SMART-COUPLES

Strengthening Couple Resilience to Prevent

Intimate Partner Violence in Emergencies
 The project summary:

Uganda, ranking third globally in refugee hosting, accommodates over 1.5 million
individuals fleeing insecurity and social unrest in neighboring countries, predominantly
from South Sudan (62%), Democratic Republic of Congo (29%), Burundi (3%), and
Somalia (3%), facing challenges such as food insecurity, inadequate healthcare, and
limited educational opportunities.

Prolonged displacement in refugee settlements exacerbates physical injuries,

emotional trauma, and psychological anxiety for survivors of intimate partner violence
(IPV). The refugee population in Northern Uganda, continue to face challenges such as
food insecurity, inadequate healthcare, and limited educational opportunities, is
particularly vulnerable, highlighting the crucial need for targeted interventions and
accessible support services.

The key drivers and underlying conditions contributing to IPV in Palabek refugee
settlement include societal norms of tolerance to violence, substance abuse leading to
heightened aggression, fragile social bonds increasing isolation, and socio-economic
factors creating power imbalances. These factors foster early marriages and
exploitative relationships, which shackle women's potential and hinder development.

Intimate partner violence violates the human rights of refugees and host community
married and cohabiting women, impeding their involvement in development initiatives
and hindering their overall progress. The scarcity of financial resources and limited
organizational capacity further exacerbate this issue, making it more challenging to
provide adequate counseling services, establish support networks, and implement
preventive programs effectively.

The "UNBREAKABLE BONDS" project aims to strengthen couples against IPV by

enhancing relationships, promoting faithfulness, improving communication, and
fostering behavior change for thriving relationships.

Building on our proven success of faith-based methodologies in post conflict setting,

such as the Faithful House program (TFH), community participatory theater, community
report cards for couples, and Refugee’s Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLA),
this project will replicate these evidence-based approaches to foster credibility, trust,
and community engagement among refugees and host communities.

By leveraging these tested models, the project will enhance stakeholder trust and
credibility, optimize resource utilization, streamline procedures for increased
productivity, and adapt effectively to local contexts. This strategic replication will
significantly increase the likelihood of project success by fostering credibility, trust, and
community engagement, driving meaningful impact and improved outcomes for
refugee married and cohabiting couples.

The project strategies will empower 420 refugee/host community couples through TFH
training, strengthen faith-based community structures/institutions to provide IPV

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support, establish community-based response mechanisms for immediate assistance,
and provide entrepreneurial skills/livelihood support services to enhance financial
independence.

The project will collaborate with community-based structures, religious leaders, social
influencers, and reputable private and government institutions to ensure the delivery of
high-quality IPV prevention and response services, it will further establish a sustainable
network of local capacities within refugee settings in Lamwo district, specifically
focusing on addressing IPV among married and cohabiting couples. To achieve this, we
will support the growth and transition of couples' self-help groups into community-
based organizations (CBOs) and registered associations with established structures and
sustainability systems.

We will further engage beneficiary groups by involving them in planning,

implementation, and decision-making processes. Quarterly training and capacity-
building programs will be provided for local faith actors, healthcare workers, law
enforcement officers, and other stakeholders.

Partnerships will be established with local faith-based agencies, government entities,

and community groups to leverage resources, expertise, and funding for enhanced
impact. We will also develop sustainable funding models, such as social
entrepreneurship and public-private partnerships, to reduce dependence on external
funding sources.

A comprehensive data collection and analysis system will be established to monitor IPV
incidence, track response efforts, evaluate outcomes, and inform data-driven decision-
making. This system will facilitate continuous improvement, and support faith-based
advocacy efforts to raise awareness about IPV and promote social norms change within
the project constituencies.

The project will further empower survivors of IPV to take leadership roles in prevention
and response efforts, actively involving them in decision-making processes, advocacy
campaigns, and community initiatives to ensure culturally sensitive and survivor-
centered responses for beneficiary groups. Technology, such as mobile apps and online
platforms, will be leveraged to enhance IPV response efforts, improve access to
services, and increase beneficiary engagement for optimized results.

A robust monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) system will be established to track
progress, identify areas for improvement, and inform strategic decision-making. By
implementing these strategies, the project will achieve a sustainable and impactful
response to IPVs in Lamwo district, ensuring long-term positive effects.

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 Background and context of the project:

Uganda hosts the third-largest refugee population globally and the largest in
Africa, with approximately 1.4 million refugees and asylum seekers as of May
2024. The majority originate from South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of
Congo, residing primarily in West Nile, Northern, and Western Uganda.
Prolonged conflicts in neighboring countries have resulted in protracted refugee
situations, with Uganda's settlements facing challenges in finding lasting
solutions.

In these settlements, IPV is a pervasive yet understated issue affecting married

and cohabiting women specifically. A 2023 qualitative study in Palabek refugee
settlement revealed that prolonged displacement exacerbates IPV, creating new
forms of violence and intensifying existing ones. Key findings indicate that:

 Lack of durable solutions, particularly resettlement, contributes

to protractedness and related challenges.
 IPV and traditional harmful practices are prevalent, impacting
refugees' physical, psychological, and social well-being.

These findings highlight the critical need for targeted interventions to address
IPV and promote durable solutions for refugees in Uganda.

IPV in Uganda results in significant financial costs, estimated at around $6 billion

annually, including healthcare expenses, lost productivity, and lifetime earnings
(centre for disease control 2020). Female survivors; face severe physical,
psychological, and sexual and reproductive health consequences including:

 Behavioral health issues (PTSD, anxiety, depression)

 Gynecological problems (unwanted pregnancies, STIs, pelvic inflammatory
disease)
 And increased risk of HIV, syphilis, and chlamydia/gonorrhea

IPV impacts women's economic participation, as fear, isolation, and lack of

resources hinder their access to healthcare services, affecting themselves and
their children.

The intergenerational effects of IPV are alarming, including low birth weight and
preterm birth, and increased likelihood of perpetrating or experiencing IPV as an
adult among children who witness IPV.

Despite these findings, interventions for IPV are inadequately resourced. This
disparity highlights the necessity for focused investments in preventing and
responding to IPV, especially in humanitarian settings.

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 Underlying conditions and drivers of IPVin Palabek settlement

In Palabek refugee settlement, entrenched beliefs perpetuate harmful gender

norms, contributing to a significant increase in IPV. Refugee women often
believe that physical violence is a justified means for men to assert
dominance and demonstrate affection, especially when they feel betrayed.

Refugees further commonly believe that Men have the right to force sex,
regardless of their partner's consent or circumstances and women engaging
in extramarital affairs deserve violence, threats, abandonment, or divorce.
These attitudes towards gender roles and relationships are deeply ingrained,
perpetuating toxic dynamics among married and cohabiting partners and
leading to harmful consequences.

Refugee men in Palabek settlement often view women's empowerment and

gender equality initiatives as direct challenges to their entrenched traditional
values and customs. As a result, women are perceived as less deferential and
disobedient. They face punishment for requesting their husbands to fulfill
traditional provider roles. Additionally, financial disputes often trigger abuse,
with men exploiting resources for personal gain through theft or selling
family possessions.

These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions, such as

comprehensive, faith-based programs, to address harmful gender norms and
promote healthy relationships within the settlement.

Substance abuse is a prevalent coping mechanism among middle-aged

refugee men aged 30-45 in the Palabek refugee settlement, who excessively
consume alcohol and drugs as a form of self-medication. This behavior leads
to increased tension and violence against spouses, as well as financial
pressure, further exacerbating the inability to provide for basic needs.

The displacement has disrupted traditional support systems, resulting in

scattered households that are now distant from relatives or in-laws. This
absence has hindered access to intervention, security, and protection in
cases of marital conflict.

 Reduced social cohesion has limited the formation of

alternative support networks, exacerbating the vulnerability
of individuals to IPV.
 Hasty marriages, driven by socio-economic circumstances,
increasing women's vulnerability to IPV.

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  Changes in traditional marriage practices, such as inter-clan
marriages, which have ceased to exist in the settlement
context.
 Exploitative relationships, where men cohabitate with
women for personal gain, often due to the woman's financial
resources or employment.

These factors underscore the need for targeted interventions addressing the
root causes of IPV and promoting healthy relationships within the settlement.

In Palabek refugee settlement, substance abuse is a prevalent coping

mechanism among middle-aged refugee men (30-45 years), who excessively
consume alcohol and drugs as a form of self-medication. This behavior
contributes to increased tension and violence against spouses, and yet
financial pressure is also exacerbating the inability to provide for basic
needs.

The displacement has disrupted traditional support systems, as households

are scattered and no longer reside near relatives or in-laws, who previously
provided intervention, security, and protection in cases of marital conflict.

Other key factors contributing to increased IPV(IPV) in the settlement include;

reduced social cohesion, limiting access to alternative support networks,
Hasty marriages, driven by socio-economic circumstances, increasing
women's vulnerability to IPV, Changes in traditional marriage practices, such
as inter-clan marriages, which have ceased to exist in the settlement context,
Exploitative relationships, where men cohabitate with women for personal
gain, often due to the woman's financial resources or employment.

These factors underscore the need for targeted interventions addressing the
root causes of IPV and promoting healthy relationships within the settlement.

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 The Consequences of IPV in Palabek Settlement has far-
reaching consequences across multiple levels e.g.

At microsystem Level:
Refugee and host community women face patriarchal norms,
gender inequality, income disparities, and normalization of IPV,
leading to, marginalization and disempowerment of women in
particular, limited access to resources and decision-making among
women and stigma and social exclusion.

At ecosystem Level:
The high prevalence of IPV among refugees and host communities
in Palabek is resulting in increased demand for health and legal
services, for women and children, elevated service provision costs,
strain on service providers and community members.

At family Level:
IPV affects women most, leading to relational tensions, food
insecurity, intra-household poverty, negative impacts on children's
education and physical health, long-term consequences on
children's mental health, behavior, and potential for criminality.

At individual Level:
Survivors (women) continue to experience physical injuries (e.g.,
bruises, fractures), Health issues (e.g., sexually transmitted
infections), economic consequences (loss of income and
education), emotional trauma (profound feelings of shame) and
decreased autonomy and decision-making abilities.

These consequences underscore the need for a comprehensive approach to

address IPV in Palabek settlement, incorporating individual, family, and
community-level interventions.

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 Project Description/Design

Overall Goal, outcomes, milestones, expected Results and activities

The overall objective of the project:

By end of project, 6,700 married and cohabiting couples in northern Uganda
(would) experience improved Intimate Relationship away from Intimate Partner
Violence.

Outcome # I: blossoming a thriving relationship:

Refugee married and cohabiting couples between the ages of 15-24 have
reduced their risk of IPV by promoting faithfulness, spousal communication and
behaviour change.

Milestones #01: -
Refugees and host community couples in 06 communities empowered to enjoy
their marital and cohabitating rights and live in safety and dignity.

Activities:
1. Establish self-help groups for married and cohabiting couples in 6
parishes to leverage community actions for change over a longer
period of time.
2. Train 240 couples in 06 communities using faithful house
methodology.
3. Facilitate 240 married and cohabiting couple on a quarterly basis to
share experience and learn from each other.
4. Identify and award IPV champions (model couples) in 06
communities using community/ report cards for couples.

Outcome II: renovating the sanctuary of marriage protection:

The safety, dignity and rights of survivors of IPV in emergencies strengthened
through robust, effective and accessible response and case management
systems.

Milestone: #01:
Faith based community structures and institutions are effective in transforming
IPV in 06 communities.

Activities:
1. Identify and form 12 community theater forum/groups in 06 parishes.
2. Train 15 CBFs on community mobilisation skills using SASA methodologies.
(CEDOVIP)
3. Hold quarterly engagement with IPV community structures and leaders.

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 4. Train 42 health workers in health-centre II to handle post-rape health care,
clinical mgt. of sexual violence, marital rape, client’s charter etc.
5. Train 30 police officers of child and family protection unit and JLOs on the
existing policies and protocols of handing survivors of IPV including child
marriages.

Milestone: #02:
Faith-based community structures and institutions have effective response
mechanism for survivors’ lifesaving services.

Activities:
1. Facilitate 12 theater forum/groups to conduct monthly community activism
using MDD approach.
2. Facilitate CBFs to conduct neighborhood assemblies and family therapies
to encourage couples to sustain new positive behaviour.
3. Refer IPV survivors and couples at risk of IPV to access healthcare services,
legal remedies and advice.
4. Facilitate bi-annual couple match during 16days of activism.
5. Facilitate police child and family unit and CBFs to conduct community talk-
shows.
6. Organize yearly relationship awareness week

Outcome III: weaving a vibrant empowerment:

Marginalized, vulnerable refugees and host community women and survivors
of IPV are economically empowered and have resilient livelihoods.

Milestones: - # 01:
Household income and livelihood support services for 420 refugee married
and cohabitating partners, survivors of IPV and host community women at
risk of IPV improved.
Activities:
1. Initiate refugee couple’ solidarity groups (self-help groups) in 06
parishes.
2. Support 240 survivors of IPV (self-help groups) with female goats,
selected agricultural seeds/enterprises, and VSLA kits as a form of
IGAs and start up capitals.
3. Link couple/solidarity groups to micro-finance/lending institutions
and banks.

Milestone: #02: Faith-based community structures and institutions have

effective response mechanism for survivors’ lifesaving services.

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 Activities:
1. Train 240 refugee and host community married and cohabitating
partners on Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA)
methodologies, apprenticeships, micro-business aim at
identifying, setting and implementing successful IGAs in 06
parishes
2. Train 240 refugee and host community couples on entrepreneurial
business development to increase employable skills and leverage
innovative technologies.
3. Link IPV survivor groups to benefit from government development
programs such as youth livelihood, Operation Wealth Creation
(OWC), NUSAF etc.

Monitoring evaluation (M&E)

1. Conduct project inception meeting at the onset of the project with religious
leaders, NGOs, on project interventions and its outcomes in 06 parishes.
2. Conduct baseline survey to obtain the baseline data involving assessment
of needs, capacities, interest and potentials of IPV survivors in 06
communities.
3. Organize one day workshop to disseminate the baseline findings.
4. Conduct routine support supervision and field based monitoring and
backstopping.
5. Conduct yearly project audit services to ensure conformity of financial
statement and PID accounting principles.
6. Conduct participatory end of project evaluation by external consultant.

Detailed Description of activities:

Outcome # I: blossoming a thriving relationship:

Married and cohabiting couples between the ages of 15-24yrs have reduced their
risk of IPV by promoting faithfulness, spousal communication and behaviour
change.

Milestones #01
Refugees and host community couples in 06 communities empowered to enjoy their marital
and cohabitating rights and live in safety and dignity.

1. The project will establish self-help groups and providing training on the application of
the faithful house methodologies. The group will further utilize peer support influence
and employ strategies like neighborhood assemblies and informal meetings to address
and prevent instances of IPV within their communities.

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 2. 430 couples (15-24 years) will undergo a 3-day training course at community and zonal
level, focusing on chastity and faithfulness to reduce IPV, promoting a model of the
faithful house.

3. The project will annually recognize model couples through formal evaluations using
community report cards. The report cards assess couples based on key indicators such
as chastity, faithfulness, effective spousal communication, and positive behavior
change. A model couple will be honored in a prestigious ceremonial event.

4. The project will create a quarterly platform for couples trained on faithful house to
reflect, share experiences, and document processes, identifying key issues and guiding
future strategic actions.

Outcome II: renovating the sanctuary of marriage protection:

The safety, dignity and rights of survivors of IPV in emergencies strengthened through robust,
effective and accessible response and case management systems.

Milestone: #01:
Faith based community structures and institutions are effective in transforming IPV in 06
communities.

Activities:
1. The project aims to collaborate with local faith actors in refugee settlements and host
communities to identify and support community theater groups and GBV community
based facilitators with the goal of assessing their capacity to engage with survivors of
violence, and address the information needs of the beneficiaries.

2. The project will train 15 community-based facilitators (CBFs) using the SASA
methodology, an evidence-based Ugandan approach, to improve their understanding of
gender norms and power dynamics, address harmful attitudes and behaviors;
preventing violence against women and implement SASA methodology in refugee and
host community settings.

3. The project will interact on a quarterly basis with case managers, survivors, and host
community women at risk of IPV to assess the impact of faithful house training. The
engagement will facilitate gathering feedback, identify challenges, and explore potential
solutions to address IPV within these communities.

4. The project will train healthcare workers on post-rape care, clinical management, client
charter, confidentiality, and survivor-centered care, promoting informed consent, non-
judgmental attitudes, and cultural sensitivity, based on WHO standards and national
legislation.

5. In order to enhance the quality of support, the project will conduct a three-days’
trainings for 45 law enforcement officers in the application of the existing policies and
procedures, fostering empathy and understanding of the survivors of IPV in Palabek

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 settlement.

6. The project will further provide the necessary instruments, resources, and tools, such as
police form III (PF3 forms), copies of the operational manuals, and communication
devices, for officers to effectively respond to cases of IPV and ensure the safety and
well-being of survivors.

Milestone: #02:
Community based response mechanism for lifesaving services for survivors
facilitated

Activities:
1. The project will facilitate theatrical forums (celebrities, local artists, and drama groups)
to engage communities in resisting intimate partner violence, raising awareness, and
encouraging dialogue and action. Project officers will engage discussions on the
presented theater and document key action points.

2. The project will facilitate CBFs and other faith-based structures in the project with
materials, tools, resources, and guidelines to conduct routine neighborhood assemblies
and family therapies, thereby creating a supportive environment, enhancing social
cohesion, and promoting positive behaviors in marriage and cohabitation.

3. The project will refer survivors and couples at risk of IPV to gain comprehensive support.
This includes access to the necessary resources to address their physical and emotional
needs. These resources may involve legal assistance, probono services, and healthcare
services, including postexposure propilaxsis (PEP) for survivors of sexual abuse and
medical treatment for injuries caused during the excision.

Outcome III: weaving a vibrant empowerment:

Marginalized and vulnerable refugees and host community women and survivors of
IPV are economically empowered and have resilient livelihoods.

Milestones: - # 01:
Household income and livelihood support services for 420 refugee married and cohabitating
partners, survivors and host community women at risk of IPV improved.

Activities:

1. The project will initiate six solidarity groups involving multiple couples (self-help groups)
in refugees and host communities.
.
2. The project will link solidarity groups to microfinance companies and lending institutions,
such as the Bank of Africa, to provide support for women and vulnerable groups by
offering financial assistance and resources. These institutions will offer specialized
training programs to supplement the project's initiatives and facilitate the process of
granting loans to survivors.

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Milestones: - # 02: -
access to entrepreneurial skills, tools and technologies to engage couples in micro
savings and small income generating activities facilitated

Activities:
1. The project will procure VSLA kits, which include cash boxes, passbooks, and attendance
registers, and tools like training manuals, stationery, and other necessary equipment.
The goal is to ensure that members have access to resources that directly facilitate the
effective implementation of savings and loaning of funds.

2. 420 refugees and host community women living in abusive relationships will receive
three days of training from the project. The training will focus on Village Savings and
Loan Association (VSLA) methodologies, business development services (BDS),
apprentice micro-savings, PRA, mindset change tools, and other relevant skills for
income generation.

Embracing System and navigator checks through monitoring and evaluation services

1. The project will hold an inception meeting to involve stakeholders, including CSOs,
religious leaders, law enforcement, health workers, local government, and women
activists, in the initial phase of the project. The meeting will discuss project milestones,
timeline, objectives, actions, and operational strategies, ensuring alignment with all
participants.

2. The project will conduct a baseline survey during the first phase of implementation. This
will be accomplished by gathering data on benchmarks for gauging the effectiveness of
the project. In doing so, evaluating the roles of married and cohabiting couples in terms
of faithfulness, communication, and behavior modification. Additionally, assessing the
capacity of CBFs and LFAs in challenging harmful socio-cultural norms hindering
women's participation in intimate relationships.

3. The project will conduct a quarterly technical social audit and compliance status check to
establish the functionality of trained structures - married and cohabiting couples, CBFs,
and other institutions. The activity will identify discrepancies from the project objectives,
suggest areas of improvement, and provide valuable insights for the future.

4. The project will conduct quarterly visits to monitor and evaluate deviations from
objectives and ensure sustainability through provision of on-spot recommendations.

5. The project will conduct annual audit by external auditor to ensure conformity of
financial statements and accounting principles in place. It will further assess the
effectiveness of internal controls systems to ensure compliance with financial regulations
and rules of procedure.

6. External consultant will conduct the end-line evaluation, involving faith-based agencies,

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 local faith actors (LFAs), refugee and women living in abusive relationships, CBFs, etc.
consultant’ report will be shared with stakeholders and the project donor.

Project Beneficiaries and Participation

The proposed project will directly benefit 240 married and cohabiting refugee and host
community couples aged 15-24 in Lamwo district and around Palabek refugee
settlement. These couples will receive training and capacity building using the TFH
methodology, focusing on preventing and responding to IPV.

Under Outcome I, the project will target couples experiencing or at risk of IPV due to
underlying conditions and drivers. The TFH methodology will equip these couples with
the skills and knowledge necessary to build healthy relationships and prevent IPV.

Under Outcome II, the project will collaborate with various entities, such as local
NGOs, community leaders, and communication experts, to develop targeted IPV
messages and implement social norms change campaigns through community
workshops and awareness events. These entities include:

- 15 Community-Based Facilitators (CBFs)/case managers

- 06 community theaters
- 02 celebrities and local artists
- Forums (MDD groups)
- 03 health centers II and III (Paluda HCIII, Akworo HCII, and Awich HCII)
- 45 law enforcement officers (police posts within and around the settlement)

Under Outcome III, the project will collaborate with 06 solidarity/VSLA and SACCOs,
comprising 240 self-help group members from refugee and host communities. The
project will also collaborate with microfinance institutions and commercial banks such
as bank of Africa and individual entrepreneurs like agricultural cooperatives within
northern Uganda. Additionally, the project will link with government projects such as
NUSAF, Operation Wealth Creation (OWC), Peace Recovery and Development Plan
(PRDP) for northern Uganda, youth livelihoods ventures, and Parish Development Model
(PDM), among others.

To ensure inclusivity, the project will make intentional efforts to incorporate

considerations for disability and HIV/AIDS at the group and activity levels. The project
will guarantee a 10% membership for persons with disabilities and a 10%
representation for persons living with HIV/AIDS in all women's groups.

The needs outlined in this proposal were identified through consultations with the
groups, focusing on understanding their specific requirements and challenges. Before
initiating this project, we collaborated with local governments at the district and
settlement levels, engaging with refugees experiencing IPV, women at risk of IPV, local
faith actors (LFAs), institutions, religious organizations, and technocrats to understand

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the social and economic challenges within the settlement. The insights gathered from
those meetings led to the inception of this proposed project. The engagement process
involved a variety of research methodologies, including focus group discussions,
interviews, and other social research techniques.

Project innovative approaches and methodologies

The proposed project will employ evidence-based and community-driven approaches to

achieve its objectives. A multifaceted strategy incorporating faith-based methodologies
will be utilized, including:
 Faithful House training for couples as a core methodologies and
 Community Report Cards
 Community Participatory Theater
 Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) as complementary
methodologies
These interventions will be implemented in collaboration with local faith leaders and
community organizations to ensure cultural sensitivity and relevance. Regular
monitoring and evaluation will assess the impact of these methodologies on couples'
relationships and overall well-being, informing project adjustments and improvements.

THE CORE METHODOLOGY:

1. THE FAITHFUL HOUSE (TFH) METHODOLOGIES

The Faithful House (TFH), a program initiated by Catholic Relief Services (CRS), is
dedicated to enhancing marital bonds, encouraging faithfulness, and addressing
intimate partner violence. Executed in collaboration with local faith actors and agencies,
TFH strives to strengthen marriages using a culturally sensitive strategy.

The program's methodology incorporates traditional African architectural and artistic

elements, symbolizing unity, community involvement, shelter and protection, unity and
shared responsibility, community engagement in marriage, and the cultural significance
of local grass-thatched houses, hosting life events, such as births and traditional
marriage.

The project will train 240 married and cohabiting couples using TFH methodology in six
refugee and host communities in Lamwo district and in the settlement, to tackle distinct
challenges and cultural environments. The training will underscores the importance of
pre- and post-marital chastity and faithfulness as key elements in diminishing IPV.
Participants will actively engage in interactive learning sessions to fortify their
relationships and offer mutual assistance.

TFH is culturally attuning and gender-sensitive in integrating traditional marriage values

to navigate cultural norms and gender dynamics, fostering healthy relationships and
deterring infidelity. Consequently, couples undergo enduring transformations, including
enhanced communication and trust, nurturing more robust and resilient relationships.

Complementary methodologies:

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2. COMMUNITY REPORT CARDS FOR COUPLES:
To determine the effectiveness of the faithful house training methodology in improving
relationship dynamics among refugee couples, and other interventions implemented by
the project, the project will use community report cards. This evaluation will employ a
mixed-methods approach with longitudinal design in refugee settings, providing insights
into the impact of the faithful house training and other activities to recognize an
outstanding couple.

The report cards will measure various aspects of the couples' relationships, including
levels of chastity, faithfulness, behavior change, communication, etc., among married
and cohabiting refugees and host community women, and assess overall satisfaction.

The collected data will provide valuable feedback to the couples, enabling the
enhancement of programs to better serve and benefit future participants.

3. COMMUNITY PARTICIPATORY THEATER:

The project will utilize various Community Participatory Theatre techniques, e.g.,
MDD, poetry, songs, celebrities, and superstars, to relay IPV messages that empower
communities and increase awareness on marriage and community challenges driving
vulnerability among the refugees and host community women at risk of IPV.

The aim is to empower project participants, particularly women in abusive

relationships, by leveraging community-based structures, faith based agencies, and
institutions to support networks that focuses on prevention, response, and
empowerment.

4. REFUGEE’S SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATION

Since gender divide resulting from the traditional refugee way of life
creates an additional barrier, limiting refugees and host community
women's access to markets by hindering their adoption of new
technologies.

The project aims to establish village savings and loan association (VSLA) groups for
refugees and host communities, particularly married and cohabiting women, to
collaborate towards a common objective. These groups will enable them to pool their
savings and access cost-effective loans from financial institutions.

The project will combine economic empowerment initiatives with trainings based on
the faithful house methodologies and CANA. These efforts aim to instill values of
faithfulness and chastity among married and cohabiting refugee couples in the
settlement area with the goal of reducing incidents of IPV.

Key steps:
Existing groups will be mapped and mobilized through faith-
based community structures and government institutions in

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Lamwo district.

Stakeholder meetings with refugees and host community leaders

will isolate, discuss, and develop strategies to address the
challenges faced by women. The project will target the most
affected villages and zones within the settlement.
Targeted women will form VSLA groups of 30-40 persons, with
the majority being women. This initiative aims to empower
women economically and socially, and a total of 10 groups will
be identified. The group executives will take up their roles to
manage the groups.

The women groups will undergo training in business skills,

business selection, planning, and management to equip them
with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively manage
their projects.

After the training sessions, the project will procure VSLA kits for
the groups, which will include ledger books, a container (money
safe) with locks, and other essential tools and resources for
financial management.

From these savings, group members could invest in livelihood

ventures and income-generating activities, such as establishing
small businesses like selling homemade crafts, engaging in
agricultural activities like cultivating cassava and maize, or
exploring other entrepreneurial opportunities.

Participation in VSLA group offers women opportunities to

collaborate on income-generating projects, share knowledge and
skills, and support each other financially. Members are
encouraged to borrow money for income-generating activities,
promoting household self-reliance and facilitating business
growth.

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 Who we are, structure and management
Gulu Outreaches To Eradicate Oppression (GOTEO) Uganda formerly PID –
Uganda, is a faith based agency; founded to safeguard the rights and dignity of
oppressed communities through sustainable solutions.

Although Christian principle of social doctrine and values of human dignity guides our
planning, services for refugees and communities affected by conflict is the highest
creed we acclaimed; and this is done regardless of religious denomination, ethnicity,
gender and origin.

GOTEO takes site with the oppressed, marginalized and the excluded, we demonstrates
commitment and capacity to adapt to volatile circumstances. We are rooted in local
context and respected as a change maker capable of transforming systems in a
manner that catalyzes impact at scale.

Today, through public private partnerships, we engage with faith based entities, the
district local government, CSOs and communities to build capacity and address issues
that matter most for us.

Our goal:
A just, peaceful, inclusive, and resilient society with maximum enjoyment of
fundamental rights.

Our Mission Statement

Goteo support oppressed communities affected by land conflicts and GBV through a
multifaceted community empowerment to achieve social justice and economic security.

Organizational structure:
The Board is the top level decision making organ for GOTEO-Uganda. The
secretariat is headed by the Program Manager; other staff are Finance
Administrator, Legal and Project Officers, M&E officer, Support Staff and
Volunteers. The concept of democratization is central to our structure and
coordination mechanisms; enabling the building of good relationships based on
trust, cooperation, and the spirit of solidarity has proven essential for us to
move forward and contribute to change.

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 Activity timeline

Description of activities Time- frame

De Jan Feb Mar Apr May June Jul Au Sep Oc No

c il y g t t v
conduct inception meeting
Conduct baseline survey
Train school administrators, (SMC,
PTA, ) teachers etc.
Engage a girl child in various
physical activities such as MDD,
Drama, debates
Conduct termly sharing of
experience – teachers
Conduct peer learning for
adolescent girls and other girls in
schools
Train 120 school teachers in
targeted schools to work with
adolescents and other girls in
schools
Train school administrators and
school authorities
School teachers share experience
on adolescents termly
Champions and role model deliver
messages to school congregations
Visibility materials reproduced and
disseminated:
Conduct Community talk-shows
Conduct community dialogues
with actors
Community awareness and
sensitization campaign
Conduct quarterly technical social
audit and compliance
End line evaluation as part of the
project sustainability

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 Location of the project:

The project will be implemented in six communities in and around Palabek refugee
settlement, Lamwo district-Uganda, the area, the areas is chosen based on the
existing knowledge of GOTEO as a partner in IPV for refugee communities.

Baseline studies conducted within the settlement provided a strong understanding of

IPV among the refugees and host communities especially in regards to marriage and
cohabitation and other related human rights issues.

MONITORING & evaluation:

GOTEO envisages strengthen couples against IPV by enhancing

relationships, promoting faithfulness, improving communication, and
fostering behavior change for thriving relationships among target
women in and around Palabek refugees settlement.

GOTEO have strengthen learning as a practice. It has rolled out a

monitoring and evaluation framework to capture and share data for
synergies.

The quarterly program review platforms (also called experience

sharing platforms) provides ground for actual learning, where data
from M&E are consumed, emerging contextual issues are shared and
analyzed. GOTEO further shares information with and learn from other
partners in various platforms such as, Joint Acholi Sub-regional
Leaders Forum, UNSCR1325 national GBV coalition groups, Sexual and
Gender Based working groups amongst others. Learning
systematically take place when the organization and its stakeholders
utilize data from monitoring, reviews, baselines, researches,
conferences and workshops, and takes time to pause and reflect on
implementation strategies. This helps us draw evidence-based results
and experiences to be shared.

GOTEO will conduct quarterly monitoring and support visits to provide

technical support, document key success and practices that can be
replicated and its impact groups. Such field support will facilitate
processes of contextual updates on matters of IPV and promote
visibility, GOTEO realizes that many years of interventions bring a lot
of stories to tell about the changes it contributed to, an opportunity
for enhancing visibility which remains largely untapped.
Documentation of such successes will be integrated in support
supervision activities.
Risk and mitigation strategies

Risks and concern Mitigation strategies

Within the external sphere, GOTEO will work within the confines of the
government direct interferences, the law, including meeting the legal
restrictive NGO law, present formidable requirements for operation, working closely
risks that may affect the with relevant state institutions, and
implementation of the project. strengthening collaboration with CSO/NGO
platforms for joint advocacy.
Community expectation may constrain GOTEO will come out clearly on the project
the implementation due to limitation of resource level and limitation.
project budget
Internally, implementation of the These risks will be managed through strictly
project could face challenges of timely adherence to the funding MoU, regular and
reporting which could delay donor transparent communication within the
reporting, untimely release of funds DONOR organizations and encouraging
and delayed implementation timely implementation and reporting.

Sustainability
GOTEO is in the process of rigorous resource mobilization to
increase its funding portfolios. Currently there is Gesellschaft Fur
Inter Nationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ)-civil peace service under
(WoLRIC) interest group. Individual Partners working on likelihood
interventions will also contribute to resource mobilization through
their established donors, GOTEO particularly has built promising
relationships with likeminded organizations in Kampala including.
These could translate into funding partnerships.

GOTEO will develop a living faith based sustainability plan for

refugees and oppressed communities in Uganda and south Sudan
with possibility of re-visiting it regularly, the plan will identify
goals, objectives, action steps, and a timeline. Although this plan
can vary depending on the current situation, GOTEO anticipates
their plan’s evolution as program progresses. Leveraging lessons
learned, successes and challenges will lead to the incorporation of
new approaches or ideas to sustain programmes milestones for
oppressed and refugee communities.

GOTEO will ensure that IPV programs form an integral part of the
current GOTEO-strategy to address IPV related challenges in
refugees and host community settings and this will ensure project
longevity. The actions will be done vis-à-vis streamlining GOTEO
management systems, hiring new employees and building
capacities of the existing employees and developing program

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 materials during the project period to enable programs to
continue even after funding has ended without significant
financial burden.

GOTEO will continue to examine its operational guidelines,

community and refugee intervention approaches, practices and
structures through which programs are offered, this will be done
with the purposes of improving them where necessary and to
ensure relevancy and sustainability of projects targeting refugees
and oppressed communities in Uganda.

This project will capitalize on the strengths of CSOs, UN agencies

such as UNHCR, UNFPA, district local government, and faith based
actors present in northern Uganda.

GOTEO will continue to entrench its programs into the local

communities/settlements and camps through working in
collaboration with local faith actors, NGOs and development
partners and other players that are personate about oppressed
and persons affected by conflicts and consider joint advocacy
with those strategic partners on issues that affects the targeted
groups. By leveraging their collaboration strength, GOTEO will
further increase her interventions and capacity and will become
more efficient in service delivery even when the very project
comes to an end.

Annexes:
1. The project logical framework
2. Budget estimate and financial plan

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