The Community Learning for Wealth Creation (ICOLEW) initiative under the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development is one of the programs launched by Unbound Kampala to enhance literacy levels among households and communities that receive support. This program focuses on individuals who did not have the chance to pursue formal education, enrolling them to gain practical and relevant skills that can be used to create income and improve their quality of life. Earlier this year, the ICOLEW program was initiated in Buwama and subsequently expanded to additional areas in Rakai. To assist with the implementation, a collaborative team consisting of six Unbound staff members, a representative from the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, officials from the local governments of Mpigi and Rakai District, and seven sector experts from Buwama Subcounty convened to develop learning units based on issues and priorities identified during community situation analysis sessions.

In accordance with the ICOLEW Program Implementation Guidelines established by the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, ICOLEW facilitators collaborated closely with sector specialists to successfully establish Community Empowerment Groups (CEGs) after conducting Situation Analysis sessions. This achievement was a significant step in laying the groundwork for the initiation of adult learning activities within the villages.

During the Situation Analysis, the facilitators and community members recognized various challenges confronting learners, including: Low household incomes, inadequate crop yields, diminished profits in livestock farming due to pests and diseases, the widespread occurrence of human diseases such as typhoid, ulcers, malaria, dysentery, HIV & AIDS, gonorrhea, and candida, domestic violence, limited access to clean and safe drinking water, insufficient awareness of children’s rights, environmental degradation, illegal fishing practices, and limited understanding of land ownership and inheritance laws.

Based on these findings, facilitators and sector experts developed Learning Units to assist adult learners in addressing the above challenges. For ICOLEW facilitators, each Learning Unit provides a useful manual for promoting successful adult education and community education. The main learning objectives, preparatory activities, and intended results for students are described in these units.

The Learning Units will guide ICOLEW implementation from January 2025 to December 2026 across two District Local Governments (Mpigi and Rakai), covering three parishes: Bunjakko Parish (Buwama Subcounty, Mpigi District) and Kiyovu and Bitabago Parishes (Lwanda Subcounty, Rakai District).

In conclusion, the establishment of Community Empowerment Groups (CEGs) and the development of tailored Learning Units mark a crucial milestone in advancing the goals of the ICOLEW Program. Through collaborative efforts between facilitators, sector specialists, and community members, the program has laid a strong foundation for sustainable adult learning and community development. By directly addressing the root causes of socio-economic and environmental challenges identified during the Situation Analysis, the Learning Units are expected to empower adults with knowledge and practical skills that enhance livelihoods, promote social well-being, and foster resilience within their communities.

As the ICOLEW implementation progresses over the next two years in Mpigi and Rakai Districts specifically in Bunjakko Parish (Buwama Subcounty, Mpigi District) and Kiyovu and Bitabago Parishes (Lwanda Subcounty, Rakai District), it holds great potential to transform lives, strengthen community structures, and contribute significantly to Uganda’s broader vision of inclusive growth and sustainable social transformation.