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SHARING KNOWLEDGE. BUILDING LIVES
www.ugandadev.org.uk
Charity No 1040271
LETTER FROM THE CHAIR OF TRUSTEES
LEARNING TO READ IN UGANDA
As many of you know, Mark Sheard stepped down as Chair of Trustees in June this year after 12 years.
We are grateful to Mark for the time that he gave to UDS over this period, and pleased to welcome
David White, who has taken over the role. David visited Uganda in September and saw the work of UDS
first hand. He writes….
Having been a UDS supporter for many years, and in my new
role as Chair of Trustees, I was very pleased to pay a first visit
to the UDS Uganda team, and particularly to see the work being
undertaken in and around Kamuli. My background of 25 years
in the not for profit sector, including several roles in development agencies, meant I approached my visit with an analytical
eye. I am pleased to report that much of what I saw was good
solid development work, giving a clear demonstration of the
difference being made to those with whom UDS are working. In
many situations, UDS initiatives are building on the enterprise
and drive of local people, to help them transform their circumstances .
We know that there are challenges ahead, but we are grateful to be able to focus on the many positive
things made possible by the generous and faithful commitment of UDS supporters. Thank you so very
much for your donations that make improvements to the lives and prospects of poor people in Uganda.
LEARNING TO READ IN UGANDA— Can you remember Janet and John books
from when you learned to read ? Well they are still the basic primers used for
learning to read in English in Uganda. Children are taught in English from P3
(around 7) in all subjects so being able to read is key. Some schools do not place
sufficient emphasis on learning to read. Consequently, children can fall behind in all
subjects and often leave school before taking their Primary Leaving Certificate at
eleven year of age.
UDS helps schools in Kamuli boost their reading capacity. More books means fewer
children sharing, and teachers receive additional training to encourage them to
place “reading” firmly in the timetable. Kamuli currently has the 3rd lowest literacy
rate amongst 11 year olds in Uganda and UDS is determined to change that.
This year we are focusing our appeal solely on the Literacy Project. The reading
books cost £2.50 each—so for £5 you could get 2 extra books into Ugandan classrooms. Donate now by text, online or by returning the donation form inside to
help children learn to read. If you are a keen reader and belong to a book club,
why not join our Read and Raise scheme. Get your book club to throw in loose
change to one of our collecting tins each time you meet. You’ve enjoyed reading a
book—give somebody else the opportunity of being able to read too, and give
them a skill that they will use throughout their life.
Uganda Development Services is a regulated member of the Fundraising Standards Board, committed to
best practice in fundraising. We promise to always be honest, open and accountable in our fundraising,
helping you to give with confidence. For more information visit www.givewithconfidence.org.uk.
Find out more about our work at www.ugandadev.org.uk
December 2014
STORIES FROM THE FIELD.
HEALTHY HOUSEHOLDS
NUTRITION
HYGIENE
GOOD NUTRITION This year we have continued to
emphasise food security and nutrition amongst our farming
groups. We encourage them to grow cash crops, but ensure
that it’s not at the detriment of their household’s health.
Training is given in growing a mixture of crops, and producing
a balanced diet for the family. Our farmers have also received
seeds for a new strain of sweet potato rich in Vitamin A which
is being developed by the National Crops Resources Research
Institute for Uganda. Toddlers lack vitamin A and it is hoped
that growing this crop will reduce malnutrition in this age
group. A number of the success stories from our farmers can
be found on our website.
GOOD HYGIENE Many of us take being able to buy a bar of
soap for granted, but that’s not the case for people in rural
Uganda. Over 60 people from Kitukiro and Nsomba attended
our soap making demonstration as part of our Community
WASH workshop where they also learnt about the importance
of good hygiene. This message has been received by all age
groups in the community. Talks were given at two schools in
Kitukiro, and sanitation clubs have been set up in the schools.
Our thanks go to Wilmslow Wells who funded the community
project along with the construction of 10 water tanks giving
people the opportunity of harvesting rain water.
In 2015 we are extending this project to include the provision
of Water Jars. These can hold around 500 litres of harvested
water, which can supply an average family for around twothree weeks —without a long walk to the borehole .
GOOD HEALTH An estimated 20,000 people died in Uganda
last year due to household air pollution. UDS are improving
the environment both in and out of the home with the
construction of smokeless ovens. Over 291 were built last year
reducing the exposure of children and adults to toxic fumes .
Despite being easy to build, it is taking a while for
communities to really take the idea on board. The stones of
the traditional fire are given to a wife on her marriage, and
there is often reluctance in changing the way of cooking. But
through radio programmes, and local publicity UDS
convincing the people in the Kamuli area that these stoves are
better for the health and safety of their families.
Donate to any of these projects online via our website.
ENVIRONMENT
AND FROM THE KAMULI CENTRE
COMPUTER TRAINING
E-LEARNING
COMPUTER TRAINING The demand for computer skills is
growing all over the world, and Uganda is no exception. We
train people of all ages, including deaf groups, who come to our
IT centre, in basic computer literacy and well known
programmes. We also provide the business community with an
Internet café, and train specific groups such as teachers and civil
servants. Looking ahead, we are visiting rural communities to
carry out an computer awareness assessment. This will ensure
we can meet future needs for the communities.
THE LIBRARY AND E-LEARNING— October and November
are busy times in our Library as students prepare for their National
Exams. The rest of the year, the UDS library is still popular for students to use either as simply a place where they can do their
homework by electric light, or to access research and text books.
The Cyber Science e-learning programme is helping students improve their science grades. Used by schools in groups and
students independently, science experiments can been demonstrated, something that isn’t possible in most schools due to the
lack of science facilities.
UGANDA NETWORKS This initiative, of which UDS is one of
the partner charities together with Uganda Church Association
Afrinspire, Bristol Diocese Uganda Link, Children of Uganda (UK),
Child of Hope, CMS, Christian Network Uganda, Teso
Development Trust, UCU-UK Partners, and Winchester Diocesan
World Mission Group, is taking shape with the website being
developed in early 2015. As a member you will be able to
•
Use a search facility to find organisations working in your area
•
Join a members-only discussion forum,
•
Search an opportunities section;
•
Access a resources area giving practical information
•
Keep informed through a news section
Uganda Networks is offering a year’s free membership to
organisations who sign up prior to the site going live. If you are
interested in joining please email office@ugandanetworks.org.
Volunteers are needed to help with construction and ongoing
maintenance of the site. If you have experience in the legal, social
media and research fields get in touch at the email above. The
positions can be carried out from home.
Donate to any of these projects online via our website.
LIBRARY
AND FINALLY
NIGHTRIDER & OTHER EVENTS
READ & RAISE
UFUND
VOLUNTEERS
NIGHTRIDER 2014 - Our team was smaller this year, but nonetheless our intrepid riders raised funds for UDS during their all night
bike ride around London. Would you like to join us for this or
another bike ride in 2015? It’s a great way to get fit and raise money
at the same time. See the events and challenges page of our
website—we can offer places on walks, runs and bike events .
FUNDRAISING CONCERTS We had two very different fundraising concerts this year. In May, the Lost Mojos played hits to a packed
pub in Twickenham raising just over £4,000 for our work.
A more sedate concert was held in St Peter’s Church, Sale arranged
by our Treasurer, John Nattrass. The Alteri Choir and St Peter’s
Academy gave a classical recital from well known composers.
EVERYDAY
FUNDRAISING — Fundraising
doesn’t just mean shaking a tin. Dave Hughes
went on the wagon for Stoptober and raised £135
for UDS—he just put what he would have spent on
a drink in the pot for UDS. These actions all make
a difference to our funds. Many can be done without even leaving
the house— just using your computer can help them. Visit the everyday fundraising page of our website for ideas or use our web shop
when you buy online. If you are feeling more energetic or have a
musical talent, why not take part in a challenge or concert for UDS.
Talk to us to find out how we can help you with arrangements.
READ & RAISE Thanks to all of you who are taking part in our book
club scheme. Each time your book club meets, just drop your loose
change into a collecting tin and send it through to us periodically.
You’ve just enjoyed reading a book so why not help a child gain the
skill that will last them all their life? UDS are determined to improve
the literacy rates in Kamuli (currently the three lowest in Uganda) and
with your help, by getting more books into schools and encouraging
the teachers to spend time reading with the children, we know we
will. Find out more about the Read and Raise scheme on our website.
CONTACT DETAILS
UK Development Office
Tel : 020 3286 3306
E: office@ugandadev.org.uk
Lido Centre, 63 Mattock Lane
Ealing, W13 9LA
UDS Ufund Office
Tel: 01594 560359
UFUND Don’t forget UDS helps lots of small organisations and E: ufund@ugandadev.org.uk
charities fulfil their projects by getting their funds to Uganda safely “Le Gaps”, Yorkley Road, Parkend
and securely. We can also help with transport in Uganda as well as Gloucestershire GL15 4HL
UDS Uganda Office
project management. Contact the Ufund office for more details.
Tel: 00 256 414 543752
VOLUNTEERS UDS values its volunteers and offers relevant training E: udsproj@ugandadev.org
for the roles. We currently have vacancies for social media, fundrais- P O Box 16423, Wandegeya
Kampala
ing and admin volunteers. Contact the Ealing office for more details.
Find out more about fundraising opportunities on our website