Uganda: Empowering Orphans to Become Entrepreneurs

It is hard to believe that on 18^th September, 2013 all roads led to Kagamba Sub County to witness the graduation ceremony of 135(M-86, F-49)  youths from the Kagamba  Mobile Farm School of Kitovu Mobile. The Function was presided over by Prince Kaboyo David the Resident District Commissioner Rakai District on top of other distinguished guests who included the Chairperson L.C V Mr. Robert Mugabi, District Agriculture Officer Mr. Lubega Yusuf, Chairperson District farmers’ Forum Mr. Ssendagi John, and District Development officer Mr.  Bagarukayo Alex, District Sec for Education Hon Harriet Namayengo.

The Chief Guest prince Kaboyo David thanked Kitovu Mobile AIDS organization for their initiative towards community development. He thanked the organization for its dedication to its work since it dealt with issues which the government itself did not do. He extended sincere gratitude to Kitovu Mobile, for the tremendous support to the community which included Maize milling machine, equipping the youth with required skills to sustain themselves, tools and equipment to facilitate their operations, plus exposure and linkage to other institutions that can further support them. He urged guardians and other local leaders to consider these youth as a valuable resource given they have all the skills and knowledge that the community of Kagamba may require.

The Executive Director Mrs. Robina Ssentongo thanked the Chief Guest for his commitment towards development activities in the district and always embracing the Kitovu Mobile work. She further urged the guardians of the pass outs always to work hand in hand with their children if they are to realize a fundamental change in their families.

It was noted that pass outs had gained self esteem and could ably represent themselves in the community and pass on the knowledge and skills to other people in the community. The pass outs had formed groups and each had benefited from the start up fund receiving an average amount of $ 750 for internal lending.

It was observed that despite the significant achievements the impact of climate change was still a big problem; and as result everyone was urged to respect the environment by practicing environmental friendly farming.

The best performers received prizes which include 9 goats, 35 basins and 20 blankets to recognize their hard work and to motivate others to work hard. 

Since August 21^st December Kitovu Mobile has made tremendous efforts in empowering orphans to become entrepreneurs. This report high lights the significant achievements and the inevitable challenges observed during this period.

a)  Piggery project:

It is exciting news to hear the progress of the piggery projects given to the groups. Show case is Agali Awamu Mobile young farmers group which received a mature pig as a donation from friends and well wisher of Kitovu Mobile on the Global Giving website. With technical support from Kitovu mobile staff the pig produced 8 piglets which have been passed on to other members of the group. It is anticipated that in the next one year we shall have realized an average total number of 72 piglets worth $1,152 ready to pass on to other members. 

b)  Water facility:

It is unbelievable to see the children from Kyango Bigavu community in Kasaali Sub County going through a dry spell without experiencing difficulty in accessing water for their gardens and domestic use. A 7000 Litter water facility made life easier for this group. By December 2012, the tank was full to the capacity and water had to be kept for use during the dry spell. Sparingly children are accessing water as scheduled in the community by laws. Members have established a water user committee which is responsible for the governance of the water source. During their meetings they agreed to save 1000/= UGX $0.4 per month to cater the repairs and in case no repair they can think of constructing one of their own.

Lessons:

Children have exhibited good working relationship and commitment to scale up the piggery project to spread up to other OVCs who are in need.

The project has a demonstrated a quick multiplier effect both in terms of skills development and accessibility to the income generation.

Water project minimize on time waste in long lines waiting for water and walking long distances in search for water.

Challenges:

Despite the significant achievements realized; we have realized increasing demands amidst the meager resources. However we have hope that we shall overcome the situation through the pass on-system.

In conclusion, we thank the friends and well wisher of Kitovu Mobile for the generous support to the marginalized communities your support has made kitovu Mobile visible and relevant to the people we serve. We can’t forget to thank the founders and the administration of Global Giving for the visionary idea of enabling the grassroots Organization fundraise on line.