This is a support function to accessing information. The aim is to form linkages and partnerships with sources of information, knowledge and skills. This will enable beneficiaries to link into the appropriate information sources, if it is not immediately available at UDS information hub. It will also enable UDS as the first line information providers, to be updated and share relevant information with its beneficiaries.
In order to build capacity of beneficiaries to improve their knowledge, our beneficiaries need to be empowered with skills that will build sustainable livelihoods in addition to the information and knowledge they will have acquired. This strategy focuses on empowering through practical skilling.
This strategy is critical to the life of the organization and continuity of the mission. It targets to strengthen institutional capacity, systems, and structures and to raise adequate resources to help UDS meet its mandate.
This is the core of UDS mandate, to share knowledge and build lives. Our beneficiaries should be able to come to UDS and get information they want, either by directly accessing what is available at UDS or pointed to a source that has the information. This involves developing the habits and behavioral change in appreciating the power of information and developing a culture of accessing information. Also a lot of myths in our communities are built around hearsay information with no evidence. Evidence based information is key in turning around poverty stricken communities. The information we provide is backed by evidence and experience over the years.
This is core to achieving UDS mandate of providing relevant and appropriate information. The product of this will feed into content development and information dissemination. Research will mainly be around the development of information, validation of information, evaluating impact of information, evaluating how information influences decisions of our leaders, whether evidence based information is critical to decision making at all levels, how information feeds into the lives of peasants, is it critical or the needs cloud the need for relevant information, the extent to which information influences the lives of the rural poor. Documentation of best practices will feature in this component as it will enhance successful and sustainable living.