{"id":7647,"date":"2024-11-05T17:52:56","date_gmt":"2024-11-05T14:52:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/?p=7647"},"modified":"2024-12-19T18:04:04","modified_gmt":"2024-12-19T15:04:04","slug":"maria-ugandadaki-faaliyetini-tamamladi","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/en\/maria-ugandadaki-faaliyetini-tamamladi\/","title":{"rendered":"Maria completed her activity in Uganda"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><\/p>\n<div dir=\"auto\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7648\" src=\"https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Maria-cover-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Maria-cover-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Maria-cover-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Maria-cover-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Maria-cover.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" \/><\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\">\n<div class=\"x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a\">\n<div dir=\"auto\">Our Italian volunteer Maria Silenzi, who went to Uganda within our ESC Humanitarian Aid project \u201cHAND\u201d, funded by the European Commission and hosted by our Irish partner Viatores Christi\u2019s Uganda Branch, completed her 1-year activity.<\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\">Initially, Maria served as an assistant to the current manager of the Women\u2019s Desk, an office focused on empowering women and building their capacities in thematic areas such as health, gender, and human rights. Her responsibilities included contributing to project proposal writing by gathering data on poverty levels and Domestic &amp; Gender-Based Violence (DGBV) in specific Ugandan districts, conducting two field monitoring visits to collect photos and videos, creating informational and promotional materials for ongoing projects, and supporting field officers in their activities at the Production Unit, which is part of the WASH-M program (Water, Sanitation, Hygiene, and Menstrual Health). She also attended a workshop on aquaponics and hydroponics, and created an illustrated cookbook featuring Ugandan traditional dishes. This resource, complete with photos and videos, was designed to assist and inform future volunteers with dietary restrictions.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a\">\n<div dir=\"auto\">After a few months, at the request of the director, Maria focused on designing and implementing a project aimed at improving the socio-economic conditions of Ugandan communities with a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability. For this initiative, Maria managed every aspect of the project. She was fully responsible for: * Writing the project proposal and a final case study overview, * Researching best practices and identifying new local partners, * Scouting and selecting beneficiaries through calls and on-site inspections, * Conducting networking activities and presenting the project to various stakeholders on multiple occasions, * Creating budgets and reports, * Managing the work team, contracts, and payroll, * Designing promotional materials and disseminating them both online and offline, *Overseeing the interior design and setup of the \u201cCaritas Kampala Second Chance Charity Shop\u201d, * Organizing online and offline fundraising campaigns, including charity box initiatives in Uganda and Italy. In Italy, she hosted her family-and-friends\u2019 charity event on Sunday, October 27th, to promote the project and raise funds.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a\">\n<div dir=\"auto\">In Uganda, Maria participated in cultural centres and events, as well as visited organizations and institutions that promote the significance of Ugandan art and crafts \u2014 not only in economic terms of sustainability but also in social terms for community development and cultural preservation. These cultural identities vary widely across regions. She gained insights into various forms of expression, from established practices to emerging trends, and how these mediums interact. Regarding her project specifically, she explored how Ugandan fashion is now integrating with visual arts, theatre, music, and tourism.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a\">\n<div dir=\"auto\">Throughout the project, Maria developed a range of written materials tailored to different audiences, including activity reports, social media posts, fundraising documents, official emails, and newsletter articles. Each required a distinct approach. This experience expanded her professional vocabulary and understanding, particularly regarding project-specific terminology.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a\">\n<div dir=\"auto\">She created an online fundraiser. You can click on the link to find out more information. &#8211; GOFUNDME : <span class=\"html-span xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r xexx8yu x4uap5 x18d9i69 xkhd6sd x1hl2dhg x16tdsg8 x1vvkbs\"><a class=\"x1i10hfl xjbqb8w x1ejq31n xd10rxx x1sy0etr x17r0tee x972fbf xcfux6l x1qhh985 xm0m39n x9f619 x1ypdohk xt0psk2 xe8uvvx xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r xexx8yu x4uap5 x18d9i69 xkhd6sd x16tdsg8 x1hl2dhg xggy1nq x1a2a7pz x1sur9pj xkrqix3 x1fey0fg x1s688f broken_link\" tabindex=\"\" role=\"link\" href=\"https:\/\/l.facebook.com\/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fgofund.me%2Ff5b130fb%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR3v3FqqtX0d2Td7V9qauj8NKxroFrlQdYzDaUhKOFhhUYSQKm5OIJZj5Qo_aem_5CckNgHxUR8szRk6UKqWRg&amp;h=AT23ocBG29VGegwjlbAE-Y9VigSYFyh0ZZAq073_2u2lNJ0Az5bKRvfD1WnMcLyoSWXdJvEIrtMOg34ECotYAhDy1czss2s2rhDyLYtOyyieolkoZdIsydw-ApRFs_UZyw&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT0G5ft2hK4dkci_mTEyeqxEYY9KoP2-Fk5viuQWA93SzbfjHEi7SeZcbSkVxGg-zeaJmCjdmQ8o8abIVVRGyOxFP9vqdO_WDLRkeQ7xYy4lkL0tNKeUPyic1qBCaA2GqqjIQNmJc3yZ0cRjWNF79IGetx0yCUNLH22Y7ZtffckvKJJf1IaRVt-SKUOPY1FSpjX1F2uv3WB5TtRxx7NcjE3fNZ8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">https:\/\/gofund.me\/f5b130fb<\/a><\/span> Pay attention not only to the description but also to the &#8216;Updates&#8217; section at the bottom.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a\">\n<div dir=\"auto\">Maria and her team successfully opened a thrift \u201cshop + lab\u201d to sell second-hand and upcycled clothes. This is not just a shop but a safe, clean, and welcoming space designed for a modern and youthful community of disadvantaged individuals, where they can share experiences, explore new ideas, and express their creativity. The first upcycling workshop taught and inspired young women from St. Dennis Vocational School in Nkumba to adopt new practices and embrace opportunities through more sustainable and eco-friendly fashion. She also involved the catering class, enabling them to benefit from the workshop while saving money, which she later reinvested into purchasing essential materials for the school. Additionally, she arranged donations to help cover tuition fees for economically disadvantaged young women\u2014not only those enrolled in the fashion design department.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a\">\n<div dir=\"auto\">A dedicated charity office was established to implement and promote various charitable activities in collaboration with other departments and project partners. This initiative fosters growth, connection, and a sense of belonging through teamwork and cooperation. Services offered to the community: livelihood support, counselling, trainings, events, volunteering opportunities, disaster management, advocacy and awareness campaigns.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a\">\n<div dir=\"auto\">Through advertising and advocacy efforts, the organization\u2019s visibility was enhanced. This led to greater community engagement, active participation, and the attraction of potential donors and collaborators. She also opened opportunities for partnerships.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a\">\n<div dir=\"auto\">For the first time, Maria stepped out of her comfort zone. She challenged herself to explore, reinforce, or address different aspects of her personality. This activity in Uganda for one year confirmed that working in the field of development and international cooperation is absolutely what she wants to continue pursuing. We would like to thank Maria many times for her unbelievable outstanding work, devotion and commitment to her assignments and long term positive results in the target group.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\"><\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7649\" src=\"https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/BUJUKO-1-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/BUJUKO-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/BUJUKO-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/BUJUKO-1.jpg 912w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7650\" src=\"https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/butambala-interview-1-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/butambala-interview-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/butambala-interview-1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/butambala-interview-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/butambala-interview-1-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/butambala-interview-1-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7651\" src=\"https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/butambala-expo-1-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/butambala-expo-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/butambala-expo-1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/butambala-expo-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/butambala-expo-1-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/butambala-expo-1-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7652\" src=\"https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/BUTAMBALA-1-300x258.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"258\" srcset=\"https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/BUTAMBALA-1-300x258.jpg 300w, https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/BUTAMBALA-1-1024x879.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/BUTAMBALA-1-768x659.jpg 768w, https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/BUTAMBALA-1.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone  wp-image-7653\" src=\"https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/creative-economy-week-by-sights-of-resistance-1-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"259\" height=\"259\" srcset=\"https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/creative-economy-week-by-sights-of-resistance-1-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/creative-economy-week-by-sights-of-resistance-1-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/creative-economy-week-by-sights-of-resistance-1-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/creative-economy-week-by-sights-of-resistance-1-768x767.jpg 768w, https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/creative-economy-week-by-sights-of-resistance-1.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 259px) 100vw, 259px\" \/> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone  wp-image-7654\" src=\"https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/creative-economy-week-day-1.0-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"194\" height=\"258\" srcset=\"https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/creative-economy-week-day-1.0-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/creative-economy-week-day-1.0-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/creative-economy-week-day-1.0-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/creative-economy-week-day-1.0-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/creative-economy-week-day-1.0-scaled.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 194px) 100vw, 194px\" \/><\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7655\" src=\"https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/creative-economy-week-day-1.2-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/creative-economy-week-day-1.2-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/creative-economy-week-day-1.2-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/creative-economy-week-day-1.2-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/creative-economy-week-day-1.2-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/creative-economy-week-day-1.2-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/creative-economy-week-day-1.2-2048x2048.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7656\" src=\"https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/creative-economy-week-day-1-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/creative-economy-week-day-1-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/creative-economy-week-day-1-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/creative-economy-week-day-1-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/creative-economy-week-day-1-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/creative-economy-week-day-1-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/creative-economy-week-day-1-2048x2048.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7657\" src=\"https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/creative-economy-week-day-2-2-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/creative-economy-week-day-2-2-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/creative-economy-week-day-2-2-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/creative-economy-week-day-2-2-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/creative-economy-week-day-2-2-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/creative-economy-week-day-2-2-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/creative-economy-week-day-2-2-2048x2048.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7658\" src=\"https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/creative-economy-week-day-2-1-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/creative-economy-week-day-2-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/creative-economy-week-day-2-1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/creative-economy-week-day-2-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/creative-economy-week-day-2-1-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/creative-economy-week-day-2-1-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7659\" src=\"https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/kigero-interview-1-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/kigero-interview-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/kigero-interview-1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/kigero-interview-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/kigero-interview-1-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/kigero-interview-1-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone  wp-image-7660\" src=\"https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/creative-economy-week-1-300x207.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"323\" height=\"223\" srcset=\"https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/creative-economy-week-1-300x207.jpg 300w, https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/creative-economy-week-1-768x530.jpg 768w, https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/creative-economy-week-1.jpg 832w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 323px) 100vw, 323px\" \/><\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7661\" src=\"https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/creative-economy-week-day-3-1-205x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"205\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/creative-economy-week-day-3-1-205x300.jpg 205w, https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/creative-economy-week-day-3-1-699x1024.jpg 699w, https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/creative-economy-week-day-3-1-768x1125.jpg 768w, https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/creative-economy-week-day-3-1-1049x1536.jpg 1049w, https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/creative-economy-week-day-3-1.jpg 1076w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 205px) 100vw, 205px\" \/> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7662\" src=\"https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/kigero-expo2-1-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/kigero-expo2-1-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/kigero-expo2-1-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/kigero-expo2-1-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/kigero-expo2-1-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/kigero-expo2-1-scaled.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" \/> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7663\" src=\"https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/kigero-expo3-1-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/kigero-expo3-1-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/kigero-expo3-1-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/kigero-expo3-1-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/kigero-expo3-1-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/kigero-expo3-1-scaled.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" \/> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7664\" src=\"https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/meeting-CARITAS-LEADER-1-182x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"182\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/meeting-CARITAS-LEADER-1-182x300.jpg 182w, https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/meeting-CARITAS-LEADER-1.jpg 532w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 182px) 100vw, 182px\" \/><\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone  wp-image-7665\" src=\"https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/meeting-rotary-club-tororo-1-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"279\" height=\"279\" srcset=\"https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/meeting-rotary-club-tororo-1-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/meeting-rotary-club-tororo-1-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/meeting-rotary-club-tororo-1-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/meeting-rotary-club-tororo-1-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/meeting-rotary-club-tororo-1-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/meeting-rotary-club-tororo-1-2048x2048.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 279px) 100vw, 279px\" \/> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-7666\" src=\"https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/meeting-ST-1-300x280.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"280\" srcset=\"https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/meeting-ST-1-300x280.jpg 300w, https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/meeting-ST-1-1024x957.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/meeting-ST-1-768x718.jpg 768w, https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/meeting-ST-1.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone  wp-image-7667\" src=\"https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/partnership-IGC-FASHION-1-181x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"169\" height=\"280\" srcset=\"https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/partnership-IGC-FASHION-1-181x300.jpg 181w, https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/partnership-IGC-FASHION-1.jpg 520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 169px) 100vw, 169px\" \/> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone  wp-image-7668\" src=\"https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/partnership-MOTIV-UG-1-181x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"169\" height=\"280\" srcset=\"https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/partnership-MOTIV-UG-1-181x300.jpg 181w, https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/partnership-MOTIV-UG-1.jpg 516w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 169px) 100vw, 169px\" \/><\/div>\n<p><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Our Italian volunteer Maria Silenzi, who went to Uganda within our ESC Humanitarian Aid project \u201cHAND\u201d, funded by the European Commission and hosted by our Irish partner Viatores Christi\u2019s Uganda Branch, completed her 1-year activity. Initially, Maria served as an assistant to the current manager of the Women\u2019s Desk, an office focused on empowering women and building their capacities in thematic areas such as health, gender, and human rights. Her responsibilities included contributing to project proposal writing by gathering data on poverty levels and Domestic &amp; Gender-Based Violence (DGBV) in specific Ugandan districts, conducting two field monitoring visits to collect photos and videos, creating informational and promotional materials for ongoing projects, and supporting field officers in their activities at the Production Unit, which is part of the WASH-M program (Water, Sanitation, Hygiene, and Menstrual Health). She also attended a workshop on aquaponics and hydroponics, and created an illustrated cookbook featuring Ugandan traditional dishes. This resource, complete with photos and videos, was designed to assist and inform future volunteers with dietary restrictions. After a few months, at the request of the director, Maria focused on designing and implementing a project aimed at improving the socio-economic conditions of Ugandan communities with a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability. For this initiative, Maria managed every aspect of the project. She was fully responsible for: * Writing the project proposal and a final case study overview, * Researching best practices and identifying new local partners, * Scouting and selecting beneficiaries through calls and on-site inspections, * Conducting networking activities and presenting the project to various stakeholders on multiple occasions, * Creating budgets and reports, * Managing the work team, contracts, and payroll, * Designing promotional materials and disseminating them both online and offline, *Overseeing the interior design and setup of the \u201cCaritas Kampala Second Chance Charity Shop\u201d, * Organizing online and offline fundraising campaigns, including charity box initiatives in Uganda and Italy. In Italy, she hosted her family-and-friends\u2019 charity event on Sunday, October 27th, to promote the project and raise funds. In Uganda, Maria participated in cultural centres and events, as well as visited organizations and institutions that promote the significance of Ugandan art and crafts \u2014 not only in economic terms of sustainability but also in social terms for community development and cultural preservation. These cultural identities vary widely across regions. She gained insights into various forms of expression, from established practices to emerging trends, and how these mediums interact. Regarding her project specifically, she explored how Ugandan fashion is now integrating with visual arts, theatre, music, and tourism. Throughout the project, Maria developed a range of written materials tailored to different audiences, including activity reports, social media posts, fundraising documents, official emails, and newsletter articles. Each required a distinct approach. This experience expanded her professional vocabulary and understanding, particularly regarding project-specific terminology. She created an online fundraiser. You can click on the link to find out more information. &#8211; GOFUNDME : https:\/\/gofund.me\/f5b130fb Pay attention not only to the description but also to the &#8216;Updates&#8217; section at the bottom. Maria and her team successfully opened a thrift \u201cshop + lab\u201d to sell second-hand and upcycled clothes. This is not just a shop but a safe, clean, and welcoming space designed for a modern and youthful community of disadvantaged individuals, where they can share experiences, explore new ideas, and express their creativity. The first upcycling workshop taught and inspired young women from St. Dennis Vocational School in Nkumba to adopt new practices and embrace opportunities through more sustainable and eco-friendly fashion. She also involved the catering class, enabling them to benefit from the workshop while saving money, which she later reinvested into purchasing essential materials for the school. Additionally, she arranged donations to help cover tuition fees for economically disadvantaged young women\u2014not only those enrolled in the fashion design department. A dedicated charity office was established to implement and promote various charitable activities in collaboration with other departments and project partners. This initiative fosters growth, connection, and a sense of belonging through teamwork and cooperation. Services offered to the community: livelihood support, counselling, trainings, events, volunteering opportunities, disaster management, advocacy and awareness campaigns. Through advertising and advocacy efforts, the organization\u2019s visibility was enhanced. This led to greater community engagement, active participation, and the attraction of potential donors and collaborators. She also opened opportunities for partnerships. For the first time, Maria stepped out of her comfort zone. She challenged herself to explore, reinforce, or address different aspects of her personality. This activity in Uganda for one year confirmed that working in the field of development and international cooperation is absolutely what she wants to continue pursuing. We would like to thank Maria many times for her unbelievable outstanding work, devotion and commitment to her assignments and long term positive results in the target group.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":7648,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2,4,5,1],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7647"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7647"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7647\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7669,"href":"https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7647\/revisions\/7669"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7648"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7647"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7647"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/epeka.org.tr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7647"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}