DefendDefenders call for applications from Ugandan human rights organisations to the Ttaala Program (formerly known as DOC-IT). Ttaala is a comprehensive skills-building project for human rights defenders (HRDs) illuminating the world of digital tools and strategies. Organisations in Ttaala learn how to survive and thrive defending human rights in the digital age while creating impact-driven projects. 

Organisations taking part in the Ttaala Program will access in-person workshops, on-site technical assistance, continuous virtual support, and access to a network of creative mentors.   

This unique opportunity brings together human rights organisations from across Uganda for intensive training and networking on how to strategically employ digital tools across the spectrum of data management, content development, digital security, and running live online campaigns and/or digital platforms.   

Ttaala is about lasting impact through organisational change. Participants and their organisations must be willing to learn in a fast-paced program and should have the capacity and commitment to maximise their benefit from the program. 

Applicants must: 

• Be applying on behalf of an organisation based in Uganda which is actively engaged in defending human rights
• Have an existing digital project you wish to bring into the Ttaala Program or have clear ideas for a new project
• Have internal technical capacity and relevant personnel committed to the program
• Have a need for data-driven campaigns and advocacy outcomes
• Have full organisational support for staff participation 
• Have an open mind to learn and experiment with new tools and concepts 

Benefits: 

Participants will be able to take part in a series of three workshops, with a curriculum co-developed by all participating organisations together with DefendDefenders, to ensure that learning is tailored to the needs of the group.  

Organisations will define and work on their own project throughout the course of participating in Ttaala and receive support and mentorship in realising their project vision. 

Participants will also become a member of our alumni network, including access to mentors, creatives, a mailing list, e-learning opportunities, and priority in subsequent events. 

All travel and accommodation will be covered for non-local and upcountry participants.  

Apply now: 

Selection into Ttaala is highly competitive. We encourage you to apply early and put your best foot forward. We encourage two or more people from the organisation to be engaged in developing the application, to ensure a holistic approach and organisational ownership.

Phase 1: Fill out this application form by 12 November 2019. 

Phase 2: Interviews. 

Shortlisted participants will be interviewed in November 2019. 

Phase 3: Workshop preparation.

If you are selected to attend Ttaala, you must complete two online assignments that will be assigned by us, and send us their respective certificates of completion.  

The first Ttaala workshop will take place in January 2020.

Women-led and minority-focused organisations are strongly encouraged to apply. For any inquiries, please contact DaphneN@defenddefenders.org.

This cohort of Ttaala is generously supported by the Embassy to Uganda of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Irish Embassy in Uganda.