HEALTH
a) Maternal and child health (MCH)
Growth Care Uganda has a medical facility located in Bala subcounty Kole District constructed with support from Child outreach ministry. This medical center is offering arrange of comprehensive services including child nutritional rehabilitation, reproductive health, immunization and maternity care, it has both inpatient and outpatient. Services. The center was built meet holistic medical needs of mothers and children ensuring their well-being from pregnancy through infancy and beyond. Growth Care Uganda medical center which is at a level of health center III, is registered by allied health profession Uganda. This was created to fulfill the vision of GCU of having healthy lives and thriving agency.
b) Sexual Reproductive Health
GCU provides reproductive health services at the facility and within the community. These services include contraception, family planning, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) screening, post abortion care and counseling. We work with different partners in development to increase RH service access. We have service packages designed to meet needs of adolescent and youth including persons with disability to empower them make informed decisions and healthy choices about their reproductive lives for a healthy well-being.
c) Menstrual Health and Hygiene
Menstrual health and hygiene is one component of health that has not received significant attention it deserves. GCU therefore developed passion to this address this problem after witnessing many adolescent girls drop out of school due to inability to access menstrual health information and services. We have therefore specialized in awareness creation among adolescent both for in school and out of school within the region. Our intention is to dispel myths, reduce stigma on MHH and promote healthy practices. In view of this, GCU has set up a production center where reusable sanitary pads are being made at large scale. This is a sustainable approach to addressing menstrual hygiene needs, potentially reducing financial burdens and environmental impact associated with disposable products. Additionally, we conduct sessions on making reusable sanitary pads in schools and communities with emphasis of not only empowering individuals with practical skills but also contributing to local capacity building and self-sufficiency in addressing menstrual health challenges.
d) Health Outreaches
Our health outreach is designed to extend services to communities who are in hard to reach areas and far from our health facility. This focuses primarily on providing counseling and education on reproductive health (RH), HIV testing and counselling, tuberculosis (TB) and malaria. We aim to reach communities with essential information and support to promote preventive measures, early detection and treatment options fand provide referral pathway to communities . These outreaches are basically to improve health outcomes, reduce the burden of disease create a more resilient community. Additionally, we create awareness and advocacy on areas around gender and inclusion, disability inclusion, climate change and tackling negative social norms in the communities
EDUCATION
a) Child Education Sponsorship
Our child education sponsorship program is dedicated to supporting vulnerable children by providing them with essential scholastic materials, covering school fees and ensuring access to nutritious food for optimal nutrition especially infants. More than 50 children are currently benefiting under this project across Lango sub-region. The program is being supported by volunteers and well-wishers partnering with GCU and among them are Child Outreach Ministry from USA as our Major partner. By addressing these fundamental needs, our aim is to remove barriers to education and promote the academic success of disadvantaged children by empowering them with the tools and resources they need to break the cycle of poverty, realize their full potential and build brighter futures.
It cost $50 per month to sponsor a child under this scheme
b) Schools’ Performance Improvement Schemes
This program has been in operation since 2021 in Lira City and Kole District, we focus on enhancing the educational outcomes in government schools. Through these initiatives, we support various learning programs, including the provision of essential learning materials, empowering School Management Committees (SMCs) and Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs), building the capacity of teachers through training and professional development opportunities and actively engaging parents in their children’s learning journey. Our partnership with Grassroots Nest for Innovation and Change (GRIC) a Kenyan based organization that funds education programs through FICH in Uganda has supported GCU for the past three project financial years since 2021in implementing these comprehensive strategies that has enhanced academic performance and holistic development of children within these communities especially in the three schools we have directly implemented this project at.
c) School Infrastructure Improvement
Under this program, our focus is on enhancing school infrastructure to create an optimal learning environment, prioritizing essential facilities such as washrooms, changing rooms, restrooms, handwashing stations and drying facilities since most of the schools fail to meet these needs. By improving these amenities, our aims have always been at promoting hygiene, comfort and dignity for learners and staff alike. Additionally, we address critical needs like proper disposal facilities for used sanitary pads, ensuring a safe and hygienic environment for all. These efforts cultivate a conducive atmosphere for learning, supporting the well-being and academic success of learners within educational institutions and promote girls’ retention at school.
LIVELIHOOD IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
In response to our mission of tackling poverty, GCU has designed a robust program that focuses on improving livelihood of youth and women in Northern Uganda. Uganda currently has youngest population in the world over 78% of 41.6 million citizen are under 30 years old according to UBOS 2021 mid-year projection. The majority of these youth and women live in adject poverty which make them a risk to society. GCU therefore chose to intervene in changing the situation of these youth and women through appropriate livelihood options as below.
a) Community Agribusiness Groups
Northern Uganda economy is largely dependent on Agriculture for their livelihood. However, due to prolonged war of Lord Resistance Army of over 20 years, community engagement in agriculture was disrupted. Due to this, household income declined, famine has been rampant and mal nutrition in children very common.
Our intervention as GCU targets strengthening community farmers group through Agribusiness saving schemes, cooperate marketing, farmers learning exposure and improved accessibility to farms inputs. We have 12 active farmers groups with each group having average of 30 members
b) Youth Green Skills Training
Our Youth Economic Empowerment initiative focuses on providing comprehensive skills training in various trade skills to enhance employability and entrepreneurship opportunities. We are registered by directorate of industrial training (DIT) as a training center approved to offer different trade skills. For the last five years over 500 youth both boys and girls including persons with disability have benefited from our skilling program. We currently offer training in the following trades
- Black Smith and mental bending
- Digital innovation through graphics design, photography and videography
- Tailoring and garment cutting
- Shoe making skills
- Food and restaurant management
- Hair dressing and beautification
- Crocheting and sweater making
- Horticulture and agribusiness
- Poultry farming skill
- Production of reusable sanitary pads
c) Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLA)
- Youth saving schemes. Our Youth Saving Schemes are designed to empower young individuals participating in our mentorship programs, whether they are learning green skills at our hub or within communities. We provide support by offering saving kits and comprehensive training on financial literacy. These initiatives equip youth with the necessary tools and knowledge to develop a strong foundation for financial independence and stability.
- Parent’s VSLA group. GCU work with the parents’ groups in the communities where youth mentorship programs are being implemented. Parent’s Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) groups are committed to empowering parents especially women with the tools and knowledge necessary for financial independence and security. We provide support in the form of saving kits, enabling parents to save and invest in their future. Through comprehensive training sessions on financial literacy, saving strategies and investment culture, we equip parents with the skills to manage their finances effectively and make informed decisions about their economic well-being.
d) Youth Media and Digital Space
- Youth film and drama club. Our Youth Film and Drama Club harnesses the creative talents of young individuals to produce impactful content that serves both educational and awareness-raising purposes. Through dynamic drama performances in schools and communities, we tackle important social issues, sparking conversations and promoting positive behavior change. Additionally, our club produces documentaries that shed light on various topics, ranging from health and education to social justice issues, providing a platform for marginalized voices to be heard.
- Youth media studio. Our Youth Media Studio offers a user-friendly space equipped with state-of-the-art facilities at our hub, providing young people with the resources they need to bring their creative projects to life. Youth can rent equipment, such as cameras and editing software, to pursue their artistic endeavors, whether it be filmmaking, photography or graphic design. Additionally, our studio serves as a collaborative environment where young individuals can work together, share ideas, and receive support from mentors to complete their projects.
- Growth lane TV. This is an online platform established at growth care digital Hub dedicated to amplifying the voices of youth and fostering meaningful dialogue on issues pertinent to their lives. We engage discussions and interviews, young individuals have the opportunity to share their perspectives on various topics, ranging from social issues to personal experiences. Additionally, Growth Lane TV provides a vital advocacy space, empowering youth to advocate for causes they are passionate about and effecting positive change in their communities.
FOUNDATIONAL PROGRAM
a) Community discipleship.
As a Christian founded organization, we support a community discipleship program that extends across the Lango districts, including Lira, Alebtong, Dokolo, Oyam, Apac, and Kole, where we engage with local community churches through various initiatives. Using innovative methods such as the chronological Bible story cloth, we facilitate group discussions to deepen understanding of scripture and bible story memory that help foster spiritual growth. Additionally, we conduct evangelism efforts and host conferences to inspire and equip individuals in their faith journey. Recognizing and celebrating commitment to spiritual development, we also present awards of Bibles as dedication to biblical study and application, promoting a vibrant and connected community of believers dedicated to living out their faith.
b) Leadership training academy.
The Leadership Training Academy is dedicated to equipping leaders across various spheres with the skills and knowledge necessary for effective leadership. We offer theological training tailored for church leaders, providing them with a solid foundation in theology and practical ministry skills. Additionally, we extend our training programs to cultural leaders, recognizing their influential roles in communities. Through mentorship programs, we offer personalized guidance and support to emerging leaders. Furthermore, our academy offers professional leadership courses designed to enhance leadership competencies in diverse organizational contexts. By empowering leaders through education and mentorship in schools and institutions, we aim to foster positive transformation and sustainable development in communities
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