January Visit Highlights: New Team Members & Expanding Programs

We have some BIG news - our team is growing!

We're so excited to welcome two new volunteers:

✨ Roberta Duncan (Rick's mom) is teaching English to the young women!
✨ Ali Kchia (Mackenzie's husband) is working with Loy to reconcile the finances monthly.

A huge thank you to both for their time and dedication!

Our Recent Visit to Uganda

In January, Deborah, Olivia, Mackenzie, Connor and Ali traveled to Uganda for a week with Loy, the young mothers, and their children. It was Mackenzie and Ali's first time visiting the project, and they were beyond impressed with everything we've built together.

Sustainable Farming Success

Connor spent time in Uganda last September planning the chicken farm and gardens, and we're excited to share that:

🐓 The chicken coop is built
🪴 The gardens are planted
✅ The women have successfully raised and sold their first 50 chickens!

Learn More About The Farm

Expanding Our Handwoven Craft Business

Olivia and Mackenzie spent time organizing the handwoven baskets, placemats, and containers in both the front room and craft room. They worked with the women to create a visually appealing display, making it easier for visitors to see and appreciate their beautiful work.

Mackenzie and Deborah also met with four hotel managers to introduce our project. The response was incredible - each manager is eager to display the women's handmade pieces in their gift shops! The owner of Mahogany Springs Lodge (where we stayed) is planning a visit in May to explore ways he can support us.

Strengthening Financial & Business Skills

Ali has been hard at work setting up a financial tracking system in Excel and teaching Loy how to use it. He also created an inventory system to track production costs, sales, and revenue. These tools will help us run the project more efficiently.

English Lessons Are in Full Swing!

Thanks to Roberta, who is a trained ESL instructor, the women are now gathering weekly for English lessons via Google Meets. We helped set up the laptops so they can easily connect and learn. This is a huge step toward building confidence and new opportunities for these incredible women!

What's Next?

✔ Secure a water connection & build a bathroom

✔ Meet with more hotel managers to expand partnerships

✔ Work with cultural walking guides to add our project to their tour route

✔ Build a small pedestrian bridge for easier access to our site

✔ Discuss planning accommodations for the women

✔ Continue to raise chickens

A Special Thank You to Blenders Eyewear

Olivia and Connor both worked at Blenders Eyewear, and their founder generously donated a large box of sunglasses to the community. It was a fun morning having everyone at the workshop – lots of big smiles! A huge thank you to Chase!

We are beyond thrilled with how well the young women are doing thanks to your very generous donations. We could not do this without the help of all of you!!! From the bottom of our hearts, thank you!