Uganda Pioneers' Association

'PAKWACH BRANCH INTERNATIONAL WORKCAMP ON HIV/AIDS'
Pakwach branch
15th September - 6th October

Project back ground

Pakwach branch officially registered with UPA in 2000 with the aim of helping the youth in Jonam County to participate in community development work.

The branch is located in Jonam County, Nebbi District, North Western Uganda. Jonam County is a semi arid area with very unfavourable conditions for basic agriculture. The community mainly live the scare natural resources that are strained hence rampant environment degradation. Food supplies are dependent on imports from neighbouring districts.

Situated on the business transit route to Southern Sudan and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Pakwach town is exposed to a high HIV/AIDS infection rate due to the traffic and people who stop by for a night on their way to their destinations.

Heavy drinking and unemployment is high in the youths as a result many have been sexually abused over the influence of alcohol or lured into commercial sex, prostitution and immorality ending up contracting HIV/AIDS.

UPA Pakwach branch has been for a while been engaged in initiatives that address the HIV/AIDS challenge and is committed to designing new methods. The international workcamp is therefore designed to scale up the sensitisation efforts by use of Forum theatre.

Project objectives

To equip 30 local and International youth with skills in Forum theatre for mobilisation and sensitisation on HIV/AIDS
To mobilise and sensitise 2000 people in Jonam County on HIV/AIDS prevention and care.
To advocate for youth friendly approaches in handling HIV/AIDS through Forum theatre
To popularise the ACT, LEARN and TEACH UNESCO Theatre, HIV and Aids Toolkit for Youth in Africa.
Increase level of awareness of HIV/AIDS effects in youth in Joanam County.

Expected results

3 workshops conducted on Peace building mechanisms and conflict management
3 visits to domestic violence areas in Pakwach sub county, Pakwach town Council i.e Panyigoro fishing community.
2 workshops conducted on HIV/AIDS prevention testing and counselling.
1 Agricultural demonstration set and brick making for a post Aids clinic

Activities

Open discussions and debates
Holding workshops on HIV/AIDS Prevention and Care.
Lectures on HIV/AIDS counselling and care for parents/children
Visit Post AIDS clubs
Performing forum theatre on HIV/AIDS prevention and care
Conducting interactive sports with local communities.
Radio talk shows
One-day public dialogue

Cultural and educational visits

Visit local communities in the fishing villages
Visit voluntary counselling and testing services and provide youth friendly services
Visit to hospitals where HIV/AIDS testing is done
Visit to primary and Secondary schools for forum theatre presentations
Visit historical sites i.e Wanglei Puvumgu and Emin Pasha�s Tomb (WADELAI),

NB There are other available opportunities to visit tourist places like Murchsion falls, Hot and cool Amor pii (Panyimur), Nyangak falls, Aguu Hill all in PAIDHA). Lendu forests (Zeu Sub County) but will require people who can pay for them selves.

Who qualifies to participate

One with Positive attitude, willing to interact with a diversity of cultures.
National and international volunteers
Willing to take up tasks as peer educators
One with ambition to learn about HIV/AIDS and understand how to prevent it
Ability to Adopt and enjoy living in simple conditions.
Willing to taste a variety of local foods and rural accommodation
No expertise/skills required

Location

The work camp will take place at UPA Pakwach branch, "ABONGO WOMEN'S GROUP PREMISES, Kamana Zone B". Pakwach Town Council is in Nebbi District, West Nile region. Pakwach branch is located 420 km (6-7hrs) drive from Kampala. It is on the banks on river Nile just 1 Km on Kampala - Arua road.

Health services

Pakwach Health Centre IV is only � km away from the site and there are other private health services, while Nebbi main Health hospital is about 50 km away from the site on Arua road.

The host community

The project is situated at Lubiri A zone 100 m from Pakwach Town Council office.

The workcamp shall be hosted by community members of UPA Pakwach branch and affiliated groups. The project is in a predominantly Alur population speaking Alur language with a good number fluent in English.

The workcamp shall draw participants from the local community volunteers from Uganda Pioneers' Association and volunteers from thee international community.

Participation

We encourage participation of all races world wide. A maximum of 30 participants from different countries. Participants are expected to work 5 hours a day on Agriculture practices, brick moulding and pot filling and have games, sports, and music, drama and group discussions in the afternoon. On some days, external resource persons shall be invited to conduct formal training sessions on the workcamp theme.

Water Source

The project site has a water tap, a bore hole and a river source.

Climate

During the period of the workcamp in September the temperatures will range between 26°C and 30°C. It will also have rain intervals or sunshine. It is occasionally wet in most of the months. Carrying gum boots (bid shoes), a rain coat or umbrella is recommendable.

Accomodation

The accommodation shall be providing within Abongo Women's' Group premises. Participants shall be required to carry along own working cloth, boots, sleeping mats, bags and mosquito nets.

Meals

Participants will divide themselves in Groups to prepare own meals using charcoal and firewood. There is a variety of local foods to choose from.