What We Do
Words Into Deeds Inc provides educational opportunities for youth to develop their full potential as informed, engaged, productive 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 support projects in both traditional and vocational schools, present professional development workshops for teachers and leadership workshops for youth, and offer sustained support for outreach projects tailored for the needs and age-range of each participating group. We also provide scholarships that enable students to continue their education at high-school and vocational school levels.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOPS FOR EDUCATORS
Words Into Deeds founder Gertrude Noden introducing the Sustainable Development Goals as part of a 2-day interactive Professional Development Workshop for teachers in Gulu, Uganda. Sessions include principles of human rights and strategies for engaging students in outreach projects based on the Sustainable Development Goals.
GENDER EQUITY – WASH COMMUNITY PROGRAM IN GULU, UGANDA
Young mothers receive 6-month training as tailors and also receive counseling and classes in computer literacy and business practices. Upon finishing most join their women-run company that annually produces several thousand reusable feminine hygiene kits. These are sold at markets and also distributed to local schools, thereby enabling girls to attend school during their menstrual periods.
LEADERSHIP WORKSHOP 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 PROGRAMS
Ithaca-area students, community health leaders, and 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. Each year a different theme based on the Sustainable Development Goals is selected.
BRIDGING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE
Basic computer skills are essential for advanced education and vocations, but are often unavailable. Words Into Deeds provided support to renovate two rooms, purchase 30 laptop computers, hire an IT instructor, and have a solar power system installed at the UNIFAT Primary School in Gulu, Uganda. Now teachers and all grade level students are learning basic computer skills, accessing educational resources, and interacting with global partners.
BRINGING YOUTH EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMS TO RURAL SCHOOLS
Ugandan schools, especially in rural areas, often lack resources to introduce new projects. Working with our partners, we provide trainers and supplies for these schools to launch liquid soap and feminine hygiene kit production. In some cases, additional support is provided to expand the range of youth outreach projects that have included planting vegetable and tree gardens, bead-making, school newsletter, and plastics repurposing projects.
SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
Words Into Deeds awards scholarships to graduating UNIFAT students who participate in outreach projects and whose whose families are unable to meet the cost of enrolling them in high school. You can meet them here.