Your community in Panyimur

Panyimur Area Development Programme (ADP) includes three parishes in Panyimur sub-county, Nebbi District, north-western Uganda. Most of the 21,000 people live on the shores of Lake Albert.

Agriculture

Agriculture is seen as an occupation for women or uneducated people, with young men attracted to fishing's more reliable income. Apart from cotton, most crops grown are food crops. Intermittent long droughts create frequent food shortages. Forest resources have been depleted, exposing topsoil to strong winds which rush through the area.

World Vision agriculture workers train demonstration farmers to grow drought-resistant crops, plant in rows and use compost. Demonstration farmers receive tools and seeds to help them train local farmers.

The ADP trains people to raise chickens and goats. Fishermen learn to market their catches in better ways. Tree nurseries are established and the community is educated in sustainable environmental practices.

Health

Although there are three health units in the area, some people have to travel as far as 10 km to visit them. Panyimur's poor sanitation and lack of safe water causes diseases such as cholera, diarrhoea and bilharzias (caused by parasitic worms). Other common illnesses include respiratory and eye infections, malaria, measles, HIV/AIDS and STIs.

World Vision trains community health workers to perform basic health activities and educate the community on health issues. Traditional birth attendants learn safer delivery techniques and are provided with delivery kits. Water source committees learn how to protect water resources, collecting monthly water user fees to pay for maintenance.

The ADP constructs health facilities and latrines, runs immunisation clinics and promotes the use of mosquito nets.

HIV/AIDS

Panyimur's location on trucking routes between Democratic Republic of Congo and Sudan means HIV/AIDS is a real danger. Nearly one-third of deaths are HIV/AIDS related.

The ADP trains volunteers to educate locals and travellers about HIV/AIDS. Community committees are provided the resources needed to support people living with HIV/AIDS, orphans and vulnerable children.

Community leadership

The community elects representatives at village, parish and sub-county level every two years. The ADP trains these leaders to plan, implement, monitor and evaluate development activities.

Education

There are nine primary schools and one secondary school in the Panyimur sub-county. School enrolment rates increased dramatically when the Ugandan government introduced free primary schooling in 1997. However, schools did not have the classrooms or teachers to cope with the influx. The pupil: classroom ratio is now 102:1 with 52 per cent of teachers untrained.

The ADP builds classrooms and school latrines, supplies desks and other school furniture and provides training workshops for preschool and primary school teachers. School management committees (similar to NZ schools' Boards of Trustees) are trained to manage their schools effectively.

Needy children receive books, school bags and stationery to help them in their studies. The ADP supports Vision Clubs, whose activities include tree planting, debating and drama. 

Faith

While over 90 per cent of the population are Christian, there are also a number of Muslim people and adherents of Kwongaism, a traditional African religion.

World Vision organises leadership training and interdenominational meetings to facilitate co-operation among church leaders. Churches are encouraged to promote HIV/AIDS awareness and support those affected. The ADP also provides Christian literature to churches.

Sustainable development

World Vision and the people of Panyimur envisage that by late 2009 the community's development will be at a level that no longer requires World Vision assistance.

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UGANDA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES

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