The goal of this fundraiser is for three communities in Uganda to survive, thrive and succeed—first with our support, but ultimately for them to do this without outside funding. The way we hope to achieve this is by providing the community with opportunities to support themselves. This year’s Change Their Story fundraiser is focused on helping them SUCCEED by creating community-based business projects, made up of small groups of the parents of the children in our program. These businesses will give families the dignity and opportunity to provide for their own children.

Ongongoja Crop Farming Project: This project will accomodate 4 groups (30 families per group). Each group will choose their own crop and will be provided with seeds, pesticides, harvesting and storage supplies. They will also receive training on climate adaptation to help enhance crop yields and will be encouraged to grow crops that are more resistant to the current climate challenges in the community. This project’s goal is to boost household food security in the entire community as well as generate income for those participating. Total $5,000 ($1,250 per group of 30 families)

Ongongoja Goat Project: Two groups of 30 families will be provided with a total of 44 goats. Each member will commit to donating the first 3 goat kids born to another family so this project will have lasting impact. These initial funds will be used to purchase, transport and vaccinate goats and train members on goat rearing. Total $4,750 ($80 per goat)

Ongongoja Beekeeping Project: Two groups will be supported in apiary enterprise development. Honey and other bee products are in high demand in Ongongoja and the surrounding communities. This project will include training of group members on modern apiary and business skills and purchasing and distributing of beehives and beekeeping gear. They will purchase and establish a demonstration site to be used for training. They will also receive help marketing and selling honey and other products. Total $4,750 ($2,375 per group)

Bukedea Crop Farming Project: This project will be made up of 5 groups (36 households per group). The 5 groups will be provided with seeds of their choice, pesticides and other planting, harvesting and storage supplies. The farmers will be trained to implement modern farming practices in the community of Bukedea. Total $7,500 ($1,500 per group)

Ogoloi Self-Help Enterprises: The community will split into 15 groups of 20 families to create small businesses together. Each group will choose what business will fit their needs/skills. HopeChest leadership will help them create business plans and train them in business and marketing. We will then provide them with start up funds to start their businesses. Total $8,000 ($500 per group)

Graduation Start-up Kits / University Education Expenses:  As students continue to succeed, many are graduating from technical school or university.  In order to promote success, we’d like to provide tools for these students to start their careers.  Also we have multiple students in University who need funds beyond normal sponsorship to cover education expenses.  Total $10,000

All funds donated through this webpage will be distributed among the projects listed above.