FICH trains Oyam parents as community change agents in 10-week programme

28 July 2025, 11:21 am

By Eman Yonah Oruk

Parents in Oyam District who completed a 10-week training programme organised by the Foundation for Inclusive Community Help (FICH) have been urged to become ambassadors of change in their communities.

The training, which focused on improving communication and problem-solving skills between parents and children, concluded with a graduation ceremony. A total of 60 participants from Nursing Quarter in Oyam Town Council and Akong Atar Village in Iceme Sub-county received certificates of completion.

Kandi Alum, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Officer at FICH, encouraged the graduates to use their newly acquired knowledge to educate others and strengthen communication with their children—especially in today’s Generation Z era, where many young people are underutilising their potential. She stressed the importance of nurturing life skills to prepare children for successful futures.

Among the graduates was Rev. Deacon Peter Otim of St Peter’s Church, Anyeke, who pledged to share the lessons with his congregation to promote healthier family relationships. He urged fellow participants to apply the skills in their daily lives.

Emmanuel Oleke, a teacher at Anyeke Primary School, said the training refreshed his college knowledge and has enabled him to resolve pupil conflicts and collaborate more effectively with parents.

Francis Okello, Amuko Clan Chief of Okarowok Wibye Acel, said he intends to guide youth and clan members using the skills he gained. He highlighted the need to empower children to take initiative before seeking help.

Rose Acen from Akong Atar B Village shared a heartfelt testimony, explaining that her family had previously experienced frequent domestic violence and misunderstandings, particularly with her husband. Since the training, she said, her household has become more peaceful and joyful. She expressed gratitude to FICH for the transformation and encouraged others to follow her example.

Bosco Obong, whose wife participated in the training, also praised the positive changes in their home. He noted that she now communicates better with their children and shows him greater respect—even ironing his clothes, a gesture that had not been part of their routine.

The training was informed by a 2020–2022 assessment by Uwezo Uganda and Action for Life Skills and Values in East Africa (ALiVE), which found that while adolescents aged 13–17 demonstrated strong collaboration and self-awareness, they struggled with problem-solving. FICH’s initiative aimed to close this gap by equipping parents to become better mentors and role models both at home and in the wider community.