PROJECT-SUPPORT UGANDA

Foundation Swiss Academy for Development, Biel, Switzerland

Country / Place

Uganda, Amolatar and Oyam Districts

Uganda is a landlocked country in East Africa. It borders South Sudan to the north, Kenya to the east, Tanzania to the south, Rwanda to the southwest and the Democratic Republic of Congo to the west. The borders with Kenya and Tanzania run partly through Lake Victoria and the equator runs through the south of the country. The capital and largest city of the country is Kampala.

General

The Foundation Swiss Academy for Development is a non-profit organisation founded in 1991, operating internationally and in Switzerland. It uses sport and play to promote the development of children and young people, and supports them in becoming active and committed members of their communities. With their projects, they contribute to the areas of: Health, Education, Employment, Integration, and Environment.

Beneficiaries

Uganda not only has one of the highest population growth rates in the world, but also faces low levels of education and high youth unemployment rates. The young generation lacks prospects for the future.  

The majority of Uganda's population is dependent on agriculture. However, climate change is causing more and more extreme weather phenomena affecting the livelihoods of local farmers and their families. The districts of Oyam and Amolatar, where the project is being implemented, are no exception. It is therefore important to support those who are most vulnerable in building resilience to adapt to climate change and in creating alternative employment opportunities.  

The project is implemented together with the partner organisation Action for Child Social and Economic Transformation. It aims to support the socio-economic development of young school dropouts by improving opportunities for sustainable (self-)employment. This contributes to reducing youth poverty.

Project-support

Project: Moving Youth

The project supports 2’000 disadvantaged young adults in acquiring technical competences and certifications in a specific profession or in agriculture, and equips them with the skills, abilities and networks needed to find decent employment or start their own business.

In addition to technical and vocational training, the young people take part in entrepreneurship training, which includes ecological skills. Agricultural training is also adapted so that environmentally friendly approaches are integrated. The training courses are harmonised to the local economic context and meet the needs and interests of the participants. As more local businesses and farms adopt environmentally friendly production methods, the project communities will benefit from access to more organic products and a cleaner living environment.  

The project uses the "training of trainers" method and applies the approach using sport and play for development. The project is complemented by music to raise awareness and involve the community.