The Analysis
GULU, NORTHERN UGANDA – Meaningful change doesn't start with spreadsheets;
it starts with shared understanding. Today, January 9th, 2025, RFW officially begins the
vital first chapter of our Academy for Social Transformation (AST) pilot here in Gulu: a
dedicated period of foundational listening. Building on our long-standing presence in
Northern Uganda, the RFW team is now initiating conversations and engagements with local
women and youth.
"Replacing extractive data collection with participatory understanding."
This phase is far more than just a baseline survey; it's a crucial investment in
understanding lived experiences before the formal training begins. Over the coming days and
weeks, our focus will be on grasping the daily realities behind the statistics. What
challenges genuinely keep people up at night? What sparks of entrepreneurial ambition
already exist?
Gathering these insights is central to RFW's core principle: development must be
community-defined. This intensive listening process will ensure the AST pilot
is tailored from the outset, rooted in genuine needs and aspirations, creating a solid
foundation for the relevant, impactful work ahead. We look forward to sharing insights from
this process as the AST pilot takes shape.
