Outreach holds immense power in understanding and addressing the challenges faced by local communities in the Kalebuka area. In this blog entry, Community Center teacher Ildephonse, who has been part of our organization for over a decade, sheds light on the steps we take to connect with communities and the outcomes we hope to achieve.
Mr. Ildephonse, what exactly is outreach and why is it so important?
To us, outreach is about actively engaging with the people in our surrounding areas, observing their challenges and uplifting their quality of life. By reaching out to rural communities, we gain valuable insights into their way of life, their perspectives, and their strategies for overcoming daily hurdles. Our approach at Malaika emphasizes the significance of establishing connections, delivering interactive teachings, assessing impact, and providing support. By prioritizing relationship-building and fostering sustainable change, we aim to contribute to a brighter future for the communities.
What does Malaika typically do during an outreach?
At Malaika, we have developed a methodical approach to ensure effective outreach efforts. Our first step involves sending a delegation to meet the village chief or community leader. This initial interaction allows us to introduce ourselves, inform the leaders about our upcoming visit, and establish a strong rapport.
We recognize the importance of preparing the community for our arrival. Therefore, we request the chief or leader to choose a local individual who can help generate excitement and anticipation among the villagers. This liaison acts as a bridge, spreading the word about our visit and ensuring that the community is eagerly awaiting our arrival on the day of our outreach.
On outreach day, our team leaves our Community Center and heads to the village. After introducing ourselves and creating an upbeat atmosphere through a song or dance performance, we dive into our teaching session, using interactive games and activities tailored to the community’s specific needs. Our goal is to impart knowledge and provide practical solutions.
Following the teaching session, we conduct interviews to assess the community’s understanding and the effectiveness of our teachings. We allocate time for participants to ask questions, ensuring clarity and reinforcing the lessons learned. To demonstrate our commitment to the community, we always provide resources at the end of the event. These resources may include drinks, salt, soap, and biscuits, which we distribute among the participants. Through these tangible acts of support, we aim to show our dedication to making a positive difference in the lives of those we reach.
We have recently completed two different outreach projects visiting the villages of Kasamba and Tshilenge. What moment stood out to you?
I was pleased to experience exceptional organization and hospitality from the Tshilenge village. The chief and community members eagerly awaited our arrival, and they even provided us with a list of their needs, demonstrating their willingness to collaborate and actively participate.
What do we hope to achieve through our outreach for communities around Kalebuka?
Through our outreach efforts, we strive to build strong relationships with surrounding communities, positively impact the lives of people in and around Kalebuka, and raise the visibility of our organization. By actively engaging with communities and addressing their needs, we aspire to create lasting change and improve the overall well-being of the individuals we serve.
Thank you, Mr. Ildephonse!