Cross Cultural Foundation of Uganda
Cross Cultural Foundation of Uganda
Tags: Promoting Pluralism
Additional tags: Uganda
The Cross-Cultural Foundation of Uganda is an NGO that promotes the recognition of culture as vital for equitable and sustainable development, and to respond to national identity and diversity. CCFU therefore carries out studies and documents initiatives where taking culture into account has made a positive contribution to development efforts. These include studies on harnessing the positive aspects of culture in the fight against HIV/AIDS, on gender and culture, herbal medicine and other cultural resources, children’s rights, etc. CCFU also offers training to organisations on how to incorporate a cultural dimension in their work and uses research outputs to make policy makers and practitioners aware of the necessity of culture for effective development.
CCFU defines culture as a constantly changing set of values, identities, traditions and aspirations that govern the way we relate as individuals, communities and nations. Culture ‘goes deep’: it goes to the heart of any society. It is central to people’s well-being and to defining the ideal society they seek. CCFU believes that the positive aspects of culture can be harnessed to bring about social and economic transformation, and help express collective heritage and identity.
Cultural expressions have long been under pressure in Uganda, due to colonial restrictions, past, limited political space and emphasis on a unified nation, and more recently by certain aspects of globalisation. Development should however reflect Uganda’s wealth and cultural diversity, in which all people are free to express their identity.
CCFU regularly brings together representatives from development organisations, local government, cultural institutions, and other cultural resource persons to discuss how to take positive aspects of culture into account. CCFU sees a need to develop mechanisms and strategies at policy level and in the practice of development organisations and cultural institutions.
CCFU’s mission is to promote the recognition of culture as vital for human development that responds to our national identity and diversity. To do this, CCFU aims at:
1. Producing and disseminating knowledge: Stimulating the generation, documentation, analysis and use of culture, with a focus on its impact and contribution to sustainable development.
2. Changing perceptions: Promoting a positive perception and response to culture, at local and national levels, with emphasis on culture in development.
3. Strengthening others: Supporting local development initiatives that demonstrate the importance of culture in development – through technical support, linking them with each other and sub-granting.
CCFU acts as a catalyst to promote an understanding of development, as seen through ‘cultural lenses’, through three main interventions:
1. ‘Culture in Development’ programme
2. Cultural Heritage programme
3. Cross-cultural training and brokerage
CCFU published a position paper entitled ‘Development from a Cultural Perspective in a Cultural Diverse African Country: Understanding Culture and Development in Uganda.
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