ESCP-EAP Tailored Project 2008
Uganda29 June - 12 July 2008The ESCP-EAP Tailored project saw 6 students who had just come to the end of their studies at ESCP-EAP (European School of Management) spend 2 weeks in the capital of Uganda, Kampala. Volunteers worked closely with The Great Generation's expert partner, Kamwokya Christian Caring Community (KCCC), which was set up to improve the lives of those affected by HIV/AIDS in impoverished areas of Kampala.
In 2004, in response to the realisation that HIV/AIDS was not only a medical matter but was manifesting itself in so many other aspects of people's lives - socially, economically, culturally and spiritually - KCCC went on to form the Empowerment Cooperative Savings and Credit Society Ltd (SACCO) which offers microfinance services.
Whilst out on the project volunteers reviewed the KCCC SACCO loan management system and suggested improvements and created a marketing and communication plan for KCCC SACCO. Outcomes of the marketing and communication plan included the creation of marketing materials such as a new brochure, a loan fact sheet and a KCCC SACCO fact sheet.
The volunteers also delivered business skills training for trainers at the KCCC Vocational Training Centre. The volunteers developed teaching modules and a manual to help the trainers teach these business skills to all new students. In the future, this will become a vital step in helping the students set up their own business enterprises and seek jobs once they graduate.
Feedback from ESCP-EAP students:
"At the beginning I thought 2 weeks was nothing to make an impact; neither on myself nor on other people (the community), now I have to admit that no matter the time this project has changed something inside me…"
ESCP-EAP student
"This project has had a tremendous effect on me. It provided me with the opportunity to work in a professional environment in a foreign country developing a marketing and communication strategy where we incorporated both academic and personal experiences. The added value to the expert partner’s aims and future is also very satisfying. Above all I have learnt so much both academically and personally from this experience. All the adventures, challenges and hard work I have experienced within these two weeks has added tremendous value to me and I will do this project again if time permits."
ESCP-EAP student
"In a nutshell, it was the best opportunity ever to finish our studies with such a trip that enables us to conclude on everything we have learnt since we began our studies …"
"Thanks a lot to The Great Generation. You did a really good job and it was really a chance to be “one of you” for this project. Let’s hope it is only the beginning of a long story!"
ESCP-EAP student
"I was amazed with the NGO organisation in every sense. They cover every aspect in life from school, hospital, youth centre to a training centre. They are very powerful in the community. The NGO is very unified and they all work for the same objective. It was incredibly the warm welcome we received and the successful results you can see from their work within the community on poverty."
ESCP-EAP student
"Forming a team of 6 classmates, joining The Great Generation and experiencing the joy and overwhelming feeling of helping people in Africa."
ESCP-EAP student
"A wonderful sense of accomplishment being able to contribute skills learnt at school."
ESCP-EAP student
Feedback from staff at KCCC:
"There is a saying “Give a man a fish and you feed him for one day, but teach a man to fish and you feed him for life”. What you guys have done is taught our instructors how to fish.
As you have heard from Harriet (one of the trainers), she has been challenged. Although you have taught her to train others, what you have taught her has challenged her also. And that is what we wanted you to do. To challenge our trainers so that they can go out and teach others, so that these people are not dependent on the institution."
Member of the Senior Management team, KCCC
"...And I expect that one of the big achievements you can expect 10 years down the road is to meet one of the people who has been trained by these trainers, and know that they have made something good out of their life because of you. That is your biggest contribution."
Member of the Senior Management team, KCCC
"To summarise: this work, what you have done, is truly “The Great Generation’s” work. In a very short time you have done something that will take us a long way. You have added value. You have helped us to build confidence within ourselves."
Managing Director, KCCC
"I am very inspired by what you have done."
Treasurer, KCCC
