'DEMOCRACY AS A TOOL TO PROMOTE PEACE AND CONSTRUCTION WORK'
Gulu branch
9th July - 30th July
Project back ground
UPA Gulu branch works with people affected by war in Northern Ugandan Gulu District. Many have been forced out of their homes
into camps called Internally Displaced People (IDP) camps during the conflict between the Lords Resistance Army (LRA) and the Ugandan government.
Gulu Branch collaborates with various intstitutions in the area like World Vision, Action Aid Gulu and many others to assist the youth affected by the war.
Through the work camp, Gulu Branch intends to build peace in local communities and IDP camps, and begin the construction of a youth centre.
Project objectives
- To involve youth in community service through volunteer work.
- To help the youth affected by war, regain their lives back so that they may be useful to their communities and societies at large.
- To help the local community use democracy tools as a means of promoting peace in the region.
- To begin the construction of a youth centre that will work as a focal point for youth development in Gulu district.
Expected results
- That people in IDP camps will gain moral support from the work camp participants.
- That the vision of voluntary work is spread in the local community.
- 4 visits made to conflict areas/camp/communities.
- Workshops conducted on peace building mechanism, Democracy and conflict management.
- That construction of the youth centre is started.
Activities
- Offering voluntary work at internally displaced peoples camps
- Promoting of Peace building and conflict management
- Construction, brick laying etc.
- Promoting democracy in the local community as a means of achieving peace in the region.
- A cultural night will be organised and participants will displace items, songs and dances from there home countries and traditions
Cultural and educational visits
- Visit internally displaced people's camps
- Visit children and mothers centre
- Visit agro forestry projects
- Participate in cultural events.
- A cultural night will be organised and participants will displace items, songs and dances from there home countries and traditions
Who qualifies to participate
- One with Positive attitude, willing to interact with a diversity of cultures
- Ambition to learn about conflicts and understand conflict resolution in different societies.
- Ability to Adopt and enjoy living in simple conditions.
- Willing to taste a variety of local foods and rural accommodation
NB: No special or particular expertise/skills required, however Participants with skills in guidance and interactive games are extra welcome to participate
Location
Gulu Branch is located in Gulu District. Gulu District is located in the Northern part of Uganda boarded by Kitgum District in the East,
Pader in the northeast, Lira District in the southeast and Masindi District in the Southwest. The project is situated in Gulu Town, Gulu Municipality.
The area where the camp is going to take place is secure and safe for participants.
Health services
Gulu Health Centre is 1 km away from the camp site, while Lacor main Hospital is 12km away. A number of privately run clinics are also
available in Gulu town.
The host community
The project location is in a predominantly Acholi population speaking Luo with a good number fluent in English.
Participation
30 participants are expected from UPA branches countrywide and others from the international community.
Participants are expected to work for 5 hours a day on the different activities and have Games, sports, Music, Drama and group discussions in the
afternoon. On some days, external resource persons shall be invited to conduct formal training in conflict resolution.
Water Source
The water is accessible and clean; the borehole is 100 meters away from the project while tap water is also available in the area.
Climate
During the period of the camp in July the temperatures will be ranging between 20°C to 30°C. It will be sunny with a few intervals
of rain.
Accomodation
The project will provide simple rooms with closed doors and windows. Therefore participants are required to carry along with them
working shoes, gloves, working cloth, sleeping mats and bags, mosquito nets, their national flags, pictures and different games if possible.
Meals
Volunteers will prepare their own meals using charcoal and firewood. There is a variety of local foods to choose from.