2009 Accomplishments: Heartfelt Gratitude from the Children of Uganda

Many thanks to all our generous donors, sponsors, partners, volunteers, staff, and people of good will who made 2009 a great year with so many amazing accomplishments for URF. The sacrifices you make have positively changed many lives of children and adults in rural villages of Masaka and Uganda at large. On behalf of all our beneficiaries, I would like to express our deepest gratitude and thanks. You’re in our prayers and may the good Lord continue to bless you abundantly.

Increased Enrollment: At Hope Academy enrolment jumped from 64 in 2008 to 125 students in grades 8-12 (senior one – four) at the beginning of 2009 academic year in February. In November 2009, our pioneer class sat for national exams for O’level.

Sponsorship: We secured tuition sponsorship for 52 orphan children. Many more are still waiting for sponsorship.

Library, Computer Center and Science Lab were set up during 2009. However, we still need more books and lab equipment.

28 bicycles given to studentswho used to walk long distances to school. Each bicycle is used by two students who live in the same village to share a ride. More students need transportation assistance and many of them walk over 3 miles to come to school.

22 local rsidents employed: We provided employment for 20 people for teaching and staff positions at Hope Academy and URF. Over 15 other residents have been employed on temporary contract jobs such as construction, making classroom desks, etc providing much needed income to support their families.

Clean Water: EWB team from University of Minnesota installed an underground well providing clean water to students at the Academy and some surrounding residents. The group also made a bio-sand water filter for one of the villages.

Solar Energy: EWB team at Virginia Tech installed solar power system at Hope Academy.

The community empowerment conferencein June, 2009 drew over 600 people. Panels of professionals presented and answered questions on issues related with health care and HIV/AIDS, malaria, education and community development, entrepreneurship and micro-finance, human rights and legal representation, and intercultural understanding.

Youth Leadership Camp held in August was a success. The kids learned about leadership, personal development, goal setting, and critical need for education.

In July, a team from Kampala trained our youth how make paper bags, beads, envelops, file folders, and various other crafts. Students earn income for scholastic materials from sale of these crafts.

16 child-headed familieswith total of 38 children received care from URF including education sponsorship, basic household supplies, medical care assistance, and emotional support.

We built three homes for child-headed families and a widow grandmother caring for two orphan grandchildren

Boys’ Dormitory at the Orphanage: We build a new house for boys at the Nazareth Children’s Home

We organized HIV testing for the community in partnership with Uganda Cares who also provide on-going medical care and counselling for the patients.

Medical assistance: Over 40 women from the surrounding villages served by URF have been assisted to receive medical care at clinics in Masaka town.

Frighting Malaria: In collaboration with EWB and Duxbury residents, URF distributed over 1000 mosquito nets to women and orphans in rural villages to prevent the spread of malaria.

A farmers workshopin September 2009 helped many farmers learn about improved farming practices and market opportunities. Another farmers’ workshop is scheduled for August 2010.

Seed loans: In 2009 we launched the seed loan project which provides seeds to farmers at beginning of each season. At harvest, each farmer brings back a certain which is then given out to another farmer at the following season. This makes the project self-sustaining.

In July 2009, 5 men received goats and 5 men were given pigs to raise. After the animal gives birth, the individual passes on a piglet or a young goat to another member of the Men’s empowerment group – this is how the project become self-sustaining. After seeing the success of the women’s program, men in the community also requested to form an empowerment group.

Village Banking: we have provided training to over 150 women and 40 men to run operate a village banking program which provides them an opportunity to obtain small loans to improve or start new micro-enterprises.

URF Kampala Chapter: we are building local capacity tapping into a network of young Ugandan professionals and university students. A network of over 30 young people continues to grow. These passionate and dedicated professionals support URF on many fronts such as workshops, conferences, local fundraising, and professionals services.  

Crafts project: URF sponsored training of local women to learn various crafts. In 2009 over 500 baskets were made and sold earning the women substantial income that has improved their families’ welfare.

45 international volunteersserved at URF improving many projects. Volunteers come from countries such as USA, Canada, England, Spain, Australia, Wales, Scotland, etc.

Thanks for you continued support. You donate online or send us a check to support any of our great programs. If you have any questions, please contact jmlugemwa@ugandaruralfund.org