Ugandan Graduation

Martin Long, Programme Coordinator, has just returned from Uganda where he was honoured to be part of the graduation ceremonies of two Send a Cow groups.

The two groups, near Soroti, called Ainapakin Orapada and Amina Odac, meaning Peace and Love, were joined by Send a Cow staff from Uganda and UK, as well as influential members of parliament. Speeches were given by the heads of each group, staff and the guest of honour, Ben Etonu, who commended Send a Cow on its sustainable and long lasting approach to agriculture and handed out the certificates and prizes. The group celebrated with singing, dancing and drama and concluded with everyone sharing a meal.

Martin Long commented, “Graduations are a very poignant time for Send a Cow groups, as they mark their move into full self sufficiency and away from the need for assistance from Send a Cow. We are very proud of these groups and the hard work they have put in. They are setting a fine example to other groups and we wish them and their families all the best for the future.”

Graduation means that group members have received livestock, grow more than enough food to feed their families. Many have started businesses and all have passed on their first female offspring to another needy family.

As well as this, it means every person in the group recognises the next phase of their journey, working together to practice the values of Send a Cow’s cornerstones that promote team spirit, unity and lasting cohesion.  

Graduated groups are an inspiration to new and existing Send a Cow members and go on to train other new groups in working together to achieve a substantial and sustainable change. Send a Cow typically works with groups for five years and acknowledges from the outset that issues such as gender equality, health and family harmony are just as vital to the success of development programmes in Africa as simple livestock provision.

This balance of practical farming skills with social, life skills is a potent mix and produces remarkable results!