Eradicating Poverty in Communities of Persons with Disabilities in the Acholi Region: The Success of the Anyim Maber (Bright & Better Future) Project

The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is observed annually on October 17 to raise awareness about the people struggling and living in poverty worldwide. It is also a day to recognise all the efforts that are underway on various levels for the eradication of poverty across the world.

Poverty goes beyond just economic hardship; it’s a complex issue that impacts dignity, access to basic needs, and the ability to fully participate in society. This year’s theme, “Ending Social and Institutional Maltreatment: Acting Together for Just, Peaceful, and Inclusive Societies,” highlights the importance of addressing the systemic injustices that often keep people trapped in cycles of poverty.

For the 1 billion people living with disabilities around the world, the risk of poverty is even greater. Many face discrimination and barriers in every aspect of life, making it harder to escape poverty and challenge the stereotypes that hold them back.

Understanding this, Challenges Uganda, in close partnership with Sightsavers and the European Union , is implementing the Anyim Maber (Bright and Better Future) project as part of its efforts to end poverty among persons with disabilities.

The program’s main goal is to achieve Social Economic Empowerment for both female and male youths with disabilities in districts of Oyam, Nwoya, Gulu and Amuru. This has been through a number of initiatives such as business development training, capacity building, facilitating access to financial services through collaboration with financial Institutions, securing direct benefit from government programs such as Parish Development Model (PDM) and special grant through discussions with commercial offices, and working with NUDIPU UGANDA and NUWODU to support and mentor youth entrepreneurs with disabilities in Acholi sub region.

The Anyim Maber project is demonstrating that socio-economic empowerment is a powerful tool for eradicating poverty among persons with disabilities.

In the first year of implementation, Challenges Uganda provided business development support to 55 enterprises, leading to the creation of 65 jobs. As a result, 57% of the entrepreneurs reported an increase in profits, with an equal percentage accessing business financing to fuel their growth.

Nyero Denis, a person with disabilities entrepreneur from Koch Goma TC, Nwoya district, wanted to bring agricultural inputs closer to his community. Upon starting his business, he realized there was more to be done than just making profits. He then founded Green Growers Enterprise and Training Center, a social enterprise aimed at improving the livelihoods of farmers and persons with disabilities through training, providing quality farm inputs, and offering other agriculture-related extension services.

Like many other persons with disabilities in the region, Nyero faced numerous challenges before joining the Anyim Maber project. These included, but were not limited to, inadequate business management skills, social stigma and discrimination, and limited access to funding/finance.

The project supported Nyero with various business trainings and mentorship, and brought financial services closer to him. His business has since created employment opportunities for more than 8 people, contributed to local economic growth, and inspired other persons with disabilities to pursue entrepreneurship.

“The Anyim Maber project changed my life. I am now financially independent and proud to be a role model for other Persons with Disabilities in the Nwoya district. I have gained great insight into business management and developed new projects. I’ve also been able to set up new branches of my business.”

~Nyero Denis

Lessons gained from implementing initiatives like the Anyim Maber project for broader poverty eradication efforts among persons with disabilities:

1. Socio-economic Empowerment is Crucial: Providing persons with disabilities access to economic opportunities, such as business development support and financial services, empowers them to become financially independent and break the cycle of poverty. Economic empowerment initiatives need to focus on creating sustainable income     streams, offering mentorship, and facilitating access to markets.
2. Tailored Support Leads to Success: Many persons with disabilities face unique challenges such as stigma, discrimination, and limited mobility. Tailored support, including specialized training, financial literacy programs, and accessible funding options, addresses their specific needs, resulting in higher success rates for persons with disabilities-owned businesses.
3. Entrepreneurship as a Pathway to Inclusion: Encouraging persons with disabilities to become entrepreneurs not only promotes financial independence but also helps combat societal stereotypes. When persons with disabilities successfully run businesses, they inspire others in the community, creating a positive ripple effect and challenging negative perceptions.
4. The Importance of Capacity Building: Equipping persons with disabilities business management skills and technical know-how enhances their ability to grow sustainable businesses. Regular training and mentorship play a critical role in helping them overcome challenges and scale their enterprises.
5. Access to Finance is Key to Growth: Many persons with disabilities entrepreneurs struggle with limited access to financing due to systemic barriers. Initiatives that bring financial services closer to persons with disabilities, such as microloans and tailored credit products, are vital for helping them scale their businesses and achieve long-term success.
6. Community Engagement is Essential: Poverty eradication among persons with disabilities requires strong community involvement. Projects like Anyim Maber foster community partnerships by involving local stakeholders, from government agencies to civil society, to ensure inclusive development. This enhances awareness and creates a supportive environment for persons with disabilities who are entrepreneurs.
7. Inclusive Development Benefits the Whole Community: Initiatives that uplift persons with disabilities have a broader impact on the community by creating jobs, improving livelihoods, and driving local economic growth. Inclusive projects like Anyim Maber contribute to breaking down barriers and opening opportunities for all marginalized groups.
8. Role Models and Success Stories are Powerful: Highlighting successful persons with disabilities who are entrepreneurs serves as a powerful tool for motivating others and changing societal attitudes. Showcasing role     models like Nyero Denis inspires other persons with disabilities to pursue entrepreneurship and demonstrates the tangible benefits of inclusive development.
9. Collaboration is Key to Impact: Partnerships between organizations like Challenges Uganda, Sightsavers, and the     European Union demonstrate that collaboration amplifies impact. Working together with multiple stakeholders ensures that resources, expertise, and networks are maximized to create sustainable solutions for persons with disabilities communities.

The success of projects like Anyim Maber shows that with the right support, vulnerable communities can not only overcome the barriers of poverty but also become drivers of economic growth and social change.

Moving forward, we will continue to work closely with partners and communities to ensure that no one is left behind in the fight against poverty.

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