Dear Reader,
Welcome to the third newsletter of 2021. In this newsletter we share updates on the COVID-19 situation in Uganda and talk about the different activities that are taking place on the piece of land we bought. We also share the results of the exams of the graduating class. Furthermore, we tell you about a workshop on local fundraising, our membership at Partin and how we try to expand our knowledge and skills. Furthermore, we share a call for responses from donors, volunteers and friends of Talking Hands.
Enjoy reading!
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COVID-19 in Uganda
A new lockdown was introduced in Uganda in early June as the delta variant of the Corona virus spread rapidly through the country. Two directors of New Hope for the Deaf were also sick for several weeks with COVID-19 symptoms, but it is not clear if they were actually infected with the COVID-19 virus. During the lockdown, public transport was banned and medical care was less accessible for most people. There were also insufficient medical facilities to treat all patients with COVID-19.
In early August, the lockdown was eased, but schools unfortunately still remain closed. The government's plan is that schools will reopen once all teachers have been vaccinated, but so far there are very few vaccines available in Uganda and only 4% of the population has been vaccinated against COVID-19. Fortunately, public transport in Uganda can be used again. But just like after the first lockdown, the capacity of public transport is 50%. As a result, the prices for using public transport are also twice as high. Recently, the board of the New Hope for the Deaf has visited the pupils again to bring teaching materials and to see how the students are doing.
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A pupil with studying materials
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Do you have ideas for fundraising activities? Please contact us via Facebook or e-mail. You can also donate money to our bank account with IBAN NL 74 RABO 0301 2992 50 on the name of "Stichting Talking Hands". Many thanks in advance!
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Results of P7 pupils
Six pupils supported by Talking Hands took their final exams of P7, the last class of primary school, in March. The results of the final exams are now known and 5 pupils passed their exams. The pupil who did not pass can still go to vocational education. Three pupils passed with very good marks. This is great news because the exams are very difficult for deaf and hard of hearing students as they have to do the same exams as hearing students. Deaf and hard of hearing children in Uganda often only learn sign language at school. In addition, it is more difficult for them to learn written English because the words cannot be learned through speaking and listening. Furthermore, the grammar of English is different from sign language. The students have to learn two languages (sign language and English) at the same time and therefore the exams are often more difficult for them. New Hope is now in the process of evaluating which form of further education best suits each student and where their interests lie. In the future, the students will follow secondary education or vocational training.
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The 6 pupils who took their final exams
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Expanding knowledge and skills
Talking Hands believes it very important to keep improving itself and to keep abreast of the latest developments and possibilities to better carry out our work. Therefore, we as a board regularly participate in online lectures and webinars. In recent months, we have attended webinars on making project applications to equity funds and on creating local ownership. In addition, we have purchased the book 'Samen de handen ineen' (Hand in hand together), through which we can learn from the experiences and findings of Stichting Harambee Holland with regard to working together with local partners. If you have any tips for interesting events, articles or books that can help us improve our work, please let us know!
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The book ‘Samen de handen ineen’
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What you can do
Inspired? Would you also like to contribute to Talking Hands and do you have some time to spare? We are always looking for extra help! For example, you can organize fundraising activities, like sales of second hand articles or Ugandan crafts in your neighborhood. Or you could ask for a donation to Talking Hands as a birthday or anniversary present!
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The work we do in Uganda is very important! We would therefore like to ask you kindly to support us. To help us secure the future of our projects, we are especially happy with a monthly donation, but of course all contributions are very welcome! You can donate to Talking Hands Foundation, IBAN: NL74 RABO 0301 2992 50
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Activities on the acquired piece of land
In Uganda, the season for planting crops started in August. On the land that the New Hope bought, the first crops were planted immediately after the first rains. Among others, maize and beans have been planted and small plants have already germinated. In addition, a natural fence of plants has been made. These plants were specially chosen because they can withstand different weather conditions. The house that is located on the land has been reinforced with iron sheets. The person who does the farming for New Hope uses this house. In addition, this house has several rooms that in the future can be used to store building materials for the school.
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The first crops are already starting to grow in the fields
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Directors of New Hope attend fundraising workshop
A few weeks ago, Sabrina and Babra, directors of the New Hope for the Deaf, attended a local fundraising training in Kampala, Uganda. Besides raising funds in Europe, Talking Hands and New Hope for the Deaf believe it is important to also raise more funds for the projects in Uganda itself. The local fundraising training provided by The Change The Game Academy and the Uganda National NGO Forum offered the necessary knowledge, tools and advice in order to strengthen and develop more local fundraising activities. The training covered a wide range of topics including choosing potential donors, active listening and donor appreciation, donor profiling, corporate social responsibility and making and presenting local fundraising plans.
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Sabrina and Babra have successfully completed the training
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Partin membership
In August, Talking Hands became a member of Partin. Partin is a Dutch organisation which promotes the interests of private initiatives working within development cooperation. The Partin membership gives Talking Hands access to relevant toolkits on topics such as writing annual plans, fundraising and project evaluations. Our Partin membership also increases the visibility of Talking Hands Foundation, as equity funds can now find us more easily. Furthermore, we have also become a member of the Platform Uganda, which allows us to discuss ideas and exchange experiences with other organisations who have projects in Uganda. We are very happy with the knowledge and network of Partin and the possibilities it offers to us as Talking Hands Foundation.
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Talking Hands is happy to be a member of Partin
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Guestbook and testimonials
We are currently developing a new website for Talking Hands Foundation. On this new website, we would like to include some responses of donors, volunteers and friends of Talking Hands Foundation, and your name would also be included. You could explain in a few sentences how and why you support the work of Talking Hands Foundation. If you would like to help us, please send a short message to: info@talking-hands.nl
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A screenshot of the new website
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Your donation is highly appreciated! You can donate to:
Stichting Talking Hands IBAN: NL74 RABO 0301 2992 50
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