Projects
Our approach...We know that the challenges individuals, families and whole communities throughout Rukungiri District face are wide ranging and multifaceted. It is for this reason that our mission is to relentlessly pursue a programme of activities that encourage, empower and enable those we work with in a holistic way. We also know the one-off interventions, while sometimes necessary, will not deliver the deep and sustained impact we wish to see. We are therefore committed to take a journey-based approach, walking with those we work with along the path of bettering their lives and bringing forth a more hopeful future. Ensuring this holistic, journey-based approach is implicit in all we do, we have divided our activities into four key phases of intervention and support, using the metaphor of a tree.
Roots →
We know that all those with whom we interact must first have their basic physiological and relational needs met. But too often, people lack the elemental necessities of life. We will therefore put in place a series of basic projects and programmes to provide those who need it with strong roots with which to sustain themselves and their families.
Trunk ↓
We know that many of those we engage are working tirelessly to develop the foundational aspects of their lives. But a range of factors are limiting their ability to do this in a secure and sustainable way. We will therefore offer a series of projects and programmes that enable those with whom we work to strengthen the trunk of their lives through learning and development.
Seeds ↑
We know that there are some with whom we work who could go on to be community changers themselves. But for many, this currently feels beyond their reach. We will therefore commit to working with key beneficiaries to sow the seeds born of their fruit back into their communities and the lives of those who will come after.
Branches ←
We know that there are some people who are looking for ways to expand and diversify their lives. But they too often lack the ability, means or resources to make their ambitions a reality. We will therefore provide a series of projects and programmes that create new and entrepreneurial opportunities and support to help people branch out in new ways.
Child Sponsorship
We run a child sponsorship programme, and currently have 28 children enrolled. We believe in the holistic care and development of children, so our programme covers:
- boarding school fees
- all school requirements
- medical expenses
- holiday home visits
- visitation day packages
- nutritional support (where required)
Sponsorship varies from £21-£35 per month, depending on the child’s school, age and requirements. Sponsors receive a letter and printed photos of their sponsor child annually, as well as informal updates throughout the year.
Hope Cards
Hope Cards is a group of women have worked, learned and perfected the art of making beautiful stitching cards. If you love sending cards to people, or would like to start, please consider buying a multipack of ten beautiful, handmade cards for £22, and support women here in Rukungiri to earn income and start a small business, such as poultry keeping or soap making, while gifting ten special people a card they won’t forget!
We are currently selling two different multipacks…
The variety pack has ten designs suitable for all kinds of reasons – thank
you, thinking of you, get well soon, happy birthday… or anything else!
The occasion pack has ten designs for particular special occasions
including birthday, new baby, new home, congratulations and more. Please email thehopecollectiveuganda@gmail.com to place an order or enquire more.
Seniors Group
During our field survey in 2022, we realised that there is very little support or social provision for the elderly. They rarely have a reason to leave their homes, so we have provided an opportunity for them to get out,
socialise, talk and eat some different foods than are available to them in their homes. This year, we plan to provide some of the members with hens from our poultry project, to begin a small income generation project.
Our Seniors Group is a joy and going from strength to strength; a group of 10-15 men and women aged 65-105, who live in the same village as our Project HQ. Every month we visit the home of one of the group, taking a food package and sharing fellowship, memories and laughs. The seniors also come to our offices on a weekly basis, where they drink tea, and eat buns and bananas. We prepare an activity such as a quiz, or a conversation topic such as schooling when they were children, or other memories.
The group are so appreciative of our efforts.
Poultry Project
Chicken and eggs both have huge market here in Uganda. We are starting a poultry project as The Hope Collective for a number of reasons. Firstly, for some local income generation so that we are not totally reliant on outside support. Secondly, to supply hens and/or eggs to our beneficiaries to start their own projects (especially the seniors and some Hope Cards ladies). Thirdly to provide extra nutrition for children who need it. And finally, to provide local employment for some of the men in our community.