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0Wawoto Kacel Cooperative Project
The “Wawoto Kacel” cooperative
In 1997, the Wawoto Kacel Cooperative (which means “let’s walk together” in the local language) was founded in Gulu, northern Uganda.
It was created with the aim of offering a protected working environment for girls and women in extremely vulnerable situations due to physical or mental disabilities.
Over time, the project has proven its worth, as the women have gained a social role and empowerment through their work that would otherwise have been impossible.
The history of the Cooperative is a story written “by women for women,” where determination and strength of character have become a symbol of social redemption, instilling courage and hope.
The local NGO Comboni Samaritans of Gulu and the Good Samaritan ODV association have contributed to the development of the Cooperative since its foundation.
The main objectives of the “Wawoto Kacel” project
There are currently about fifty beneficiary members: the majority are disabled women, women with AIDS, widows, and war veterans. In May 2018, after months of training, the Italian manager handed over her position to Immaculate Adong, a young Acholi woman, who has been running the cooperative ever since.
The project promotes people’s independence, allowing them to work and develop technical skills through the creation of handicrafts using local raw materials.
Several sectors are active: tailoring, knitwear, weaving, tie-dye (where fabrics are dyed), a workshop where jewelry is made from recycled paper beads, and a “card” section where special objects are made from banana leaves.
From the outset, Wawoto Kacel Cooperative has promoted training and refresher courses to improve product quality, with the aim of adapting to local and international market demands and increasing the professional and craft skills of its members.
Therapeutic value
Focus on human impact: access to medical care, varied nutrition, provision of small loans or microcredit funds, and basic literacy courses.
Social role
We help women cultivate a role in their community and discover their identity as individuals, making them feel part of a group.
Over the years, the cooperative has been supported by the Autonomous Province of Bolzano and by the CEI (Italian Episcopal Conference).