DEFYING ALL ODDS IN THE FSP!

The struggle to attain self reliance among some of the care-givers (parents/relatives/guardians etc) of the Family Strengthening Program (FSP) Gulu has been remarkable! This is evident by some women defying all odds through engaging themselves in activities like brick making, traditionally taken to be a man’s work. Acayo Florence (not real name), 52years old and a caregiver in Laroo division in Gulu Municipality, is actively engaged in making bricks for sale.

Despite the scorching afternoon heat, Acayo and her sister climb high up to assemble the bricks for burning, while other family members throw them the bricks from below. Every one is sweating but seemingly enjoying their work, expecting to gain from their sweat.

As I approach them in one of my home visits, everyone pauses and I hear the children saying “SOS, SOS’’ while Acayo welcomes me with a contagious smile. I notice that everyone is totally covered with mud, and not to interfere, I ask them to continue with their work so that I can take a few snaps when they are in action. This brings more excitement as everyone apparently becomes so busy outdoing one another.

I later engaged Acayo in a discussion to discover the whole idea behind the brick project. In her explanation she was very certain of the market for bricks, which she attributes to the increased demand in the construction industry and more importantly to the rapid development taking place around Gulu University.

Their plan is to make 40,000 bricks for sale at a rate of 100 to120 Uganda shillings each. She projects to earn between 3.5 and 4 million Uganda shillings. According to her estimation, the total expense of producing the bricks will not exceed 800, 000 Uganda shillings. Acayo asserts that the proceeds from their project will be invested in some other business and the balance will meet the family’s daily basic needs and payment of school fees for her children whose school fees are not paid by SOS. In that family, SOS supports three children with school fees and one family member is a member of the SOS Revolving Fund.

All in all, Acayo has exhibited hard work, determination and patience, which she believes will reward her abundantly. She appreciates the good ideas and support given by SOS that has enabled her to be more focused.

by Okello Jimmy-FSP Program Support Assistant, SOS Gulu