What We Do
Words Into Deeds Inc provides opportunities for youth to develop their full potential as informed, engaged citizens in their schools, communities, and globally.
Working with teachers and community leaders, using resources such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Sustainable Development Goals as frameworks, we present workshops and offer sustained support for outreach projects tailored for the needs and age-range of each participating group.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOPS FOR EDUCATORS
Words Into Deeds founder Gertrude Noden introducing the Sustainable Development Goals as part of a 2-day interactive workshop for teachers. Sessions include principles of human rights and strategies for engaging students in outreach projects.
GENDER EQUITY – WASH COMMUNITY PROGRAM IN GULU, UGANDA
Young mothers receive 6-month training as tailors, during which they produce reusable menstruation garments that are distributed to local schools, thereby enabling girls to attend school during their periods. Trainees also receive counseling and training in computer literacy and business practices, and upon completion are supported to launch sustainable businesses.
CITIZENSHIP WORKSHOPS FOR STUDENTS
Students at the UNIFAT Primary School in Gulu, Uganda receive certificates of achievement following a 2-day workshop on how to design and implement community outreach projects.
HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM
Ithaca-area students, community health leaders, and (former) Ithaca Mayor Myrick (upper left) present the results of their year-long Youth Voices on Substance Abuse project at an invited public forum at the United Nations.
BRIDGING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE
Addressing the greatest need identified by teachers following a Professional Development Workshop at the UNIFAT Primary School, two rooms were renovated, 30 computer stations were purchased, an IT instructor hired, and a solar power system was installed. Now teachers and all grade level students are learning basic computer skills and interacting with global partners.
GRANTS FOR COMMUNITY OUTREACH PROJECTS
Schools often lack basic resources to launch student outreach projects, and Words Into Deeds offers grants of up to $150, which in Uganda is close to the average monthly salary of most teachers. Ten projects are currently underway at the UNIFAT Primary School. These include vegetable and tree gardens, bead-making, soap-making, an eNewsletter, and a plastics-to-playground project.
SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
Words Into Deeds awards scholarships to graduating UNIFAT students who have strong academic records, participated in training workshops and community service projects, and whose whose families are unable to meet the cost of enrolling them in high school. Shown above are the first post-pandemic recipients.