| dc.description.abstract | African Rural University offers a Bachelor of Rural Development (BRD) program which
operates within the Faculty of Technologies for Rural Transformation (TRT). This
transformative education aims to cultivate change agents and makers who focus on rural
development. Specifically targeting women, ARU utilizes a curriculum that blends theoretical
learning (60%) with field practice (40%). Students undergo a one-month Practicum and a seven-
months Internship in Sub Counties and Villages, to facilitate rural transformation. Following the
Epicenter Strategy, ARU Interns were strategically placed in Kibaale, kanyabeebe, Isunga
Mpeefu, Nyamarunda Town council, Kyaterekera Town Council, Rugashali Town Council and
Mabaale Town Council in Kagadi district for two academic semesters. The goal is to enhance
rural transformation by elevating both thinking and practices within communities through PAR
and CAP. The Internship started on 25th march and ended on 20th October,2024 as a continuation
of Participatory Action Research. Interns receive mentorship from Epicenter Managers, mentors
from Faculty mentors, and Traditional Wisdom Specialists (TWS).
The intern worked closely with the technical staff and political staff of Kagadi Sub County,
community members of Rugashali cell and Kiryajonjo cell during Internship and Participatory
Action Research. The methods used were; Visionary Approach, Community Action Planning
and Participatory Action Research.
Post-internship, the intern compiled her report on initiated projects, presenting outcomes to
communities, local government, and faculty staff for assessment. Key achievements, detailed in
Chapter four of this report, include; 2 CAP meetings conducted, PAR conducted on factors
affecting banana production in Rugashali cell community strategies for security of property and
facilitated sessions on visionary thinking and planning to 30 Kiryajonjo cell community
members. Additionally, sensitization efforts were carried out on topics ranging from security,
health, education, and environment and about government programs like PDM. Practical
activities involved training community members in various appropriate technologies, such as bar
soap and shoe polish making, as well as energy-saving stoves, liquid soap making and mushroom
project | en_US |
