【Environmental Protection】Monitoring visit to Kibalinga Subcounty leadership, August 2022

 

<Progress of the monitoring visit>

a)     Visit Subcounty leadership and hear about trash project

b)     Visit trash collection points

c)     Visit LUNA FM radio station and make speech responsible for garbage management information dissemination

 

a)     Visit Subcounty leadership and hear about trash project

On the 30/07/2022 the GBN team arrived in Uganda and on the 31/07/2022 the team arrived in Mubende. While in Mubende, the team was involved in several monitoring visits including the visit to Kibalinga Sub-County leadership on the 03/08/2022 in order to assess the impact of the project activities.

At the sub-county hall, the team held a meeting with the sub county leadership which involved generating feed back from the leaders regarding the project and come up with a way forward on how the project activities shall be sustained.

In attendance were the different local council leaders including 11 male and 4 female. The SORAK staff included the Project Officer, Executive Director and the Projects Manager.

The following was the feedback from the members regarding the project.

All members appreciated the initiative because it had contributed towards the general cleanliness of the community hence environmental conservation.

They however had the following concerns and requests,

·       The leader in charge of defense requested for more trash cans in order to ensure that all points are covered for effective management of the garbage.

·       Members had never dreamt of such initiatives to happen in their community and credited the development partners for the support, however they requested for support towards youth livelihood projects for example poultry.

·       The chairperson for Persons with Disabilities noted that a total number of 320 persons with disabilities live within the community. He requested for support towards the provision of sewing of machines, wheel chairs and crutches in order for them to be able to sustain themselves.

·       A member mentioned that these is no public toilet around the market area, thus water flow is polluted with human excrement.

·       Members requested that support towards the boy child should also be given priority as a number of boys face a lot of challenges in the community and currently projects focusing on girls have increased.

·       A member of an environmental NPO mentioned that he would like to learn about environmental policies, projects, and garbage collecting/ sorting systems in a developed country like Japan because environmental issues are not actively addressed in Uganda.

 

Activity photographs

Recommendations towards project sustainability

·       There should be continuous awareness creation regarding proper garbage disposal especially when it comes to sorting the garbage.

·       Leaders were encouraged to be exemplary as they continue to create awareness regarding proper garbage disposal.

·       There should be by-laws bucked up with fines to the defaulters of proper garbage management.

·       Enforce the environmental act whereby every community member is supposed to get involved into activities directed towards ensuring community hygiene and failure to do so, the person is subjected to a fine.

·       The previous practice regarding garbage management will be emphasized whereby, community members are encouraged to contribute a small amount of money. For example, 500/= for the garbage containers to be emptied for garbage to be taken to the dumping sites.

 

b)    Visit trash collection points

After holding a meeting with sub-county leadership, the team had time to visit the different points where the garbage containers are stationed. This was to confirm if the containers had been stationed in the respective points. There after they had a movie interview regarding what they had found out during the monitoring exercise.

 

Findings

·         At each point, 2 trash containers are set up; one can is for plastics and another one for organic wastes. However, in all trash cans plastic wastes and organic wastes are mixed.

·         When we interviewed local venders who are selling food around the trash cans, they did not know that two trash cans are marked differently and they are for different types of trash.

·         We team encouraged members to creatively solve their challenges such as a lack of trash containers. For example, we suggested to use basket made of plants or wooden boxes as trash cans.

·         Even though the amount of trash has decreased, there are still a lot of trash was illegally dumped.

 

c)   Visit LUNA FM radio station and make speech responsible for garbage management information dissemination

The team visited Luna FM studios but did not have time to make a speech regarding garbage management.

 

Challenges

·       Too much expectations from the local leaders, we mitigated this by clearly explaining to them that GBN team purposely came to monitor the progress of the implemented projects.

 

Positive influence

·       The leaders were willing to share the impact of the project.

 

↓↓↓Click on the following link to view related reports

The List of Reports 

*This project is is supported by the fund form TAISEI CORPORATION

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【Educational Environment】GBN Uganda School Monitoring Visit (2022 July-Aug)

Uganda Monitoring Report 2022

School monitoring in Mubende, Wakiso and Butambala Districts

（July-August 2022）

 GBN team finally made it in monitoring our project site in Uganda in Aug 2022 for the first time after COVID-19 started. The project is '' Improving school's educational environment for adolescent girls by addressing menstrual hygiene challenges in Uganda" 

We verified and confirmed that all target schools have established washing & changing room for girls where they can change their pads, wash their school uniforms and their bodies. Although not all schools can set up a basin, soap, water, emergency disposal pads, or extra uniforms in the washing room, schools are making effort in offering a girl-friendly environment. 

There was a significant change observed in the community after conducting activities such as raising awareness in the community (the importance of the girl-child education, understanding and support regarding MHM), teacher trainings (MHM, sex education and gender awareness), and establishment of MHM clubs that also included engaging boys and men in all activities to have a better understanding of girl's MHM situations.

• In Mubende, two past (funded by Lush Japan) and six new project schools were visited on 01/08 and 02/08.
• In Wakiso, four project schools were visited on 05/08.
• In Butambala, ten project schools were visited on 08/08 to 09/08.

In Mubende, we were welcomed by enthusiastic children who had never physically seen foreigners with white/bright or Asian skin like us. Therefore, they had an opportunity to touch our skin, straight hair, and spend time with us and also be able to take photos together. 

We had meetings with members of MHM clubs including boys and girls when we visited our target schools. We then asked the same question to each club members. "Do you realize any changes before and after the project?"  and the answers we received were all positive like some of these below.

 "The regular cleaning of toilets and washrooms has improved the general hygiene"

"We can now talk about menstruation with less hesitation to teachers."

 Although the situation differed at each school, it was clear that the awareness rising that we conducted and promoted made an impact to the students.  

 

We visited 4 target schools in Wakiso district. We could not meet students at one of the schools since it was at the end of the term and students had already left for holidays but we managed to inquire from the teachers who were present at that time about the activity progress.

Schools in Butambala also had enthusiastic students who told us about the roles and the activities of the MHM club. 

This was on the way back to Kampala after the monitoring visit to schools in Butambala.

We had originally planned to visit 4 selected target schools in Butambala but we ended up visiting all the 10 target schools since the other unchosen schools also eventually sent us requests to visit them when they heard that the GBN team was in Uganda for monitoring.

Happy to mention that positive results have been archived in every school and we had various feedbacks from students such as, boys stopped teasing girls due to menstruation issues, both male and female teachers are more involved in the MHM issues as they recognized it to be part of the school roles, and that students can now easily talk/consult about menstruation issues more openly at home to their parents.

During this monitoring visit, we recognized the great teamwork and strong bond built between our local partners and their respective schools especially towards the Butambala team.

◆ Common positive impacts

• Girls’ absentees/ dropout rate reduced. Girls are comfortable to use a washroom/ changing room and do not miss school anymore.
• Girls have no fear attending school because boys know about MHM issue (menstruation is natural/ normal) and being supportive.
• Boys do not tease girls after the training. Boys help girls who have blood on skirt by calling senior female teacher/ covering with their sweater, bring the girl to the washroom etc.
• It was new approaches for the teachers to train both girls and boys together on MHM issues and they realized that it is effective. Inclusive approaches involving men and boys for MHM trainings are accepted by teachers/community members.
• Teachers became confident to talk about MHM issues to their students after the teacher’s training.
• Teachers shared MHM knowledge and training experiences after their participation with other teachers.
• Teachers understood that MHM issues need to be tackled both at home and schools.
• Conducting MHM training regularly on both club members and general students.
• Community awareness meeting was an eye-opening experience for community members/ PTAs.

◆ Common challenges

1. Water shortage especially during a dry season is a serious challenge.
2. Materials are not sufficient such as emergency disposable sanitary pads/ soap/ basin/ spare uniforms etc.
3. Some of washrooms are not covered by a roof/ the height of the walls is low.
4. Students are shy and do not talk much. Students afraid of teachers/ leaders/ parents. Building trust between teachers/ adults and students are important. Also, it is important to find teachers to whom students are able to talk friendly/openly. Creating an environment conducive to talking, e.g. small groups discussion is also important.

Please watch these video clips of our monitoring visits.

●Mubende District

●Wakiso District

●Butambala District

*This project is implemented under JICA's Kusanone Partnership Program.

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【Staff Report】Situation about corona in Uganda

Bike taxi driver wearing mask 

As the COVID-19 pandemic snowballs, the day-to-day reality has created a nightmarish situation in developed and developing economies. Although to date Uganda has got around 6,468 confirmed cases which also includes 2,731 recoveries with 63 deaths (as of Sep 22, 2020). The latest number is see this link 

https://www.health.go.ug/covid/?fbclid=IwAR0F4Mungnedub9g9kCGCnJsa6I-9ZMdWLiIIB9gDdv8zxYzEqqg8PlnNw4 

Which is not quite bad. The numbers of those acquiring the virus and associated death globally is alarming. The impact of the pandemic is already taking a toll on communities already vulnerable or marginalized – the poor, the rural, the illiterate, women and girls. 

Right now Uganda’s situation about corona could be of a high risk. Not because cases are so many compared to the other countries, but If you get sick in Uganda and need medical care, resources may be limited. A lockdown was imposed in Uganda by the end of March. The president extended its period for another 21 days on top of the 14 days. This lock down period continued from April 15 to May 5, 2020. Masks became mandatory in public in May while restrictions started to ease in July.

Town: empty in Kampala (capital city)

Town: Light traffic

Town: Very quiet

As a precautionary measure, on 18 March, the President banned all public gatherings, incoming and outgoing travel to specified highly affected counties and up-to-date, the airport hasn’t yet been reopened. But rumor has it, it’ll be soon reopening. Schools have been closed and now students are trying out to access their education via e-learning. A situation so tough for many Ugandans amidst the challenges in accessing the internet.

Up until May 5, 2020, most businesses had to remain closed. Food markets remained open, but many vendors were unable to return home and had to sleep in markets due to the suspension of public transport. A small number of businesses such as factories, garages, hardware shops, metalworks and restaurants for takeaway were allowed to reopen on May 5, while others such as hair salons and business arcades remained closed until July 27. But as per now they are all starting to open up slowly by slowly. 

Food distribution

Washing hands

People wearing masks 

Due to the high level of informality in Uganda's economy, it is not yet possible to assess the full magnitude of the economic impact of the lockdown, but the consequences for incomes and poverty are likely severe. Research results from July 2020 show that many informal entrepreneurs in Kampala (Capital city in Uganda) had no income at all during the lockdown, and hence had to dip into their own savings, rely on government food support, or ask for help from family or friends to survive.

Due to corona, a lot is really happening and nobody knows when this corona saga will be ending but every day that comes by. 

We just keep praying that everything gets better soon.

Sekitto Arafat

Executive Mobilizer

Sep 23, 2020

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☆The 4th anniversary of GBN’s foundation!☆

Hello, everyone!

I am glad to inform you that Global Bridge Network has reached its 4^th year.

Pls review the annual report → H31R1_Annual_Report_en.pdf



We have managed to successfully complete the third term of our two main projects, regarding international support in Uganda.

“Improvement of school environment to combat Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) “ “Improvementof Educational Environment for Girls”

"Environmental Protection through Expanding Lemon Grass Growing and Education in Uganda"　“EnvironmentalProtectionand Education”

Unfortunately, the environmental protection through lemon grass growing has come to an end this year.

However, as our final achievement, ‘the mosquito repellant jelly’ made from lemon grass essential oil which will be used as prevention from malaria, has been successfully initiated. This production has been greatly popular among local communities and our local partner SORAK will promote this business.

Promoting the product of  ‘the mosquito repellant jelly’

‘the mosquito repellant jelly’ made from leomon grass essential oil

Also, allow me to share the reports of Ms. Hadijah from SORAK, who participated in the 9-month training course (from March 2019) for rural leaders training program at the Asian Rural Institute (ARI) in Japan.

Hadijah's Training Reports at ARI, Japan

Well, let me share our current situation over COVID-19 pandemic. Right now, we are facing a halt within our activities



We had planned to initiate a social business of lemon grass essential oil in collaboration with a Japanese company, as well as expand our project of girls’ MHM project through our original product, sanitary pads called ‘Happy Pad’



In this case, we take this situation as an opportunity to consider what we can do and prepare for the next step.



However, we are going to start a small project to support kids’ education in the slum community using a self-fund. This project is meant to be as a trial starting with a small scale but we expecting to develop a bigger project in future depending on the needs.

We really hope everyone stays safe and happy in this trying period as we continue to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic. 



Thank you so much for your continuous love and support and looking forward to seeing you soon.



Global Bridge Network

Maiko Ohnishi

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GBN' director Maiko Ohnishi's field visiting in Uganda in 2019

Oct 28^th 2019

1．VISITING MENSTRUAL HYGIENE MANAGEMENT-LWAWUNA MUSLIM PRIMARY SCHOOL

Discussions with school teachers:

• Madam Biira, the deputy head teacher mentioned that Madam Judith who took in charge of Menstruation Hygiene Management (MHM) Club in school passed away, thus Mr. Wilson has been working with the menstrual hygiene management club. Then Madam Nalule Farida was newly elected and is in charge of MHM club currently.
• The girls’ changing rooms, which were built last year, are still in good condition
• The sawing machine donated by SORAK is still operating
  

Interviews to MHM Club students

Q: ‘What are the advantages of happy pads, reusable sanitary pads’?

• Happy pads keep proper sanitation
• Happy pads are cheap because you can wash and use them over and over
• Use of happy pads avoids bad smell

Q: What are challenges of producing reusable sanitary pads?

• The number of trainers are not enough
• Materials for making reusable sanitary pads are expensive
• If you use a same pad continuously for more than a year you might spoil your body
• The number of sewing machines is not enough to produce pads for many students (There is only one machine)
• Materials are not enough to produce many pads

Q: How can we overcome the challenges?

• Training many trainers.
• Limit the use of time of reusable sanitary pads
• Providing enough materials to make pads
• Adding sewing machines

Q: Other challenges about MHM club?

• Shortage of market for the pads because we haven’t made good pads like SORAK’s Happy pads, reusable sanitary pads
• The boys always laugh at fellow boys who are in the menstrual hygiene management clubs
• The pupils in the clubs always call upon other members to join the clubs and learn how to make reusable sanitary pad. However students, who are willing to learn, reduced due to limited trainers and machine to make the pads

Plan of this project

• Eddie a Peace Corp Volunteer said that she will be joining Lwawuna primary school and support sessions on menstrual hygiene
• SORAK’s director Mr. Kyeyune said he will send Ms. Babirye to come and train tailoring skills at Lwawuna as an additional skill.
• Mr. Kyeyune advised the school to get a link of getting materials in the making of reusable sanitary pads.
• Mr. Kyeyune also advised members of the MHM Club to make more pads and bring to SORAK office for over lock and buttoning.
• The deputy head teacher, Madam Biira said that in case of more opportunities, SORAK should incorporate more teachers into skilling.
• SORAK’s staff Shamim advised pupils to make pads in large numbers and the school administration innovate exhibitions and make more market for pads.
• Charles requested for continued support even after leaving the school after the primary leaving examinations.

2. Kasaana Women group  

Monitoring after the training on sanitary pad making 

～Issues discussed～

• The women after the training encouraged their children to make their own reusable sanitary pads.
• The women became to  talk about menstruation more freely  with their children after the training.
• The women meet every Sunday and learn how to make the reusable sanitary pads, but they make every time they meet though they don’t have materials for making pads.
• A teacher said though the materials for reusable sanitary pads are expensive.
• Member’s voices

-        The members said that the pads are very comfortable to use and you can rewash and use again.

-        Another member said she saves money because she can use them for long.

-        Another member said they make pads and sell them in villages though materials were done.

-        Another member said she took 13 pairs of pads and sells each at UGX 6000

-        Another member took 20 pads and sold in the community.

-        Another member said she wanted to get more pads and sell.

• One member asked where SORAK gets the materials to make reusable sanitary pads. Then, Ms. Maiko from GBN recommended that SORAK stock materials and sell to the women in the communities whenever they need them.
• SORAK’s director Mr. Kyeyune advised women to hygienically avoid old clothes to pad themselves.
• Maiko tasked all members after the meeting to be agents of happy pad reusable pads sale.
• One member of women also asked in case they don’t have capital as agents to get the happy pads reusable pads and director, Mr. Kyeyune, told them they can always get on credit and refund the money after selling the pads to communities.
• The member of women group also promised to sell the happy pad reusable sanitary pads as ’ a group’

• One member inquired if SORAK can make reusable pampers for the babies as well to avoid health effects associated with disposable pampers called ‘Happy Pampers’. Then, Maiko proposed that next year let her find women making and selling more Happy pad reusable sanitary pads.
• Area chairperson thanked the visitors for coming and bringing the project in Kasaana. He also said he found SORAK training the women on how to make reusable sanitary pads. He also encouraged women to take initiative and learn

 

A women group poformed their beautiful dance

Oct 29^th 2019

3.  Ntungamo Public Primary School Environmental Protection Club monitoring 

• The Head teacher Mr. Julius said they planted trees with the help of the environmental club and SORAK, Maiko and the other staff had a brief tour around the school to see the trees planted and the school garden.

• The headmaster of the school Ntungamo also said that the environmental protection club had a presentation and poem for the visitors and SORAK staff and Maiko introduced themselves in front of the entire school. Director SORAK gave a brief introduction of Global Bridge Network

• Primary two made a presentation on a poem about environmental protection.

• Primary six class also made a presentation and thanked SORAK for supporting girl child and boys to protect the environment.
  
• They also sang about working hard to make environment a better place for all of us to stay

• They also made a presentation about parents to support education of a voiceless girl child even the girls with different abilities.
• Maiko thanked pupils for protecting the environment and also encouraged other students to join the process of protecting the environment. 

• Voices of a club member,

            -        They also pick polythene bags from the compound

-        They also built sticks around the trees to avoid domestic animals from destroying them.

-        They need more trees 

-        They said that they meet every Friday and care for the trees.

-        They also said that they would like to make a party to celebrate the achievements

• Mr. Kyeyune also said in case of a party to celebrate, SORAK should be invited and also will celebrate, contribute something and provide music system. 

Questions from the club members

・ Is it possible to provide T-Shirts or uniforms for the environment protection club members?

・Is it possible to get rain boots to aid us in our activities?

Others that took place

・It is proposed that the club members and school to get some writings on how to protect the environment and requested them to be in local language.

・The Headmaster also requested for a fence to protect their trees and crops to be destroyed especially from the side of the road.

・Headmaster thanked the visitors for the support and requested in case of more opportunities to include this school.


Lastly

・The members to the club gave some cabbage to Ms. Maiko the visitor as a vote of thanks and appreciation

・Head master thanked Maiko for the support rendered to the school and wished her a safe journey.

Received cabbage which environment protecthion club's students grew♡ 

We will make our effort to provide better support based on findings by this visit.

Thank you!

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