On 2nd and 3rd of September 2024, a team from Plan International Denmark, represented by Solvej, visited several youth groups in Lira City as part of the SAIC project. This was a two-day visit organized by Plan International Uganda in partnership with GLOFORD Uganda, focusing on evaluating the progress and impact of the project on youth empowerment and community development.During the visit, Solvej and the team met with various youth groups, including Jupiter Youth Group, Moo Kwo Youth Group, Kwoo Loke Youth Group, Good Care, and One Love.
These groups have made significant achievements in business development, Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLA) savings, and improving security within their communities.The youth groups expressed their heartfelt gratitude to Plan International Denmark, Plan International Uganda, and GLOFORD Uganda for their ongoing support.Key areas identified during the visit included the need for these groups to develop comprehensive business plans to acquire missing items necessary for their growth.
Additionally, members were encouraged to start small individual businesses to qualify for booster grants, further fostering their entrepreneurial spirit. Guidance was also provided on creativity and innovation, which are crucial for their success as entrepreneurs.Specific groups were highlighted for their unique contributions
The Dream Achievers Youth Group, for instance, is making impressive progress in producing bricks and pavers from recycled plastic bottles, a project that not only supports environmental sustainability but also creates jobs for local youths. However, they were advised to broaden their production to reach a wider market. The City Pioneers Youth Group is another remarkable example, contributing to climate change mitigation by producing briquettes from sand, which helps reduce deforestation and the reliance on charcoal.
Think Rich, a group of urban refugees, has shown significant positive changes through the SAIC project, improving their social integration within the community. Due to their large numbers, they have been encouraged to form smaller groups within the host community to enhance socialization and establish small businesses for additional support.
The visit concluded with a strong sense of accomplishment and a clear path forward for the youth groups. The continued support from Plan International Denmark, Plan International Uganda, and GLOFORD Uganda remains critical in helping these groups achieve their goals and contribute to the development of their communities.
