A Word from the People

 Well I am Home and loving it..............8 months is a long time to be aware from your family and friends. Before I left I wanted the people of Odede to talk to you personally. Alex does what we call a SCOT Analysis which is outlined below. We asked representatives from each group to give you an outline of their personal experiences over the last 12 months in Odede since Alex and I arrived. I have not changed anything that they have said, IT IS THEIR WORDS EXACTLY. Hope you enjoy

This is Daniel, he is a member of our Twiger Youth Group. 

S.C.O.T Analysis

S – Success  C – Challenges  O – Opportunities T – Threats

 ECONOMIC PROJECTS ACTIVITIES

HORTICULTURE

• We have succeeded in the land preparation for the plantation of the Passion Fruit
• Acquiring the lands of Passion Fruit

 GOAT KEEPING

• Having laid the work programme in the goats department, there is true commitment among the members in that department
• Plantation of the Napier Grass to help in the feeding of the goats
• Proper Construction and renovation of Goat House

 FISH CATCHMENT

• Construction of Fish Ponds near the lake (Lake Victoria)
• Having some fish in the fish ponds

 CRAFT DEPARTMENT

• Construction of the building block for craft
• Having some tailoring machines in the craft room
• The products from craft are generating money

 SPORTS DEPARTMENT

• Having received the sporting facilities from a World Youth International visitor
• Organisation of tournaments / friendly matches

             SANITARY TOWELS

• Having at hand the materials for making Sanitary Towels
• Training on how to make Sanitary Towels

 TREE PLANTING

• Training on Tree Nursery establishment
• Received the seeds of Casuarina and …….
• Already established the Tree Nursery
• Having same materials for the seedlings like potting bags.

 INVOLVEMENT AND PARTICIPATION

There is full involvement and participation from both the volunteer and the Community Members towards the projects.

There is also full support from World Youth International towards the projects.

The committee of Cooperatives Members have agreed to supervise, monitor and even take responsibilities for the benefit of the Community towards the projects.

All are done to improve the living standard of the Community and even to sustain the project.

 DECISION MAKING

There is democratic platform where by people are coming up with their lives and thus make final decisions.

 OWNERSHIP

People have realised that they fully participate for their benefit of their own project that will improve their living standard and change their lifestyle.

 LEADERSHIP

The structure of leadership within the Centre is well explained where by groups, sub committees and committee of Cooperative executive officials understand their roles and duties. People also respect roles of the officials  There is “Bottom Up’ approach where by the reports are coming from the sub-committees to the group officials and then to the Executive Committee of the Cooperative.

 OTHER SUCCESSESS

• Construction of the Child Development Centre
• Having the Clinic that operates three times a week
• Taking care of the children in the Centre toward their Health/Treatment/ Education/Feeding and Clothing.
• There’s Poultry Keeping that help in sustainability of the CDC
• There’s Centre garden with Kales, onions, tomatoes etc.
• Acquiring of the land where we have built the Centre
• Plastic chairs that help in sitting in a meeting
• Tent that protects us from the strong sun while in meetings.

 CHALLENGES

 Conflict of interest among the members

• Tribalism/Clanism/Nepotism that hinders the progress of the activities
• Lack of trust among the members due to lack of transparency and thus divide people.
• Gossiping / rumours from other members and this discourages others from attending the meeting.
• Negative attitude towards the activity being carried out and hence discourages other members from participating
• Discouragement from other people who are not the members of the group
• Incitement from other people to bring separation and leave the project.

 OPPORTUNITIES

• Availability of land fro the Horticulture or farm practices.
• There’s labour force for the implementation of the activites
• Skills & knowledge from other members in the Community towards Agriculture and others.
• Other resources such as water from the Lake for irrigation
• There is World Youth International for the support of the projects
• There is Community members for decision making and participating in any project.

 THREATS

• Theft cases like in the case of gas cylinder
• Natural calamities like floods and drought that can hinder the crops
• Animal interference like hippos/crocodiles that can hinder crops
• Insecurity purposes towards the Solar Wheelbarrow and water tanks.

 So this is how Daniel has seen the last 12 months of his life in Odede.

This is the Youth preparing to dig the holes for the Passionfruit.

This is beautiful Emily working with the Youth in preparation for the Passionfruit. Emily is a volunteer with World Youth International and has done some amazing work with the Youth. She motivates them and supports them with all their new and innovative ideas.

Daniel is in the middle of the Photo...............beautiful young man.

This is a beautiful saying " A KNOWLEDGE OF THE PATH CANNOT BE SUBSTITUTED FOR PUTTING ONE FOOT IN FRONT OF THE OTHER."

Cheers and there is many more to come - Marilyn