Let Us Talk About Culture

I strongly feel that in order to for one to fully wrap their mind around the content of my blogs that will subsequently follow, one needs to understand the cultural norms, values and practices of Uganda; therefore, this blog will amorphously depict The Pearl of Africa from those perspectives in order to better provide a sound platform for which one can adequately appreciate the Ugandan way of life.

**Please note that the views listed below are solely those of me and what I have endured thus far in my service in Uganda, as well as what I have gathered from conversations with Ugandan friends. I am generalizing (both for the American view and Ugandan view); therefore, please be aware that NOT ALL Ugandans or Americans embody any one way of thinking or all share the same state of mind.**

Uganda is a homogenous and collectivist culture. In this collective society: One’s identity is in large part a function of one’s membership and role in a group, e.g., the family or work team. The survival and success of the group ensures the well-being of the individual, so that by considering the needs and feelings of others, one protects oneself, Harmony and the interdependence of group members are stressed and valued. Group members are relatively close psychologically and emotionally, but distant toward non group members. Collectivist characteristics are often associated with women and people in rural settings.

Ugandan communication is highly indirect: People are indirect; they imply/suggest what they mean; understatement is valued; you need to read between the lines; the truth, if it hurts, should be tempered.

Ugandan communication is high context: much is already known; the spoken word is not the primary means of communicating; much is implied but little needs to be said; nonverbal cues and context are the key what is not said may be the message. And while this is true for Ugandans, it is important to note that the spoken word and oral communication is highly valued here.

The art of proverb use in African languages is exceedingly admired; especially the art of exceptional oracy. Besides those that are educated, very few Ugandans can read or write; therefore, the spoken word is highly esteemed. It is fascinating to mention that the style of oral communication is quite different than the Western means of ‘direct communication’. Ugandans cherish story telling and are judged by the choice of words, figures of speech, such as: Proverbs, metaphors, and idioms. Shirley Byakutaga, one of my pre-service trainers, states, “It is the “unschooled” who would just throw out words anyhow without spicing the language with the flavor of proverbs and the like.” Proverbs are utilized for discovery learning in that when they are said, only half of the proverb is spoken and the listener is required to complete the other half. This is part of conversational management; to ensure that the listener is attentive. This style of active listening is seen regularly in Ugandan meetings and conversations with not only proverbs but also with general information. EX: “You have to put the water in the what? In the glass.” You have to call me on the what? On the phone.” The intermission is not seen as an interruption, but rather a method for the listener to show interest in the conversation or speech.

Time, to Ugandans, is polychromic and cyclical; Time is the servant and tool of people. Time is adjusted to suit the needs of people. More time is always available, and you are never too busy. People often have to do several things simultaneously, as required by their circumstance. It is not necessary to finish one thing before starting another, nor to finish your business with one person before starting in with another.

1) Attitude towards Age:

American View: The American emphasis on concrete achievements and “doing” means that age is not highly valued, for the older you are the less you can accomplish. Age is also suspect because new is usually better in American culture, and the elderly are generally out of touch with what’s new.

Ugandan View: The elderly are highly revered as they are depicted by others as knowledgeable and wise. The children are often the last to be given food and are expected to give up their seat on a bus for an older person. This is because the youth are portrayed as having high amounts of energy whereas the elders are physically weaker from strenuous physical labor.

2) Concept of Fate and Destiny:

American View: The concept of self-determination negates much of the influence of fate and destiny. Parents tell their children they can be whatever they want to be when they grow up. There are few givens in life, and people have little sense of external limits. Lack of success is their fault.

Ugandan View: Ugandans are highly religious; therefore, they believe that their fate and destiny is determined by God. It is interesting because while they surrender their will to God and his ultimate plan, they view their physical circumstance as “it is this way and only this way”. They believe that they are endowed with poverty because that is just the way it has been and the way it will be- they do not question their situation nor do they query their limits. There is the mentality that Ugandans, or Africans, are in a 3^rd world circumstance due to external factors (environmental and man made); some also believe that it is the Devils doing and that God will ultimately prevail. They take the bible very, very literally.

3) View of Human Nature:

American View: People are considered basically and inherently good. If someone does an evil deed, we look for the explanation, for the reason why the person turned out bad. People can and should be trusted and we are fairly open to strangers, and willing to accept them.

Ugandan View: It is believed that if any person does wrong or is ‘bad’ that it is the fault of the family- those who raised the person. There is no questioning or rationalizing why they did what they did, it is only a matter of how they were raised. In Uganda, telling someone that they have “bad manners” is the worst insult you could bestow someone. Unfortunately, domestic violence is quite prevalent in Uganda, and parental love or compassion is rare; although, there are exceptions to every rule. So, if a parent is able to send their child to school, the child is obligated to take care of the family financially- it is exceptional for parents to have emotional attachment to their children. I must say though, that the majority of those I have thus far encountered were not raised in families such as I have described but even upon talking with them, they insist the majority of Ugandan families are raised in such circumstances.

4) Attitudes towards Change:

American View: Change is considered positive, probably because Americans believe in the march of progress and the pursuit of perfection. Improvements will always move us close and closer to perfection. Traditions can be a guide, but they are not inherently superior.

Ugandan View: Uganda is money driven. They will embrace change as long as the change will provide them with more money. For instance, prostitution is extremely high in Lyantonde because it yields a high income. While the women who engage in risky sexual behavior may be aware of the consequences, i.e: AIDS, STI, unwanted pregnancy, etc. it does not matter as long as the act brings them income.

5) Attitude towards Taking Risks:

American View: There will always be enough opportunity to go around, so taking risks, involves no real danger. For the truly ambitious, failure is only temporary. Experimentation, trial and error are important ways to learn or to improve your product or service.

Ugandan View: Ugandans will take risks only if they believe that it will bring them more money. They will open a shop- a huge risk here- as they do not know whether or not it will be successful but could potentially serve as an income generating endeavor. Behavioral risk taking is very rare. Things are the way they are; hence, the lack of motivational social change.

6) Concept of Suffering and Misfortune:

American View: Because we are ultimately in control of our lives and destiny we have no excuse for unhappiness or misfortune. If you are suffering or unhappy, they just do whatever it takes to be happy again. If you are depressed, it is because you have chosen to be.

Ugandan View: The majority believes that God is in control of their lives and destiny; therefore, there is little ownership to their unhappiness. They are born into their circumstance and there is modest effort taken to change it. It is as if suffering is inherent within their culture; as that is what most of Uganda knows.

7) Concept of Face:

American View: In individualistic cultures, no premium is put on saving face because people can take care of themselves. What other people think is not so crucial to survival or success. We can say what we think without worrying about hurting peoples feelings, and we likewise appreciate directness.

Ugandan View: Saving face is extremely important in Uganda. Not losing face takes precedence over the “truth”; maintaining harmony is the overriding goal of the communication exchange; confrontation is avoided; what one says and one feels are often not the same. It is unheard of for a child to talk back to their parents or to even ask, “Why?” In any given community, everyone knows everything about everybody. It is imperative to have a respected family name. Ugandans are always “fine”. When asked about their day or their lives, it is rare that they will ever admit the severity of their suffering.

8) Source of Self Esteem/Self Worth:

American View: In an individualistic culture, you are what you have achieved; that is, you create your own worth rather than receiving it by virtue of birth, position, seniority, or longevity. Your self-esteem comes from what you have done to earn self- esteem.

Ugandan View: Self esteem is different with men and women. Uganda is an exceptionally patriarchic society; therefore, the men are born with a sense of position and authority. Women, on the other hand, measure their self worth either by: Education, number of children that they have (the more the better), the amount of money they have, or if they come from a prominent family. It is the monetary things that bring Ugandans a sense of self worth.

9) Concept of Equality:

American View: In a strong reaction to the repressive class structure in Europe, Americans created a culture virtually built around egalitarianism: The notion that no one is superior to anyone else because of birth, power, fame, or wealth. We are not all the same, but we are equal of value.

Ugandan View: There is a huge gap between the men, women and children. Men are viewed as being superior, and often times possess power, authority and wealth. Women are subservient to the men, as are the children. The children perform the majority of household chores: Fetching water, washing clothes, cleaning the house, etc.

10) Attitude towards Formality:

American View: Because of the strong egalitarian ethos, Americans tend to be casual and informal in social and professional interactions. Informality is also more necessary in a mobile society where people are always meeting new people. We don’t stand on ceremony, nor use titles or rank in addressing each other.

Ugandan View: Ugandans are very formal when addressing one another unless they are relationally close to each other or if they are ‘exposed/educated’. Children and women kneel to men and to elders. “Hey you!” or “Girl” is extremely rude; Ugandans will address each other as madam or sir.

11) Degree of Realism:

American View: Largely because of the notion that the individual is in control, Americans are generally optimistic. We do not see things the way they are, but as better than they are, particularly if they are not so good. We feel it is important to be positive and that there is no reason not to be.

Ugandan View: Ugandans suffer from a self fulfilling prophecy as they are a Donor Darling Country. The majority wait for external means of help and hand outs. It is by being educated or having money that brings happiness. Ugandans are sheltered, as electricity is unreliable and few can afford it; consequently, they have little exposure to the outside world and innovative means of doing things.

12) Attitude towards Doing:

American View: Individuals survive because they get things done, generally on their own. Words and talk are suspect and cheap; they don’t put food on the table or a roof over your head. Pursuits not directly related the creation of concrete results, e.g., academia, the arts, are less highly valued. What is practical and pragmatic is favored over what is beautiful and inspiring.

Ugandan View: As long as what they are doing brings money, it is all that matters.

13) View of the Natural World:

American View: The natural world is a kind of mechanism or machine that can be studied and know and whose workings can be predicted, manipulated, and ultimately controlled. It is not to be feared.

Ugandan View: There is little technology in Uganda; hence, there is very little means of knowing how to manipulate the environment. Ugandans know when the wet and the dry seasons come and when to plant. The environment is a part of their existence; they tend to work with it than against it.

*The outline for the above was formulated with literary help from Culture Matters: The Peace Corps Cross-Cultural Workbook.

Miscellaneous Cultural Implications:

-Transportation: The number one cause of death in Uganda is Automobile Fatalities. In a taxi (a car that would normally seat 4 maybe 5 people legally in America) it is rare to see it filled with less than 9-12 people. People will literally fit in the trunk and on top of one another. When at high capacity, there will even be a person sharing the driver’s seat! In a matatu (a taxi van) that can legally fit 14 people- there are, on average, 15-27 people (not to mention the chickens, babies, and luggage). Boda Bodas (motorcycles) weave in and out of traffic and drive on the sidewalks to surpass the traffic on the roads. Buses are usually crammed with people standing in the isles and are never on time (if that bus line even has a potential arrival and departure timetable). In short, traveling is hectic, uncomfortable, slow, and just downright awful.

-Muzungu Prices: Muzungu (I will refer to this word frequently): is what a foreigner, preferably a person with white skin, is referred to as. Now, it is an instant given here in Uganda, that if you have white skin you have money; therefore, when going to the market or basically buying anything, a muzungu will be charged double the price it should be. Granted that at markets, you are supposed to bargain (it is actually quite fun when you are in the mood). However, when you just want to buy anything: Transport, vegetables, groceries, etc. unless you know what the cost should be, you will 9 out of 10 times be overcharged. It is utterly annoying but is something that you just get used to.

-Fat: Ugandans have no problem whatsoever telling you that you are fat. Now, they will claim that this is a complement. To some extent- it is. Culturally, especially in the rural villages, when a human is ‘fat’ it means that they come from a good family because they can afford to eat well. However, in the city areas, they know what it is to be skinny and how the Westerns value slimness. Nonetheless, we Peace Porps girls have been told, “You have fat legs,” or, “My, you have grown fat”, or- my favorite, “Your stomach is extending rapidly.” *sigh*

-Buzz Words: “Extend, Extend”= Move/scoot over.

“You have been lost!”= I have not seen you in a long time.

“Well be back”= Welcome back.

“Branch off” = Turn (left or right)

“Let us move together”= We shall travel together soon.

“Oh, I fear it so.”= I am afraid of it.

“I’ll flash you”= I’ll call your phone but don’t pick up.

“I’ll give you a push.”= I will accompany you somewhere.

“Let us foot.”= We will walk there.

“Short Call.”= Number 1.

“Long Call.”= Number 2.

“Some how”= Everything is always somehow.

-Miscellaneous:

• They eat with their hands
• Fear water
• The children’s role is that of an adult- they rarely have time to play
• Hanging up without saying goodbye or hello
• They love calling to greet
• It is rude to bring anything to dinner when invited (it is like insulting the host)
• When you ask them to lunch or dinner you are expected to pay
• Theft is extremely high- which is contradictory because people will take things that benefit the whole of the community: I.E. the pump to a water source.
• The people usually carry everything on their heads
• They hate walking
• They are afraid of animals and insects (snakes, spiders, etc.)
• They treat animals horribly (kick and abuse cats and dogs)
• Staring is considered to be rude; therefore, they rarely make eye contact when having a discussion
• Winking is a sexual advancement
• If a boy and girl walk together it is implied that they are having sex. Boy/girl friendships are very rare
• Holding hands in public between (boy and a girl) implies they are engaging in sexual activities but it is very common to see a boy and boy or a girl and another girl hold hands; even though Ugandans are extremely homophobic
• There is no personal space; Ugandans are very touchy feely
• Women and children almost always kneel to elders, men, and bazungu
• Caning (beating with a rod) happens frequently in schools even though it is illegal
• When you talk, Ugandans respond by raising eyebrows and saying, “mmm.”
• They fear conflict- are not confrontational
• Girls will have their ears pierced and boys will be circumcised so that they will not be stolen for human sacrifice
• There is a ‘numbness to death’ mentality
• Tribal rivalry is prevelent: There is very interesting tribal diversity that occurs within Uganda. For instance, In the Ankole tribe- it is commonly believed that if a man has a planned journey and the first person that he meets or speaks to that morning is a woman then it is an omen of bad luck; that the trip will be bad and it is best to cancel.
• Importance of land: By law, if the land benefits the whole of the community the owner must hand over the rights
• The belief of witch craft and night dancers (people who come out in the night and eat you alive)
• Interrupting: They constantly interrupt and talk over one another
• Women will breast feed in any public setting and, when doing household chores, will often do it shirtless; the more rural the more conservative one dresses. In the cities- they are more exposed and therefore more accepting of jeans, tank tops, etc.
• When you are at a restaurant and ask for something they will just leave to go get it
• If you go to eat with a group of people the server will bring out the food one plate at a time and it is not expected that you wait until everyone has their food before you start eating

A Little Bit About My Organization

I could not have been placed in a better location! I am now happily living in Lyantonde, which is equidistant between Mbarara and Masaka. As far as my living arrangement goes I am a four minute walk from my organization, which beats the hell out of the round trip walk to and from training- totaling 6miles a day. I walk about 10min to town, which is not huge, but is much bigger than Wakiso. I have a latrine outside and a bathing quarters inside (thank God I brought my solar shower!). I have a separate room for a “kitchen”; I bought a gas stove and a table with 2 chairs. Then I have another room that is a “sitting” room with an end table, a couch, and my front door that leads to a huge porch. There is a half wall that separates my sitting area from my bedroom. In my bedroom I have a bookcase, some shelves, and a bed and oh, did I mention that I live in a farm house? So I have a tremendous amount of land. It is breathtaking. In my back yard there is a fat pig, a trillion goats, cows, and thank the Lord there are not any roosters or chickens. (I have developed an immense disdain for roosters and actually kicked one; they are so rude and cockadoodle doo for no damn reason at the crack of dawn). They have abandoned rabbit coupes and I have thought about getting a pet rabbit. I collect my water from a rain tank right outside my door. Anyways, I love it, as it is perfect for me.

My organization is also fabulous. I work for RACOBAO (Rakia Community Based Aids Organization) which is a new organization formed out of LWF (Lutheran World Foundation). It is comprised of a relatively small staff but they are extremely educated and fun. LWF has been in Rakai (now Lyantonde district) for the last 13 years implementing an HIV/AIDS project whose overall goal was to reduce the incidence of HIV transmission and mitigate the adverse socio-economic impact of AIDS. The town, Lyantonde, was one of the hardest hit by HIV/AIDS, mostly because it is a trucker town. As the national average for HIV/AIDS is 6% Lyantonde, to date, is at 12% with pockets of pastoralist’s communities as high as 28%. ROCOBAO has helped to reduce the HIV and AIDS prevalence from 23% in 1995 to 12% to date, providing counseling services to over 5000 people affected and offering assistance in building the capacity of the community.

Vision: A Ugandan community where people are free from HIV and AIDS and living an improved quality of life.

Mission: RACOBAO exists to empower communities affected by HIV and AIDS and those at risk to respond to the causes and consequences of the scourge.

Core Values: Transparency, Accountability, Quality, Professionalism, Justice, Participation.

Strategic Objectives: Responsible health behavior among youth and women at risk of HIV infection promoted; improved adherence and accessibility to ART (anti-retroviral treatment) and other related services; community based socio-economic initiatives for the affected people promoted; improved access to food, housing, and sanitation throughout the year among the 250 most affected families headed by children, PLA (people living with AIDS) and the elderly grandparents; strengthened institutional capacity of localized RACOBAO to sustain ably achieve its mission.

Focus Area: HIV/AIDS and behavioral change; food security and environmental management; livelihood support; rights based approach programming.

I have 2 counterparts and one supervisor. My assigned counterpart, Ruth, is 28 and a diva. She is so tremendously helpful and a great friend. She grew up in Kampala so she is somewhat “westernized”. My other counterpart, Vincent, is an amazing guy and I truly admire him. My supervisor, Haq, is one of the most patient men that I have ever met (other than my dad). They all speak wonderful English and are super accommodating with helping me learn Luganda. Most everyone in Lyantonde town speaks English but within the 8 sub counties we work with, English is not commonly spoken. I am expected to be at all of the meetings, they ask for my input, and are in constant communication with how I am doing work wise. The organization runs many programs but the three most notable are: HACEP, which is a 3 year community empowerment project from 2009-2011 aimed at strengthening the community action to respond to the causes and consequences of HIV and AIDS in a more sustainable manner; the Rural Farmers Project, which is basically building a co-op in each sub county to grow one crop to sell in bulk; RACOBAO sponsors children (CHH- child headed households) at the vocational school that they built. I will be posting my project proposals in a later blog but so far throughout my first 3 months of service, the following projects and activities are the highlights of what I have thus far completed:

OCTOBER 2009

20^th- I edited 3 articles and went to a HIV/AIDS movie showing in one of the sub counties. I felt that the message could have been better displayed especially since they are trying to shift to a behavior change method. Most of the attendees were kids and the content of the film was not suitable, in my opinion. There were only a few men, mostly women. The majority did not stay throughout the entirety of the film.

26^th-30^th: Forum week. There were task groups assigned and we went to 8 different sub counties to receive feedback from the community on how they depicted RACOBAO’s performance throughout the year. Some of it was difficult because I did not have a translator, as the meetings were conducted in Luganda. Basically, RACOBAO explained the history of the organization followed by the multitude of programs offered. There was some discrepancy because, for example, HACEP is not functioning in all of the sub counties so the community members wanted to know why others benefited from it and they did not. Overall, the meetings went well. After RACOBAO explained everything, the floor was opened for comments and questions. Every sub county brought up the instance of receiving payment for being advocacy volunteers and everyone wanted reimbursement for travel.

29th-30^th: Youth Camp- ‘Yes We Can’, which stood for: young empowered and safe. The set up of the camp was great. Unfortunately, the first day of the camp conflicted with the forum- so, some of the people who were supposed to present were in the field. Therefore, the first day consisted of some of the kids just playing games. I held a session on reading and writing. So I had the kids play charades (there were 30). I had them write down 2 words that they knew in English, split them up into two teams then had them play. When one guessed the correct word they had to write it on the board. It went well and they had fun; however, I don’t think they learned a lot as the kids ranged from 9-20 in age. I felt that it was a super hard activity to try and encompass everyone. The second day was all lectures comprising of the following issues: Youth roles and responsibilities; behavioral change and communication skills; HIV and AIDS awareness/updates; hygiene and sanitation in the households; income generating activities; peer education skills; children’s rights; violence in the household. There was a goat roast and a campfire- during this the kids shared their life stories. It was heartbreaking. I didn’t even know that the majority of the kids were HIV positive themselves. Throughout the night the children shared their personal experiences guided by a counselor.

NOVEMBER 2009

5^th: Went to a forum and waited four hours for the President of Uganda to arrive. Once he did he listened from the LC 1-5 about how Lyantonde district was doing, what they have accomplished, and what needed work and or attention. I got to sit front row and listen to the President speak though which was definitely interesting.

11^th: Went and met with Bonabona- a RACOBO trained HIV positive woman who is making huge strides in helping others be aware of HIV and getting tested. I interviewed her and got her life story as I are going to nominate her for the PC World AIDS Day (which she won!).

12^th: Met with the children at the vocational school and taught them English; I had to get an idea of what they knew. Until the term ended, which was in December, I taught English twice a week for 2 hours.

16^th: Went to 5 primary schools within one of the sub counties and asked (one) to host the life skills talk show forum; they agreed and so we went to four other primary schools to ask if they wanted to participate. They all said yes and were asked to choose 10 students (5 boys and 5 girls) along with one teacher to take participate in this workshop. I talked about the bridge model and drew a diagram to present. The kids talked to one another on the skills that they use in everyday life to help them to make positive life decisions, then RACOBAO presented; this was followed by a question and answer forum.

17^th: Went to the NGO forum meeting and took minutes (notes) on the entirety of the meeting. Creating a database for this forum is my number one project so I will post my proposal for it later!

DECEMBER 2009

2^nd: Attended the Uganda Women’s Network workshop. Starting time 11.00am Prayer and expectations: phones on silent, no talking, respect others opinions. Then we went over the protocol to the African Charter on Rights (there was a handout/packet). Audience was asked what a protocol was: I said a set of standards or regulations to by which others must adhere to. Others said: something you set to do but have not finished, discuss on a law that has been enacted, documents that have been written to become law. It’s discussed upon, a proposed bill, rules that have been set and you have to follow. Overview: facts, provisions, challenges, significance of the protocol, positive aspects, way forward. Background: Critical policy document that is truly African with sole ownership rights’ that require informed public support and constituency critically aware. 30 pages; 1^st legal document to address all women’s abuse rights. On July 11^th, 2003 countries implemented it. So now they are trying to ratify it so that bills may ensue in accordance to the protocol in an effort to better Uganda. Forms of discrimination on women: FGM (female genital mutilation) also a harmful practice, Inheritance especially fixed assets (Buganda), Kneeling, when they are married they are then property, bride price, some religions don’t allow women to speak in public, not part of the decision making in family, political positions, work place, disabled are neglected, sexual harassment by men, food not being eaten by women, no rights to speak their mind, education. Harmful practices: FGM, Karmojas ears pulled, sharp objects to design their bodies, women sleeping with their dead husbands, if married before wedding and gets pregnant they are thrown off a cliff, visiting the bush (men pulling on the labia). Types of marriages: customary, religious, civil, kids mist take fathers last name. Reactions to the presented protocol. looks at Africa as the same village, left out cultural issues, creates awareness on women’s rights, women already open, but the men still need to be sensitized, its good but men. Responses: marrying in matrimonial homes- religions accepted and respected, political decision making, article 8 helpful to police, age is 18 but it should be 16 to marry, article 2, mechanisms in place, nationality of a child, article 7 divorce and separation. A woman walks into a home with nothing but a suitcase all of the possessions are the husbands. Men want to know how it can then be ½ and ½. Women should document everything. Women are angry because they do not have tangible things and their work/labor is never viewed or acknowledged. Article 20C, article 5 (Buganda). The men as if FGM is really that bad because it is like when a girl gets her ears pierced it hurts at first but at the end of the day it is fine and it is the same with FGM. It degrades women- circumcision. Why should the men have many wives but the women cannot have many husbands. Action plan: take back the news to communities also teach to those concerned, you don’t have to be a politician to relay the information, work with the LC 1’s to sensitize on the issue, your asking religious leaders to teach against issues that are embedded within church values, abortion, etc. Reprint the protocol in the local languages, must first teach the family as you cannot change the community without first getting the family involved.

It was a fascinating forum and allowed me to better understand the role that women play in this country. I was surprised that men even attended (their numbers were small) and their comments were amusing.

8^th: Helped with the American Embassy’s AIDS event. I helped sort out tee shirts and was “Vana White” for the jeopardy game show. I did announcements, handed out tee shirts, sodas, and phones as well as airtime. I flipped the boards on chart for the jeopardy game which was an AIDS trivia session. It was an amazing experience, and there were an enormous amount of people getting free testing for HIV. The whole event was very eye opening and over 3000 people attended.

14^th: Went to the Lyantonde Hospital and distributed 80 bags of 50kilogram flour to HIV infected mothers who are vulnerable and breastfeeding. We had a short meeting with the women explaining what was going on and then went outside to distribute the flour. Ruth and I did six personal human interest stories. I did the videoing and some picture taking. The women were unbelievably thankful.

15^th: Went to Mpumudde sub county; this is one of the areas that the Rural Farmers Project has been implemented. They made a chart of all of the foods listed below: kasoli (corn), ebyjanjalo (beans), ensuka (banana/amatooke plantation), emwanyi (coffee bean), obutunda (passion fruit), obulo (millet), ebynebwa (gnuts), enanansi (pineapple), muwogo (cassava). These are the foods (as well as animal raisings) that they can do to produce money. We gave an example of maize in which we wrote down how much everything thing would cost. So there was a column of input/requirements (such as: insecticides, land, seeds, etc), quantity, unit cost, and then total cost. After that was completed they then did another chart that consisted of how much they could sell everything for and the overall total profit that would be accrued. This project will require the community to choose one crop to grow as a cooperative. Once that is chosen, RACOBAO will give the workshops on capacity building, how to grow effectively, etc. Mostly men attended this meeting; there were about five women present. Each person will grow and then combine the crops together to sell collectively; in bulk quantities and high volumes. Once a crop is decided upon, then the community will have to decide where the money will go and how it should be spent.

Community Integration

1. Please identify the strategies you have used thus far to learn more about your community and/or organization in terms of local norms and values:
• formal interviews, observation, informal discussion, attending meetings, a lot of question asking on my behalf, and reading of organizations materials.
2. What strategies have you used to learn the local language, and how has this influenced your community entry and integration?
• I have used the text book, notes taken from training, tutoring, conversations, but most importantly asking a LOT of questions to my co-workers; all of which are extremely helpful and are enthusiastic about me learning. This has positively influenced my integration into the community by obvious means; more respect, the people of the community are more willing and eager to talk to me and trust me as a member of their community, and it gives me a piece of mind by being able to understand and tell people in Luganda when they are cheating me or lying.
3. Please list one or two interesting characteristics you believe make your community or organization unique.
• HIV/AIDS
• The Bahima tribe. They are a number one consideration for RACOBAO. They have been very creative with the cattle; making gee (butter), sell the horns and design crafts, and utilizing the hide of the cattle to make instruments, mats, decorations and hats.
4. What PACA tools have you used in the community integration process and what did these tools help you learn about your community (please name up to three tools)?
• A seasonal map. The seasonal map helped me to learn when meetings could be scheduled to gain the most information and be most effective. Additionally, it has helped me to understand when the people of the community suffer the most and from what and vice versa.
• Needs assessment. The needs assessment allowed me to gain information about the community as a whole and helped me gain more breadth and depth into each of the sections/questions asked.
• Daily activity schedule. The daily activities schedule (while every person varies to some degree) helped to me sum together the different gender activities that they partake in daily which ultimately allowed me to better understand the roles that men and women and children play within their community.
5. What assets or resources have you and your colleagues identified in your community and/or organization that may play a role in future collaborative development activities you implement together?
• 1) We trying to fight (or work with) the harmful cultural practices. Among the Bahima tribe the HIV/AIDS rate is as high as 27%. During weddings and celebrations they love dance and musical poems- they get very excited about those. So RACOBAO is going to work with their culture by integrating positive HIV/AIDS messages within those musical poems to help inform the members of the tribe and community.
• 2) We are lead agents for the NGO forum and want to use the opportunity to work with the other NGOs in order to share the work plans as well as compare and contrast ideas and perspectives so that we can work cooperatively with one another.
• 3) The identification that information sharing was not effective and therefore implementing projects focused towards behavioral change.
• 4) Realizing that many people listen to the local radio station, as this is a transit town- more HIV/AIDS messages are now being played by RACOBAO.
6. What are some of the major activities you have carried out thus far with your organization colleagues and/or community members (3-4)?
• 1) FORUM meetings- they were feedback meetings and we asked the community (each sub-county) what they thought of our work in the community as well as told them our accomplishments and work plans for the near future.
• 2) Global Giving, we had posted a proposal and were able to give 80 bags of 50kg to vulnerable breastfeeding mothers who were HIV+.
• 3) I helped conduct a life skills training at one of the schools.
• 4) Teaching English at the vocational school.
• 5) I have made multiple trips to the field.
• 6) NGO forum- I took minutes and will be creating the data base to synergize the forum.
• 7) YES youth camp- I participated in a youth camp.
7. What are the top three community needs/priorities identified by you and your counterparts, community members, etc?
• 1) HACEP (HIV and AIDS Community Empowerment Project)
• Food
• Health
• Education
8. What are some of the possible solutions you and your counterparts and collaborators are evaluating as possible future activities to address these needs?
• 1) We trained community based advocacy groups in 5 out of 8 sub counties. They empower people and sensitize them of their rights and do the advocacy themselves
• 2) Established primary student rights clubs (a teacher heads those). They meet weekly and create poems and dramas to sensitize their surrounding schools and travel to other schools.
• 3) Do work to make sure that the human rights are met such as education sponsorship (77 students sponsored)- RACOBAO has its own vocational school (34-50students).
• 4) Health: our volunteer councilors provide social psycho support to the community members and refer them to our health center. The hospital recommends to RACOBAO those who are on ARV’s: those too week to farm and too poor to buy food are sent to us and we provide food supplements.
• 5) We have trained health people at every health center. There are health management comities that are supposed to provide solutions to the hospital problems.
• 6) OPEN Door Uganda has helped RACOBA to create a goat project as a financial empowerment tool. There are 3 sub counties that participate and each family is given 2 goats. Once they have babies they have to give one back to RACOBAO and then we give it to another person in community who is vulnerable. That cycle is perpetuated.
9. What are you most proud of thus far in your community integration process?
• 1) The exposure that I have been able to endure. I have had a plethora of opportunities to go to the field and attend meetings, have many one on one interviews and get to know the entire RACOBAO staff. Additionally, I have been able to learn and understand how the organization works as well as the gaps that I feel I am able to help fill.

Community Assessment

General Info:

1. What is the history of the community? When was it founded and by whom? What issues, conflicts, milestones, etc. have affected it, and how?

Lyantonde was urbanized in the early 1960’s by the Asian population. They came to this area and developed small businesses and trade. At the time, Lyantonde served as the ‘go to’ hub for the surrounding districts; thus, business was lucrative as well as trade due to the fact that Lyantonde is the center of the international road ways. Upon Idi Amin’s ruling, the Asians were forced to leave the country of Uganda but the businesses and trade were maintained by the Ugandan population. The AIDS epidemic, at the time, was flourishing on the border of Tanzania. Since Lyantonde is a trucker town/rest stop, many people who were infected came from Tanzania to Lyantonde; spreading the disease. The prostitution level is extremely high in Lyantonde town as it is a profitable business and women obtain much money from the truckers who stop here for the night amidst their journey to other countries that border Uganda. Therefore, a great deal of sexual activity, coupled with harmful cultural practices and lack of health information, resulted in an extraordinary high prevalence rate of HIV/AIDS in Lyantonde. Unfortunately, the epidemic is what the town is most widely recognized for. Additionally, it is important to note that Lyantonde used to be a part of Rakai District but in 2007, Museveni reset the boundary lines and created Lyantonde District.

2. How many people live in your community? Your district? How many counties/subcounties/parishes are in your community?

Lyantonde District: covers five sub counties of Kasagama, Kinuuka, Lyantonde Rural, Kaliiro, Mpuudde and Lyantonde town with a combined population of 66,175-72,000. On average, each sub county has six perishes. Child population: 36,050. Orphan population: 5,571. HIV Prevalence- Lyantonde average 17.8% National average: 6.5%. Poverty level- Rural: 82.8% Pre-Urban Areas: 73% Population with access to clean water: 71.2%.

3. What is the average family size?

The average number of people in a family is 6.

4. What are the main ethnic groups in your community, and what percentages of each?

Ugandan and Rwandese. Baganda 60%, Banyankole 25%, and Banyarwanda 15%.

5. Are there specific areas or neighborhoods in your community? Are there specific groups in each neighborhood?

No

6. If there is a problem in the town, to whom do the people go for resolution? Is this different for women than men?

First, the local counsels (LC 1) and the village leader, then to Lyantonde Town police. The women will usually have a local leader in the counsel for women affairs and children affairs- as they would go to them first.

7. What kinds of houses and buildings are built in your community? What materials and labor are needed for building them?

Mud, semi-permanent houses. Mud, sticks, grass sometimes wood. Tools: hands and ladders.

8. Is your community known for anything in particular? What and why?

The highest prevalence for HIV/AIDS (Rakai is where it started). Some still have

28% because Lyantonde is an international truck stop.

9. Who are the leaders in the community? What are their specific roles, and when did they assume them?

The LC’s (all levels), there are opinion leaders, religious leaders and the elders. Some are politicians and those types of disputes are settled in temporary courts. The religious figures serve as spiritual mentors; some are well standing people within the communities based on their experience, and the elders because of their life experience and respect. The member’s length of duty is continuous and elected periodically.

Religion, Culture and Entertainment:

1. What are the main religions and holidays in the community? How do the men, women, ad children celebrate them?

Catholic, Protestant, Muslim and Pentecostal. New Years (Jan 1^st), NRM (Jan 26) Women’s Day (8^th of March), Easter Monday (April 4^th), Good Friday (April 2^nd), Labor Day (May 1^st), Martyrs Day (June 3^rd), Hero’s Day (June 9^th), Independence Day (Oct 9^th), Idd, World AIDS Day (Dec 1^st), Christmas Day (Dec 25^th), Boxing Day (Dec 26^th). Women prepare big dinners and the men drink afterwards (main holidays) some go to church. All days people are allowed off work.

2. Are there any places in your town, or in the surrounding areas, that have special meaning or are sacred?

No

3. Who are the religious leaders in your community? What are their roles?

Depending on the religion, the leader of that denomination is portrayed as such. Their roles are to educated people in the community and provide spiritual guidance.

4. What are the ideas and attitudes surrounding marriage, wealth, success, death, etc.?

Marriage: In the rural sub counties it is expected that women marry soon and have many children- a person is not a full person until they are married. A married person is very well respected in the community. In the town (Lyantonde) success is viewed by a person attending school, having work (a job), further studies, then family. Wealth: The more land, children and polygamous you are and have, the richer you are. Success: marriage, wealthy with livestock and cows, a good house and children going to school. In the town, if you are educated and have a job. Death: Only the leaders and influential people are missed and mourned (not the widow, small children or poor man) the first question after the death is, “what have they left?”

5. What do people in your community do for entertainment? What venues are there for entertainment purposes?

In Lyantonde town, they go out to drink and watch local TV stations. In the sub counties, they tune into the radio. The kid’s just play around outside. The men and prostitutes inhabit local pubs.

6. What types of music, art, dance, and theater is conducted in your community?

Local Ugandan music. There is a tribe called the Bahima and they make and weave chairs, walking sticks and baskets. There are local folk songs that are conducted at local marriages and ceremonies. There are some drama and theater but they are mostly supported by the church and do HIV related skits.

7. What sports are played in your community? Who plays, and who is not allowed/supposed to play?

Football, it is not usually organized but there are usually pickup versions. Usually, just the youth participate. In the rural communities, the women are not allowed to play because they have household chores to attend to.

Transport and Communication:

1. What are the main (and not so main) routes into and out of the community, and where do they lead? Are they passable during the entire year?

Only roads; there is the main highway that goes from Kampala to Mbarara onto Rwanda and the DRC. To the sub counties, there are a few dirt roads that connect to other districts that surround Lyantonde. Yes, however, in the rainy season it is quite dangerous because they get so muddy.

2. Who are the main travelers on each side of these routes?

On the highway, it is mostly truckers to the neighboring countries and business vehicles that carry food to Kampala.

3. What are the distances (in km and in minutes/hours) to nearby communities, and to the larger cities?

To the sub counties it is usually people coming to Lyantonde town to shop via boda and private hires. From Lyantone to Mbarara and Masaka it is about 1hour-2hours (depending on the road condition, traffic and police checks). The distance is 71k to Masaka and 69k to Mbarara. From Lyantonde to Kagamba (the furthest sub county) it takes 1:10 and is 45k. The rest vary from 20min to 1 and a half hours.

4. For those in small villages, does anyone in the village, or in surrounding villages, own a personal vehicle?

Yes, some will own a private hire to take others to Lyantonde town.

5. What kinds of communication are available and when?

Cell phone. In some offices there are land lines and faxes. It depends on the provider and network coverage in the sub counties.

6. What are the different media sources (radio, TV, print, town crier) that are/are not available in your community? For those that are available, who uses each of them, and how much do they use them?

Phone, word of mouth, print, radio, TV, all are widely available except the TV- there is no electricity in some of the rural communities. Typically, the men have phones, radios, TV, and buys news papers. The radios are on and listened to almost 24/7. The TV’s are mostly used in the evening when the drinkers come and the phones almost all the time- mostly text not long calls.

Water and Sanitation:

1. How many water resources are there?

80 wells and some are near the lake.

2. Where are they located?

In the villages, usually in the valleys.

3. Who is allowed to use which water source and why?

Everyone is allowed to use them.

4. Who manages the water source(s)?

Generally if it is a borehole, then they have water comities. Otherwise it is the local councils that manage them.

5. Is there always water available? If not, when are there shortages?

No, there are shortages during the prolonged dry seasons (mid Jan through mid march then mid June through mid August)

6. What happens if a pimp or well stops working or giving water?

Then the water user comities mobilize resources and repair the pump; however, if it is a well then they will shift to another that is further away.

7. How much does water cost?

It is 100ush per jerry can, during the dry seasons it goes up to 500ush a jerry can. If the water source is a lake or pond of sorts there is no charge.

8. Who has priority at each water source?

No one.

9. Are there certain people who are not supposed to be at the water source?

The children, they sometimes need another person there to help so that they do not fall in.

10. Are there different sources for food/drinking verses bathing or washing clothes?

Not usually.

11. What types of latrine facilities are available in public places? In private homes?

In Lyantonde town, there are no public latrines. In the rural private homes they dig temp holes then cover them when they are full or will just relieve themselves outside. In Lyantonde town, most homes have pit latrines.

12. What types of garbage/trash is produced in the community?

In Lynatonde town, mostly plastic and organic things. In the villages just organic.

13. How do people dispose of each type of trash?

Mix it all up and put it in the rubbish pit and burn it. Sometimes it is thrown on the roads.

14. Is the community clean? Are certain areas cleaner? Which areas and why?

In the rural it is fairly clean, in Lyantonde town it is more dirty. There is more things to buy in Lyantonde town (non organic) so there is more rubbish on street that is not easily burnt.

Markets, Supplies, and Food:

1. How many markets are in your community? If there are more than one, how is each market different (clientele, size, popularity, etc.?)

Every sub county has one market.

2. Is there a particular market day? Why was that day chosen?

Every sub county has its own market and the days that the market is present fall on different days. No reason why the specific days are chosen.

3. Are there surrounding markets that are bigger? How much bigger? Where are they compared to your community?

The closest would be in Mbarara and Masaka; the markets are larger because the cities are larger and more densely populated.

4. What food items are available on a daily basis? What is conspicuously absent and why?

Daily: cabbage, tomatoes, carrots, onions, potatoes, cucumbers, eggplant, sweet bananas, corn (seasonal), green peppers, mangos (seasonal), millet, eggs.

5. Where do most products come from? Are they locally made or imported, and from where?

From the sub counties in Lyantonde.

6. Are there certain items considered luxuries or delicacies? Why?

In the rural areas: meats (beef, pork, chicken, goat) because they are expensive and readily available.

7. What do people eat on a daily basis? What do they eat during celebrations?

Daily: Maize flour, amatooke, beans. Celebration: amatooke, rice, meat (chicken) and irish potatoes.

8. Is there a particular food that your community is known for?

No.

9. How often do people eat, and what times?

Rural: They eat lunch at 1pm and have dinner around 8pm. In Lyantonde town: People eat at 8am, 1pm, and then 10pm.

10. Are there shops that sell supplies other than food? What types of supplies?

Yes: paper, hardware stores, plastics, electronics, clothes/cloth, shoes, toiletries, all basic needs are available in the stores.

11. What food/supply items are available in the boutiques?

Dry pasta, tomato paste, bread, eggs, chili sauce.

12. What restaurants are there in your community? What food do they offer?

There are many. They all sell: matooke, rice, beans, posho, gnut sauce, meats, chips, sweet potato, Irish potato, chapatti.

13. What foods and crops are grown in your community? When are each of these available? What are the cash crops vs. sustenance crops?

Amatooke, maize, beans, gnuts, Irish potatoes, tomatoes (everything in the Market) year round (maize and fruits are seasonal). Cash crops: coffee Subsistence: all food

14. Is there much animal raising in your community? What kind of animals? For profit or sustenance?

Yes: cattle and goats- both for profit

15. Is there a hungry season? If so, how do people cope during that time?

Yes (the drought) - people have their money saved and buy things during that time.

Economic Development:

1. What are the main economic activities in your community? How do people make money?

Agriculture and cattle keeping. They sell their produce or kill the cattle and sell off the pieces; also, the milk from the cattle is sold.

2. What do people spend their money on?

Basic needs: food, clothing, shelter and the men in the rural areas spend it on beer. Sometimes, if there is enough it is spent on school fees.

3. Identify at least 30 different IGAs (income generating activities) taking place in your community. Who created and runs each of these IGAs? How do they market their products/services?

Fishing, small business, crafts (baskets, mats, African jewelry); employed as carpenters and builders, restaurant owners and tailors. There is a family business of agriculture and cattle rearing (usually men) but for the crafts and small business it is the individual (crafts women). In Lyantonde town, more women own and work at restaurants and small shops but in the rural areas it is the men. Unfortunately, in Lyantonde town, most of the women who are servers do not get paid but are prostitutes (as most of the restaurants are also hotels). People market by word of mouth and make sure that they produce quality products.

4. Are there any particular products or services that you community is known for?

Lyantonde town: Prostitution Rural: Cattle keeping

5. Where do people keep their money?

Lyantonde town: In the banks. Rural areas: In their homes under their beds or pillow. Usually, they will sell something (such as a food crop or craft) then immediately buy what they need.

6. What sources are there for credit?

Rural villages: The circles (they are sub county levels, have members and have savings. They give the savings periodically and they can barrow). Lyantonde town: they have microfinance institutions and banks that give out loans.

7. What formal banks, microfinance institutions, SACCOs, etc. exist in your community, and since when? How do they operate?

Lyantonde town: Stanbic, Centenary, Equity, Victoria micro savings. Centenary just came in 2008 the others have been here longer. Rural: Each sub county has a circle.

8. How do people perceive these formal banking institutions?

They perceive them as having a high interest rate but have no other option so they still take out the loans. The interest rates are about the same with the banks so they choose a bank based on the application length.

9. What types of informal savings and credit groups exist? Who organizes them, and how are they managed?

In every community there are community based groups and they informally give out credit. They have their comities which has chairperson, vice and so on.

10. Are there machines available to help with processing/production?

No- except for milk they have the big refrigerators.

11. Are products exported from the community? Which ones, and where do they go?

On a small scale- not out of country just to other cities and districts. Vegetables, fruits and cattle. They go to Kampala and the neighboring districts.

12. What types of taxes do people pay? How much, and to whom?

In Lyantonde town, the small businesses have licenses and are annual (price depends on the size and type of the business and the tax goes to the government). Those who work for formal institutions have taxes deducted from their pay checks (to the government). In the rural areas no one pays taxes except for the business owners.

13. What are some challenges that people face in developing IGAs in your community?

Lack of capital, lack of knowledge and skills, and the weather (persistent droughts).

14. What can you determine is the level of business knowledge or expertise in the community? What groups have the most/least, and why?

Average. Because it is an agricultural area it is highly knowledgeable but in business not so much. The rural communities have the least experience in business because they are not exposed to it, but in Lyantonde town there are many more businesses because they are exposed as it is a transit town and there is competition.

15. What social marketing campaigns are underway in your community?

Advertisement on radio only.

Organizations and Associations:

1. What are the different organizations that operate in your community? What do they do, and how long have they been there?

There are about 15 NGO’s. (LADESA, WODP, ECEA, DOH, CPERSON, RACOBAO, UWESO UK TRUST, SSE, COMM S.LYANT, AG. DOA, L.DISTRICT AG DAO, NAADS, KMAO, CHAU). Some of them work with agriculture, health, community development. The length of their existence varies.

2. How can these organizations be categorized (NGO, CBO, local, international, etc.?)

Most are NGO’s but there are some CBO’s (Widoes and Orphans) no FBO’s or International.

3. What community associations- formal or informal exist in your community?

Lyantonde has a forum for people living with HIV and AIDS (PLHA), Boda Boda association, hotel association and the private business association.

4. When were these associations created, and why? What are their functions, and who are their members?

Their creation varies. They were all created for a common voice. The members correspond with their titles ie: boda boda association = boda drivers, etc.) They all want a common voice.

5. Are there youth associations? How about women’s associations? What types?

In the sub counties, each council has a women’s and children’s representative. Other than that they do not have youth or women’s associations. However, there are women’s and youth groups throughout the different sub counties.

6. How do organizations and associations get registered?

At the district level there is a process. There is a leadership, a constitution must be devised followed by a strategic plan then a NGO is created. The NGO then has to register and be approved by the district.

7. Who funds these organizations and associations?

Usually partnerships (with NGO’s). My organization, for instance, is partnered with many local NGO’s but receives the majority of their funding from international NGO donors.

8. What other sources of funding are available to groups and organizations?

There could be some government money and the organization can generate self income amongst themselves.

Education and Schools:

1. How many schools exist in your community, and at what levels?

In Lyantonde town: 5 secondary schools, 11 primary schools, 1 vocational school. In the rural areas (the 8 sub counties) there are 8 primary schools, 4 secondary schools.

2. What percentage of children attend school?

In Lyantonde town: 54% attend Rural: 50%

3. How many teachers are in each school? Are they mainly en or women?

Primary- 28 teachers (mostly men)- average Secondary- 18 (mostly men) teachers average

4. What is the student to teacher ratio?

Primary- 1 teacher to 58 students, Secondary- 1 teacher 45 students

5. Are there fees to attend school? How much are they, and when do they need to be paid?

Yes; Primary- 50,000 every term (3months), Secondary 70,000 every term (3 months)

6. What are the gender ratios?

Primary- 60 girls and 40 boys (lower primary) 60 boys 40 girls (upper primary) Secondary- 45 girls to 55 boys

7. Are there other schools in surrounding communities that teach students from your community?

Yes, some go to Rakai district schools and vice versa.

8. Are there vocational schools in your community? How do they operate?

Just one. Training for 2 years; skills training that is applied in carpentry, sewing, brick laying, concrete practice and agriculture. 3 month terms. All who attend are sponsored by RACOBAO or other NGO’s.

9. Are there religious schools in your community? Who runs them, who attends?

Yes, most of the schools are religious based. The head teachers are appointed by the government and the teachers are hired by the government. The children who attend are those who are geographically closest; however, there are many families that will send their children even further away to another school that is of their religion rather then a school that near by and not their religion.

10. For children who are not in school, why did they stop?

Money, scholastic materials, some are orphans and have no support or guidance, women get pregnant, small amount of girls are told to stay home to take care of the house.

11. Are there extracurricular activities offered outside of school? What are they, and how are they managed?

Yes: music and drama, games- football and netball. They are managed by a teacher or some person in the community that stays late and helps. There are some community initiatives (they will organize games and create competitions) and encourage students to participate.

12. Is there a Parent/Teacher Association? How is it run?

Yes; every school has a PTA. The head teacher will meet twice annually at the school with the parents and talk about progress, developments and seek ideas from parents.

Health and Health Facilities:

1. What are the main health problems that are present? Are they seasonal?

AIDS is the most prevalent. Then there is malaria which is seasonal (more cases during the wet season). There are also cases of communicable diseases such as: Whooping cough, mal-nutrition (intestinal worms), pneumonia, fever, dental and birth complications.

2. What types of health facilities exist in your community?

There is a hospital in Lyantonde town. Lyantonde hospital was a health center 4 but has since been upgraded to a hospital. Then there are HC 3’s at sub county level; there are also HC 2’s at parish level- but those are few. In the rural, where there are no health facilities, they will go to the HC 3. If it is serious enough, they will go to the hospital. There are also private practitioners who operate privately and are found in Lyantonde town. Additionally, there are witch doctors and they are found everywhere in the sub counties.

3. How many people work at the facilities? What are some of their roles and responsibilities?

There are limited personnel at the health centers. They are always overwhelmed with patients. At Lyantonde hospital they employ 85 people. 70% of them are medical care staff such as doctors, nurses, midwives, etc. 30% of the staff is support staff such as councilors, accountants and cleaning staff,

4. Do these people live in the community or do they commute?

At Lyantonde hospital some of them live in the community but 90% of them commute. It is difficult on the holidays because no one is there because they have gone to their homes.

5. What services are offered at the facilities? What are the fees?

Family planning, dental, surgeries, theaters. All of the services and drugs are free. The operations and drugs are free because the government pays for them.

6. When is the facility supposed to be open and how often is it open?

It is open 24/7.

7. What supplies, including medications, are available?

Antiviral, common medicines that is on the list that the government approves, wheel chair, trolleys, bandages, and they have an ambulance but it is not functional.

8. Are mosquito nets available for sale? Where else are they available?

No, NGO’s go to through the Ministry of Health and go to the communities to sell or give the mosquito nets away.

9. Are condoms available for sale?> Where else are they available?

They are available at the hospital and are free; even in the lower health centers they are available and free.

10. Is the area around the facility clean?

Relatively.

11. Is there a water source for the facility? Latrine?

Yes- tap, it sometimes runs out. Latrine- yes.

12. How many communities does the facility support?

All of the sub counties and some of the surrounding districts.

13. Who uses the facility the most?

Women and children. Men hardly ever come.

14. What are the priorities of the health facility?

Prevention and health awareness.

15. What are the normal treatments that are given?

Malaria, retroviral, and whooping cough.

16. Are there traditional healers or birth attendants in your community? If so, have they ever received any formal training?

Yes, there are many and no they have not received any training. Less than 50% of the women come to the hospital to give birth leaving the rest of those women to do it at home or with the help of other women and/or witch doctors.

17. Is there a health committee in the village or a management team for the facility? Who keeps the records/budget?

Yes, management. There is a records officer and budgets department.

Other ideas/thoughts you might solicit from the community:

1. Do you consider your community to be poor, average or rich in resources? Why?

Lyantonde town: average (they have business and consumers) Rural: poor (they do not have access to land).

2. What are the strengths of your community? Who are the respected people in the community? Which people have the most influence?

Agriculture, animal husbandry, and the multiple skills that each individual embodies.

3. In your first three months, what things about your village make you the most proud?

The components that make me proud of my community are small things: the spirit that children have despite their circumstance. For instance, the fact that one or both of their parents are dead and they are left faced with the challenge of taking care of their siblings even when most of them are infected them selves. The discipline and convictions that the members of the rural sub counties exhibit, the amount of gratitude that the community shows when given flour or anything else that they are in need of, but most importantly- the children and their perseverance to finish school.

4. How would you like the community to develop/change?

I would like my community to develop more income generating activities, to obtain appropriate knowledge that can help them practice safe health behaviors and business skills, as well as to help my organization partner with NGO’s and demonstrate positive communication strategies in order to grow and become a better organization in order to better serve the community.