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Background:
In Uganda the
main challenges to communities is poverty, which is increased
through man made disasters (urban violence, road accidents
etc), natural disasters (famine, floods, etc) and diseases
(HIV, malaria, etc). Vulnerability can be reduced if communities
work together to become resilient and have good leadership
to support disaster preparedness.
Over the past 12 years we have supported and Championed projects in Uganda. During this period one of the key partnerships has been with the Uganda Red Cross to work in developing community based initiatives to reduce vulnerability. There are so many unmet needs in Uganda and it is impossible to address all community challenges but making some difference is crucial to people’s lives and their future. In the past it has been important to work with communities to identify and support sustainable projects, which have had a direct and lasting impact.
In 2009 a pilot project was set up to support communities to take ownership and make a difference to their lives by reducing vulnerability. With an increase in road accidents, increased poverty and natural disasters, we felt it was more important than ever to train communities in first aid and humanitarianism (the value and desire to support others in times of crisis). We wanted to give people skills and knowledge, which would reduce accidents and enable them to help others if injured. The project created media attention, belief and desire by the community to take action for themselves and make a difference. Through the partnership we trained over 9500 young people and community members in basic first aid and road safety that will save so many lives now and in the future. The project used a 240km run to inspire and create the attention to allow us to deliver the first aid awareness training. The run changed community beliefs and people began to realise change is possible if they take a stand to support others and have greater belief.
Project:
The project will
run a number of activities that will focus on young people
gaining values and skills to support their communities.
With a lack of medical support, poverty and education
on road safety, it’s important to empower communities
with knowledge of first aid, the reduction of risk and
the values to help others. With the motivation of young
leaders we will engage them to run a programme of peer
education and awareness of first aid to their communities.
This will begin with a focussed fortnight of activities
supported by the awareness with a 400km run. The run will
provide attention to the local community but also provide
the opportunity for the young people to run fundraising
events to support their future sustainability in communities.
Outputs
- We will train 10,000 people in first aid education (including road safety).
- We will generate education through the media to over 1 million people.
Aims:
· To run a project with the Uganda Red Cross to increase community resilience through greater self-confidence and knowledge of basic first aid.
· To empower young people through training to take positive action in providing support and direction to communities. This will support a cultural change that will reduce vulnerability through a peer education approach.
· To provide young people with an opportunity and focus to engage communities in an educational risk reduction programme.
· Support young people to become leaders of their communities and demonstrate their value through positive actions (e.g. first aid and road safety education).
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