ADRA opens up the eyes of the Karimojong people
Nov 28, 2019
The program is made possible with the funding from DANIDA through ADRA Denmark with the main focus on advocacy of many key social issues
Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA), is one of the long-term development partners that have stood with the Karimojong through thick and thin. Decades old in the sub-region, ADRA initially provided basic handouts like any aid organization operating there.
But with the pacification of the sub-region, ADRA is now implementing a self-reliant and sustainable program called Action for Social Change program (ASC) in the districts of northern Karamoja that include Abim, Kotido and Kaabong.
The program is made possible with the funding from DANIDA through ADRA Denmark with the main focus on advocacy of many key social issues that include education, health, land rights and other economic related rights. It's now nine years since this program started and the fruits are evident in all the three districts. By 2021, when the program closes, the region will be basking in glory for the many achievements they have attained.
According to George William Kiberu, the program manager of the program, they are using Community Based Organizations, Cultural Leaders' Associations, religious leaders and thirty primary school clubs to implement the activities.
"We are in partnership with two local NGOs in the region that include Karamoja Development Forum and Karamoja Integrated Development Program and not forgetting the local governments of those districts, Kiberu said.
The visit to these districts to assess the impact on the ground proved that the project has opened up the eyes of the Karimojong people. The work on the ground speaks volumes to visitors and to the community. The leaders are impressed with the work of ADRA due to the impact that has been created.
"If am asked to go and testify about this project to the President, I will tell him that this is the only real project which is in touch with the community," remarked the LC3 of Kacheri sub-county in Kotido district Jacob Akudo.
Open defecation was synonymous with Abim residents for years, however, when Canopwonya Development Association and elders Started campaigning against the practice, there is a great reduction, other trainings such as proposal development, resources mobilization, financial training and reporting and evidence based advocacy. The groups have changed the mindset of the group members.