SGU undertakes its poverty fighting mandate through 3 (three) principal program focal areas, namely: the Human Rights and Social Inclusion Advocacy Program (HRP), the Livelihoods Support Program (LSP) and the Capacity Enhancement Program (CEP).

(1) Human Rights and Social Inclusion Advocacy Program (HRP)

SGU’s Human Rights and Social Inclusion Advocacy Program undertakes projects aimed at improving or increasing access to basic rights like education and health for socially and economically marginalized or excluded sections of the community. This Program includes:

(1a) The SGU Access to Health Support Unit, and

(1b) The SGU Access to Basic Education Support Unit.

Under the SGU Access to Health Support Unit, the organization has the following ongoing project activities:

(1a1)

Since its inception in 2020 SGU has been running a Community Hygiene and Health Education Project, which involves using fine art, music, dance and drama to educate the community on health issues, including Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH), HIV/AIDS, and campaigns against the recent corona virus pandemic;

(1a2)

From May 2023 SGU, currently the leading and only community based initiative fighting for the rights of people with neural tube defects (NTDs) like spina bifida and hydrocephalus (SBH) in Kamuli District, has been working in the villages to demystify SBH and disability in general through awareness raising activities.

For some reason birth defect disability is very rampant in the area, and, through our Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus (SBH) Project, SGU has been using conventional awareness raising methods like public talks, radio and television talk shows or printed messages to provide information and reduce disability associated stigma.

However, since most people in the rural areas of Kamuli District cannot read and write, and are often too poor to afford a radio, smart phone or television, these methods have proved largely ineffective, and the organisation is constantly researching and trying more effective methods of passing information to more and more sections of the community. For instance, from June to August 2023, SGU investigated the efficacy of forum theatre as a means of delivering spina bifida and hydrocephalus messages, while actively engaging the community in discussions on issues around disability in general.

Under the SGU Access to Basic Education Support Unit, the organization has since 2020 been working on community schools infrastructure development by mobilizing locals to give freely of their time and energy constructing school buildings, as well as voluntary financial contributions to provide school fees support for a few very needy children.

(2) Livelihoods Support Program (LSP)

SGU’s Livelihoods Support Program (LSP), focuses on projects that seek to improve the lives and livelihoods of socially and economically marginalized or excluded sections of the community by empowering them to drive their own growth. We provide support, resources, and guidance to ensure lasting impact. In a nutshell, SGU’s LSP promotes community development projects that are: sustainable, community-driven, and have lasting impact. This Program includes:

(2a) the SGU Livelihoods Skills Training Unit, and

(2b) the SGU Microfinance Support Unit.

Under the SGU Livelihoods Skills Training Unit, the organization has the following ongoing project activities:

(2a1)

Through the Vocational Education and Training (VET) Project, SGU provides skills training to marginalized women and youth, including child mothers, youth with disabilities and caregivers of children with spina bifida and hydrocephalus. Depending on resource availability, they are trained in craft making, electronics (radio, TV, phone, etc.) repair, and elementary vehicle mechanics.

(2a2)

The beneficiaries are given elementary business training and facilitated to start small businesses of their own.

Under the SGU Microfinance Support Unit, the organization has the following ongoing project activities:

(2b1)

Through our Savings and Credit Cooperative, Namaira Farmers’ SACCO, SGU provides small business loans for economic empowerment to marginalized women and youth, including child mothers and caregivers of children with spina bifida and hydrocephalus.

(2b2)

The SACCO beneficiaries are given routine training in Savings Culture and Financial Intelligence.

(3) Capacity Enhancement Program (CEP)

SGU’s Capacity Enhancement Program (CEP) focuses on initiatives to promote SGU’s institutional growth in terms of human and material infrastructure required to make it function as a first-class service delivery civil society organization in the 21^st century global community. This Program includes:

(3a) The SGU Staff Placement & Development Unit,

(3b) The SGU Volunteering Unit, and

(3c) The SGU Partnership Building Unit.

Under the SGU Staff Placement & Development Unit, the organization has the following ongoing project activities:

(3a1)

Continuous collaboration with local Ugandan institutions of higher learning on intern placement; and

(3a2)

In-house project management training workshops n for existing staff.

Under the SGU Volunteering Unit, the organization has the following ongoing project activities:

(3b1)

Continuous collaboration with local Ugandan and international volunteering institutions on volunteer placement;

Under the SGU Partnership Building Unit, the organization has the following ongoing project activities:

(3c1)

Continuous collaboration with like-minded organizations and practitioners locally and internationally with a view to enhancing resource sharing, project management synergies and a global outlook on local problems and challenges.

Microfinance Solutions

Our microfinance solutions offer accessible financial services to individuals and small businesses, fostering economic independence and self-sufficiency within communities.

We prioritize accessibility and economic independence, providing microfinance solutions that truly make a difference.

• Financial independence
• Accessible services
• Economic self-sufficiency

“Working with Shared Growth Uganda has been a game-changer for our community. Their dedication and innovative approach have truly made a positive impact on our development projects.”

Sarah Johnson

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