The Ntenjeru Women Empowerment Project, a three-year initiative by the Rotary Club of Kampala Maisha, was implemented in Ntenjeru Sub County, Mukono District, Uganda. The Project is funded by the Rotary Foundation with substantial support from 8 Rotary Clubs subscribing to the Frankfurt Plus alliance with the Rotary Club of Frankfurt Staedel as Lead International Partner. This project aims to foster sustainable development and empowerment among women while nurturing community growth.
Project Objectives:
The project focuses on the following key objectives:
• Establishing a foundation for long-term social and economic development through a village savings and loans scheme. Providing financial literacy and vocational skills training to enhance women's capabilities in utilizing credits effectively.
• Promoting basic education and literacy by establishing early learning resource centres and adult education groups.
• Transforming local schools into girl-friendly spaces by improving sanitary facilities.
• Environmental Conservation through tree planting
Beneficiaries and Achievements:
Over the past three years, approximately 400 women have benefitted from various interventions. This includes vocational skills training in trades like soap making, handicrafts, baking, and animal husbandry. Additionally, 2000 pupils across six schools gained access to Education Resource Centers and improved sanitary facilities.
School Development:
Six schools were transformed into conducive learning environments. This involved refurbishing classrooms into Early Learning Resource Centers (ELRCs) equipped with solar-powered lighting and educational materials. Furthermore, washrooms tailored for girls were constructed with menstrual hygiene facilities, aiming to promote a healthy environment for education.
Education Enhancement:
The project aimed to improve teaching standards by providing in-service training for teachers. Teachers were trained in library/information management and instructional methods, enhancing the overall educational experience.
Environment conservation:
Nearly 5000 tree seedlings have been distributed in 5 zones of project coverage through Rotary Community Corps. A variety of tree species intended to provide either fruit, shade or medicinal benefits were given out to each of the women groups in the project.
Collaborative Efforts:
The project's success is attributed to the concerted efforts of various stakeholders, including the Rotary Club of Frankfurt Stadel, the Rotaract Club of Kampala Maisha, Ntenjeru Rotary Community Corps, Mukono District Local Government, FINCA Bank, Uganda, and GOCCE DI VITA Agricultural College Mukono.
Roles of Key Partners:
Each partner had distinct roles; the Rotary Club of Kampala Maisha focused on community mobilization and project implementation, while the Rotary Club of Frankfurt Stadel mobilized resources and provided relevant expertise. Post-Project Sustainability: To ensure ongoing support, the project established collaborations with local stakeholders and institutional structures. Maintenance plans were set in motion through agreements with the Mukono District Local Government and contributions from parents.
Working through local institutional structures like the School Management Committees, Rotary Community Corps, and Sub County Local Authorities project assets and equipment will be secured and maintained during and after the project. The Micro Credit component of the project will generate revenue from interest on loans extended to women groups, a small portion of this revenue will be channelled to support the maintenance and security of WASH and Basic Education assets in the 6 target schools to supplement the modest.
The Ntenjeru Women's Empowerment Project stands as a testament to collaborative efforts, transforming lives, and ensuring sustained growth in Ntenjeru Sub County. Through education, vocational training, and community support, this initiative has laid a robust foundation for empowerment and sustainable development among women and the broader community