October 15, 2024 – In the wake of conflict or socio-economic hardship, education and skills development serve as powerful tools for healing and transformation. At WPDI, we have long heralded the critical role that peacebuilding-infused education can play in communities like those in Gulu City, Acholi Sub-Region, Uganda. As a region still grappling with the aftershocks of armed conflict, poverty, and marginalization, Gulu’s residents seek support that not only addresses their immediate needs but also empowers them to build a better future for themselves and their communities.
WPDI’s Community Learning Center (CLC) programs in Gulu are designed to address these pressing challenges through courses, workshops and activities in four key areas: Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution Education, Livelihood programs (ICT, Business, Arts & Crafts, Tailoring), Peace Through Sports, and Health & Wellbeing. These programs aim to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge they need to navigate and overcome the challenges they face, including poverty, mental health issues, and community conflict.
In the first semester of 2024, 194 individuals participated in our training programs in Gulu, including courses in Business, Conflict Resolution Education, ICT, and Arts & Crafts delivered by WPDI’s experienced staff and Youth Peacemakers. After a period of dedicated learning and upon success at their final examinations, the trainees were gathered for a joint graduation ceremony on July 16, 2024, at the Gulu Community Learning Center—a special occasion that celebrated their hard work and achievements.
The event was graced by the presence of key stakeholders and partners, including government representatives such as the Deputy Resident City Commissioner (DRCC), the Mayor of Bardege-Layibi Division, the In-Charge of the Mental Health Unit of Gulu Regional Referral Hospital, and the Community Development Officer for Bardege-Layibi. These officials play vital roles in addressing the socio-economic and health challenges facing the people of Gulu, and their presence underscored the importance of collaboration in the ongoing efforts to uplift the community.
In his speech, DRCC Peter Banya, the Chief Guest at the event, expressed his appreciation for WPDI’s initiatives, particularly their focus on mental health, a growing concern in Gulu. He highlighted the need for increased mental health awareness and better referral systems for those struggling with trauma, especially in the city’s urban and rural areas.
“Many people are going through tough times, creating trauma and mental health issues. We must raise awareness and provide clear pathways for survivors to receive care at designated facilities. I particularly want to connect with those who have completed the trauma healing class to help engage with street children, a group that has become a significant concern in our community,” said Mr. Banya, pledging his support for WPDI’s efforts.
The impact of WPDI’s peacebuilding and livelihood programs was made clear through the powerful testimonies of the graduates. Awak Francis, a participant in the Conflict Resolution Education training, shared his personal experience of how the skills he learned helped him resolve a serious conflict within his family. “I was faced with a serious conflict between my wife and me, but because of the skills I gained from the Conflict Resolution training, I was able to resolve it. Thanks to WPDI, I now have the tools to manage conflicts peacefully,” he said.
Similarly, Otim Joseph, an engineer with the local government, expressed his gratitude for the business and entrepreneurship training he received. “The knowledge I gained at WPDI has enriched my business management skills, particularly in financial planning, management, and control. I was so inspired by the program that I’ve now enrolled in the trauma healing course, which I believe is equally important. I continue to appreciate WPDI for these initiatives and the donors who support the organization’s activities,” Otim remarked.
Our programs are designed to help the members of the Gulu community tackle the issues and challenges that arise in their lives and their immediate environments. By providing practical skills and knowledge, we help build resilience and self-reliance in vulnerable individuals, enabling them to cope with difficult life situations and create a brighter future for themselves and their families.
As the graduation ceremony came to a close, the learners expressed their deep gratitude to WPDI for the opportunities they received. Many of the graduates, particularly the youth and women, declared how they felt empowered to contribute positively to their communities. They are determined to use their new skills to become self-reliant and to act as change agents for peace and sustainable development.
Our Community Learning Center in Gulu continues to be a beacon of hope and empowerment for a community that has endured so much. Through education, training, and peacebuilding, WPDI remains committed to fostering peaceful coexistence and sustainable livelihoods in Gulu, proving that positive change is possible when individuals are given the tools they need to succeed.
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