Lyantonde District is located approximately 78 kilometers (48 mi), by road, west of the city of Masaka, the largest metropolitan area in the sub-region. RACOBA currently work in the 5 sub-counties of Kinuuka, Kaliiro, Kasagama, Mpumudde and Lyakajjura Sub-counties the HIV and AIDS community empowerment Project in Lwamagwa, Kagamba, and Kacheera sub counties of Rakai district & Mpumudde, Kasagama, Kinuuka sub counties of Lyantonde district With support from Mild May, Rakai Health SciencesProgram and Kindernothilfe (KNH), RACOBAO contributed to improved behavior change for HIV prevention.A number of people came out to demand for HIV services. In this regard,RACOBAO supported 702 OVC in Lyantonde district and 119 (77 girls and 42 boys) in Rakai district to test and know their HIV status.
Water and Sanitation
With support from Icelandic Church Aid and Children in Africa, RACOBAO has improved hygiene and sanitation among households forpeople affected by HIV and AIDS. With the aim of mitigating the effects of HIV/AIDS among OVC (orphans and other vulnerable children) and People living with HIV/AIDS and reduce their further vulnerability to the scourge
Education Under the Finn Church Aid quality improvement project in partnership with teachers without Boarders, RACOBAO trained 120 teachers representing the schools in Lyantonde district that persistently posted poor UPE performance. Theteachers were trained inclusive and protective education methodologies. RACOBAO mobilized parents to support school Programs e.g. Kempega leading to their contribution towards the completion of a 5 classroom block which had no door shutters and windows.
RACOBAO advocated for education to all children and friendly school environment leading to enactment of Bye-laws in Kagamba and Kacheera sub-counties Rakai districtas well as Lyakajura and Lyantonde Town Council as a measure to address child abuse.
RACOBAO through different projects supported OVC to enable them continue with their education and contributed to the promotion of quality education in Lyantonde district .For example: With support from Rakai Health Sciences Program (RHSP); RACOBAO supported 79 (45 Females) OVC in primary and 65 (38 females) in Secondary schools in order to continue with their education. They were supported with school fees for 2 terms and provided with exercise books, pens and school bags.
250 vulnerable children from 5 schools in Lyantonde district benefited from the Pencil bag project supported by Children in Africa (CIA) whereby Children were supported with scholastic materials. 2 Youth camps were organized mainly aimed at sharing experiences and providing Psycho-Social support to the youth. During the same events the pupils were provided with tents and sanitary towels for girls. The intervention eventually resulted into changed behavior among pupils as well as regular school attendance and better performance.
On the other hand, RACOBAO with support from Kindernothilfe (KNH) successfully advocated for formulation of similar Bye-laws in Kacheera and Kagamba Sub Counties. This was after realizing that the harmful cultural practices and reluctance in law enforcement were responsible for high school dropout especially among the girls thus exposing them to risk of HIV infection.
Livelihood ELCA and ICA supported livelihood promotion among households affected by HIV and AIDS in
Lyantonde and Rakai districts. The economy of such families’ collapse after bread-winners become bedridden and as such resort to selling off family assets in order to meet medical requirements. When they regain physical fitness, there is usually no source of income to sustain their families. By giving them goats, RACOBAO has contributed to rebuilding the
economy of such households as the goats have multiplied fast enabling the families to sell off-springs and meet the basic needs.