WHAT MAKES PROGRAMS SUCCESSFUL (OR NOT) IN TRANSFORMING GIRLS’ LIVES? - UGANDA
Livelihoods trainings
“These are the most important trainings for the girls. They help them start small businesses.
The evaluation showed that the girls liked trainings more than small loans.” Stage 4 – Reflection with Nike Foundation staff (Olivia)
Micro finance
“Loans have allowed members to start small businesses and BRAC has provided
employment for the communities.” Video report – Stage 3
Club activities
“Girls appreciate the activities in the clubs, the books, making friends an getting a sense of
belonging. But attendance is low; some clubs are not in good condition. There is a very good
coverage of clubs in the area.” Video report – Stage 3
Parents’ forum
“Starting the parents forum was an excellent initiative, but more communication is needed as
well as more presence by BRAC staff.” Video report – Stage 3
Mentors
“Mentors are an important component of the BRAC hierarchy that could be further mobilised. They are currently the ones ensuring membership adhesion by girls to the clubs and are confronted by a set of challenges (money deducted from their per diem for lost club books for example), which makes carrying out their work more challenging.” Video report – Stage 3
RECOMMENDATIONS – UGANDA
Reaching out to the family
“Mothers are crucial in girl’s development, they should be supported more. Fathers also
need to be further involved and efforts are needed to sensitise them. Girls are
generating income for the family which is sometimes used to support boys. I think
BRAC should involve boys in clubs in order to give them something to do, so that they
can get themselves some money” Video report – Stage 3
Microfinance
“Delays in returning (members’ loan) security is occurring and leads to mistrust of BRAC. Better communication on rules and regulations (including possible translation) as well as prompt return of security is needed. Microfinance literacy is crucial to ensure less defaulting, but pressure to repay loans creates tension in the system and this causes bullying from higher up officials to lower down ones.” Video report – Stage 3
Training
“The periods of training are… short and more girls are requesting access. We suggest more education about BRAC programs and how they work, for example BRAC should better explain the six training components (of ELA) to the community…Members are requesting more livelihoods training to ensure their ability to generate an income” Video report – Stage 3
Club activities
“Club competitions could be a way to address the attendance issue.” Video report – Stage 3
Books management
“The issue with books (lost books mean a fee is taken out of the mentor’s honorarium) needs to be dealt with, perhaps through a deposit or library scheme.” Video report – Stage 3
Mentors
“Suggestion to increase their per diem.” Video report – Stage 3
“These girls are the backbone of the program. They have the trust of the members.
Some of us have been underestimating the value of mentors, and therefore that affects
the project.” Quote from BRAC staff
