Uganda: Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement Project

Support for a Young Heart Patient

Health Progress of Patricia

Patricia Biira is a three-year-old girl who was born with holes in her heart. Thanks to RMF’s support, she underwent a successful heart surgery at the Uganda Heart Institute on August 16, 2017 and was discharged from the hospital on August 24, 2017. However, one week after returning to her village, Patricia experienced a fresh attack that almost claimed her life. RMF hired an ambulance, and Patricia was rushed back to the heart institute. This action saved Patricia’s life. The cardiologists worked on her and got her out of danger. According to the medical review that was done in September, Patricia is recovering steadily. She will have her next medical review in January 2018. All of this was made possible because of the funding from RMF/WCF.

Training Progress and Registration for DIT Exams

Overview

Since RMF took on the management of Panyadoli Vocational Training Institute (PVTI) in 2011, over 650 trainees have graduated and are actively employed, either running their own businesses or working for someone else. Most of our graduates are refugees, and they are taking advantage of the Ugandan government’s “free employment policy,” which allows refugees to secure employment and move to other locations where their services are needed. Many PVTI graduates testify that this training has changed their lives from being dependent to being independent.

Training Progress

During the reporting period, 102 students continued with their training and were registered for the Directorate of Industrial Training (DIT) exams due to take place in late November or early December 2017.

Bricklaying and Concrete Practice (BCP)

• During the reporting period, 18 trainees were enrolled for training in Bricklaying and Concrete Practice (BCP), including 1 female trainee. All trainees have continued in the program and been registered for DIT examinations due to take place in late November or early December 2017.
• The syllabus has been followed, and trainees are now conversant with key building skills. They are knowledgeable about the common bonds that are used in construction, e.g. the English bond, stretcher bond, and Flemish bond. Training is both practical and theoretical to ensure that graduates understand and apply standard building practices in their work.
• Arrangements are underway to send students for training internships at different construction sites.
• JICA (a partner that contributed training materials) is pleased with training progress.

Carpentry and Joinery (CJ)

• During the reporting period, 17 trainees were enrolled for training in Carpentry and Joinery (CJ). All trainees have continued in the program and been registered for DIT examinations due to take place in late November or early December 2017.
• The training is continuing according to the syllabus, and the trainees are now conversant with key joints used in carpentry and joinery. They are being well prepared for the DIT exams.
• Trainees have started producing items such as stools, beds, tables, and benches.

Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy (HBT)

• During the reporting period, 32 trainees were admitted for training in Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy (HBT), including 2 male trainees. All trainees have continued in the program and been registered for DIT exams.
• The class is steadily following the syllabus so that trainees will be able to face the DIT exams with confidence.
• Trainees have learned the art of hair treatment, shaving, and plaiting different fashions.

Tailoring and Garment Cutting (TGC)

• During the reporting period, 35 trainees were accepted for training in Tailoring and Garment Cutting (TGC), including 2 male trainees. All trainees have continued in the program and been registered for DIT exams.
• Training has followed the syllabus, and trainees’ skills have progressed. They are now able to make a pair of shorts, a shirt, and a skirt.
• Trainees will be well prepared to face the DIT exams forthcoming in late November or early December 2017.

RMF-JICA Collaboration

When the program hosted a high-level delegation from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) during the second quarter of 2017, JICA Senior Vice President Hiroshi Kato promised to renew JICA’s support of RMF’s Panyadoli Vocational Training Institute (PVTI). Accordingly, during the third quarter, JICA provided the following support for the training:

• Uniforms for the trainees and additional training materials
• Funding for the salary of one vocational program coordinator
• Office supplies and equipment, including stationery, a laptop, and printer cartridges
  The support from JICA enabled RMF to increase our last intake of 2017 from 75 trainees to 102 trainees.

Kiryandongo Sports Development Program

Implementation

Eight teams have been successfully recruited in the community, and we are currently using four fields located in different areas of Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement: two fields in Ranch 1 and two fields in Ranch 37. There are two male teams and two female teams in each ranch. In consideration of our female players, their training is conducted in fields near their homes for easy access and additional safety. The trainings have been successful, and the coaches are doing an excellent job with the players.

Accomplishments during the reporting period

• The teams have been provided with training equipment, including balls, cones, beeps, uniforms, and cleats, among others. This has led to easy identification during training and competitions. It has also attracted more participants to the program and created more confidence in the existing players.
• 10 players, including both boys and girls, have been offered scholarships by Alliance Integrated Secondary School for their secondary education, while 1 student is on scholarship at Kigumba Intensive Secondary School. In this way, the program is providing an opportunity for talent exhibition.
• The players have had 4 successes in competitions, both inside and outside Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement. Playing and winning games with other teams is very motivational for the participants.
• The team also managed to represent the whole of Kiryandongo in the Maendeleo Football Tournament. The under-17 boys took second place and were the only team that reached the finals from Kiryandongo District. The team received awards like balls and medals, which helped motivate the players.
• Conducting formative meetings with the coaches helped to plan monthly activities and set monthly targets for the program, hence creating unity, togetherness, and success.
• Training continues to progress according to the planned schedule.

Challenges

• Limited playing fields: The current playing fields cannot accommodate all of the players. More fields are needed, and we are certain that the OPM can allocate land for this use.
• Since most of the players are students, they report late to the field because they have to go home first to get some food. It would be better if we provided a meal during training. Additionally, some of the participants don’t have food at home since the food rations for refugees have been cut by 50%.