REACH works with local community members to promote the growth of self-sustaining and vibrant communities. We seek opportunities to develop and reinvest the skills and expertise of REACH graduates, staff, and community members back into the local communities. In addition to REACH’s positive impact on the local economy, we support local women’s microfinance programs. We plan to expand our community development to sustainable agriculture programs and to small and micro-enterprises.
REACH works with local community members to promote the growth of self-sustaining and vibrant communities. We seek opportunities to develop and reinvest the skills and expertise of REACH graduates, staff, and community members back into the local communities. In addition to REACH’s positive impact on the local economy, we support local women’s microfinance programs. We plan to expand our community development to sustainable agriculture programs and to small and micro-enterprises.REACH Uganda employs teachers, administrators, medical workers, and support staff. With steady employment and better pay, the standard of living of these workers has improved, which enables them to build better homes for their families and put their children through school. REACH also impacts the local economy and enhances entrepreneurial opportunities through our demand for construction services, school supplies, textbooks, food, transportation, and more.
In 2008, REACH began supporting a microfinance program when we teamed up with Women’s MicroFinance Initiative (WMI), a Bethesda, MD-based microfinance organization working in East Africa. With REACH support, WMI created loan hubs in Bumwalukani and Bupoto which are still active today and support hundreds of women entrepreneurs.
In 2010, REACH partnered with the DC-based Kamal Foundation to rebuild Bulobi and Bumwalye primary schools in Bududa.
In 2012, REACH partnered with TOMS Shoes and distributed more than 30,000 pairs of shoes to local schools and communities in Bududa, Manafwa, Mbale, and Sironko districts.
"REACH's focus is on the local communities in Uganda who need our services. We are not some corporate organization in America who is trying to do good in the world. We are part and parcel of the people of our community -- sharing the same values, and working together to make life better for everybody. People trust us because they know who we are and what our common goals are."
John Wanda, Co-founder
Our Better Housing project has greatly improved the lives of over 180 community members! Many homes in the area have mud floors, which require extensive maintenance and create health risks due to their tendency to harbor bacteria. By installing durable concrete floors and solar lanterns we have seen a 78% reduction in parasitic infestations like jiggers and worms, 49% reduction in diarrhea, and a 81% reduction in anemia. Additionally, the initiative has lessened the time required for home maintenance, as the new concrete floors are both environmentally friendly and long-lasting.
In Bumwalukani, the students address visitors with the formal title of "teacher". In reality, the teaching is mutual. It's a cultural exchange. From the U.S., the wealth disparity appears to be a solid line dividing sponsors from Ugandan students, but, ultimately, we're all students. We're all human.
Fiona
Teen Trip alum, sponsor, volunteer