Newsletter: 1st Edition, 2021 FAWE

FORUM FOR AFRICAN WOMEN EDUCATIONALISTS (FAWE) UGANDA CHAPTER “24 Years of Enhancing Girls’ and Women’s Education for Development” FAWE Uganda 1997 – 2021”

ABOUT US Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) Uganda Chapter is one of the 34 National Chapters of Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE), a pan African Non-governmental Organization (NGO) founded in 1992 by five women ministers of education to promote girls’ and women’s education in Africa. FAWE Uganda was established in 1997 with the goal of accelerating female participation in education and closing the gender gap within the education system at all levels in Uganda. FAWE Uganda works for the benefit of vulnerable wom- en and girls, boys, the disabled and other socially marginalized groups in communities.

OUR VISION A Uganda in which all girls and women effectively participate in sustainable development.

OUR MISSION To enhance gender equity, equality and inclusion in education by influencing policies, nurturing attitudes and practices, and implementing interventions that positively influence girls’ education. CORE VALUES • Respect • Professionalism • Accountability • Results Oriented • Continuous lifelong learning 60 GRADUATE WITH CERTIFICATES IN HIGHER EDUCATION – TRANSITION INTO FULL TIME DEGREE PROGRAMMES

One of the graduants awarded for excellent performance

On 27th March 2021, FAWE Uganda held a graduation ceremony for 60 scholars (26F, 34M) who completed the Higher Education Access Certificate (HEAC) Program at Busitema University in , Eastern Uganda.The ceremony was meant to appreciate and congratulate learners who successfully completed the one (1) year certificate study programme, and prepare them to transition into full time University degree courses.

It popularized the Higher Education Access Certificate Programme in Uganda through clarifying fears and expectations associated with it; with a major objective of increasing the number of students taking-up the course in the seven (7) Partner Universities of Busitema, Gulu, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Lira , Muni and Kabale .

After the accomplishment, all the 60 learners were successful enrolled and admitted for different science related degree courses at Busitema University and are sponsored by the mastercard foundation. The courses pursued include, Bachelor of Medicine & Surgery, Nursing, Agricultural Mechanization and Irrigation, Engineering, Ed- ucation in Sciences and Languages; and Water Resources Management, Animal Production and Management. Graduates, FAWE Uganda Staff and Guests posing for a group photo

Prior the graduation ceremony, a two day transition workshop was held and learners oriented on career selection and how to succeed in a professional work environment, understanding Institutional rules, regulations and reporting structures, life at university, mentorship and coordination at different campuses, discipline and building blocks of success. The objective was to enable scholars settle and concentrate on their studies in their next journey.

The event was graced by several dignitaries including officials from Busitema University – The Dean Facility of Science and Agriculture, Quality Assurance; Academic Registrars from Gulu and Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Media, FAWE Uganda staff, mentors - roles models, and learners.

Upon closure of the ceremony, a radio talk show was held at Rock Mambo FM in Tororo district to create awareness about the certificate programme. Three (3) gradaunts and Dean Faculty of Science and Education featured as Panelists on the talk show. Learners shared their testimonies, experiences about the programme, appreciated FAWE and mastercard foundation for enabling them realize their dreams.

The talk show reached over 3 million people in Eastern Uganda. The Higher Education Access Certificate (HEAC) Program is aimed at enabling students, who have not attained sufficient grades at Senior Six (6) to enroll for degree courses after successfully undertaking a one certificate programme. It serves as an alternative route to access University Education by A-level students who did not attain two principal passes as the current direct requirement for University admission. AWARD OF SCIENCE AND INNOVATION TEACHERS IN UGANDA

One of the Teachers receiving a Brand New Laptop

Mr. Arthur Makara, the Commissioner Science Innovation and Outreach, Ministry of Science and Technology expressed that, “As Government we Appreciate FAWE and Dubai Cares for implementing STEM interventions in Uganda. We supported this program right from inception because of the associated benefits and we call for its continuation to consolidate registered achievements.” He added that, “For girls to embrace sciences, we need to continue engaging parents, families and communities as they are the ones discouraging - end the stereotypes inhibiting girls from climbing electricity poles.

We lag behind as a country because we have not embraced sciences fully. It’s the reason we are importing every- thing today including simple things that can be made here. The Government of Uganda noticed this and it’s the reason we are mainstreaming Science education now including increasing better pay for teachers so that they are motivatedto teach.”

Mrs. Martha Muhwezi, CEO FAWE Africa noted that, “Many girls are discouraged from doing sciences because of the misconception that, they are difficult and meant for boys, which is wrong. Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) The teachers represented 80 schools (40 partner and Uganda Chapter recognized and awarded 40 Science, 40 twin) covering different regions and districts of Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Uganda; Y.Y Okot Memorial College in Kitgum, Moyo Teachers with brand new laptops and scholastic mate- S.S, Semuliki High School in Bundibugyo, Karugutu S.S rials to facilitate the teaching and learning process in in Ntoroko, Kyebambe Girls School, Kangole S.S, Mo- partner schools. roto high school, Katakwi high school, Mt of Olives College Kakiri, Mityana Secondary School, Kitante Hill The awards aimed at appreciating teachers for their School, Wanyange Girls’ and Iganga Girls’ Secondary outstanding performance and contribution to the School. body of science knowledge; inspiring and motivating other teachers to contribute towards developing and The award ceremony was officiated by Dr. Betty -Nan promoting science education in schools, and creating yonga, Associate Professor of Bio-Mathematics at school role models that interest girls to do STEM sub- Makerere University and Chairperson of both Uganda jects and later take-up science careers. Women Mathematicians, and Eastern Africa Network of Women in Basic Science who, “Thanked FAWE and In addition, to providing a platform for science teach- Dubai Cares for the initiative. Appreciated the teachers ers to share experiences, interact and learn from each for giving it their best – teaching young people, ensur- other. It’s been proven that each one of us, if given the ing they learn and impact society.” opportunity and support can do sciences. For Instance, FAWE came in, motivated girls and supported schools She further, “Called upon teachers to continue im- simplify the teaching of STEM subjects. The results now plementing what they have learnt from the project demonstrate that girls can too do sciences, following especially practical teaching approaches of group the increase in the number of girls doing sciences and discussions and presentations, debates, experiential improved performance registered.” learning, close interaction, research and reward sys- tems. Government needs to pick learning’s from this To sustain the achievements realized, she called upon intervention and scale-up across the Country.” Government to increase funding and investment to- wards science education across all schools as science One of the Teachers, Mrs. Judith Akumu, of Kitante and innovation greatly contribute towards Secondary School appreciated FAWE Uganda for part- development of the country. For example, shortage of nering with the school to implement the intervention. science teachers and lack of laboratory equipment and She indicated that, “Before the STEM project, during text books in schools needs to be urgently addressed. science practical’s, boys used to mainly engage in prac- tical work while girls took notes, which practice, has Ms. Susan Opok Tumusiime, Executive Director, FAWE changed over time. Uganda said that, “We have awarded 40 science teach- ers, to appreciate their effort and sacrifice in teaching As a result of the intervention, girls no longer fear to and guiding students realize their dreams through sim- do practical work as their confidence has been built, plifying the teaching of science subjects and adaption attitudes changed and they now believe in themselves of practical approaches. Resulting into improved per- and competing/beating boys in performance. They formance and increase in number of girls offering sci- have become creative and had opportunity to develop ence subjects. innovations addressing community needs from the dif- ferent science concepts learnt in class. This occasion has showcased to other teachers that whatever situation or circumstances surrounding The innovations developed have been presented in them, they can still contribute towards making Uganda different forums including national and international a better place especially by nurturing young scientists science competitions hence exposing girls at higher fo- and innovators who are the future of this great nation.” rums.” Teachers receiving Scholastic Materials

The awards followed a three (3) year project on Pro- and lesson attendance in science subjects and in- moting Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathe- creased access to teaching and learning materials by matics amongst girls in Ugandan Schools, implement- both teachers and learners as a result of scholastic ma- ed by FAWE Africa through FAWE Uganda with funding terials - text books, lab equipped and laptops procured from Dubai Cares. for partner institutions.

As a result, the intervention registered a number of Progressively learners developed a number of innova- achievements including; Increased school enrolment tions addressing community problems including; office in STEM partner schools (Biiso War Memorial Second- communicating devices for people living with disabil- ary school in Masindi dristrict from; 450 in 2017 to 734 ity, locally made blender machines, Wheel Propelled in 2019 learners), only school in the district offering Sprayers, Hydraulic Excavators, hand washing Soap sciences at A ‘level; effective 2020. Water Tank System, locally made cloth washing ma- chines, and re-usable sanitary pads. Ikoba Girls committed to start offering sciences at A ‘level, improved performance and uptake of girls pur- The event was attended by various dignitaries - Edu- suing science careers – 35 girls enrolled for nursing at cation Civil Society Organizations, School Administra- Sebei College Tegere – one qualified for medicine on tors, Teachers, officials from Ministry of Education and Government Scholarship, Biiso War Memorial, Duha- Sports; and Science and Technology. ga S.S, Kangole Girls and Morulem, increased ability of learners to question science concepts & seek deeper understanding. compelling both teachers and learners to research more, increased motivation among learn- ers - especially girls to do practical’s, improved disci- pline SKILLFUL PARENTING CERTIFICATION TRAINING FOR DISTRICT AND COMMUNITY FACILITATORS IN THE RWENZORI SUB REGION

Stakeholders attending the Training on skillful parenting A memorandum of understanding, outlining the roles FAWE Uganda in partnership with Investing in Chil- and responsibilities, and expectations of both parties dren and their Societies (ICS - SP) in Kenya conducted was signed. ICS-SP committed to building the capacity of a Skilful Parenting Training for district and community FAWE Uganda to become a certified and licensed user/ stakeholders in the three districts of Ntoroko, Kasese implementer of the model in Uganda. and Bundibugyo. The Skilful Parenting Modelis an evi- dence based intervention that was evaluated through The partnership commenced with a contextualization Random Control Trial in 2014 – 2016; as qualitative workshop, conducted online from 26th -28th October, results indicated that both parenting and agribusiness 2020. Parties agreed on the basic starting training pack- programmes were culturally accepted and had a posi- age including; 5 Core Skilful Parenting modules (family tive impact on enrolled beneficiaries. relationships, roles and responsibilities of a skilful par- ent, mental health self-esteem and self-care, values, It was approved from implementation and evaluation discipline and communication); and 2 modules on child that the Skilful Parenting Model registered a number protection (understanding child abuse and neglect; and of benefits including; improved parent-child interac- preventing and responding to the same.) As a result, tion, improvements in the behaviour of children,- re a team of 18 (13M, 5F) stakeholders including district duced parent-child conflict, reduced use of corporal officials from Rwenzori sub region and FAWE Uganda punishment, increased recognition by parents on the staff were trained on Skilful Parenting in the month of importance of allowing children to play and relax, and November 2020. This was followed by the certification increased awareness by parents on their roles and re- workshop held in February 2021. sponsibilities in child upbringing. Due to the tested and proven benefits of the model, Fo- To graduate as fully certified facilitators of Skilful- Par rum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) Ugan- enting; trainees are taken through a rigorous evaluation da Chapter developed interest to adopt the model and process after the training to ascertain their ability to ap- integrate it into the child protection programme. ply the skills acquired. Certification process is conduct- As a result, FAWE Uganda partnered with ICS-SP to ed within a period of 4 days. contextualize and scale-up the model (Skilful Parent- ing) in Uganda. It involves post- test assessment (written interview), practical sessions, feedback from fellow participants and trainers and one on one interview session with the master trainers. This avails opportunity to trainers to assess trainees based on their facilitation skills, personal attitude and mastery of content and, certify them basing on their strengths.d within a period of 4 days.

Stakeholders showcasing their certificates at the end of the Training BUILDING CAPACITY OF STAFF ON COMMUNITY BASED PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT AND MENTAL HEALTH IN EMERGENCIES

Staff attending the Training The global outbreak of the COVID-19 Pandemic forced Governments across the world including Uganda to pass drastic measures to contain its spread. Uganda announced a nationwide lockdown, shut down education insti- tutions and instituted curfew. This caused untold suffering to multitudes of women and girls; as their education was disrupted, with many facing risk of never stepping in the class room again as a result of increased sexual violence cases including; teenage pregnancy, forced marriages, defilement and gender based violence.

Restrictions caused great disruption to the lives of young people; as social engagements and interactions with peers were all affected. Young people especially girls were at risk of sexual and domestic abuse from their guard- ians, parents and partners as they were locked-up in one place for long. The abuse is attributed to increased alcoholism, drug and substance abuse, and mental health challenges occasioned by the lockdown, the pandemic and associated problems like chronic lack of basic needs like food, wide spread poverty and limited access to SRHRs information and services.

According to the Uganda Police Force, over 21,000 cases of violence against children were reported within a peri- od of 4 month starting March 2020; 10,280 cases GBV and 6818 defilement. The National Survey on the Situation and Impact of COVID-19 on School Going Girls & Young Women in Uganda, by FAWE Uganda and partners (2020) revealed a 366.5% increase in teenage pregnancies among 10 -14 year olds in Uganda between March –Septem- ber 2020. The girls/females were mainly abused by friends (37.8%), romantic partners (29.7%), strangers (8.1%); parents, relatives, neighbors (5.4%) and religious leaders (5.4%) in last lock down; implying that girls’ experienc- es of sexual exploitation are diverse and come from all kinds of individuals – making them more vulnerable to abuse than boys. The harrowing statistics highlight a bleak future and call for urgent need for SRHR services and information; sexuality education, provision of youth friendly services in health facilities and progressive health policies.

The pandemic generally affected the social, economic and psychosocial wellbeing of the public and communities. Many community members lost daily livelihood activities and jobs - this coupled with increased costs of living -af fected wellbeing of families leading to increased fear and anxiety among the general populace. In order to effec- tively address and respond to the challenges facing communities, FAWE Uganda with support from Wellsprings trained and built resilience of staff on psychosocial support and mental health amidst the pandemic.

Staff posing for a group photo at the closure of the Training The four (4) day training aimed at building the capacity of staff on Psychosocial Support and mental health - explaining psychosocial concepts including, wellbeing; exposure to practical skills and provision of psychoso- cial support services to vulnerable communities, identification of psychosocial problems, and community based psychosocial support systems/structures and respond appropriately, recognition of own signs and symptoms of stress and ably take deliberate action to address them while using positive coping strategies; develop plans to mainstream psychosocial support activities into programs and demonstrate application of psychosocial support helping skills, in addition to preventing and responding to all forms of violence against children.

Staff were equipped with skills in mainstreaming psychosocial interventions in emergency settings, knowledge in psychosocial support to achieve personal wellbeing and that of communities to cope during challenging situ- ations; building resilience and surviving the grievous effects of the pandemic on already vulnerable households, children, girls and women. The training was conducted in a participatory and practical way including; brain- storming to gage participant’s knowledge levels and understanding on certain concepts and ideas, case studie- sexploring issues, group discussions, experience sharing for reflection and relating to real life experiences, and evaluation of skills learnt.

The event that took place from 22nd - 26th March, 2021 was attended by 29 (14F, 15M) FAWE Uganda staff and Volunteers. It was facilitated by a team of consultants from TPO Uganda. A number of topics were covered including; understanding COVID-19 and its impact on vulnerable communities, ability to provide Psychological First Aid (PFA) - Coping and Resilience, Case Management and Referral Pathways and Stress Management for Caregivers.

COMMEMORATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

Child rights club members of Aywee P/S, in Palabek Refugee Settlement, presenting welcome song and poem during Women’s Day Celebrations On 8th March, 2021 Uganda joined the rest of the action to policy makers to accelerate progress towards world to celebrate the International Women’s Day realizing gender equality and women’s empowerment (IWD). On this day, all state and non-state actors take at all levels. The talk show was attended by key stake- stock of the milestones realised in promoting Gender holders including; Kitigum District Community Devel- Equity andEmpowerment of Women under Sustainable opment Officer, Lamwo District Gender/Probation and Development Goal five (5), and lay strategies for future Social Welfare Officer, the Community Services Officer actions. The global theme for the day was, “Women in in the office of the Prime Minister, Female Workers Leadership: Achieving an Equal Future in a COVID-19 Councilor and FAWE Uganda Representative World.” The theme celebrates the efforts of women in A number of issues were raised including challenges shaping a more equal future and recovery from the faced by women and how they can be addressed, the COVID-19 pandemic. overall contribution of women towards the develop- ment of their families and country, and how we can The national theme was “Building on Women’s Strength build on their strengths to recover from the impact of for a Better Future in a COVID-19 World.”Consequent- the pandemic. Challenges associated with unpaid care ly, Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) and domestic work among women and how they can Uganda Chapter under the Resilient Learners, Teach- be addressed; safety of women in the frontline services ers and Education Systems in South Sudan and Uganda like healthcare, care giving and their role in fighting project in partnership with Palabek refugee settlement, COVID-19 in the informal settings; escalating cases of Lamwo district, Office of the Prime Minister and other sexual and gender-based violence including high cases Civil Society Organizations organized a joint Women’s of teenage pregnancy, child marriage, defilement and Day celebration. rape during the lockdown; A number of activities were conducted to celebrate the day including; holding Radio talk shows and engage- increasedpoverty among women, girls; loss of jobs and ment with the Child Safety Clubs to create awareness economic activities among women; limited access to against issues of violence against children – factors fu- health and sexual reproductive health and rights ser- elling, challenges, dangers and what needs to be done vices, closure of learning institutions and how -to en to end the vice. The Child Safety Club members cele- sure children return to school upon reopening.Efforts brated their activities at Aywee Primary School, Lam- to promote online learning and teaching by the Minis- wo district. The day was marked by speeches, educa- try of Education and Sports, how it has benefited learn- tive songs, dances and presentation of poems creating ers and how to address challenges faced by thosein awareness against issues of violence against children. areas with limited access to internet, mass media and The activities aimed at highlighting the role and contri- power – electricity especially the poorest and most vul- bution of women in their effort to manage and recover nerable populations left out. from adverse effects of the pandemic and, a call to

Left to right: Ms. Gloria Auma, FAWE Uganda Rep, Hon. Atii Florence, Female Workers Councilor, Lamwo District Council. Ms Atim Sharom, Community Services Officer at OPM and Mr. Ocana Geoffrey, Gender/ District Probation and Social Welfare Officer Lamwo, at the radio Talk show at Tembo FM. They further fronted mechanisms that can be used by the Government of Uganda to respond and address chal- lenges inflicted by the pandemic on Women and Girls. Called for increased access to Government financial pro- grammes like Operation Wealth Creation (OWC), EMYOOGA, the Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Programme (UWEP) and the Promotion of Savings and Credit Cooperatives (SACCOS) to help them recover and improve their economic wellbeing. In addition, to increasing access to Sexual Reproductive Health maternal and child health services for women and girls, continued access to education opportunities during and post COVID-19, improving delivery and access to learning programmes on radio, home self-learning packages, TV and digital Education Technology solutions and engagement of enforcement agencies - the Child and Family Protection Unit of police and local council structures to manage and report all forms of violence, disseminate and implement revised- Guidelines for the Prevention and Management of Teenage Pregnancy in School Settings in Uganda as well as fast track implementation of the sexuality education for young people in and out of school.

In refugee settlements, women were encouraged to contest and take-up leadership positions especially during Refugee Welfare Council Elections, more skilling projects be established for women – have them supported with quick loans and grants, generate evidence on issues affecting women and have them addressed, strengthen -re ferral pathways to report cases of abuse, continuouslysensitize girls and communities on issues of sexual violence during the lock down, and boys and men supported to understand and respect rights of females

At both engagements, FAWE Uganda was commended for supporting and promoting girl child education and gender equality. The community event was officiated by Hon. Doreen Lakomekech, the Lamwo district Woman Member of Parliament as chief guest and attended by refugee women leaders, sub county leadership, repre- sentatives from the Office of the Prime Minister, UNHCR and other Civil Society Organizations that briefed the audience about their interventions. FAWE UGANDA: EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES TO END ALL FORMS OF VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

LC5 Chairperson, and FAWE Uganda ED (In T-Shirt), handing over scholarstic materials to children displaced by floods during the pandemic. The lockdown due to the pandemic greatly sparked big family misunderstandings resulting into a high number of gender based violence cases. The Human Right Focus Uganda (HURIFO) revealed that, “4,062 cases of teenage pregnancy were reported in Acholi sub region alone and 6000 in .” Daily Monitor article published in July 2020, indicated “2,372 girls were impregnated in Kitgum, Ngora, Kyegegwa, Kasese and Lyantonde dis- tricts, and over 128 school girls married off,” affecting future prospect to continue with education and live a better life. In an effort to address the above, FAWE Uganda undertook numerous interve- tions namely:

Community Sensitization to End Negative Social and Cultural Gender Norms fuelling all forms of Violence against Women and Girls. Community awareness drives, child protection committee engagements, radio talk shows and spot message were used to sensitize communities against; teenage pregnancy, child marriage and gender based violence issues, and response mechanisms. Duty bearers were called upon to promote and protect rights and welfare of girls. Messages on COVID-19 prevention and management were disseminated. 27 radio and 2 TV talk shows held, and spot messages aired. Over 10 million people reached.

Mrs. Susan Opok Tumusiime, FAWE Uganda ED (center) & Mrs. Nanyanzi Rosette, Technical Advisor – Gender Unit at Ministry of Education & Sports participating in the awareness Television Vision talk show. Increasing Access to Justice and Prosecution of Violence against Children Cases. According to the Violence against Children Project Progress Report 2020; 1,206 cases were reported and emergency funds provided to follow-up and track 110 (99F, 11M) cases; 77 defilement, assaultand attempted murder. As a result, 31 cases were success- ful prosecuted in the courts of law. In the Acholi sub region –Northern Uganda, 29 cases (6 sexual abuse, 5 teen- age pregnancies , 2 unsafe abortion and 16 child neglect) were reported in Lamwo district and referred to the Uganda Police Child and Family Protection Unit for follow-up.

Rallying District Authorities to Allocate Funds to End all Forms of Violence against ChildrenDistrict advocacy engagements; Symposium and Regional Girls Summits were held in the Rwenzori. Resolutions were made for increased budget allocation to end VAC and support child survivors’ access justice. allocat- ed UGX. 2,000,000, Buganikere T/C UGX.3,170,000; Rwebisengo S/C UGX 700,000 and Bweramule in Ntoroko UGX.100,000; and Karambi S/C in Kasese UGX. 200,000. Passing of Policy guidelines on Re-entry of Child Mother’s to School and the Senior Women & Men Teachers. FAWE Uganda worked with the Ministry of Education and Sports to develop and pass National Guidelines on Prevention & Management of Teenage Pregnancy and re-entry of child mothers in school; and Guidelines for Senior Women & Men Teachers. The Guidelines are meant to improve the teaching and learning environment; and facilitate child mother’s to return to school.

FAWE Uganda Board Chairperson & Staff, Members of Parliament, Representatives from Ministry of Education and Sports and Uganda Women Parliamentary Association at Validation of Guidelines on Re-entry of Child Mothers Passing of Ordinances on Ending Child Marriage and Provision of Meals to School going Children. FAWE Uganda worked with partner districts including; Bundibugyo to develop and pass the ordinances. Ntoroko district com- mitted to enacting the same in addition to fast tracking process of establishing a Grade 1 Magistrate Court. Part- ner Schools were also supported pass Guidelines on Corporal Punishment.

Adoption of the Gender Responsive Pedagogy (GRP) Practices by Partner Organizations and Institutions of Learn- ing. 20 Consortium partners in Uganda and South Sudan underwent refresher training on GRP. 29 lecturers from universities; 26 representatives from Amelo Technical Institute and 2 officials from Ministry of Education and Sports; were equipped with skills and knowledge on GRP teaching and learning methods.

Capacity Building for Patrons, Matrons, Senior Women and Senior Men Teachers in Lamwo district on Adolescent Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (ASRHR). 141 religious and traditional cultural leaders from Rwenzori; and Refugee Welfare Council (RWC) members in Lamwo district in Northern Uganda, were trained on child pro- tection, parenting and positive norms that enhance child protection. This was informed by the increasing cases of violence against children in both regions.

Improving Livelihoods of Young People. 19 (11F, 8M) students under the Higher Education Access Program were supported engage in income generating activities during lock down. They engaged in various enterprises includ- ing; vegetable farming, Liquid soap making and Saloon enterprises. Right: Mercy making her pancakes for sale. Left: Tikolu displaying some of the clothes she makes and sells

772 learners were mentored, and received psychosocial Support. 62 Community Resource Persons (CRPs) in Rwenzori and 40 mentors were trained on psychosocial support. 400 host community and refugee vulnerable adolescent girls and young women were enrolled for vocational education and 1500 Learners in Palabek Refu- gee Settlement were supported with Learning Materials during the pandemic. Stakeholders were equiped with psychosocial support skills for them to transfer knowledge, counsel, comfort and guide learners during these challenging times.

Re-settlement of 28 Vulnerable Children affected by the double tragedy of floods and COVID 19 back to school and registered for Primary Leaving Examinations in Ntoroko district. They were given beddings, scholastic mate- rials and food items; and solar equipment to host school.

Students Giving Back to Communities. FAWE Uganda beneficiaries formed part of the COVID-19 task force com- mittees in their home districts. They created awareness on prevention, spread and management of Covid-19. Donated face masks, volunteered in hospitals, taught to support children in candidate classes and planted trees.

In conclusion, we call upon the Government of Uganda, district local Government authorities and Civil Society Organizations to intensify campaigns against Gender Based Violence, pass punitive measures against offenders and bring perpetrators to book; support most vulnerable households - women and girls with start-up capital to resuscitate their small businesses, provide psychosocial support to victims of GBV, address cultural norms hin- dering women’s participation in decision making processes and ensuring that women and girls have easy access to sexual and reproductive health information and care services. FORUM FOR AFRICAN WOMEN EDUCATIONALISTS (FAWE) UGANDA CHAPTER FAWE UGANDA HEAD OFFICE Plot 328 Bukoto Magulu Close, off Kisaasi Road +256 772 487299 / 0392 894901 [email protected] www.faweuganda.org

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