Mission and Purpose
The Lango Youth Development Network (LAYDNET) is a youth-led community-based organization/network based in Lira, northern Uganda. LAYDNET has three specific objective statements (Profile of LAYDNET, 2016). Firstly, it pledges to advocate for the rights of youth with emphasis to women empowerment for economic development (Ibid). Secondly, it promotes health related activities for sustainable growth and development (Ibid). Thirdly, it promotes environmental protection measures for ecological sustainability (Ibid).
Origins and Development
Otim Moses and Augustine Maurice Okello established LAYDNET in 2008 to help youth who were negatively during the 20-year civil war in northern Uganda between the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) and the Ugandan government. According to the organization, a focus on youth was essential as they are the main segment of the northern Uganda populace that were affected during the war. LAYDNET now has over 350 youth groups registered as part of the network (Profile of LAYDNET, 2016). Currently, at its office in Lira, LAYDNET has 7 full time staff, two volunteers, and two interns (Ibid).
Organizational Structure, Membership, and Funding
LAYDNET is currently seeking funding opportunities. However, in the past year they have received funding from organization such as the MacArthur Foundation and USAID (LAYDNET Annual Report, 2017).
Specializations, Methods and Tools
LAYDNET’s five-year strategic plan (2013-2018) is to transform into “a highly efficient and transparent youth led institution” (Profile of LAYDNET, 2016). In this process, LAYDNET seeks to empower local youth groups to learn about their rights, learn skills, participate more in their communities, and ultimately find potential funding partners for their innovative ideas (Ibid). If this can be achieved, LAYDNET envisions a context in which youth organizations are “empowered to monitor compliance to development and good governance norms.” (Ibid)
Major Projects and Events
LAYDNET has implemented various projects over the past few years. These range from projects concerning water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) to projects concerning sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). Within the SGBV projects, for instance, LAYDNET works with young women who have been negatively impacted by the recent war in northern Uganda, which lasted for over 20 years. Many of these female beneficiaries are poor, have contracted HIV/AIDS, and are thus stigmatized in their communities. To respond to this issue, LAYDNET encourages them to join groups which give them a place to connect with other women, as well as train them to run village and saving loan associations successfully (LAYDNET Annual Report, 2017). Through this, many women have been able to start small businesses that earn enough money to pay school fees and afford basic health services (Ibid).
Analysis and Lessons Learned
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Publications
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See Also
References
Profile of Lango Youth Development Network. (2016).
LAYDNET 2016 Annual Report. (2017).
External Links
Notes
Lead image: LAYDNET, http://bit.ly/2W3mBO9
