New Women's Group Launch Has Record-Breaking Attendance!

On December 29th, 2012, Butende Women's Group had their official launch event. People turned out in record-breaking numbers--SAFE's staff counted at least 853 people! Events included educational dramas and songs (performed by MABEDA, BUBEDA, and Butende Women's Group), along with maternal and pediatric immunizations, malaria testing and treatment, HIV testing and counseling, general health visits, nutrition outreach, mosquito net distribution, malaria education, and sales of products produced by Butende. One group--MABEDA--charged admission to their performances for the first time, earning 95,000 shillings towards their group activities. Also of note, women from Butende Women's Group were interviewed about their work with SAFE, which aired four times on the radio on Sunday! Check out the photos below:

More than 850 people attended Butende's Launch Event.

Butende Women's Group introducing themselves to the community.

Butende Women's Group performing a song about health!

MABEDA (co-ed development association) performing a REALLY cool parlor trick on soda bottles.

Some of the items made by Butende members and eggplants grown in the SAFE-financed organic community gardens, all sold at the event to profit the new group.

Xylophone used in performances.

A member of the press (from UBC radio) bought one of Butende's baskets.

A Member of Parliament from Iganga town attended the event and donated 30,000 shillings plus 10 water basins and 4 pieces of fabric to Butende to help them get started. She also promised to help all community groups access district funds to continue in their quest to develop their communities, particularly in terms of maternal and child health.

Pregnant woman being immunized at health outreach.

Child being immunized at health outreach.