a US 501(c)3, Est. 1981
Enter our Laboratory
DISCOVERY CIRCLE: Under the Mango Tree “With a Cold Mango Smoothie”
About our Online Discovery Circle
There’s a tradition at URDT of holding community meetings under the shade of a large Mango tree. We now invite you to join leaders and members of the AFPF-URDT community in regular online-tree gatherings, to both tell and advance the stories from our unique and innovative partnership in rural transformation. All of you are part of this exciting journey.
We’ll tell stories, ask questions, reflect in small groups, discover new patterns, and hopefully, apply these insights in our own lives and communities. There are many innovations to explore: Creating & realizing visions rather than problem-solving, two-generation education in action, the role of women rural transformation specialists, and women’s leadership circles.
About our Online Discovery Circle
There’s a tradition at URDT of holding community meetings under the shade of a large Mango tree. We now invite you to join leaders and members of the AFPF-URDT community in regular online-tree gatherings, to both tell and advance the stories from our unique and innovative partnership in rural transformation. All of you are part of this exciting journey.
We’ll tell stories, ask questions, reflect in small groups, discover new patterns, and hopefully, apply these insights in our own lives and communities. There are many innovations to explore: Creating & realizing visions rather than problem-solving, two-generation education in action, the role of women rural transformation specialists, and women’s leadership circles.
Two-Generation Approach to Education
A significant strategy in URDT's rural development programmes is the 2-generation approach to education. The URDT schools enable girls from Primary 5 onwards to become visionary leaders and change makers in their homes. After completing A-levels, they join the African Rural University. Upon graduation, ARU Students return to communities to facilitate rural transformation as rural transformation specialists.
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One of the cornerstones of ARU’s impact is the Epicenter Strategy, which involves employing ARU graduates by URDT to work with communities as Epicentre Managers in local governments through Public-Private Partnership.
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At the heart of this strategy of community driven development is the Visionary Approach: communities get to understand that they are key to their own development.
Why You Should Attend
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The Online Discovery Circle is more than just a gathering; it's a chance to learn, grow, and connect with like-minded individuals. Whether you're a student looking to gain insight into your field of study, a professional seeking to stay updated with the latest trends, or an epicenter manager aiming to expand your network, this event is for you.
We look forward to welcoming you and providing a platform where you can gain valuable insights, establish meaningful connections, and, most importantly, discover new possibilities. So, don't forget to Save The Date, RSVP, and join us for an unforgettable Online Discovery Circle.
Our Partners
SYSTEMS CHANGE IS AT THE CORE OF URDT’S RURAL TRANSFORMATION MODEL
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Founded in 1987, The Uganda Rural Development and Training Programme (URDT) is a homegrown not for profit NGO in Uganda.
URDT's fundamental mission is to enable people of Uganda to recognize and embody shared vision, values and work together to create for themselves Peace, Prosperity, Freedom, Health and Happiness as they discover that they are key to their own development.
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Communities are building climate resilience lifestyles and businesses that match their own values and aspirations. URDT’s development efforts are based on working premises that lasting change comes only when people shift from reacting to circumstances /problem solving to being creators of what they truly want.
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URDT embraces the Ubuntu Philosophy: “I am because you are.” This philosophy underscores interconnectedness, empathy, and collaboration. It harmoniously aligns with the concept of co-creating positive change within communities. URDT’s development approach fosters sustainable development at individual, home, village level and subcounty level.
ARU SATELLITE APPROACH
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ARU's footprint spans 20 districts in Mid-Western Uganda, fostering entrepreneurship, visionary leadership and dignified work in construction, agriculture and tourism. These Epicentre Mangers have enabled over 100 community-based groups to establish sustainable farming businesses, improve the standards of living and protect the local natural resources. They established 500 artisan-managed learning centres, reaching 34,000 young women and men, including refugees and people with disabilities.
This Program is implemented through The Satellite Approach. The Satellite Approach is a URDT innovation which involves off-campus training conducted by artisans and model farmers in their own workshops and farms.
This hands-on approach ensures that young people receive practical and relevant education while contributing to the economic growth of their communities. It's a win-win situation, as young trainees learn valuable skills, artisans increase their production and income, and model farmers transition into the mainstream private sector.
In appreciation of this approach, URDT was recently selected by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) to pilot together with the farmers in greater Kibaale the concept of value addition in agriculture and move subsistence farmers, especially women, to become commercial farmers.
BENEFIT OF URDT’S SATELITTE APPROACH
URDT's Satellite Approach comes with numerous benefits. Young people benefit from its mentorship, and the ability to earn while they learn, facilitating smooth transitions into the workforce. The approach also optimizes various government programs, and trainees can manage projects alongside their training.
For local artisans and model farmers, it results in increased income, smoother transitions into the private sector, environmental conservation, and the development of legal and managerial capacities.
On a broader scale, the approach promotes community peace and stability, generates local revenue through taxes, establishes accessible training centers, and aligns with the government's skilling initiatives for a prosperous Uganda.