MEMBERSHIP
Individual and group membership is open, however one can become a member after paying the required membership fee which is determined by the general assembly.
The organisation is governed by a board comprising 12 members. The Executive Director is appointed to the board as a secretary to the board and being responsible for the secretariat and day-to-day management of the affairs of the organisation.
SOURCE OF FUNDING
- Membership fees
- Medical Centre user charges and students contribution
- Grants
- Donations and partnerships
VOCATIONAL TECHNICAL SKILLS TRAINING
The organisation runs a polytechnic school and is aiming to operate multiple polytechnic
schools within different districts in Uganda.
OBJECTIVES
- Provide alternative education and skills training for school dropouts.
- Empower young women and vulnerable groups with employable skills
- Enhance economic opportunities and self-reliance.
TARGET GROUPS
- School dropouts (ages 10-25)
- Young women (ages 15-30)
- Vulnerable groups (e.g., orphans, persons with disabilities)
LYDO Polytechnic School offers the following programs:
- Tailoring, bakery, building and construction,
- Driving and mechanics, welding and metal fabrication
- Carpentry and joinery, soap making, hotel
management, arts and crafts, etc.
HEALTH EDUCATION AND PROMOTION
SUMMARY
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic disorder affecting millions worldwide. It causes chronic pain, recurring infections, organ damage, and reduced quality of life. LYDO aims to empower families affected by sickle cell disease (SCD) in Uganda, where approximately 1–2% of newborns are affected and 13–15% of the population carries the sickle cell trait. Despite its significant impact, SCD often remains misunderstood and under-resourced.
CHALLENGES
- Limited access to genetic testing and counseling
- Inadequate healthcare infrastructure
- Lack of awareness and education
- Stigma and misconceptions
- Limited availability of effective treatments
- Financial constraints
- Inconsistent screening and prevention programs
Solutions
- Genetic testing and counseling: Informed decision-making and family planning.
- Education and awareness: Community outreach, school programs, and public campaigns.
- Access to effective medications: Such as hydroxyurea, pain management, and other treatments.
- Newborn screening: Universal screening to enable early intervention.
- Research funding: Advance understanding and treatment of SCD.
- Ongoing education and training: Provide continued training for healthcare workers and communities.
- Specialized SCD clinics: Increase access to expert care.
Long-Term Impact
- Improved health outcomes: Reduced complications, hospitalization, and mortality.
- Enhanced quality of life: Increased productivity, education, and social participation.
- Economic benefits: Reduced healthcare costs, increased workforce participation.
- Empowered communities: Increased awareness, education, and support.
- Reduced stigma: Greater understanding and acceptance.
AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION AND PROMOTION
The organisation educates and promotes agriculture in different districts in Uganda.
OBJECTIVES
- Improving agricultural productivity and income for rural communities
- Enhancing food security and nutrition
- Promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
TARGET GROUPS
- Smallholder farmers
- Rural youth
- Women farmers
- Local communities
STRATEGIES
- Training and Capacity Building: Provide workshops, demonstrations and hands-on training on modern agricultural practices, soil conservation and irrigation management.
- Demonstration Farms: Establish model farms to showcase best practices and new technologies.
- Farmer Field Schools: Organise schools where farmers can learn from each other and from experts.
- Extension Services: Provide regular visits, advice, and support to farmers.
- Input Support: Provide access to quality seeds, fertilizers, and equipment.
- Market Linkages: Connect farmers to markets, traders, and processors.
- Climate-Smart Agriculture: Promote practices that enhance resilience to climate change.
ORPHANAGE
LYDO provides targeted support to orphans and other vulnerable children, including educational sponsorships, healthcare assistance, dressing, feeding, and a safe and nurturing environment, while empowering them with life skills and values for independent living. These orphans are identified through house-to-house surveys and by building relationships with local leaders, churches, and mosques, among others.
TARGET GROUPS
- Orphaned children (ages 2-18)
- Vulnerable children (e.g., abandoned, neglected, abused).
GENDER EQUALITY AND SOCIAL INCLUSION
- Promote gender equality and women's empowerment
- Address social exclusion and discrimination
- Foster inclusive communities and institutions
TARGET GROUPS
- Women and girls
- Marginalised communities (e.g., ethnic minorities and persons with disabilities).
STRATEGIES
- Gender Sensitization: Conduct training and workshops to raise awareness on gender equality.
- Women's Economic Empowerment: Provide access to education, skills training and economic opportunities.
- Social Inclusion: Promote inclusive practices and policies in institutions and communities.
- Advocacy: Advocate for policy changes and laws that promote gender equality and social inclusion.
- Equity: Ensuring fair access to resources, opportunities and services for all individuals regardless of sex, age and physical abilities.
- Accessibility: Ensuring that resources are readily accessible and usable for all regardless of age, sex and abilities. These include
social, economic, political, as well as environmental
opportunities.