Rockflower and KYID's Pioneering Project for Albino Rights in Uganda

Rockflower, in partnership with Kinyamaseke Youth In Development (KYID), proudly shares the impactful results of our collaborative project advocating for the rights and dignity of Albino individuals in Uganda. This transformative journey has been a testament to the power of community, advocacy, and resilience in challenging deep-rooted misconceptions and cultural norms.

From Darkness to Light: The Project's Journey

KYID embarked on a mission to alter the dangerous cultural norms and beliefs that alienate Albino people, often associating them with the supernatural and exposing them to severe risks. These societal misconceptions have often led to Albinos being chased for harmful practices that can include physical mutilation and even murder. Recognizing the urgency, KYID involved key stakeholders including legislators, politicians, local and cultural leaders, aiming to shift perceptions and advocate for the Albino community's rights.

Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges

Albinos in Uganda have faced isolation and discrimination, impacting every aspect of their lives—from education to healthcare. KYID addressed these challenges head-on, empowering Albino people to emerge from isolation and integrate into society.

It focused on:

• Education and Advocacy: Training workshops were conducted for 80 individuals, including Albinos, their families, and community leaders, to highlight the challenges they have faced and explore legal and policy solutions.

• Community Dialogues: Engagements with various stakeholders, including religious and traditional leaders, emphasized the need for inclusive policies and protective measures for Albinos.

• Forming an Albino Association: Guiding Albinos to establish an organization, providing them a platform to advocate for their rights and receive essential services.

Impactful Outcomes and Lessons Learned

The project's success in improving the welfare of the Albino community in Uganda has been multi-faceted and deeply impactful. One of the most significant outcomes has been the cultural shifts initiated by the development of policy briefs by cultural leaders. These documents have played a crucial role in discarding harmful beliefs and practices that have long plagued the Albino community. By addressing these deep-rooted cultural issues, the project has laid the groundwork for more profound and lasting change.

Another key achievement of the project has been the increase in awareness about the challenges faced by Albinos. Leveraging local media, the initiative successfully amplified the voices of Albinos, bringing their stories and struggles to the forefront of public consciousness. This heightened awareness has been instrumental in educating the broader public about the rights and needs of Albinos, fostering a more inclusive and understanding society.

The importance of education in empowering the Albino community cannot be overstated. The project placed a strong emphasis on schooling for Albino children, working to sensitize educational institutions to their unique needs and challenges. This focus on education has opened up new avenues for these children, providing them with opportunities to break out of the cycle of poverty that has often confined them.

In terms of healthcare, the project has made significant strides in advocating for better access and services, particularly in the area of maternal health. This focus on healthcare accessibility has been crucial in improving the overall well-being and quality of life for the Albino community, ensuring that they receive the care and support they need.

The collaboration with human rights lawyers to defend Albinos against abuse and discrimination has also been a pivotal part of the project. This legal support has provided a layer of protection and advocacy for the community, offering a means to combat the injustices they often face.

Lastly, the project's initiatives for economic empowerment have been transformative. By equipping Albinos with income-generating skills and providing opportunities for self-reliance, the project has enabled them to become more independent and secure in their livelihoods. This focus on economic empowerment is not just about providing financial stability, but also about instilling a sense of dignity and self-worth in the Albino community.

Together, these outcomes and lessons learned have marked a significant step forward in the journey towards equality, respect, and a better life for Albinos in Uganda. The project's comprehensive approach has not only addressed immediate needs but also set in motion a series of changes that promise a more hopeful and inclusive future for the Albino community.

KYID & Rockflower Aim to Transform Lives of Albino People in Uganda

Kinyamaseke Youth In Development (KYID), is partnering with Rockflower for a new project to amplify the voices of another underrepresented and oppressed group. This time, their mission is to empower and protect the rights of individuals with Albinism, a group facing profound challenges due to cultural beliefs and societal misconceptions.

Founded in 2008, KYID has been a beacon of hope in Kinyamasake, dedicated to eradicating gender inequality and fostering community conversations that drive real change. Their strength lies in their deep-rooted relationships within the community, enabling them to respond effectively to pressing needs and create projects that truly matter.

Earlier this year, KYID initiated an inspiring project focused on challenging perceptions and breaking the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS through community dialogues in Kinyamaseke. Yet, in the process, the organization discovered a hidden crisis that demanded immediate attention – the alarming plight of people with dwarfism. KYID swiftly adapted, pivoting their efforts to champion the rights and well-being of this community. The project's success in enhancing awareness and improving lives has been nothing short of remarkable.

However, as KYID worked alongside individuals with dwarfism, they discovered yet another marginalized group in need of recognition and change – Albino individuals. These individuals, often victims of cultural misconceptions, endure discrimination, restricted educational opportunities, untreated health issues, and even threats to their lives. Their experiences struck a chord within KYID, igniting a renewed passion to raise awareness, dispel myths, and advocate for the rights and dignity of Albino individuals.

The objectives of this dynamic collaboration are as diverse as they are impactful. Through an array of strategies, KYID aims to debunk harmful myths, empower Albinos with education and resources, secure legal protection, and build a more inclusive society. By organizing community awareness campaigns, advocating for essential resources like sun protection, and collaborating with law enforcement for legal advocacy, they aspire to create a safe and nurturing environment for Albinos to thrive.

This initiative goes beyond immediate changes – it envisions a future where Albinos are celebrated, where their rights are recognized, and where their safety is a given. Through community engagement, partnerships with law enforcement, and capacity-building initiatives, KYID and Rockflower intend to establish a solid foundation for lasting change, fostering a society where inclusivity is at the heart of every community interaction.

In the face of these challenges, KYID and Rockflower's partnership stands as a beacon of hope. Together, they embark on a journey towards greater awareness, empathy, and lasting change, weaving a tapestry of empowerment and dignity for all.

KYID is Championing Rights for Individuals with Dwarfism & HIV/AIDS in Uganda

Rockflower partner, Kinyamaseke Youths in Development (KYID), is making significant progress in advocating for the rights and well-being of individuals with dwarfism and HIV/AIDS. Dwarfism, a condition that affects adult height, and the challenges faced by those living with it have long been neglected and stigmatized. KYID aims to change this narrative and create a more inclusive society for marginalized groups through their work.

KYID recognizes the unique challenges faced by individuals with dwarfism. They are often subjected to discrimination, stigma, and misconceptions, leading to their marginalization within communities. Moreover, poverty, limited access to education, employment opportunities, and public infrastructure further exacerbate their vulnerability. KYID is committed to addressing these issues and ensuring the rights and potential of individuals with dwarfism are acknowledged.

The project undertaken by KYID was initiated during an HIV/AIDS training session for the community when a person with dwarfism stood up to share their story and the challenges they faced. It became clear that there was a lack of awareness and a great deal of discrimination faced by individuals with dwarfism regarding HIV/AIDS. Motivated by their experiences and challenges, KYID embarked on a mission to provide support and create awareness.

One of the key activities conducted by KYID was a comprehensive two-day training program on the causes, transmission, and prevention of HIV/AIDS. Participants were equipped with the necessary knowledge to protect themselves and others from the disease. Moreover, they were empowered to become advocates within their communities, spreading awareness and challenging harmful stereotypes.

KYID also facilitated a dialogue with 30 local and cultural leaders to discuss the rights of individuals with dwarfism. The objective was to debunk myths and misconceptions while increasing understanding and support for their inclusion. By engaging influential leaders, KYID aims to foster a broader societal change and promote the rights of individuals with dwarfism.

To reach a wider audience, KYID organized a radio program focused on raising community awareness about the rights and freedoms of people with dwarfism. The program emphasized the legal framework and international conventions pertaining to the rights of persons with disabilities. The response from the community was positive, with many expressing sympathy and recognizing the need to support individuals with dwarfism at all levels.

During their initiatives, an emerging issue came to light as a person living with albinism shared her challenges. Albinos, another group of people with disabilities, face discrimination and even violence due to harmful cultural beliefs. KYID intends to address these concerns and work towards safeguarding the rights and well-being of individuals with albinism as well.

KYID's efforts are commendable as they strive to create an inclusive society where all individuals, regardless of their disabilities, are respected, supported, and empowered. By advocating for the rights of people with dwarfism and HIV/AIDS, KYID is paving the way for a more equal and accepting Uganda.

KYID’s Community Discussions Around HIV/AIDS are Changing the Narrative

Kinyamaseke Girls Youth in Development (KYID), based in the Kasese district of Uganda, has been working to address the HIV/AIDS epidemic in their area by changing the narrative and perceptions around the disease. The organization was started in 2008 with the goal of breaking the domestic violence cycle created by social structures undermining the rights of girls. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns, the prevalence of HIV/AIDS among school aged girls has increased drastically. KYID identified a real need in the community for people to gather and discuss the issue and learn more about stigma and prevention and they have shared the results of the project with us. What they uncovered in the process was shocking and will greatly inform their work moving forward.

In the Kasese District, 11.5% of the population is affected by HIV/AIDS, which is much higher than the national average of 7.5%. Most of the girls in the District have little or no education and are therefore unemployed. In order to meet their basic needs, they enter into marriages at a young age, with men who are not capable of supporting them. Some of these girls become victims of sex trafficking after being brought to large towns under the guise of traditional employment. Not only are they victims of abuse and sexual assault, but they are exposed to a number of STD’s including HIV/AIDS. Most are under 18 years old. COVID-19 has led to an increase of young people being exposed to HIV/AIDS, and a decrease in those getting tested. 

KYID knew that they urgently needed to open up discussions and bring the community together to better understand the causes of the increase in HIV/AIDS and to uncover the best way to help solve the problem. Throughout the course of the project, they conducted two exploratory meetings, five awareness sessions, three advocacy meetings, held two training workshops and produced five concerts to raise awareness. By connecting with the people in their community, they were able to uncover a lot about the issues at hand, much of which will inform their continued work. For the workshops, they focused on meeting with youth affected by HIV/AIDS to help them better understand their illness and put together a will.

Some of what they uncovered in these meetings involved the shift in parental responsibilities that has put much greater pressure on the parents. They learned that many of the girls affected by HIV/AIDS did not have their basic needs met by their parents, and come from households where domestic violence was prevalent. Additionally, many of the girls, having grown up in an abstinence first culture, have little knowledge about safe sex. 

Some conclusions from these community meetings were that educating and training needs to start with parents and adults in the community. KYID plans to hold awareness training for parents, school teachers, union leaders and youth counselors to help them identify risk factors in young women and how to help young women affected by HIV/AIDS. They also made the decision that one of the most effective ways to get the information out would be through plays and concerts. They had young girls create skits and songs to advocate for their rights. The importance of young men having education on these topics is also crucial. KYID will be distributing condoms and teaching boys how to use them in order to practice safe sex.

Something unexpected to the group was the consistent participation of those with dwarfism. The challenges they face are immense, and KYID is determined to help improve their quality of life. The little people in attendance spoke up about the terrible abuse and sexual harrassment they face. There is an old cultural belief that engaging in sex with a little person will cure ailments like HIV, which has led them to be raped and often infected with HIV/AIDS. 

“They were brave to be open and disclose that most of them are HIV positive because of people flocking in for them. The whole meeting was sorrowful and other people shed tears. We were concerned as human rights advocates for our fellow women being used as objects of laughter.”

KYID held a separate meeting for men and women with dwarfism to come together and discuss the extreme discrimination they face and how vulnerable they are to abuse. They have asked KYID to step in and assist them in advocating for their rights and bringing awareness to the community, which they plan to do, as they recognize this serious human rights violation.

“In Bukonzo County of Kasese District, we identified about 30 dwarfs to benefit from the training. We feel touched and concerned about our fellow girls and women to be left behind in matters concerning social development when they are suffering. In our training we will also have counseling sessions to find out those who are infected by HIV/AIDS.”

This exploratory project brought to light some shocking, yet extremely important discoveries. KYID now has a clear idea of what they can do to help improve their community, starting with helping the most vulnerable groups. Overall, the project was successful in teaching people about HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and how to break the stigma and has led to a larger discussion which will continue in various forms. KYID has a great deal of work ahead of them as they continue to fight injustices and advocate for those who need it most.

Uganda: Spotlight on Stories of Hope and Resilience

Rockflower is a global venture philanthropy fund maintaining partnerships across the world, in particular across the African continent. As the pandemic continues to have a disproportionate impact on those countries without access to vaccines and medications, we have chosen to spotlight the situation in Uganda where we currently have nine partnerships -  Farm Life, Foundation for Women’s Dignity, Hope for the Future Organization, Hope for Rural Women (HORUWO), Kinyamaseke Youth in Development (KYID),  Rwenzori United Group for Life Improvement (RUGLI), Women Advocacy and Development Services (UWADS) Youth and Women Initiative for Sustainable Development (YWISD) and Dare Now Uganda (DNU). 

In recent months, our partners in Uganda have faced immense challenges caused by the spread of the recent Delta variant of COVID-19, which has brought a halt to all planned activities during the most recent 42 days of lockdown. Many Ugandans are now without income or community support and are struggling to fulfill basic needs such as access to food. Our partner organizations work hard to support their communities and create stability, and throughout this time have found themselves overwhelmed with requests for food, and other basic necessities. 

Through the generosity of our supporters, Rockflower has been able to ensure that funds have been made available to support our Ugandan partners throughout this time. Funds that would normally be allocated to community based projects for women and girls, are now being used for the purchase of food to keep them alive. 

The situation in Uganda has worsened in recent months despite evidence that in the early stages of the pandemic, the country was extremely successful at protecting its citizens. In 2016, Uganda founded a global health security program at the Infectious Disease Institute at Makerere University in Kampala in order to combat and plan for pandemics. Early in 2020, the government quickly developed border screenings, laboratory testing capacity, community surveillance and infection control in health clinics and hospitals. As a result of this expeditious rollout of safety measures, Uganda was reporting fewer cases and deaths than other countries of similar population size.

It wasn’t until the Delta variant began spreading rapidly that the condition worsened. This variant of COVID-19 transmits more easily and has led to a higher percentage of severe illness, including those requiring oxygen support. Uganda has a population of 44 million and so far has recorded a total of 91,355 cases of COVID-19 and 2,483 deaths, according to the latest data from the health ministry. The virus has spread to 108 districts, out of which 20, including Kampala and Wakiso, have been significantly affected. 

On June 19th, Uganda re-imposed a 42 day complete lockdown, which only allowed citizens to leave their homes for essential purchases and included a ban on the use of any private vehicles other than those operated by essential workers. The response from the broader population was not welcoming of the lockdown. Many believed that it would do more harm than good, and those who may be in dire need of resources and support are afraid to approach local law enforcement, and would prefer to stay silent.

Unfortunately, the only measure that can truly stop the spread of COVID-19 and pull Uganda out of this desperate situation is the ready availability of vaccinations. COVID-19 is now considered a preventable disease thanks to the numerous vaccines that have been proven effective, but without access to these vaccines, the pandemic will continue to spread in unvaccinated populations. 

In March of 2021, Uganda received their first donation of vaccines, and felt confident that they would soon be able to vaccinate 50% of their population. In March they received 864,000 vaccines donated through CoVax and another 100,000 donated from India. Although still beneficial, this number is a drop in the bucket against Uganda’s population of 44 million. First responders and high risk patients were prioritized, but once these vaccines were used, vaccination efforts were shut down until late June when France donated another 175,000 doses. Since then, Uganda has not received any additional doses.

The Ugandan government has so far failed to purchase any vaccines, with officials saying the country had been priced out of the market by richer nations in the West, and therefore has been relying on surplus donations from other countries. Like many nations, Uganda was hoping to purchase vaccines produced in India, however due to India's recent devastating outbreak, they are no longer exporting doses. 

The phrase ‘vaccine diplomacy’ has long been the topic of conversation regarding how vaccines will be distributed across the world. The issue is that this phrase represents a political rather than science-based effort to vaccinate populations. It has become a matter of politics and money. Developing countries that have the capacity to produce vaccines are unable to negotiate for the licenses from drug companies and countries without strong bilateral relationships may get passed over. This vaccination distribution method does not eliminate hotspots of the virus, which will lead to even more dangerous variants emerging. The world is quickly losing time, and will require a global resolve to end the pandemic equitably.

Rockflower has received updates from a number of Ugandan partners informing us of their current situation, and in many cases asking for help. Our partner organizations are pillars of support for their communities, and have therefore been inundated with requests for help throughout the lockdown. Nankindu Angella, Chairperson & Co-founder of Youth and Women Initiative for Sustainable Development (YWISD) explained the challenges faced by her community throughout the current lockdown.

“It's a hard and challenging time for us community leaders, we were working on improving the market then boom the lock down came in and everything is now so hard. Now we have put the training on hold to observe and follow Standard Operating Procedures for COVID-19. Since we supported our beneficiaries during the previous lockdown even now they keep coming to us for help and we have done what we can, we are supporting very many women in the community who cannot feed their children. I myself am a single mother, I clearly understand what many of these women pass through now since many work for day-to-day food.”

Our partner organizations have been forced to suspend activities, which in many cases has caused the loss of the sole source of income for women and girls who support themselves and their families. Rockflower partner, Biira Mary, the Executive Director of Rwenzori United Group for Life Improvement (RUGLI), sent us an update explaining the economic impact and long-term devastation caused by the pandemic.

“COVID-19 has created a lot of devastating social, economic, and political crises that are going to leave deep scars for years to come. The impact caused may  reverse   the progress made in tackling global challenges  for many years  putting at risk the lives and livelihoods of people living in underdeveloped countries  but pressing many vulnerable people, the youth and persons with disabilities. The dreadful virus has caused a lot of gaps in the development process increasing the vulnerability of youths due to lack of essential resources such as clean water, food, medical supplies and even basic information. The disease has proved to be a tragic longer-term impact, with the potential for mass unemployment, and the risk of increasing inequality, marginalization, and poverty.”

Upon receiving these and many other messages from our partners in Uganda, Rockflower was able to put together a small but impactful emergency relief fund to help with food and other basic necessities for these communities. We are looking at all opportunities to raise additional funds including an additional surge of cryptocurrency donations to sustain this fund and provide life-saving necessities to women and girls who have been greatly affected by the pandemic. Sarah Namunyagwa, a single mother who has participated in YWISD projects in the past, is one beneficiary of the emergency relief fund. Her gratitude for such a small gift of food, is extremely humbling.

"I don't know how much I can thank you for this food, may God continue blessing you abundantly. I had nothing, totally nothing, to feed my 4 children in this COVID lockdown. I am a single mother and having gone through weaving training and you gave me hope to change my life but COVID is making it very difficult for me. Last month I was learning online marketing and I hoped to increase my sales and better the livelihood of my family but COVID lockdown came and all is at pause now yet basic needs are needed…you have not given up on me again you have provided food to help us survive, just extend my gratitude to your partners.”

As of July 30th, the full lockdown in Uganda has been lifted and the country is now looking toward rebuilding all that was lost during this time, providing basic necessities to those who are still without and continuing to fight COVID-19. The challenges faced by these communities are far from over, especially because the country is still severely lacking vaccines for its citizens. 

As our partners begin to resume their activities, the opportunity to gain income via e-commerce is one that could greatly improve their situations. Currently the gender gap that exists on online platforms is excluding billions of dollars from the wallets of female entrepreneurs and the opportunity for economic improvement via their training and participation is immense. The Council for Foreign Relationships noted, “Watershed moments to transform women’s economic status globally are few and far between, but COVID-19 and the post-pandemic recovery offer one of these rare and critical junctures. We cannot afford to miss this opportunity for development and an equitable future for all.”

A few of the outstanding goods being made by some of our partners are shown here by one of our partners, Hope for the Future. We continue to believe in the possibility of new and emerging lines of commerce to benefit their beautiful and innovative work and look forward to exploring these and other opportunities for growth.

Rockflower remains committed to providing support for all of our Ugandan partners so that they may resume activities to support the women and girls of their communities.  Please consider donating to Rockflower’s Emergency Fund, either through traditional channels such as our website’s donation page, or through cryptocurrency via our partnership with The Giving Block. Please be assured that even a small donation can be extremely helpful for women and girls struggling to fulfill their basic needs and those of their families. 

Kinyamaseke Youth in Development

Uganda

Uganda’s President Museveni originally placed the country on a 14-day lockdown beginning March 30. On April 14, the border closures and lockdown controls were extended for an additional 21 days.

Concerns and Challenges

Information about prevention measures air on National TV. However, most people in rural areas don't own TVs and are unaware of the virus, how it spreads and how to prevent. This has led to some people believing the disease is linked to witchcraft.

Adaptation Measures

Biira Miriam, Chairperson of Kinyamaseke Youth in Development (KYID), has been working with two other team members to maintain the office. They developed simple, easily remembered concepts for preventing COVID-19 to pass information to members of the community.

Emergency Fund

With the money we secured for KYID through our Emergency Fund, they were able to:

• Purchase washing buckets with taps

• Purchase washing soap and distributed it to the members

• Purchase reusable facemasks

• Purchase boxes of gloves

• Compiled WHO health guidelines and translated them into the local language to provide to organization and community members

• Used airtime on the phone to mobilize members for distribution of the aforementioned items

• Hire a van (as public and private vehicles have been banned due to the lockdown) to transport the aformentioned materials from Kasese to Kinyamaseke for distribution

Update from June 2020

The continuation of our Emergency Fund gave KYID the opportunity to distribute essential food items, including cassava flour, maize flour, and beans, and sanitary pads to vulnerable women acting as single heads of their families.

Save the Bees

Rockflower partnered with Kinyamaseke Girls Youth in Development (KYID) to support their vision of conserving the Black Bees. Not only does this project maintain the biodiversity of their local environment, it provides opportunities for economic empowerment, including but not limited to higher crop yields and products to sell at market.

With the $3,000 grant funded by Rockflower, KYID was able to do the following:

• Conduct a 2-day training workshop for 62 stakeholders

During the training workshop, stakeholders learned the economic and environmental benefits of conserving pollinators, particularly bees. Handling and maintenance of the beehives was presented. The girls of KYID presented how they are benefitting from the project by learning beekeeping skills.

• Tour to Kamwenge for a 2-day education visit

The community of Kamwenge has formed a beekeeping cooperative, the Kamwenge Beekeepers Association. The Director of the association spoke on the process of beekeeping and the products that can be derived from it. Topics included but were not limited to types of bees, behaviors exhibited, and the equipment and materials used to manage beehives.

• Procure beehives and necessary supplies for the apiary

Necessary supplies, including 5 beekeeping suits, 2 smokers, 4 buckets, 5 pairs of gloves, barbed wire, 2 gumboots, and 14 beehives, were purchased.

• Monitor and evaluate progress by holding a full day of meetings

Throughout this project, KYID has found that knowledge development provides benefits including improved self- and community-esteem, increased participation in decision-making processes, and something as small and individual as a bee can make a big change in a community.

Rockflower Partners with Kinyamaseke Girls Youth in Development to Conserve Black Bees in Uganda

Rockflower is pleased to announce a new partnership with Kinyamaseke Girls Youth in Development (KYID). KYID promotes a community of female youth that is responsible, tolerant, accountable, respectful, and working voluntarily to improve their livelihood for meaningful development.

Rockflower will partner with KYID on a project to conserve black bees as pollinators, seeking both a solution to environmental degradation and providing economic opportunities for young girls through the sale of honey and by-products to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty.  

Find out more about the Black Bees Pollinator Project.