Page 21 - Jan-March 2024 Edition
P. 21

dramatically improves their ability to improve their businesses and the financial wellbeing of
         their families. But for us, one of the best things is when you hear a parent say, they can now
         read their child’s report card, or sit and help their child with their homework.
         Five nights a week our Study club is available for primary up to university students. With people
         living in tiny rooms that accommodate multiple family members, finding a quiet space with
         good lighting to study can be difficult. Young people can come and study in a space with
         electricity, text books, teachers on hand and peace and quiet.
         Our Sports for Life program runs to try and show young boys that education and hard work is
         important and that crime does not pay.
         Through football and mentoring, our young boys are being given the opportunity to dream of a
         different life. Away from gangs and crime and one where they can work to change their
         destinies.  Our skills for life program is open to our sports boys, with many having graduated the
         program, and now having completely changed their lives.
         Alongside all of our major programs, we offer many other programs and training from crèche
         services, child sponsorship, to family counseling, discipleship, medical and surgical camps, to
         human trafficking awareness programs and community clean ups.

         We have a café and bakery now and medical clinic situated at Mulago Business Center – all
         aimed at being a training ground for those we work with and to be able to care for all those
 original Read for Life program, which is a Literacy and Library program for school age children.   who live in the surrounded area.
 The majority of the children we work with in Katanga go to poorly resourced and overcrowded
 schools, so many fall through the gaps when it comes to literacy. Our goal is to create a culture   We aim to not just give handouts but to give a hand up. To provide a space where people can
 of young people that love to read and are able to read well and gain knowledge through   grow and learn, and not just to learn a skill. A space where they learn to dream of a better life
 reading that will take them further in life. We have around 200 children regularly attending our   for themselves and for their children; where people find a place to belong, where they aren’t
 Read for Life program. From that, all our other major projects flow – so for someone to attend   seen for what they lack, but are seen for what they can bring to the table.
 one of our other programs, they should have a family member regularly attending Read for   Breaking the cycle of poverty is not easy, but everyone can be a part of the solution. And it
 Life. This enables us to help the whole family and to continue to motivate the whole family to   starts small, with giving someone hope and helping them to see a different reality for
 encourage the child to continue with their education.   themselves.
         Every time someone supports us (whether that’s through one of our businesses or through
 We have a variety of programs to impact the families we work with. Our Skills for Life program is   becoming a monthly partner or a child sponsor) they are helping us to create that space. A
 a 12-month program that provides income generating skills. Throughout the program, partici-  space where doubts and negative voices are silenced and where people can begin to
 pants focus on one skill, along with business skills, budgeting, relationship guidance, WASH   dream, grow and flourish.
 program and a variety of other teaching resources. At the end of 12 months every student   This is just the beginning for The Mbuyu Foundation – but as lives are being changed – we are
 receives a startup business kit relevant to the skill they have learnt. They continue to receive help   excited for what the future holds.
 and support after they have graduated.

 Mbuyu Businesses aim to support our programs. When people purchase from Mbuyu Designs –
 the beautiful items are made from the men and women who have graduated our programs.
 Mbuyu Catering and Events employs those who have graduated our catering class. When you
 book a cake, a catering job or decorating job through us, you are providing income to one of
 our graduates, while also allowing the program to continue with all profits going straight back
 into the Skills for Life program.
 Adult Literacy runs throughout the week, with beginners, intermediate and advanced class.  We
 have adults who never even did any schooling and need to be shown how to hold a pencil, all
 the way up to adults who did some high school classes but had to stop due to a lack of   FOR MORE INFORMATION ON HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED, PLEASE REACH OUT TO:
 finances.   THE MBUYU FOUNDATION
         16 Nkizi Road, Wandegeya, Kampala  +256 704 595 613 admin@thembuyufoundation.org
 It’s so incredibly exciting to see people gaining reading and writing skills, and also the   OR SEARCH FOR THEM ONLINE thembuyufoundation.org
 confidence to stand in front of others and express themselves. Being able to read and write   OR ON SOCIAL MEDIA @thembuyufoundation (f i)


                                                                               19
   16   17   18   19   20   21   22   23   24   25   26