The Outbound Training: Virtual Collaboration to Promote Supported Employment in Uganda
Introduction
TThe Outbound project for disability leaders in Uganda was part of the Outbound Award provided by the Professional Fellows Program on Inclusive Civic Engagement, with support from the Global Leaders Division in the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) at the U.S. Department of State. This project aimed to accelerate the efforts of Dr. Wendy Parent-Johnson in building a solid foundation and infrastructure for Twezimbe Project for Inclusion to lead to increased employment of graduates with disabilities in Uganda with saving and credit cooperative organizations (SACCOs).
Project Goal & Objectives
Project Goal:
The goal of the Outbound project was to establish a foundation and infrastructure for the implementation framework to lead to the proposed outcomes and model development for replication and sustainability. These included train-the-trainer leadership and strategic planning, resource mobilization and sustainability, collaborative partnership engagement, SACCO development and management, and facilitation and support for a community network of entrepreneurs with disabilities.
Project Objectives:
- To provide targeted training to disability leaders on best management practices, and supported leadership models to support the increased effectiveness of the project in enhancing the employment outcomes of graduates with disabilities
- To support the development of best practices for resource mobilization, marketing, and fundraising drives for continued project sustainability.
- To support the development of a consultative plan that engages labor and disability advocacy organizations to establish partnerships and collaborations for the long-term sustainability of the project.
- To train members of the project committee on the use of technology platforms such as modern software to assist in the operationalization of SACCO activities.
- To support management in establishing a network among participants with disabilities who start their businesses to ensure job success through obtaining essential supports and technical assistance among the group and outside resources.
Key Project Activities
The project included a diverse array of activities, including PowerPoint lectures, resource sharing, success stories and motivational sessions, interactive Q&A sessions, and personalized consultations with selected key informants from Uganda. All sessions were recorded and posted along with handouts and resources on a landing page for access by participants and other interested persons in the future. Certificates of attendance were awarded indicating hours completed.
Topics Covered
- Overview of Outbound, Orientation, and Employment Best Practices (Instr. Wendy Parent-Johnson)
- Self-Employment, Rural and Indigenous Communities (Instr. Jimmy Warne)
- Technology Use and Virtual Communication (Instr. Elizabeth Jeffrey-Franco)
- Person-Centered Approaches, Strengths-Based, One Page Descriptions (Instr. Jacy Farkas)
- Demonstrations of Employment Success (Instr. Gabe Martinez, Drew Milne, Austin Duncan, Paavi Madhivanan)
- Starting a Business (Instr. Sue Oliver)
- Implementing and Managing a Business, Growth and Sustainability, Culture of Saving, Customer Service (Instr. Sue Oliver)
- Learning Job Skills, Supports/Accommodations, Engaging Business Community, Resumes (Instr. Kelsey Montano)
- Building Social Capital, Engaging Partners, Teams, Community of Practice (Instr. Richard Parent-Johnson)
- Self-Employment Experiences Shared by Business Owners (Instr. Jenny Unrein)
- Building Partnerships for Collaboration, Writing Grants and Leveraging Resources (Instr. Joshua Drywater)
- SACCO Management and Support, Monitoring, Evaluation, On-Going Support (Instr. Wendy Parent-Johnson)
- Financial Management, Accounting Tools, Balance Sheets and Income Statements (Instr. Priyanka Sharma)
- Disability Resource Center + Universal Design (Instr. Amanda Kraus)
- Wrap Up – Bring your Questions, Case Studies, Problem Solve Issues, Brainstorming and Planning Next Steps, What Additional Topics are Needed (Instr. Wendy Parent-Johnson and Harunah Damba)
Project Outcomes
- 90% of participants reported that the project expanded their knowledge in leadership, project management, monitoring and evaluation, coordination, and community of practice.
- 85% of participants reported in-depth knowledge in concept development, grant writing, and budgeting.
- 90% of participants reported that they became adept in the use of technology platforms such as learning and management software, which facilitated their work and prepared them to operate virtually in anticipation of global workforce changes.
- 95% of participants reported achieving a comprehensive understanding of effective strategies for uniting participants with disabilities, ensuring the establishment of sustained mechanisms for accessing support and assistance in operating, managing, and expanding their businesses.
- 40% of participants secured employment, 30% reported increased investment in their business ventures, 20% pursued professional advancement opportunities, and 10% launched their business ideas.
Reflective Insights
- The project was structured to encompass a variety of interactive components, from PowerPoint lectures to resource sharing and motivational sessions. Initial meetings were held to identify topical areas and listen to other questions and areas of need that could be incorporated into the sessions.
- Periodic check-ins were conducted to gather feedback and additional topics of interest as knowledge was gained. The insights gathered from participants proved invaluable and added to the richness and application of content shared.
- The virtual platform opened up opportunities for participants to connect and engage who may have otherwise been limited by geography and transportation.
Key Lessons Learned
- The challenges faced underscored the importance of flexibility and adaptability in virtual project implementation. We quickly learned to anticipate potential technical issues and to provide alternative means of participation.
- The experience highlighted the significance of clear communication and pre-project preparations to ensure participants could make the most of the virtual engagements. Access to internet and interpreters were needed components that benefitted from external assistance to support participants.
- Dedicating time to integrate knowledge into the framework of participants and their culture was an essential element. The addition of a champion who understands the local context was important to bridge translation and serve as the liaison to ensure information covered was understood on both sides.
Future Plans
The success and lessons learned from the outbound project have ignited a passion to forge connections that extend beyond borders and create lasting change. Regular connections at least monthly will continue, pooling ideas to solve emerging challenges. Collaborating on grants and research projects is another exciting prospect.