June 12, 2020
 As part of AVSI’s series, “Behind the Mask”, meet the Community Based Trainer who is supporting Graduating to Resilience Activity beneficiaries during COVID-19 lockdown
When the first case of COVID-19 was confirmed in Uganda, forcing the Government to close businesses and schools, some beneficiaries of AVSI’s Graduating to Resilience Activity thought the activity funded by USAID would be canceled. AVSI’s Community Based Trainer Jackson Ninkusima, 34 years old, brought them hope.
"Some participants told me that they thought the project had ended, but when I continued interacting with them, their hope that we still had work to do together was renewed," remembers Jackson Ninkusima. "I also think they took my messages on hand-washing and social distancing seriously because they trust me as a leader."
Working with AVSI since 2018 as part of the Graduating to Resilience team, Jackson implements field activities such as supporting participants to start Income Generating Activities and Businesses and trains them on modern agronomic practices and savings in Village Saving and Loans Associations. He is also helping the communities improve their livelihoods. When the COVID-19 pandemic began, Jackson like all other staff had to find new ways to train and accompany the participants.
"I had to change from direct contact with participants to remote data collection and interaction," he says. "We had to split the farmer groups we work with into mini-groups to adhere to the guidelines set by the Ministry of Health to prevent the spread of the virus. I am also conducting an online business coaching to the activity participants through phone calls, supporting farming activities, and answering any questions they might have."
Jackson lives in Kamwenge District, in Western Uganda, where AVSI implements the Graduating to Resilience Activity. Implemented by AVSI in partnership with Trickle Up and IMPAQ, the Activity’s goal is to graduate extremely poor refugee and Ugandan households from conditions of food insecurity and fragile livelihoods to self-reliance and resilience. Jackson decided to continue working during the COVID-19 pandemic precisely because he could not leave his community alone during the crisis.
"These participants need my help now more than ever. We started a journey together, and I would not be happy leaving them when they need me the most," says Jackson. "I feel it is my responsibility to help them graduate from conditions of food insecurity and malnutrition, fragile livelihood, and poor economic status to Resilience."
When he can visit the participants, Jackson encourages them to follow the Ministry of Health COVID-19 preventive guidelines in their daily activities, continue practicing farming alongside other businesses, and updates them about the project’s activities.
"In these unprecedented times, we need to adapt to new ways of working and living," says Jackson, who can even find a silver lining amid the crisis. "It feels good to be able to help others, and once this COVID-19 pandemic is gone, I will have learned new skills."
