Cathie, our BSSP Advisor in Uganda and founder of our partner organization WOCAP, shared a memory from the early days of BOH. She recalled walking all day throughout Nakakulwe village doing home visits for applicants to our scholarship program. We laughed as we reminisced about the many miles we trekked through sugarcane fields and farmlands to reach students scattered throughout the area. It had been scorching hot and I have a vague memory of being quite red by the end of the day. With nowhere to stop for lunch, we ate sugarcane along the way and enjoyed chatting with the two leaders of our Nakakulwe group, who selflessly gave of their time to lead us faithfully from home to home. It was a long, hot day, but we laughed and enjoyed each other’s company during the many miles we traveled.
Cathie walking alongside sugarcane fields.
We also recounted the joy of watching students in BSSP grow up and mature as they pursue their dreams. It has been such a gift to celebrate so many graduations and to see our students reach incredible milestones they didn’t think were possible.
Henry, our Agriculture Advisor, also shared some highlights of watching our women thrive too. He rejoiced at our women’s success with raising pigs and expressed his gratitude for the positive impact the Farming God’s Way curriculum has had on our women’s farming.
I also shared a fond memory of digging in Elizabeth’s garden. Henry was teaching me how to prepare a garden, and as we dug holes, Elizabeth shared about her life and how God brought her to faith in Christ through a dream. It was incredible to hear her story and I marveled at the beauty of the moment. There in the middle of a field in a rural village of Uganda, I was sweaty, hot, and dirty, and yet this simple, mundane moment was so deeply profound at the same time. It is sometimes those in-between moments that become so meaningful, when simply sharing life with people deeply enriches your own.
Elizabeth working in her garden.
It is a collection of moments like these that I treasure from the last 12 years. Some of these moments have been deeply painful, as we have lost loved ones within our organization and faced tragedy. Other moments have been simple and joyful, as we have shared life over tea, or teased one another while eating jackfruit. And other moments still have been amazing, as we have watched women flourish in hope and improve their ability to support their families. In all of it, I have seen God faithfully provide.
I am so blessed by the journey BOH has been and the people that I have walked this road with. Our women, our students, the staff in the U.S. and Uganda, our donors and customers, have all been part of this story. It is a joy to look back and see how far we have come, and I am excited for where we are still going. May we see more lives impacted in the years ahead, more families flourishing, more women thriving, more students graduating, and more reasons for rejoicing.
Women from our Bubugo group joyfully dancing.
To those who help make our work possible, thank you for walking this road with us. Thank you for investing in the lives of incredible women and children in Uganda. We are grateful for you and this amazing adventure we get to be on together. As we celebrate another year, we continue pressing on in empowerment, thankful for all the memories so far and eagerly excited for all the milestones still ahead. Cheers!
Written by Natalie Ruiz, Executive Director
]]>He soon became trusted by the women and a valued member of our team. Ahmed was dedicated, not just to his job, but to the people he served. He selflessly gave of his time and resources to help our women address challenges they faced. He worked tirelessly to make sure jewelry orders were completed so the women had every opportunity to earn income for their families. In the face of crisis, he was often the first person our women called. He was also one of the first people we consulted for advice when difficult situations arose. Ahmed’s dedication to his work overflowed from his deep love for the families we work with.
And working alongside him was a gift. He often spoke of how he treasured the good rapport our staff team had for one another. And he was right. To everyone on our staff team, Ahmed was more than a reliable coworker. He was a trusted friend, a brother, a father figure, and a member of our families. He spent holidays checking on families who were struggling, and enjoyed spending time with fellow staff members on his days off. He faithfully served the people around him with humility and kindness. Simply put, the tone of his life was love.
Ahmed with his sister Mariam, who is one of the talented women in the Beads Project.
Ahmed is deeply missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. Our organization will never be the same in his absence. And while the void on our team weighs heavily on everyone at BOH, we know that our lives have been so greatly enriched by all the years we got to share with him. Words fail to express the blessing Ahmed has been to all of us, but may his example lead us to be more humble, loving, and kind.
It is with gratitude that we cherish our memories with Ahmed, and by his example, may we continue to faithfully press on with dedication and compassion in the work we get to be a part of. Every day is a gift, and every moment is an opportunity to show love. May we be faithful to love lavishly and live humbly, that we may be a blessing to others, that God may get the glory forever. It is with deep love, that we remember Ahmed and the incredible example he was to all of us!
With Love,
The BOH Team
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In Santa Barbara, our office is buzzing with excitement about the holiday season and upcoming events. For the first time in two years, we are preparing for holiday events, and we are eager and excited for more opportunities to sell our women’s goods. Our new intern team is ready to go and we are thrilled to have them join our organization.
In Uganda, the rains have begun and our women are preparing for a new crop season. Most of the planting is finished and our women eagerly wait to see the fruit of their labor. In our Vegetable Project, several women have transplanted seedlings to grow eggplants or tomatoes as cash crops. Many women are also growing staple foods like corn and beans, as well as matoke bananas in our Banana Project. With volatile food prices during the pandemic, agriculture is vital in helping our families with food security. We are grateful for these projects, and we pray for a successful crop season ahead!
We also eagerly wait for the reopening of schools in Uganda. In November, universities and vocational schools will be allowed to reopen and many of our students will be returning to school. However, secondary schools remain closed, and we continue to provide alternative support to these students. For our secondary students, our organization is providing access to Zoom lessons put on by an organization called Edify. For the last few months, our BSSP staff have worked hard to meet with students daily so they can watch these Zoom lessons on tablets. This has been vital in keeping students engaged and continuing to move forward in their school subjects. While the academic challenges of the pandemic have been immense, we are grateful to be able to walk alongside our students and we are excited for schools to begin reopening.
As we enter a new season, we continue to press on in empowerment, persevering in our mission and embracing new opportunities. It is our privilege to work with our families, and we are excited for the new beginnings on the horizon. As we run this race, may we embrace this season with fresh hope and endurance on this journey of empowerment!
When I think about the last 10 years, I think about God's faithfulness. He has carried our organization through seasons of drought and seasons of abundance, and He has been faithful in both. There was nothing "winning" about our starting formula, and yet despite obstacles on two continents, God has done the impossible...
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August 30, 2009
Driving down the red dirt roads, I gazed out the window, admiring the beauty all around. My heart soaked in the beautiful green landscape and the laughter of children who waved as we passed by. With every mile we traveled, my heart fell more in love with Uganda. We were greeted by women clothed in brightly colored dresses who welcomed us with singing and dancing. We saw their beautiful handmade jewelry, and we marveled at their talent and skill to turn strips of paper into beads. The women’s smiles were infectious and their joy radiant.
As we listened to some of the women’s stories, I sat stunned. So much joy; so much hope; and so much hardship. And yet, the joy of these women defied their circumstances, a hope deeply rooted in something greater. For many of these women, their hope is in Jesus and they trust in Him. I had never witnessed anything so rich, so tangible, so inspirational, a hope so visible and real. As I sat in this rural village of Namagera on August 30, 2009, I was overwhelmed by the living testimony of these women, not knowing they would change my life forever.
Two years later, we decided to partner with Widows and Orphans Community Action Plan (WOCAP) to work with these women. And it seemed only fitting to name our organization after the women’s incredible hope in Christ.
10 Years of Hope
The last 10 years have only affirmed what I saw that day in Namagera.
When we started BOH in 2011, there was nothing “winning” about our starting formula. We were starting a nonprofit with little experience and no startup capital, in a country that was still recovering from a recession. In Uganda, WOCAP was struggling to keep operations going and to sell their women’s jewelry after a partner organization in the U.S. had fallen apart. And yet, despite obstacles on two continents, God was faithful.
Within months, God provided us with affordable housing, part-time jobs, and a free office space for BOH. In our first 3 months of selling the women’s jewelry, we sold nearly $10,000. And in Uganda, we got to jump years ahead in development, thanks to the established relationships and leadership WOCAP had built in 3 different villages.
In the years that followed, we would see God do the impossible. We have prayed for healing, and seen it. We have asked for free events and found them the same day. We have been desperate for funding, not knowing where it would come from, and yet it comes. During the pandemic, we have prayed for protection for our villages, and we have not seen a single case of COVID in our organization. And last year, God told us to buy food, and provided for our families in the face of food insecurity and hunger. He has been faithful.
I share this because this is what comes to mind when I think about the last 10 years. His faithfulness. God has carried our organization through seasons of drought and seasons of abundance, and He has been faithful in both. He has grown our organization to 7 different projects, offering the families of WOCAP opportunities in income, education, and agriculture. And He has changed my life in the process. In weaving together our story with the women of WOCAP’s, God has accomplished so much more than I ever could have imagined back on that August day in Namagera. And I stand in awe.
Even Here
10 years later, I continue to be inspired by the resilient hope of our loved ones in Uganda. As I write this, Uganda is in a strict lockdown due to COVID-19, and food insecurity and hunger are a current reality for many. But even here, there is hope. We have been able to carry out additional food distributions and will continue to support our families through our projects. Together, we continue to press on, confidently knowing there is always hope, for He is always faithful.
We want to thank everyone who has been a part of this journey with us. God has used your encouragement, generosity, and prayers in deeper ways than I can communicate. You are part of the tapestry of our story and I want to thank you for this.
The last 10 years have not always been easy, but they have always been marked by hope. As we continue to run this race, may we run with endurance, reminded of the testimonies we have seen and confident in the God of all hope.
Written By Natalie Ruiz, Executive Director
]]>Q: What is your favorite part of your job?
"Moments with the children at school, especially when we get to play or joke around. I also love the Bible studies."
Q: How did you end up wanting to work for BOH?
Before she began working for us, we knew her through a relative that was a member of BOH. She needed some help completing her degree and paying for tuition and so she did some work for us beading. She says that, “Before I completed university, I had asked for some assistance in order to be pushed to campus.”
In 2014, after she graduated, she was hired as a BSSP coach after hearing an advertisement over the village loudspeaker.
Q: What is a goal/dream you have for your life?
"I want to be a professional accountant, auditor, and fax advisor. In the future, I want to be able to start up an auditor or a fax firm."
We are so excited for her as begins to pursue this dream!
Q: What do you like to do for fun?
"Hanging out with friends is my favorite hobby. I love to try out different things in life, especially special meals."
Q: What is an obstacle you have had to overcome to get where you are today?
"To have friends that are not beneficial to me and are not focused at all."
Q: What is your favorite childhood memory?
"When I was elected to be the head girl at my school."
Q: Some fun favorites. Favorite Food? Music?
"My favorite food is pork and cassava. I love old songs from the 1980s and 90s. For TV shows I enjoy The Heiress and Since I Found You on Novella E Plus."
Join us in wishing Jane the best in this next chapter! She has been a great member of our team and we are excited for her to pursue her business dreams. This month, she has been training former BSSP student, Martha, as she is filling Jane’s position. We know she will be a great fit and will bring an inside knowledge about how to best coach the students.
This month, we are highlighting two incredible individuals of our staff team. In the second edition of our "Meet the Staff" series, you will get to hear from Henry and Kitimbo who oversee our many Agriculture Projects. They are extremely dedicated to BOH's mission and are currently working towards empowering our women to improve their farming using techniques taught by Farming God's Way. We are hopeful for a really prosperous harvest this season!
Henry oversees the Pig & Farming Projects. He is passionate about teaching farming to our women so they can succeed and care for their families. He meets with our women often to check in and advise them on their crops!
Kitimbo, a former member of BSSP, graduated from university and came back to work within the community he grew up in! He developed our Chicken, Vegetable, and Banana Projects, and continually brainstorms new ways our women can sustainably generate income.
Q & A
Q: What is your favorite part of your job?
Henry: Working with needy mothers/women and seeing them pick up new ideas and also building them spiritually.
Kitimbo: Learning strategies that focus on developing the community.
Q: How did you end up wanting to work for BOH?
Henry: I heard an advertisement for an Agricultural Advisor post and I knew I had to apply. I had heard about the work that BOH/ WOCAP was doing and I had always wanted to be a part of change and help underprivileged women/widows. This passion was my biggest motivator.
Kitimbo was a student in BOH's Student Scholarship Program and he graduated university with a degree in Development Studies. He had ideas for new BOH projects that could benefit the women, and it quickly became clear he would be a great addition to our team!
Q: What is a goal/dream you have for your life?
Henry: I want to be a good husband to my wife and a good father to my children.
Kitimbo: I dream of living with families, communities that are free from dependency syndrome.
Q: What are some of your favorites? Favorite hobby? Favorite Food?
Henry: I enjoy listening to gospel music and reading the Bible. I like to watch dramas and my favorite food is meat and rice!
Kitimbo: My favorite hobby is listening to gospel music. My favorite food is matoke and beans!
Q: What is an obstacle you have had to overcome to get where you are today?
Henry: N/A
Kitimbo: I had to overcome not having better access to education for a lot of my life due to lack of school fees.
BOH would not be what it is today without the faithful work of Henry and Kitimbo! They bring important cultural and practical insight into the day to day tasks and decisions of BOH. We are so grateful for them and the passion and care they bring to their work!
]]>Q & A
Q: What is your favorite part of your job?
Cathie: My favorite part is paying school fees for the children and seeing them succeed in their studies, especially the University students.
Q: How did you end up wanting to work for BOH?
Cathie: At the time, I was a teacher and my salary was too low to sustain my family. When there was a chance to work for BOH and the salary was a bit higher, I was very excited.
Q: What is a goal/dream you have for your life?
Cathie: My dream is that I am able to educate my children and have a house for myself.
Q: What are some of your favorites? Favorite hobby? Favorite Food?
Cathie: I enjoy watching movies for fun and my favorite TV show is Family Affairs. My favorite food is chicken and rice stew.
Q: What is an obstacle you have had to overcome to get where you are today?
Cathie: Being a single mother to my two children has been very difficult. By God’s grace and advise from friends, I have managed to go on.
What a blessing she is! Cathie is essential to our work in Uganda and we are so grateful for her. Her cultural insights, work ethic, and dedication to our students are invaluable. It is an honor to watch her help lead WOCAP and care for our students! We hope you enjoyed learning a little more about Cathie and the heart of BOH!
By Mykaela Schluter, Asst. Executive Director
]]>First and foremost, why the Beads Project? For Because of Hope, the Beads Project was a natural first step. Our partner organization, WOCAP, already had the Beads Project in place but had recently lost their US partner and therefore no longer had a market to sell the jewelry. This is where BOH came in. We started the organization that you know and love today in order to partner with WOCAP and sell the women’s jewelry in the US. One of the main reasons we continue to invest in the Beads Project is that it helps diversify the women's income. Agriculture can be a gamble and has its risks when it comes to rainfall, drought, disease, and other factors. The Beads Project on the other hand is consistent. We usually order 2 shipments per year and the women know that if they participate in the production of these shipments, they will earn income. We are so grateful for the jewelry that allows our women a reliable source of income while they are on the path to sustainability!
As I watch videos of our women creating the jewelry, I am shocked at just how quickly and gracefully their hands move as they create small paper treasures. The creation process is not a quick one and it takes time and skill to create beautiful jewelry from sheets of paper. First, the paper is cut into strips, changing the width depending on how large the beads should be. Then, starting at the flat end of the strip of paper and keeping it centered, the women hand roll each bead around a small stick or sewing needle. After rolling many beads, they string them on fishing line and dip them into a clear varnish. Then they hang the strands to dry. This process is repeated three times before the beads are finally ready to be restrung into jewelry. Mixing these paper beads and small glass beads together, our women use them to string together a beautiful array of designs. The more strands, the more complicated, and some of the designs are so challenging that only a few of our women are able to assemble them.
Once the jewelry is complete, it is ready to come to the US! When we order jewelry, we treat the program as the women’s own business. They set the prices of all the items and we place orders with them. We love seeing them take ownership of their creations and establish prices that are fair to them. When we pay for each order, the Board of WOCAP (which is largely made up of leaders from amongst the women) meets and discusses how to distribute each payment. Usually, 50% of the payment is distributed to those members who helped create the order, based on how much they participated. The other 50% is reserved by WOCAP to purchase materials for the next jewelry shipment in order to keep their business going.
The benefits of this program are numerous and it is rewarding on an individual level for our women and for the BOH community as a whole. The financial benefits include the members getting to profit from their beading skills, and the gross profit from sales in the U.S. provides funding for BOH that further helps the women in Uganda through our programs. However, the Beads Project is not only beneficial on a financial level but also on a relational level. Beading brings women in the community together to build relationships and work together toward a common goal. It also promotes leadership and teamwork as individual women have responsibility for meeting and getting the order finished on time.
Here in Santa Barbara, we organize the jewelry when it arrives and sell it at events and on our online store! All of our jewelry sales go back into supporting our programs and our women. Events have been our biggest source of jewelry sales since we first started and we love getting out and sharing BOH’s mission with the community. Since COVID however, we have been relying heavily on our online platforms, as this is currently our only means of sales. This has been a hidden blessing in some ways. Online platforms allow us to reach a greater audience, and the lockdown has forced us to prioritize making our online store even more successful. So while we can’t wait to get back to events, we are also thankful for the growth that is happening now.
Since the inception of our organization, we have seen so much growth and change and we can't wait to see what is next. With the holidays around the corner, we invite you to empower our women in Uganda through the Beads Project, and give meaningful gifts to your loved ones. Thank you for supporting our women and for following along with our journey!
By Mykaela Schluter, Assistant Executive Director
As many of you know, we held an Emergency Fundraiser a few months ago and conducted food distributions for our families in Uganda. Food distributions are something BOH has never needed to do before, and as an organization founded on empowerment, it is difficult to balance sustainability and the need for emergency relief. How do we continue empowering our families while also addressing the unprecedented needs that have arisen due to COVID-19?
Poverty and poverty alleviation are complicated as it is, but add a pandemic into the mix and seemingly simple challenges develop layers of complexity. Here in the US, our staff team has been reading “When Helping Hurts.” This book attempts to wrestle with the nuances and complexities of poverty alleviation and aims to find ways to help the developing world without inadvertently causing harm in the process. “When Helping Hurts” has shaped many of BOH’s methods over the years, but reading it now as a staff team has been important, as these issues are more pressing than ever. For me personally, it has transformed the way I view poverty and our work in Uganda. I want to share with you some of these lessons and how this book has shaped some of BOH’s foundational principles for how we navigate this time.
First off, what is poverty? Often, when we think of poverty, we picture a lack of food and amenities. While this is one type of poverty, it is far more complex than this. The World Bank carried out a survey asking the poor the question: what is poverty? One response described it as “a feeling of powerlessness and an inability to make themselves heard” (50). People experiencing material poverty often have feelings of shame and of being “less than.” Poverty is not just physical, but rather, poverty is rooted in broken relationships; broken relationships with God, with our view of self, with others, and with creation as a whole. As we seek to address poverty, we aim to heal these relationships and make them right again. We all experience some type of poverty and this is important to keep in mind when working with those that face material poverty.
How can we empower people when they do not believe they have the ability to improve their situation? In order to combat feelings of shame and worthlessness, we must be patient, build relationships, and care for the individual. In our goal driven American culture, it is easy to get caught up in the results of poverty alleviation and forget how important the process is. “The goal is not to produce houses or other material goods but to pursue a process of walking with the materially poor so that they are better stewards of their lives and communities, including their own material needs (113)”.
It is not just about teaching our women how to earn money. Rather, it is about developing relationships and opportunities that allow the women an outlet to use their gifts, talents, and resources in a way that glorifies God, experiences healthy relationships, and walks in the fullness of who they were created to be. In a culture where women often have low levels of education, few job opportunities, and in some cases, are valued less than men, the last thing we want is for them to simply become dependent on BOH. Instead, we want to help instill in them just how valuable and capable they truly are. Our hearts’ cry is to empower our women to use their unique gifts and resources to live fully and fulfill their purpose.
So how do we do that? How do we empower without doing harm or creating dependency? Rather than develop programs for our women, we develop programs with our women, allowing them to have a voice within our organization. As we partner together, we encourage our women to share their insights and ideas, and provide opportunities for them to use their abilities and resources to move forward. This is why we have created programs shaped around the resources and culture of Uganda, programs such as our livestock and agriculture projects. Additionally, our incredible staff team in Uganda is made up of Ugandans who live in our women’s villages, speak their language, and understand their culture. They play a vital role in the daily endeavor of walking alongside our women and empowering them to turn these programs into small businesses.
During this time of COVID-19, we have continued this vital work while also adapting to the challenging climate of a nationwide lockdown in Uganda. While we usually focus entirely on development with our women, there have been times this year when we have also had to redirect some of our efforts to relief. We did this with our emergency food distributions, and as the pandemic and the lockdown continues, we are assessing how to best walk alongside our women in the months ahead. For some of our families, food security is still a concern. As a result, this harvest our staff have encouraged the women to store as much food as possible and quickly prepare their gardens for next season. Our agriculture projects have provided stability and support to many of our women during the challenges of this lockdown. However, we also know that there could be a need for future emergency support if food prices remain high. With this being said, we are still actively accessing how to be prepared for this while also keeping the ultimate goal of sustainability in focus.
As we move forward and seek to be effective in our work, we want to continue to be thoughtful about how our actions will impact our families for years to come. We truly could not do this without our partner team supporting us and praying for us. Thank you for your support as we wrestle with the hard questions in the process of empowerment. We are so grateful to be on this journey with you!
By Mykaela Schluter, Assistant Executive Director
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Corbett, S. & Fikkert, B. 2009. When Helping Hurts: How to Alleviate Poverty without Hurting the Poor...and Yourself. Chicago, IL. Moody Publishers.
With race and equality on many people’s hearts and minds, I am going to do my best to add to the discussion in a way that is helpful and constructive as it pertains to our organization and Uganda. While I certainly won't be able to address all the racial dynamics in Uganda, I am going to focus primarily on my experience as a white woman who has had the honor of working with Ugandans, and how this has impacted the way I approach the conversation of race in America.
]]>My experience and what I am about to share is in no way an exhaustive representation of all the racial dynamics in Uganda. However, I am going to focus primarily on my experience as a white woman who has had the honor of working with Ugandans, and how this has impacted the way I approach the conversation of race in America.
First Impressions
I will never forget my first time visiting rural villages in Uganda. As we drove down the red dirt roads toward Namagera Village, children ran to the roadside. Waving and shouting, they yelled, “Mzungu, jambo!” (Literally translated, “White person, hello!”). When this continued for the entire 30 minute car ride to the village, the driver laughed and explained, “The kids are excited to see you. They don’t see white people very often.”
The first time I stayed in a Ugandan village, I was an even greater spectacle. As I sat in my doorway, 60+ kids stood in the front yard staring at me…all day. Hour after hour, they stood in their school uniforms and just looked at me. This went on for several days, and each day the number of kids slowly decreased until finally, most of the students returned back to school. While it may be true that people were fascinated by a white person living in their village, this was evidence of something much deeper.
Racial Dynamics in BOH
As I started working with our women in Uganda in 2011, I quickly learned more about the racial dynamics at play. In meetings, the women would discuss different topics or ideas, but only until I shared. As soon as I shared an idea, the conversation would shift, and all of a sudden my idea was the one the women wanted to pursue. While I would like to think I have a good idea every once in awhile, the women weren’t agreeing with me because my ideas were good. They were agreeing with me because I was a white American, and they perceived me to be wealthy and well-educated. Time and time again, the women would try to pursue ideas I suggested, and no amount of backtracking or encouraging their ideas, seemed to help.
In the book When Helping Hurts, the authors Corbett and Fikkert talk about how it is common for people living in material poverty to perceive white westerners as wealthy, well-educated, and powerful, and therefore allow white people to take on a superior role while they take on an inferior role. And this is exactly what was happening in Uganda. Because of how the women perceived me and how I perceived them, it effected our discussions, our roles, and our relationships.
A Turning Point
We had been dedicated to empowerment from the start, but if we were going to see any real progress, these dynamics needed to change. During the first few years of BOH, I had to learn new ways of communicating, and I had to be more mindful of the role I played. In meetings, I learned to take a listening posture and be slow to speak. I asked more questions and shared fewer ideas. I tried to hear the women’s insights and desires, and allowed these to shape the direction of our organization. And over the years, we have gotten better at this as an organization. We rely greatly on the leadership of women from each village, and we regularly ask for the concerns and insights of each group. This has become a key part of our program development, and as a result, our new programs are our most sustainable and impactful projects.
Our Pig Project for instance, was started through the successful example of one woman raising pigs, which inspired other women to do likewise. This project has now led to lucrative small businesses for many of our women.
Today, our women have no problem telling me when my ideas are impractical, or just plain awful. Through repetition, empowerment, and affirmation, our women have learned that their ideas are valuable, and we have built a relationship of respect. As an organization, we have had to tear down some of the norms of racial dynamics in Uganda, and choose to operate differently. However, this has come after years of building relationship and trust. There is still more work to do, but I am so thankful for our women and the vital role they have played in the success of our organization.
In America
Racism doesn’t always take the form of animosity between blacks and whites. Sometimes it is more subtle in the roles that are simply assumed. As I learned early on in Uganda, there were racial dynamics that needed to change in order for BOH to truly have an impact and not hurt our women. As our country faces a time of division in addressing the topics of race and equality, I have felt old questions resurface: Am I willing to take on a listening posture? Am I willing to hear the ideas of others? I have felt challenged to ask the questions: Have I been given a position of power and authority? And how can I use it to empower others?
While I don’t have kids calling to me, “Mzungu, jambo!,” I am still relearning some of those old lessons from Uganda. These times are not easy to navigate, but I want to do it well. I have been forever changed by my relationships with our Ugandan women, and I have benefitted greatly from hearing their ideas and stories. I pray that I can be quick to do likewise in this season, and positively contribute to the empowerment of others in the U.S. I pray I would be compassionate, humble, patient, and loving as I dialogue about race and equality. And I pray the same for you. May we contribute to the discussion in a way that builds humanity rather than tears it down. And may we strive for unity rather than create division. This is my hope. This is my prayer. In Jesus’ name.
By Natalie Ruiz, Executive Director
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Corbett, Steve and Fikkert, Brian. When Helping Hurts: How To Alleviate Poverty Without Hurting The Poor...And Yourself. Moody Publishers, 2009.
]]>With a mixture of disappointment and relief, we canceled the trip to Uganda. However, this has not come without challenges for our team, as we adapt to the situation in Uganda and Eastern Africa. Last weekend, Uganda reported its first case of COVID-19. Days prior to that, schools were closed and all of our BSSP students returned home. Public transportation was restricted and large gatherings were canceled. While this is not new to many of us, several African countries are also battling an even greater threat.
Sweeping across Eastern Africa, are swarms of locusts that are devouring crops. For Kenya, Ethiopia, and Somalia, this poses a significant threat to food supply[1]. Uganda, which borders Kenya, has also experienced swarms as well, though in smaller numbers. With the crop season just beginning, this could be devastating to these countries which rely heavily on agriculture for their food supply. The situation will only be made more challenging by the battle against COVID-19. With transportation restrictions, food in general may be less accessible. In Uganda for example, food prices are already increasing, just days after the first confirmed case of the virus in the country.
This reality in Eastern Africa has been heavy on our hearts these last few weeks. While I face the inconvenience of cluttered boxes at home or an empty toilet paper shelf at the store, people that we love and countries that we care about may soon face the devastating reality of hunger. I wrestle with this juxtaposition, and it breaks my heart that it even exists. While Uganda is not in the center of the locust crisis, we are wary for our women. With 3 of our 5 Agriculture Projects being crop-based, we feel the weighty need to prepare for a potential food shortage.
In light of this, last weekend (just days before food prices increased), we purchased over 4,200 kilos of food to store in the event of a shortage, enough to feed approximately 83 families of 4 for about 3 weeks. In the event of a severe famine, this will not be enough for our families. We are continually monitoring the situation and will plan for additional purchases if needed, but we are thankful to have reserves on hand in the immediate.
Additionally, our Uganda staff team has been educating our women and students on how to prevent the spread of COVID-19. This week, Ahamed, our Beads Project Advisor, said he is also making liquid soap to distribute to our women. This was a skill the women learned in a training last year, and he is putting it into practice to make large quantities of soap at low cost. We are so encouraged by his generosity and resourcefulness, and BOH is now partnering with him in this effort to distribute more soap to our women. I am so proud of our staff team for navigating these tumultuous times with dedication and hope. It is a blessing to work alongside people who truly love our women and are deeply committed to seeing them thrive.
Typing from this kitchen table, I can feel so far away from Uganda, especially in times like these. But I am so encouraged by the faith of our women and staff. Most of them don’t have gloves, or masks, or extra resources. And yet, they have hope. For many of our loved ones in Uganda, they trust in a God who is bigger than a virus and mightier than a famine. And while we pray that the pandemic would end and the locusts would cease, we will hope in God who is sovereign over both. No matter what you believe, I share this as an encouragement to you that despite your abundance or deep need, you can hope in God who is greater. In times like these, we are faced with the harsh reality that we are not as in control of life as we would like to believe. And as we wrestle through this, I pray that we would find deeper faith, peace, and hope.
On behalf of the entire BOH team, thank you for your partnership in Uganda! We appreciate your care and support as we navigate this challenging season with our women. Thank you for being part of this journey. From our entire organization, please stay safe and healthy!
Written By Natalie Ruiz
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[1]“Dessert Locust Situation Update,” Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), March 24, 2020. http://www.fao.org/ag/locusts/en/info/info/index.html
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The cool breeze again washes over my face as I gaze up at the blue sky from my perch on the veranda. And I think of Halima...We visited her home a few days prior to check on the crops and animals. And I saw her there in the doorway. As we walked around the back of the house, she greeted us. I didn't see it at first, not until she turned to walk inside. But it was unlike anything I had ever seen before.
From her elbow to her shoulder, her skin was ravaged by a deep wound. A variety of different colors, her once beautiful, dark skin was now either black and charred, or white with infection. I guessed she was no older than 14, and my heart sank for her. I learned that Halima has Epilepsy, and about two weeks prior, she had passed out during a seizure while cooking. The wound on her arm was a burn, the mark left behind by boiling hot porridge. Her mother was doing her best to treat it, but I was worried she would need more intensive medical care, something that her family could not afford.
And as I gazed at the blue sky thinking of her, I was again overwhelmed, thankful that God had revealed this need. Not noticing her arm at first, I had almost missed it. But He didn't let me. And I knew what we were supposed to do.
Because of our focus on empowerment, we normally allow our partner organization and our women to have a role in problem solving, before getting involved financially. But this was different...urgent and potentially dangerous for Halima. I knew we were supposed to help. With the assistance of a staff member, we arranged for Halima to receive long-term care at the hospital in town. She is now receiving ongoing treatment while they monitor the infection and observe her healing. And I am thankful.
As I sat on that veranda, gazing at the blue sky cascaded with perfect clouds, I was overwhelmed with thankfulness. God made it clear a long time ago, that He doesn't need me to help women in Uganda. He simply wants me to be part of what He will do. It is a humbling privilege to know our women. To share in simple life moments with them. To see the beauty of relationship triumph over the brokenness. It is a gift, one that has changed my life.
In several days time, the itchiness of my mosquito bites would subside, and the dust and sweat on my face would wash away. But these moments, these relationships, would remain. Beauty always overpowers the brokenness. And I am thankful.
Written by Natalie Ruiz
]]>When we started BOH, we didn't want to fall into the trap of relief work and leave our women worse off than when we started. We had to do something different...
]]>When we started BOH, we didn't want to fall into the trap of relief work and leave our women worse off than when we started. We had to do something different...Cue: Empowerment.
From the start, we have used an Empowerment Model. But what does empowerment look like?
#1 People: Most importantly...the people we work with. Our women in Uganda are smart, innovative, talented, and capable. They are the experts regarding their community, and their hopes and dreams are the fuel for change. Recognizing this, is essential to empowerment because our women in Uganda must have a voice and a key role in our operations if we hope to have a lasting impact. This is the starting point of empowerment and the glue of program development.
#2 Programs: Programs and statistics don't mean much unless they address an issue that is important to our women. With this in mind, program development starts with their ideas and insights. In meeting with our women, we discuss the resources of the group and how these can be used to address challenges. Together, we brainstorm ideas to overcome obstacles and achieve the women's goals. These ideas give birth to programs.
For example, our Pig Project originated in a meeting when the Nakakulwe women stated that their biggest challenge was a lack of capital. In brainstorming ideas, it was determined that raising pigs was the best way to raise capital. One of the leaders in this village had seen significant success with raising pigs, and she served as an inspiration to the other women. The group organized and individually saved to buy pigs, and by the end of the year, most of the women had at least one pig if not multiple. This proved to be a very successful program because the women initiated it themselves and the organization simply provided training and counsel.
#3 Maximizing Funding: To optimize our impact with empowerment, we have to use our resources strategically. As an organization operating in two countries, it is glaringly clear how much farther the dollar goes in Uganda than in the U.S. With this in mind we have always worked hard to keep our expenses low in the U.S. so we can put as much funding as possible back into our programs in Uganda. This has included operating out of a free office space for over 7 years, and having our U.S. staff fundraise the majority of their salary expenses for the organization. By putting more resources into our programs in Uganda, we are able to do more with empowerment.
#4 Grassroots Staffing: To further execute this, we have to employ staff that recognize the value of our women and have the ability to build them up daily. In Uganda, we employ 6 full time staff members who are all Ugandan. Our staff speak the local language, live in the villages we work in, know the culture, and understand the challenges our women face. They are well equip to work with our women daily, and they are part of the local community they are impacting, helping our day to day operations be even more effective.
As you can tell, we believe in empowerment in the deepest way. Not only is it a part of our mission with our women, but it is also an essential part of our internal operations. This model has helped us see real impact in our 7 years as an organization. We have seen our women increase in their ability to provide for their children with new sources of income. We have seen them grow in their skills, knowledge, and abilities. And we have seen their confidence and independence increase.
It has been our privilege to work alongside our women in Uganda and we hope you will continue on this journey with us. Our end goal is to see our women fully empowered and thriving. There are still many years ahead and much work to be done. But we are sharing all of this because we want you to know what you are a part of. When you give to BOH, you are giving to long-term impact and lasting change. You are giving to empower entire families out of poverty. And you are a part of something far bigger than you realize.
For those of you who have been running with us for awhile, thank you for helping us succeed. Thank you for giving to lasting change. And ultimately, thank you for giving to empowerment!
Written by Natalie Ruiz
]]>There’s something about stepping off that plane that I will never forget…the warm air hitting my face; the smell of a charcoal fire burning from a nearby home; the relief of arriving after a long journey; the feeling of familiarity; and the joyful sense of arriving home. People often ask, "How long is the trip to Uganda?" But while it is a long journey, that is never what I remember about the trip. It is the smiles...the people...the memories of being in a place that feels familiar, a place where I feel at home.
It is the smell of rice cooking for dinner; it is the calm of a fresh morning; it is sitting in the shade of the trees at Muwanguzi’s house; it is the thankfulness of seeing the women’s progress in their gardens; it is the comfort of tea time; it is the self-confidence in the women when they show me their pigs; it is the welcome greetings; it is the refreshment of a cold shower after a hot, dusty day; it is the laughs of coworkers as we sit and share a jackfruit; it is the relationships that make every trip to Uganda special.
Namulinda Aidah, a talented beader, a great mother, and an incredible woman.
Nothing we do as an organization will amount to much without relationship. Our women are the reason that BOH exists and it is only out of truly knowing them and spending time with them that we can begin to do anything of value. We are an organization that is blessed to work with incredible women, who are strong, resilient, hardworking, determined, independent, and inspirational. They have loved me and accepted me as their own, and they have changed my life. People say that BOH is a blessing, and while I hope and pray this is always true, I think I am even more blessed to work with our women. I don’t keep going back to Uganda for fun or even because it’s my job. I go because of our women. Once you know them, you can’t forget them. My heart is now part Musoga, and for that, I will always be thankful.
And as I prepare to go back to Uganda in a few weeks, these are the things I look forward to. It’s not just another long journey to Africa. It is a trip to people I love. And that makes even the longest of journeys worth it!
(Follow us on Instagram & Facebook to stay tuned for updates live from Uganda…internet dependent, fingers crossed).
With love,
Natalie
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While pigs aren’t fancy by any stretch of the imagination, what they represent is incredible. The Pig Project, represents initiative, ownership, and success, as our women took the driver seat to make this business idea a reality. This is true empowerment…and this is the goal.
Muwanguzi giving thanks to God for her piglets.
What makes BOH different from many nonprofits is our goal to work ourselves out of job. With a mission to sustainably empower widows and orphans in Uganda, we will achieve our mission when our organization no longer needs to exist. The Pig Project demonstrates the capability of our women to develop and sustain a profitable business that can directly benefit them and their families, meaning we are moving in the right direction.
However, I have to say one thing regarding this. “Progress”…this is an interesting term when we are working with people. How do you measure progress in another person’s life…and better yet, who am I to do that? Our culture in America values efficiency and productivity, and while these things are not intrinsically bad, they can easily bulldoze a highly relational culture like Uganda’s.
Our women and their values are at the heart of all we do. And in their culture, the quality of our relationships with our women is a measuring stick for progress. It is only out of a strong relationship of humility, trust, and commitment that empowerment can be achieved. We are excited about the Pig Project not because it shows how successful we are, but because it displays the capability of our women to overcome poverty and break through obstacles to provide for their family.
Beatrice, one of the beloved elderly women in our group, & Executive Dir. Natalie
This is the stuff that fires us up, that motivates us to keep running this race, to see our women thrive. And while we do track the advancement of our mission, we are focused on our women and their incredible tenacity to overcome. Pigs ain’t fancy, but our women sure are!
Blog by Executive Director Natalie Ruiz
]]>It is such a blessing to have family that is both American and Musoga. It is incredible to experience the beautiful simplicity of life in a village. It is a joy to celebrate the triumphs of graduations and profound successes of single moms overcoming poverty. It is such an inspiration to see hope overcome devastation and faith triumph over circumstance. It is so humbling to be loved and accepted just as you are no matter how similar or different you may be. It is such a gift to celebrate life in two different cultures and feel at home in both. But oh the heartache of having your heart in two places that are a million miles apart.
It has pained me to leave Uganda, not knowing if I would ever see loved ones again. It has hurt to leave behind family and friends for two months at a time, knowing that I would miss out on sweet moments I could never get back. It has killed me to be thousands of miles away when our students have experienced devastating tragedy. It has pulled at my heartstrings to have our women ask for help that I cannot give. And it has brought me to tears to know that there is tremendous brokenness for which I will never be the solution.
To give of yourself fully and completely in love, is to sacrifice self preservation of the heart. My heart is not my own, and as much as it hurts, I want to be broken for the things that matter in this life. When I went to Uganda for the first time, my heart was broken in the most beautiful way, and God has rearranged the pieces ever since so that I would have a deeper capacity to love that is not of myself. My heart may be broken, but it is also a more beautiful mosaic than the original edition it once was. The road to get here has been steep but I would traverse it a hundred times over to gain what I have along the way.
To all of you that have been a part of this journey, THANK YOU! Our victories in the battle against poverty have been made possible because you have been willing to journey this road with us. I can’t begin to tell you the encouragement this has brought us in the seasons when the mountain seemed too steep, or the road seemed too long. You have helped us to keep going. And you have been a part of the success we have seen these last 7 years at BOH! Your giving, prayers, and encouragement is not in vain, but rather it is fuel that has sustained us. Thank you for being a part of our story and the beautiful paradox of our two worlds!
Blog by Executive Director Natalie Ruiz
]]>Besides planting the actual seeds, this mulch "blanket" is perhaps the most essential part of the planting process, sometimes making the difference between a low and plentiful harvest. The trick? Finding the dried leaves to make it. Luckily, there is one crop that drops heaps of dried leaves and there's plenty of it around, even neighboring many of the women’s gardens! Unfortunately, it comes at a price. So how much is too much?
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While in Uganda last August, I (Mackenzie), walked through a village with BOH’s Bead Project Advisor, Ahamed, on our way to a meeting. We shuffled single file along narrow paths cut into the dirt by feet, hooves, and motorcycle tires. After a while, the bushes thinned, opening a view of about a quarter acre of land preceding a handmade brick house. Ahamed stopped and swept his arm over the property.
"Look, Mackenz," he said, "It did not use to be this way. This land is much too small to feed a family. When I was a boy, everyone owned land and it was much bigger than what people have now. Uganda's population has grown so much and people wanted to make money. So, they broke up their land in pieces and sold it and sold it and sold it. Now everywhere is crowded and the gardens are too small."
This memory of walking with Ahamed resurfaced when I spoke with my fellow staff-members Natalie and Jordy during their visit to Uganda this January. While touring the women’s gardens, they heard that harvests were fair overall but still far less than anticipated. Why? Cue an empowerment obstacle. Here's what's up:
In 2015, BOH initiated its Agriculture Program basing its techniques on those taught by another local organization in Uganda, Farming God's Way (FGW). Before the women learned these techniques, they planted seed largely by throwing seed into their fields and harvesting whatever came up. FGW teaches the women to plant in rows, use homemade fertilizer, and cover their fields with a layer of dried leaves and twigs to keep the seedlings protected and lock in moisture - especially helpful during droughts. Besides planting the actual seeds, this mulch "blanket" is perhaps the most essential part of the planting process, sometimes making the difference between a low and plentiful harvest. The trick? Finding the dried leaves and material to make it.
When they began testing these techniques, the women planted on small plots of land and were just able to find enough leaves to blanket their seedlings. The first harvest brought increased crop yields by 6-10x - our jaws were on the floor when we read those stats! Due to the early success, some women are now planting on larger plots of land. While this has potential for huge harvests, the harvests haven't yielded as much as hoped. This is very significant for women depending on these harvests to feed their families. It all comes back to the blanket. More land requires more blanket, and even with their small plots, many women said the required amount of dried leaves was hard to come by. What's to be done?
Namboira Florence overlooks her garden covered by the essential mulch "blanket".
During my trip in August, we drove through villages on bodas (small motorcycle taxis). Sugarcane field after sugarcane field whipped past, packed with long stalks with drooping green leaves, and underneath those, layers of dried leaves. Why not use sugarcane leaves for the blanket?
Remember what Ahamed taught me about people selling their land. Ahamed explained further that when people need quick money, they also sometimes rent their land to sugarcane plantations for a one-time high price. While the high price is initially attractive, these leases can last for up to 10 years. If the farmers kept their land and farmed it during those years, they would end up making far more than the immediate rent price from the plantation. Nevertheless, people still rent the land.
All this to say, there is one crop that creates heaps of long, dried leaves and there's plenty of it around, even neighboring many of the women’s gardens! The catch is that the landowners and sugarcane plantations also know that these dried leaves are valuable--good for preventing weeds from growing and needed by others, meaning they can charge a fee.
So how much is too much? Are these dried leaves really out of reach? This has been a discussion during this trip’s meetings with the women. Could the women get permission to clear the dead leaves away from the landowners? Or at least buy the leaves at a low price? This will be a topic for 2018!
Biryeri Elizabeth walks a sugarcane-lined road as she returns home after gardening.
At times, working towards empowerment can feel like an endless path of obstacles. The old, "two steps forward, one step back," idea. How do we face the endless, rocky path? As we know, what we believe affects the way we walk each day. Do we believe empowerment to be possible, or impossible? Overrated, or worth a struggle? This month, we honor a special empowerment hero, Martin Luther King, Jr. In his words, we approach empowerment like this: “If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.”
These obstacles can be overcome. How do we deal? With Hope. Tenacious, communal hope! Together, we move forward with this hope one step at a time. In fact, isn’t the journey what it is all about?
Blog by Mackenzie Lanphear.
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Dear BOH Family,
This December, I, Mackenzie, walked into work with my face smothered in a N-95 particulate mask as ash drifted lazily down from the Thomas Fire’s oppressive smoke cloud. With this above and evacuation orders anticipated at any moment, I packed my “go bag”. While I gathered the bare necessities, I was struck by the relative inconsequence of my possessions. In a dire moment, I saw with new clarity how almost everything in my daily life could be burned and I would still be relatively… fine. It begs the question, if all this can be lost, what’s worth saving? What lasts?
Before I go further, this isn’t to diminish the tragedy of those who have lost everything in the fire. With deep sadness, our hearts at Because of Hope go out to those individuals and we pray for all help and providence as they enter this time of rebuilding - physically, mentally, emotionally. This week was a reminder of how rare it is to rely on the “bare necessities” in America, while the bare necessities are what widows in Uganda (and around the world) daily struggle to attain. Even more striking is the fact that what are necessities to us are luxuries for them. Store-bought soap, shoes, toothbrushes are non-essentials when each day is a hunt for food. Thus, possessing what we consider the bare necessities - “having enough” - is a mark of success and reliable income for these widows. Having enough is an achievement, not the norm.
This is why we are thankful to do this work together with YOU every day - even (especially!) as ash falls like snow on our shoulders. When so much can burn, you’ve joined us in something that lasts: pursuing sustainable empowerment for those who don’t have enough. This empowerment does not come from hand-outs that will eventually, through time or happenstance, be destroyed, but by creating space for these women to develop reliable solutions for recurring problems. As Abraham Maslow, the psychologist famed for his “Hierarchy of Needs”, argued, the bare necessities must be met before creativity can thrive. This year, we witnessed the fruits of once-impoverished widows who now have enough. They are creative, resourceful, able to try new things! This year, these women problem solved by using their own savings to purchase pigs; a resource available, relevant, and in demand within their own communities. This is true evidence of empowerment and we couldn’t be more thrilled!
With this in mind, we are so thankful for each of you. Whether donor, friend, or jewelry buyer, YOU enabled this type of lasting empowerment to come to fruition. We look forward to 2018 with eager expectation beyond what we will do, to what these incredible women will dream up next. Together, let’s watch their creativity flourish. Cheers to 2018!
With all our love and gratitude,
Mackenzie & the BOH Team
]]>Muwanguzi and her children live in a rural Ugandan village forty minutes from the nearest town. Here in Bubugo village, attending school above Primary 7 (the American equivalent of 7th grade), or even regularly attending school at all, is rare. Studies show that 68% of Ugandan students are likely to drop out before even completing primary school (Mwesigwa).
Why, 20 years after primary education, and 10 years after secondary education, was made free, is finishing primary school a rarity, rather than the norm? This is a look into the Ugandan school system and what makes it the way it is today.
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MUWANGUZI RUTH presented Natalie with a laminated paper stamped with an official looking logo, concern flickering in her eyes. Natalie, BOH’s Executive Director, scanned the document. This was a graduation certificate and final grade report for Derrick, one of Muwanguzi’s children and a vocational student in BOH’s Student Scholarship Program. Natalie looked up, smiling and said, “These are very, very good marks. Derrick has done well.”
Muwanguzi and her children live in a rural Ugandan village forty minutes from the nearest town. Roads are dirt, people’s primary mode of transportation is their own two feet, livestock are roped to trees and children run errands for their elders. Here in Bubugo village, attending school above Primary 7 (the American equivalent of 7th/8th grade), or even regularly attending school at all, is rare. Studies show that 68% of Ugandan students are likely to drop out before even completing primary school (Mwesigwa). Thus, Derrick’s accomplishment in nearing his Advanced Certificate - a certificate making him eligible for University by learning a trade - is definitely a feat to celebrate!
Muwanguzi Ruth & Derrick at his graduation ceremony on October 6, 2017. Photo credit: Cathie Amede.
But why, 20 years after primary education, and 10 years after secondary education, was made free, is Derrick’s achievement a rarity, rather than the norm? Why do Ugandan children still not attend school? This is a look into the Ugandan school system and what makes it the way it is today.
To understand schooling in Uganda, we first join hands with Ugandan history. When Yoweri Museveni established himself as president in Uganda and unified the country in 1986, education was not free and therefore a luxury beyond the reach of most Ugandan people. In order to make education accessible, Museveni initiated Universal Primary Education for Uganda in 1997. For the first time, the Ugandan government would provide funding to make primary education (the first seven years of education) “free” for its young citizens. At its start, enrollment rates soared and was a “dream come true for most poor parents in the east African state” (Mwesigwa). However, the dream faded when parents were still required to pay for uniforms, materials, and a school meal for their children. These costs were, and still are twenty years later, impossible for families living off of $1 a day.
Many Ugandan children stay at home during the school day.
This means many rural children drop out of school or attend sporadically as money allows. This is the case for most of the women we work with. While education for their children is ranked high on their priority list, many say it is too expensive for them to both provide for their families and pay for school materials.
While finances are one setback keeping children out of school, larger, systemic issues are another. When federal funding for primary schools was first initiated in 1997, schools struggled under the dramatic influx of students without the infrastructure, teachers, facilities, or financial planning to handle them (Kavuma). Funding was sporadic or late, and without regular pay, teachers would not show up to teach. Then, without enough formally trained teachers, others were hired without proper schooling. This meant that if students did attend school, quality education - or even a teacher - was not guaranteed.
Sporadic attendance and informal teaching makes reaching secondary education especially difficult for students. If a student does reach their seventh year of primary school, they sit for qualifying exams to attend secondary school (last four to six years of school before university). However, if the students have not received the education needed to score high enough on these exams, they will not be eligible for secondary education. Thus, even if a student is eager and determined to learn, they may not have the schooling required to continue and will return to work at home. If they do have the finances, grades, and ability, primary students move to secondary school where the hurdles continue.
Natalie visits BSSP secondary students.
Should a student make it into secondary school and remain until their fourth year, they sit for their S4 exams. These exams are taken during three weeks in October and aim to reveal a student’s strengths, competency, and interests. This October, four BSSP S4 students took these tests. Should they get excellent marks, they may continue to the final two years of secondary school, S5 and S6, finally receiving the equivalent of a high school diploma at the conclusion of those years. In our experience with BSSP students, most students do not get the grades they need for S5 and 6. Those who do - our best and brightest students - find those final two years so difficult that even they struggle and their grades dip. Fortunately, there are other options for students who do not test into S5 and 6.
For those who do not attend S5 & S6 and have the funds, vocational school is an excellent option where they learn a trade related to their best subjects and within their interests. When they complete these programs, students receive an Advanced Certificate which makes them eligible to be considered for University. Because vocational school allows students to pursue programs specific to their interests, we have found it is almost always better for a student to take this route, even if they do get the qualifying marks for S5 and 6. These students, like Muwanguzi’s son Derrick, excel and truly come into their own during their time in vocational school. Watching these young men and women pursue their passions, unveil their unique personalities, and even coach the younger students is a true delight!
In order for Uganda to meet it’s goals for quality, accessible education, the country will have to work out these social, financial, and systemic issues. Thankfully, steps are being made. More Ugandan teachers are being trained and sent to schools, which will improve education. This October, the Uganda National Examinations Board announced that they will grade schools on not on just on the marks on students’ final exams, but on the improvement of those marks over time (Ahimbisibwe). The hope is to encourage schools to welcome not just high-scoring students, but also students with poor grades but who are eager to improve.
Hope is reflected through our students, as well! Derrick walked the first graduation ceremony for his Motor Vehicle Engineering program on October 6th. Muwanguzi attended, along with BOH staff members Cathie and Jane. When I spoke to Cathie, she said it was a “very good time” and that after the ceremony, everyone went back to Muwanguzi’s house to celebrate with matooke (roasted or steamed starchy bananas). Derrick is now entering his final program to achieve his Advanced Certificate for Motor Vehicle Engineering and will have his final graduation next year. Because there are so many obstacles and setbacks for a child to attain secondary school - let alone vocational school - Derrick’s graduation is an achievement of no mean significance! We are so proud of Derrick and all our students, who work hard everyday to achieve their dreams. One BSSP S4 student, Akuwulira Jackline, says it perfectly when she writes, “I know education is the key to success everywhere.”
Blog by Mackenzie Lanphear
Sources:
Ahimbisibwe, Patience. “Uneb Introduces New System to Grade Schools.” Daily Monitor, 13 Oct. 2017, http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/Education/Uneb-introduces-new-system-grade-schools/688336-4137612-smcmp4/index.html. Accessed 30 Oct. 2017.
Kavuma, Richard M. “Free Universal Secondary Education in Uganda Has Yielded Mixed Results.” The Guardian, 25 Oct. 2011, https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/poverty-matters/2011/oct/25/free-secondary-education-uganda-mixed-results. Accessed 30 Oct. 2017.
Mwesigwa, Alon. “Uganda’s Success in Universal Primary Education Falling Apart.” The Guardian, 23 April 2015, https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2015/apr/23/uganda-success-universal-primary-education-falling-apart-upe. Accessed 30 Oct. 2017.
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That chicken is the stupidest thing I’ve ever seen,” was my first reaction after finishing Disney’s Moana. I think I’m not alone there. My second reaction: PUA THE PIG IS SO CUTE I NEED ONE. Anyone else?? With time, I’ve accepted the fact that I won’t roll around town with my very own Pua sidekick (apartment managers don’t encourage pig rearing, apparently). Nevertheless, over the last few months my pig knowledge has increased exponentially, and not because of Moana.
© Walt Disney Pictures, Moana, 2016
My new knowledge stems from the fact that the women we partner with in Uganda have a new project: pig rearing! During Natalie’s January 2017 trip to Uganda, the women noted that one of their members, Magoba Margret, was raising pigs and it was quite the profitable side business. The women in all three villages were so impressed that they set a goal: every woman in WOCAP would own a pig by December 2017.
During this most recent August trip, we asked about the “pig idea” and found that the majority of women now own at least one pig! Their goal is being reached and we are celebrating like crazy!! We’ll reveal why this is such a big deal but first: Why pigs are the women’s farm animal of choice?
As it turns out, pigs make excellent business sense - with just one catch.
Here’s the highlight reel: pigs make a lot of baby pigs, baby pigs grow quickly, and you can sell big fat pigs for big fat prices.
Here are the details: a sow can birth (farrow) an average of 10-12 piglets and can farrow twice in one year (bless them). A piglet can be sold after two months, be full sized for market by six months, and be ready to breed at eight months (Daily Monitor). If you think this sounds fast, it is. Second only to the not-so-sensitively named “Broiler Chicken”, pigs are the most efficient weight-gaining farm animals, gaining a minimum of .6kg, or 1.3lb, a day (Africa Uganda, Daily Monitor). Other great benefits are that pigs tend to weather seasons better, stay healthier, and avoid getting run over by motorcycles better than their chicken counterparts. Pua > Heihei.
So, what’s a pig worth in Uganda these days? According to the women, a piglet can be sold for 40,000-50,000 Ugandan shillings and a full sized, six-month-old pig sold for 350,000 to 500,000 shillings. Perspective: When BOH started partnering with these women, they managed to earn only 12,600 shillings a month on their own. This shows that by just selling one full-sized pig, a woman could increase her month’s income by 96.4% at least. One sow with ten healthy piglets can really take you places.
Wellllll there’s a reason a pig can gain a pound a day. They like food, and each pig needs 4.5-6.5 pounds of it daily. Not only that, but the assumption that pigs can eat anything is flat false. It turns out that happy pigs require quite the specific diet of maize bran, fish meal, cassava, cotton-seed cake and - if you really want to do it right - vitamins (Daily Monitor). This combination can cost a pretty penny, especially if a woman is trying to raise several piglets to full size for that desirable high price. During our meetings this August, the women confirmed that it takes a significant amount of investment capital to begin pig rearing. Along with funds needed for constructing a pigpen, affording pig food is one of the biggest struggles in their pig rearing efforts.
Even with these obstacles, the pig idea is a definite sign of empowerment. Reminder: EMPOWERMENT IS WHY WE’RE HERE. We hope that Ugandan widows and kids, even with the odds stacked against them, can make it out of poverty through their own strength. This pig idea is helping them do just that. The women used their own savings program to purchase these pigs. Pigs are a local resource that can be sold to local buyers and the profits invested in more pigs. That’s sustainability. As the women overcome setbacks, they will be expert pig farmers in their communities, able to share their knowledge, and able to better provide for their families.
To sum up, the fact that these women came up with this idea, took action to begin and maintain it, and paid for it with their own savings (rather than looking to us or another organization to supply it for them) is evidence that empowerment is dawning. Empowerment means these women are beginning to live, not just survive. That’s why we’re celebrating!! Simply put: the pig idea? Well, (plug your ears, Pua) it brings home the bacon.
Blog by Mackenzie Lanphear
Sources:
Africa Uganda Business Travel Guide: http://www.africa-uganda-business-travel-guide.com/ugandapiggery.html
Daily Monitor: http://www.monitor.co.ug/Magazines/Farming/rearing-pigs-seeds-gold-farming/689860-2626146-wjq6o1z/index.html
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In case you’re new around here, we pronounce BOH like “Bow”. Besides any number of puns and play-on-words that BOH affords, BOH also rhymes with “Grow” and that’s what we’re talking about this month, July. July being the month we celebrate our birthday, the month our official non-profit status was granted. This July, BOH turned 6!
Time to go BOH-nanas.
Since birthdays bring on the nostalgia, we’ve decided to bring out the ol’ slide projector and give you a few behind-the-scenes memories of BOH’s growing up years:
BOH became “official” in 2011, but the key relationships were formed a couple years before. Current Executive Director and Co-founder Natalie traveled to Uganda with another Co-Founder, Nikki, for a summer volunteer trip in 2009. There, they met Cathie and Sam, who had started a - wait for it - nonprofit called WOCAP (Widows and Orphans Community Action Plan) to help widows in their villages be able to support their families. This was the beginning of a beautiful friendship.
In 2010, Natalie traveled to Uganda for the second time, and again, visited Sam and Cathie, deepening relationships made during her previous trip. While there, she saw the desperate poverty some of these widows were living in as they tried to care for their families. She agreed with Sam and Cathie - creating opportunities for these women to earn an income and provide for their children could change everything. When she returned to the US, Natalie brought a box of the women’s handmade jewelry with her to try selling the pieces to family and friends. People loved the pieces and were eager to hear stories of the women who crafted the jewelry they held in their hands. This encouragement gave Natalie the first inklings to develop a lasting partnership complete with an expanded dream and sustainable impact through a new nonprofit.
The first official year! During her senior year at UCSB, Natalie discussed starting BOH with Nikki and another friend, Allison, and took a class where she and her group created the initial business plan for BOH as their class project. After graduating, the three began official BOH operations in September and landed on the name “Because of Hope” in reference to the powerful hope exuded by the women despite their difficult circumstances. During this year, the three women developed BOH’s original logos, colors, website, marketing, online shop, and event circuit all while juggling as many as three jobs. Incredibly, they sold over $10,000 worth of jewelry from September to December which funded the initial filing fees, plane tickets to Uganda, and further jewelry purchases! Hard work, faith, and passion for the cause lifted BOH off the ground.
Natalie took her first official BOH business trip to Uganda and stayed in the village for two months. During this pivotal time, she, Cathie, and Sam prioritized fine-tuning the Beads Project as the first way for women to earn an income to care for their families. Natalie met with the women to learn the jewelry making process start-to-finish and iron out other issues: What’s the best way to ship from Uganda? Should the beads be dyed or printed for color? What does empowerment mean for this culture? What is sustainable? Who are these women and what do they hope for? While keeping up other operations, Allison & Nikki also started to process surveys taken from the women to determine their needs, resources, and desires for the future.
With the Beads Project stabilized and the surveys in their hands, it was clear that that one of the greatest desires of the women was to have their children attend school, even though they could not afford to send them. Therefore, the BOH founders started work raising money for student scholarships and planning for a new program: BOH Student Scholarship Program (BSSP). Natalie and Allison stayed in Uganda to get applications processed, kids approved, academic coaches hired, and scholarship recipients sent to their new schools. BOH now had two programs, three new Ugandan staff members and, on the U.S. side, it’s best jewelry sales year ever.
With BSSP still young, 2014 meant further maintenance and continued strengthening of the program’s framework. In February 2014 BOH hired our Bead’s Project Coordinator, Ahamed Ndhaye, who brought further improvements to the Bead’s Project. In the U.S.,Co-founders Nikki and Allison eventually moved away during 2013-2014 to pursue other wonderful endeavors and Natalie (wo)manned the ship for a few months as the only full-time U.S. employee. In Uganda, the women discussed new business ideas revolving around agriculture despite the fact that their harvests were neither large nor reliable enough to support these businesses. This sparked early ideas for a program related to improving agriculture…
Early 2015 brought BOH’s latest program: the Agriculture Program! With the women’s business ideas in mind, Natalie suggested talking with another nonprofit called Farming God’s Way which teaches local Ugandans best farming practices for their land and crops. The women approved and Henry, our Agriculture Advisor, went to Farming God’s Way for training and subsequently started coaching the women on the new techniques. The Bead’s Project continued to grow and BSSP saw its first student, Susan, graduate. On the other side of the world, Natalie hired two replacements to join her in U.S. operations - Jordy (BSSP Advisor) & Mackenzie (Retail Coordinator)!
After witnessing the Agriculture Program’s overwhelming success in 2015 (with harvest 6-10x greater than average), more women joined the program in 2016. The fledgling program was tested by a severe nine-month drought that brought hardship to rural communities. Despite the little rainfall, women who followed the new agriculture methods were still able to harvest some crops while others in the community lost everything. We hope this encourages more women to join the program and share the knowledge with their neighbors! In the U.S., Jordan orchestrated the second-annual BOH running team for the Santa Barbara half marathon who fundraised $11,950 for BSSP! Mackenzie, Ahamed, and the women created new jewelry designs for the Beads Project and celebrated growing sales online, in wholesale, and at local events.
We’re ecstatic to announce that we’re seeing new leaves of true empowerment pop above ground from the seeds planted over these last few years! During the first meeting of the year, the women discussed a new goal of each woman having pig in order to be able to sell off the piglets as a side business. They took initiative and started purchasing pigs with their own savings from their earnings from beading! So far, around half the group has pigs of their own and are learning the ins-and-outs of pig rearing. Having an idea that is culturally relevant, sustainable, and possible shows that the women are beginning to make positive changes on their own volition. This is empowerment in action!
Above: Original WOCAP group, 2012
]]>Bet you don't know these 10 things about BOH in Uganda! Why do students shave their heads? What are the villages like? Where does US staff stay? Find out here!
Blog by Mackenzie Lanphear
]]>“YOU TOOK WITH CATHIE?” Mariam asked me with a serious look.
I nodded. I had learned that “taking” referred to “taking tea” - a phrase and practice I had previously lumped together with doilies, clotted cream, and Downton Abbey. The juxtaposition of “taking tea” in a rural Ugandan village brought a smile to my lips.
“Ach! It is ok. You will take with me, too.” Mariam wagged her finger at me. “You will see. Cathie, she takes two spoonfuls of sugar. Guess how many I take? I take three.” Mariam beamed in pride and I had to grin back. Her tea was delicious.
Below: Mariam makes spiced black tea (chai) with milk and sugar.
That was June 2016. Now, almost a year later, sugar came up again when I asked Ahamed, our Beads Project Coordinator, about the effects of the recent and serious drought in Uganda. Among other shortages, he told me that the women were having a hard time affording sugar. Since the 9 month drought, sugar prices doubled from 3,000 Ugandan shillings to 6,000 or even 7,000 shillings. In my “America-ized” mind, this didn’t mean much. In US dollars, the price of sugar went from $0.83 to $1.67 - pocket change in our understanding. Was I missing something? Also, why even mention the price of sugar, if there were dire shortages of actual food?
Because of America’s wealth, the significance of Ugandan sugar prices is difficult to translate. However, this may help: When a Ugandan spends $0.83 on a kilogram (2.2 pounds) of sugar and she makes the average salary of $30/month, if we round up that would be close to spending one thirtieth of her monthly income on a kilogram of sugar (CNN). If we say the average monthly income for an American is about $4000/month, that would be like going to our grocery store and spending about $130 on 2.2 pounds of sugar. That’s without the price hike. With the doubled price, 2.2 pounds of sugar would cost $260. Here’s your reality check: in April 2017 US retail sugar prices were $1.24 for 2 pounds (Sugar Alliance).
What this shows us is that with at least two spoonfuls of sugar, at these prices, in at least two cups of tea a day, sugar in Uganda is a lifestyle. This is why Ahamed highlighted sugar when his community suffered from dire food shortages. As one government statement explains, “Affordability of sugar is considered a key barometer of an ordinary person’s well-being and its pricing can take on political dimensions when people cannot have sugar with their tea” (256). Thus, when Ahamed told me that the women were having a difficult time buying sugar, what he meant was the drought was so serious that the women could not even afford to buy this household priority. Affordability of sugar shows how well people are doing in Uganda, and with prices doubled since the holidays, this means that Ugandans are struggling. Thankfully, the rains are alleviating the drought... but why are the prices still high?
Yep. Upon doing a quick online search, I found that sugar prices are all over the Ugandan news. Why are the sugar prices so high? These are some of the top reasons:
Above Photo: Henry and Rose walk through Rose's garden, which borders a sugar cane field.
Fortunately, it looks like there is hope for Ugandans. On May 12, 2017, the Ugandan government set a ceiling price of 5,000 shillings for sugar, hoping it would help Ugandans afford the sugar and rebalance supply (Independent). They threatened harsh punishments on hoarders and are addressing the issue of regional sugar being exported elsewhere. The rains are returning and the sugar processing plants are back to producing normal amounts of retail sugar. What is needed? According to Mwine Jim Kabeho, Chairman of Uganda Sugar Manufacturing Association, zoning laws for where to harvest sugar cane and enforcement of those laws would keep Uganda’s sugar production strong (CNN). Together with our Ugandan friends, we hope this is possible.
Why should we, as Americans, care about sugar prices in Uganda? There are many reasons - compassion for global desperation being at the top. This awareness gives us an powerful dose of perspective. Remember, if our standard of living was like that in Uganda, it would be like us spending at least $160 to buy 2 pounds of sugar at the market. The wealth in America is astounding in these terms and stresses just how far our dollars can go in places like Uganda. Without much discomfort in our lives, we can make a giant positive impact in the lives of people like the women we work with at BOH. These women make far less that $30/month. In fact, on average, they reported making as little as $3.50/month when we first started.
This kind of poverty strips a person's ability to afford even basic necessities. However, when you purchase jewelry from or donate to BOH or other organizations with income-earning opportunities, you offer people income to afford dignifying necessities - like sugar. As we just learned, this not only puts sugar in Ugandan's daily tea but signifies that they are doing well. They are not just surviving, they are living. This is a basic human right that we can easily offer to our global neighbors through supporting sustainable empowerment projects. Together, we can make living possible.
Blog by Mackenzie Lanphear
Sources:
256 Business News: http://256businessnews.com/government-to-issue-statement-on-sugar/
Independent: https://www.independent.co.ug/sh5000-uganda-sets-maximum-price-sugar/
Sugar Alliance: https://sugaralliance.org/us-sugar-prices]]>
Most of the 83 women we partner with in Uganda are MOMS!
Not only are they moms, most are also single parents/grandparents with an average of 6 children under their wing. Needless to say, these women are strong heads-of-households that inspire both us at BOH and the children they care for. As one BSSP student, Christopher, writes in his yearbook statement:
“Generally, what I hope to do when I am done with my studies is to look for a job and struggle to construct a house for my grandmother before I focus on my own life because she had for so long been there for me yet she had no money.”
Need we say more?? (psst...You can read more quotes on our BSSP page!)
Even struggling against cycle of poverty, these women are determined to care for their families and give their children the best. When we surveyed these women in 2012, a majority responded that one of their greatest desires was to to see their children in school. In Uganda, education is not free and therefore many single mothers are financially unable to send their children to school! This did not stop these mom’s from keeping it top of their priority list, though. Inspired by their determination (and being totally on board with this desire) we started the BOH Student Scholarship Program. As of this year, 200 scholarships have been offered to these women’s kiddos!
Currently, we have 34 students on scholarship. While they’re in school, their moms are busy farming or creating the bead jewelry you see in our shop! Each piece of jewelry represents the freedom and empowerment brought to these women and their families through their hard work and determination.
What better way to support these women than by giving one of their creations to a woman who has inspired you? Whether mom, aunt, mentor, teacher, or friend, we celebrate these women who make all the difference!
Before we give you a two things you can do to empower women right now, what is empowerment? The best definition of empowerment would be increasing autonomy in people so they can better represent themselves and their communities. Simply put, empowerment is giving people the power to act for themselves.
This conversation is near and dear to our hearts at BOH as our mission statement is: “BOH seeks to sustainably empower widows and orphans living in Uganda.” Except, how do we go about empowering people, especially widows and orphans halfway across the planet? We take empowerment one step at a time and ask the experts of these Ugandan communities: the women who live there.
When Natalie (co-founder of BOH) first met these women, she asked, “What can I do to help?” The women were then able to speak out of their knowledge (that the Ugandan markets were already saturated with paper jewelry) and asked if Natalie could sell their jewelry to her friends back home. This practice became the cornerstone of BOH’s program development. All three of BOH’s programs (Beads Project, BSSP, and the Agriculture Program) were proposed by the women. The women were asked, “What does your community need to escape poverty?” and from their ideas came these programs. BOH’s role is simply to ask, listen, and provide guidance when needed.
During BOH America staff's most recent trip to Uganda, we witnessed how independent the women have become. The women saved and combined their money from beading and farming and reinvested their money in new business ideas. In Nakulkwe, villagers are looking to invest their profits from beading and farming into pig rearing. In Bubugo, they invested their profits to raise chickens. This is empowerment in action!
BOH started its mission of empowerment in 2011 and works tirelessly with our Ugandan friends and partners to end poverty in rural Uganda. In honor of our Ugandan friends and partners, we suggest two easy ways you can empower our friends in Uganda:
These women are artists and have perfected the art of beading! They bead together in hope of a better tomorrow. Your purchase empowers the women because they achieve greater autonomy from the wages they earn from beading. Take a look at the jewelry in our shop!
YOU HAVE A VOICE. You have a platform to share the stories of these women and children through your relationships and social media! Learn about the women and children. Learn how BOH got its start. Learn the meaning of empowerment. Then share fearlessly, doing it for our Ugandan partners and friends who work to lift themselves and their families out of poverty. Above all, share their stories.
Starting today, we make a conscious decision to spread awareness, spread love, spread empowerment, and do it because of their hope.
post by Mary Forbes
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