With support from FOSCOD and Busoga Trust, the project empowered the community to take control of their reproductive health. The project increased knowledge of menstrual health, reduced stigma, and provided women with the skills to make their own reusable pads.

The community plans to sustain the project by continuing to meet and invest in pad-making materials. Future efforts could focus on family planning, including demonstrations on contraception and condom use. Investing in a sewing machine would further enhance the project’s impact.

This project has made a positive contribution to the community’s well-being and empowerment.

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The research, supported by FOSCOD, aimed to improve the EMTCT program by gathering direct feedback from participating mothers. Findings revealed challenges such as lack of transportation, competing priorities, and stigma.

Through FOSCOD’s guidance, the research generated valuable insights that St. Francis and community stakeholders used to strengthen the EMTCT program. Recommendations included improving appointment reminders, providing income-generating activities, conducting refresher training for midwives, and promoting the work of village health teams (VHTs).

By addressing these challenges, the health and well-being of mothers and children in the community has been improved. The project has helped to ensure that more women have access to EMTCT services and can effectively prevent HIV transmission to their children.

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We conducted community dialogues on water sanitation, hygiene, and COVID-19 prevention. We also provided training on liquid soap making using readily available materials.

With FOSCOD’s support, the community was empowered to take control of their health and well-being. The Jajas (grandmothers) not only learned about COVID-19 prevention and sanitation but also gained the skills to produce their own soap, which they could use or sell for income.

The project has had a lasting impact, as the Jajas continue to make soap and share their knowledge with others. They may even expand their product offerings and consider scaling up their production in the future.

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The project focused on training students in the four dimensions of food security: availability, access, utilization, and stability. It also covered the three dimensions of food insecurity: hunger, malnutrition, and poverty.

Through practical training in farming practices, gardening, nutritional practices, and food harvesting, the students were empowered to take action. A cooking demonstration emphasized food storage to prevent waste.

The project made a lasting impact on the community. The students were equipped with the knowledge and skills to promote food security and improve nutrition.

To sustain the project, two beneficiary students, Mary and Florence, formed a nutrition club to continue to educate their peers about food security, nutrition, and sustainable farming practices.

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During the community needs assessment, we discovered that lack of prenatal and postnatal care for both mothers and infants was lacking – especially due to a lack of food and nutrition information, which represents a crucial challenge to ensuring a safe and healthy childbearing process for all.

In order to address this challenge, we and the team from Sustain ME organization founded a project centered on: hosting trainings for mothers in Namaziba (on basic nutrition and care for prenatal and postnatal phases as well as for infants); creating a paper information handout bank for mothers (on nutrition and birth control methods), and finally; creating a sustainable community garden which grew into a fountain of healthy eating practices and education for both the mothers and infants. The project contributed to sustainable development by gathering traditional and local knowledge to be included within all of the different project areas, involving and building upon existing practices, norms, and innovations.

The mothers were taught different methods of backyard gardening which they could adapt to fit their own needs. They were also taught basic business skills to support them in marketing and selling any surplus food from their harvest. Community members will be able to use the community garden as a long-term source of food, resources, income, and inspiration.

The post Reduction of maternal and infant mortality through improvement on nutrition for the poor women in Namaziba Community appeared first on FOSCOD.

The contaminated water posed significant health risks, leading to a surge in waterborne diseases like typhoid, malaria, and diarrhea. Additionally, the long distances residents had to travel to fetch water often resulting in school absenteeism and other social issues.

To address these challenges, FOSCOD, along with our interns and KORD, implemented a project focused on:

• Rehabilitating the water spring: Cleaning and protecting the water source to ensure safe drinking water.
• Establishing a water user committee: Ensuring the water’s sustainability and empowering the community to manage and maintain the water source.
• Promoting hygiene practices: through educational initiatives, including the installation of tippy tap handwashing stations to promote better handwashing practices.

By successfully implementing these initiatives, the rehabilitation of the water spring not only provided immediate access to clean water but also fostered improved health and hygiene practices throughout the village. Clean water access has reduced waterborne diseases, increased school attendance, and empowered the community to take ownership of their water resources.

Through the collaborative efforts of FOSCOD, our interns, and KORD, this project stands as a testament to the power of community-driven solutions. By investing in local needs and empowering residents, we are not just addressing immediate health challenges but also paving the way for a healthier, more resilient community.

The post Rehabilitation of the open water spring project to provide clean and safe water in Buyala village appeared first on FOSCOD.

Working with Women and Development Foundation (WADF), the students launched a pilot project in Nakibbizi primary and Namwezi secondary schools. The goal was to promote menstrual health, form social clubs, and provide menstrual assistance to girls.

Community assessments were conducted as well as mobilizing support for constructing separate girls’ washrooms, and developing Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials on menstrual health, hygiene, peer mentoring, and reusable sanitary towel making.

Menstrual Health Peer Educator Clubs were established in both schools, training the members to educate their peers and community members.

Through FOSCOD’s guidance and the students’ dedication, the project made a significant impact on the community. It provided girls with access to menstrual hygiene resources, promoted positive attitudes towards menstruation, and empowered young women to become agents of change.

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In order to address this issue, FOSCOD had a Virtual Intern from Fort Lewis College, Raven, work with Kakira Out-growers Rural Development Fund (KORD) to implement a new water system in Lubani Village while applying his engineering skills.

The project involved improving an existing pond, establishing a water treatment method, and developing a hand wash station. Raven collaborated with the community to assess their needs and design a sustainable solution.

A water system was successfully implemented, providing the community with a protected, clean water source. A water user committee was formed to ensure community ownership and management.

The project has improved public health by reducing waterborne illnesses and promoting hygiene. By addressing the water crisis, FOSCOD and Raven have made a significant difference in the lives of the Lubani community.

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In collaboration with St. Francis and the community, an urban horticulture project was implemented, training 20 women on vegetable gardening techniques, including nursery bed planting, sack mound gardening, and kitchen gardening.

Through FOSCOD’s support, our interns equipped the women with knowledge on nutrition, food security, and basic marketing skills. The women established home gardens and learned to prepare nutritious meals for their families. They also gained the ability to sell surplus produce for income. The project empowered these women to improve their food security and overall well-being, demonstrating the positive impact of FOSCOD’s programs

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Through community assessments, a critical need for clean water and improved sanitation was identified to reduce waterborne diseases.

With FOSCOD’s guidance, and collaboration with the community, a new water spring was constructed. The community mobilized resources, and our intern facilitated a one-day awareness campaign on hygiene and sanitation. Together, tippy taps were built in every homestead and planted fruit trees.

This project not only provided access to clean water but also empowered the community to take ownership of their health and environment. A local leadership structure was established to manage the water spring and continue promoting sanitation and hygiene practices.

Thanks to FOSCOD’s support, the project made a lasting impact on Lukolo East Community. The community now has access to clean water, improved sanitation, and a healthier environment.

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