Our Approach

THRIVE strives to build a genuine relationship with the Ugandans we work for -we cannot build trust just by showing up. Our success is dependent on support and input from the community. Over the last few years, we have had great success with our straight forward approach:

Step 1: Group Formation

_MG_0028_widMany abductees returned to face intense hardship. They are often blamed and ostracized from their community or have no community to return too. We work with the local government and community leaders to connect abductees and community members together. Essentially creating new communities and reintegrated them old ones.

Why Groups?

Groups offer a forum for members to discuss their experiences, share ideas, and provide emotional support for one another.

 

 

Step 2: Assess and Deliver

Once the group is stable, we begin to assess the group. We perform Mental Health assessments, gauge vulnerabilities, and access education levels. Through assessment, we can provide a tailored strategy to move group members from survivors to thrivers.

 

Economic Empowerment

_MG_0146_widSavings Groups

Savings groups provide our groups safe access to financial services often neglected by traditional micro-finance institutions. As the group meets weekly, each member brings an amount to save. They can apply to the group, and if approved by all the members, receive a low-interest loan. At the end of the cycle, typically 12-months, group members receive the money they saved plus a share of the interest collected.

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Therapeutic Support

Individual and Group Therapy

Undiagnosed Mental Health issues are common in Northern Uganda – public spending and attention to mental health is minimal. The 20-years of conflict left many suffering with post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety or depression. A sad truth is that suicide rates have risen in Uganda in the last few years.  Through our initial assessment, professionals can diagnose individuals and enroll them into individual or group therapy.

 

Basic Education

Computer literacy

Many abductees were taken at a young. They are often illiterate and have never used a computer.  Through computers, we can deliver the necessary literacy and computer skills.

Step 3: Preparation and Departure

The end goal for all groups is to be self-sustaining and self-sufficient. We start preparing groups from the very beginning – at formation – to be independent. Although there is no timeline, and some groups take longer than others, we work with the groups to move them through a number of milestones. For example, fair and democratic election of group leadership, recognition from the local government and growing savings are some of the indicators used to assess a group.
Departure does not mean isolation. Groups that are successful and do not need THRIVE’s support still can access THRIVE’s services. In times of trouble, a group or an individual can reach out for assistance. In planning, we value their opinion and appreciate their input. Eventually, they become ambassadors for THRIVE and help us reach new communities and form new groups.