blog – My Blog https://www.dreamerscenterfordevelopment.org Fri, 28 Jun 2024 09:50:55 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.6.1 https://www.dreamerscenterfordevelopment.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/cropped-cropped-pic-1-32x32.png blog – My Blog https://www.dreamerscenterfordevelopment.org 32 32 Breaking Barriers: Empowering Women Entrepreneurs in Uganda https://www.dreamerscenterfordevelopment.org/4006-2/ https://www.dreamerscenterfordevelopment.org/4006-2/#respond Tue, 11 Jun 2024 14:12:51 +0000 https://www.dreamerscenterfordevelopment.org/?p=4006

Breaking Barriers: Empowering Women Entrepreneurs in Uganda

By Nyafoono Irene

In Uganda, women entrepreneurs face numerous obstacles on their path to success, from limited access to financial resources to societal norms that undermine their potential. Yet, amidst these challenges, there’s a rising tide of resilience and determination.

At our Community-Based Organization, we’re committed to breaking down these barriers and empowering women to thrive as entrepreneurs. Through tailored programs, we provide training in business skills, financial literacy, and access to microfinance opportunities.

But empowerment goes beyond just economic independence; it’s about fostering a supportive ecosystem where women can thrive. We offer mentorship, networking opportunities, and advocacy for gender equality in business.

The results are tangible: women are starting businesses, creating jobs, and driving economic growth in their communities. As we celebrate their successes, we also recognize the importance of continuing to support and uplift women entrepreneurs, ensuring they have the tools and resources they need to succeed.

Together, let’s break barriers and build a future where women entrepreneurs in Uganda can flourish and lead with confidence.

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A Beacon of Hope: Empowering Girls through Football in Kamuli and Luuka Districts https://www.dreamerscenterfordevelopment.org/a-beacon-of-hope-empowering-girls-through-football-in-kamuli-and-luuka-districts/ https://www.dreamerscenterfordevelopment.org/a-beacon-of-hope-empowering-girls-through-football-in-kamuli-and-luuka-districts/#respond Mon, 03 Jun 2024 11:03:38 +0000 https://www.dreamerscenterfordevelopment.org/?p=3948

In the heart of Eastern Uganda, in the districts of Kamuli and Luuka, a transformative initiative took place. The Dreamer’s Center for Development, in collaboration with Mr. Kuzanya John Bosco, launched a groundbreaking project aimed at combating school dropouts and early marriages among girls. The initiative, named the “Back to School Girls’ Football Tournament,” sought to empower young girls and provoke sustainable social transformation.

Objective

The goal of this initiative was clear: to ensure that no girl of school-going age would be out of school by 2030. The project aimed to empower girls by building their confidence, breaking gender stereotypes, reducing dropout rates, and eliminating teenage pregnancies. The initiative also sought to raise funds for self-sustainability and hand skill training for girls, ultimately alleviating poverty in the long run. By forming girls’ soccer clubs and hand-skilling clubs, the project empowered over 2,000 girls in Kamuli and Luuka districts in 2022 alone, with 40 schools participating.

The Problem

The problem was severe and multifaceted. Since the closure of schools due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many learners, especially girls, had lost hope of returning to school. According to a recent report by Action Aid, the primary school dropout rate for girls in Uganda was 20% annually, with rates up to four times higher in the northern and eastern parts of the country. Early marriages and teenage pregnancies were rampant, with some areas seeing rates well above 50%. In Luuka and Kamuli districts, over 60% of the approximately 82,000 girls under 18 failed to complete primary education.

The Initiative

The Back to School Girls’ Football Tournament was designed to address these issues by making school an attractive and engaging place for girls. By utilizing football, a sport known for fostering peace, unity, and empowerment, the initiative aimed to break the gender stereotype that girls were only good for bride price and childbearing. The tournament not only provided girls with a sense of dignity and belonging but also taught them virtues like discipline, confidence, and patience.

Benefits

The benefits of this initiative were extensive. For the girls, it offered a chance to discover their talents, build confidence, and challenge stereotypes. It also encouraged teenage mothers to return to school and provided hands-on skills in various fields, such as manufacturing handicrafts, liquid soap, and candles, which could help them earn money and sustain their education.

For the schools, the initiative promised increased enrollment, better retention rates, and improved performance in sports activities. For the districts, it aimed to reduce teenage pregnancies and school dropouts while improving overall educational performance. The community became more sensitized to the importance of education and gender equality.

Schedule and Sustainability Plan

The tournament involved 40 schools from Luuka and Kamuli districts, mobilized through collaboration with district education officers, youth leaders, and local authorities. The initiative was sustainable, conducted annually, and open to all interested primary schools. The criteria for participation ensured that all team players were registered students.

The tournament took place from March 4th to April 1st every year, with games played in a gala format. The winners received cash prizes and trophies, and every participating team received a ball. Awards were also given for discipline, smartness, and other outstanding factors.

Conclusion

The Back to School Girls’ Football Tournament was more than just a sports event. It served as a beacon of hope for the girls of Kamuli and Luuka districts. By empowering these girls through football and hand skill training, the Dreamer’s Center for Development and Mr. Kuzanya John Bosco not only combated school dropouts and early marriages but also paved the way for a brighter, more equitable future. As these girls grew in confidence and skills, they transformed their communities, ensuring that the promise of education and empowerment was fulfilled for generations to come.

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Inclusion Matters: Empowering Persons with Disabilities in Uganda https://www.dreamerscenterfordevelopment.org/inclusion-matters-empowering-persons-with-disabilities-in-uganda/ https://www.dreamerscenterfordevelopment.org/inclusion-matters-empowering-persons-with-disabilities-in-uganda/#respond Mon, 27 May 2024 10:27:30 +0000 https://www.dreamerscenterfordevelopment.org/?p=3822

INCLUSION MATTERS: EMPOWERING PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES IN UGANDA

In Uganda, persons with disabilities often face marginalization, discrimination, and limited access to essential services. At our Community-Based Organization, we’re committed to championing their rights and fostering inclusivity in every aspect of society.

Our programs focus on accessibility, education, and advocacy. We work to make public spaces, transportation, and educational facilities more accessible, ensuring that persons with disabilities can fully participate in their communities.

Education is key to empowerment. We provide specialized educational support and vocational training, equipping individuals with the skills they need to pursue their goals and contribute meaningfully to society.

Advocacy is at the heart of our work. We raise awareness about the rights of persons with disabilities, advocate for policy changes, and challenge stereotypes and stigma.

Together, we’re building a more inclusive Uganda where every person, regardless of ability, can live with dignity, independence, and opportunity. Join us as we continue to break down barriers and create a society where all voices are heard and valued.

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Empowering Uganda’s Youth: Navigating Education Challenges Amidst Crisis https://www.dreamerscenterfordevelopment.org/empowering-ugandas-youth-navigating-education-challenges-amidst-crisis/ https://www.dreamerscenterfordevelopment.org/empowering-ugandas-youth-navigating-education-challenges-amidst-crisis/#respond Mon, 27 May 2024 10:21:02 +0000 https://www.dreamerscenterfordevelopment.org/?p=3817

EMPOWERING UGANDA’S YOUTH: NAVIGATING EDUCATION CHALLENGES AMIDST CRISIS

As Uganda’s youth grapple with the impacts of the ongoing pandemic, the importance of education has never been more evident. At our Community-Based Organization, we’re tackling this challenge head-on, focusing on empowering Uganda’s youth to navigate these turbulent times and emerge stronger.

The pandemic has disrupted traditional learning methods, exacerbating existing inequalities. Many youth, especially those in rural areas, lack access to remote learning tools and face heightened economic hardships. However, amidst these challenges lies an opportunity for innovation and resilience.

Through our programs, we’re leveraging technology to provide remote learning resources, ensuring no youth is left behind. We’re also offering mentorship and psychological support to help them cope with the uncertainties of the times.

Education is not just about academics; it’s about empowerment. By investing in our youth today, we’re investing in Uganda’s future leaders, innovators, and changemakers. Together, let’s navigate these challenges and build a brighter tomorrow for Uganda’s youth.

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