song about NUDIPU (National Union of Disabled Persons of Uganda) which they presented at the national celebration: NUDIPU@36 on November 14^th. National recognition.

PS: their videos are available on a YouTube channel here

If you would like to know more about the ETC of PWD charity that manages the Viva@GDPU 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 Viva la Visa, the sponsors for this programme, please go to their website.

If you would like to know more about Gulu Disabled Persons Union (GDPU) please go to their website or Facebook page.

Many Thanks.

Disability, GDPU, Gulu, Vocational Training

Announcing Vplusplus @ GDPU

Vplusplus is coming.

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

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.

The Vital Role for the Guidance Counsellor

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.

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.

Many Thanks.

Disability, GDPU, UK Aid, Vocational Training

VPlus: the story so far

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.