Here is a unique partnership, which evolved out of the activities of Returned Volunteers, among them Mark Wiggin, now the Chair Person, VMM Board of Trustee.

The link between Gulu, Uganda and Lancashire, England aims to develop and exchange experience and best practice in sustainable development through equal partnership.

Initial contacts were made in 1993, and following a number of visits, discussions and the implementation of a feasibility study, a community link structure was agreed.

The Gulu Lancashire Local Agenda 21 Link was established in Gulu to represent the interests of all sectors of the Gulu community. The counterpart organisation Lancashire Gulu Local Agenda 21 Link Ltd was established in Lancashire in 1997.

Through the link, community organisations, schools and other groups in Lancashire and Gulu are working together on activities which build friendship and understanding, and which contribute to the progress of Local Agenda 21 and the goals of sustainability.

Agenda 21 was the main output from the 1992 Rio Earth Summit, calling for the preparation of action plans for sustainability at the local level. These should bring together social, economic and environmental policies, involving all sectors of the community, and promoting greater co-operation between countries.

Recently, three members of the Gulu-Lancashire Agenda 21 Link have returned to Uganda after a very successful weeklong visit to their counterparts in Lancashire, England.

The purpose of the delegation was to strengthen partnership links between the two communities and explore ways in which sustainable development can be progressed.

A programme of building community links included a very successful two-day conference in county hall, Preston, where delegates listened to the Gulu representatives’ presentations and speakers including aid and development workers and a European Member of Parliament. Local links building also included a visit to the mayor of Chorley, links to the Lancashire Youth and Community Service, the development agency CAFOD, the Workers’ Education Association, social services, and an overnight at the Middlewood Trust, a centre promoting sustainable living.