Wonekha hails AFPF's support towards rural development

Nov 23, 2016

The Foundation supports the Uganda Rural Development and Training and the African Rural University

Uganda's ambassador to the United States of America, Oliver Wonekha has praised a US non- governmental organisation, African Food and Peace Foundation (AFPF) for supporting rural development projects that target women empowerment.

Wonekha was speaking at AFPF's fundraising dinner in Cambridge, Massachusetts last week. The Foundation supports the Uganda Rural Development and Training (URDT) and African Rural University both found in Kagadi District. 

"The work you are doing in Uganda is transformative and your investment in women bears multiple dividends. It is very much appreciated," she said after the dinner. 

Wonekha said that women in Uganda are looking for opportunity, and noted that the two organisations that AFPF is supporting "are addressing gaps to enable a woman or girl child in Uganda to take advantage of these opportunities and be able to enjoy empowerment and what it brings out." 

Started in 1987, the Uganda Rural Development and Training Programme (URDT) is a not-for-profit organisation implementing an integrated human and rural development programme in Kibaale District. It emphasizes a holistic approach to development to cause systemic positive change. 

URDT believes that education, training, demonstration, consciousness raising and information sharing, are effective strategies for economic growth, social, cultural and political development. 

The African Rural University is a value-based all women university based in Kagadi that offers courses in rural development and enables students, staff and supporters to have a shared vision and purpose. 

Speaking at the dinner, the Executive Director of AFPF, Julia Pettengill welcomed Ambassador Wonekha's appreciation and said her organisation is committed to continue supporting the two intuitions. 

"We value the partnership and support we are receiving from the Government of Uganda and from our generous donors from the US. I had the great honour to meet with Prime Minister Dr. Rugunda in person in April.  

We believe that investing in rural transformation through supporting URDT and the African Rural University will make a contribution in empowering communities to take charge of their desired futures" Pettengill said.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});