Our Flagship Project

StrongHER Uganda

Empowering young single mothers in Bwindi with sustainable livelihoods, education, and hope for the future. Together, we're building pathways to independence that transform entire families.

Support StrongHER Meet the Women

About The Project

Building Independence
Through Empowerment

We provide young single mothers and their children access to skills training and critical services to enable them to move forward independently and successfully. In our workshop, we train young single mothers in farming, sewing, and weaving. We also have a store on the main road where they can sell their finished crafts to tourists.

Through us, young single mothers can also access education for themselves and their children, health insurance, nutrition, and counseling. Every aspect of our program is designed to create sustainable pathways to financial independence.

Meet Our Director

Loy's Story of
Resilience & Hope

Loy Wongyeirwe was born and raised in Bwindi, Uganda. When she was 13, her father passed away, leaving her mother alone with nine children at the age of 34. Her mother was not able to support all of them on her own. Loy, along with two of her siblings were sent to an orphanage.

Through the orphanage Loy received a scholarship for her undergraduate degree in Software Engineering. and graduated with a Masters in Telecommunications. The Yaryura Family sponsored her Masters in Telecommunications. After graduating, she returned to Bwindi in October 2022. The orphanage had closed, leaving many young girls without a way to continue with school or provide for themselves. In particular, there were many single mothers left without any support. Loy found it obvious she needed to create a way to empower these young women to become independent.

"Where would I be today if I hadn't had help?"

Meet the Women We Support

How We Empower

Comprehensive Support System

Bringing security & stability to the five women and their ten children as they contribute to our revenue-building initiatives for financial independence.

Income

We believe in recognizing hard work and supporting independence. To show appreciation and help them start earning, we provide each woman with a small salary. This not only values their effort but also empowers them to build financial autonomy for themselves and their families.

Meals

Food security is a key concern for these women and their children. To alleviate this, we provide daily breakfast and lunch during the week at the workshop. On weekends and school holidays, we extend meal support to their children, ensuring no family member goes without.

Education

Access to education is crucial in breaking the cycle of poverty. We support the women's learning through the Khan Online Learning Platform and cover school fees for their children. This approach ensures both generations have the opportunity to gain the knowledge they need for a better future.

Learn More

Health Care

We ensure the well-being of young mothers and their children by providing health insurance. This access to healthcare allows them to receive medical attention without worrying about high costs, giving them the peace of mind they need to focus on their future.

Strategy

We work collaboratively with Loy to create a strategy that aligns with local Ugandan culture and their goals. This includes establishing a budget, making a clear plan, and assessing progress weekly. Our focus is to help the women become financially independent so they can support their families long-term.

Fundraising

Transparency is key in our fundraising. Every dollar donated goes directly to the women and their families. As volunteers, we cover our own travel expenses to ensure all funds benefit the community. Dedication to this cause drives us to help those most in need.

Meet Our Women

Stories of Strength
& Determination

Each woman in our program brings unique challenges and incredible determination. Their stories inspire us every day to continue building pathways to independence.

24 Years Old

2 Children

Rachel

Bwindi, Uganda

"I had to drop out of school at just 14 because my family couldn't afford the fees. After becoming a mother at 18 and losing contact with the father, I now care for both my 6-year-old daughter and my sister's 7-year-old. I'm eager to gain valuable skills through this project to earn an income and give both girls the opportunities I never had."

Caring for her daughter and niece

Determined to provide educational opportunities

Joselyne, 19

Young mother determined to provide stability

"Despite the absence of support from my child's father, I see StrongHER as a crucial opportunity to create stability for my son."

Treasure, 19

Building independence despite difficult home life

"Life at home is challenging, but I'm determined to build a better future for my daughter through the skills I'm learning."

Oliver, 34

Courageously supporting three children independently

"This project gives me hope for new skills and better opportunities to suppot my three children"

Emily, 29

Determined to give her sons opportunities she never had

"I dropped out at 15, but I'm determined to give my sons the opportunities I didn't have. This project offers the skills and income I need."

Read Their Stories

Path to Independence

Three Revenue-Building
Initiatives

We worked closely with Loy to develop a comprehensive business plan focused on financial independence. We provide meals, education, healthcare, and income as the women contribute to these sustainable revenue streams.

Sustainable Farming

We're raising free-range chickens with a three-pasture rotation system and cultivating large vegetable gardens. This initiative combines traditional farming methods with sustainable practices to create a reliable income source.

Connor recently traveled to Uganda to implement this first phase of our farming program. The chickens roam freely across rotating pastures while we grow diverse vegetables using companion planting techniques that naturally improve soil health.

Learn More About Our Farm

Sustainable farming with chickens and gardens

Workshop Production

The women handcraft high-quality baskets, placemats, napkins, and coasters using traditional techniques passed down through generations. Each piece reflects the skill and artistry of our talented participants.

We're actively working to secure contracts with local businesses and hotels, creating multiple revenue streams from their skilled craftsmanship. These partnerships provide steady income while preserving important cultural traditions.

Cultural Experiences

Loy and the women offer authentic local cooking experiences to tourists, sharing traditional Ugandan recipes and cooking methods. These immersive experiences create meaningful cultural exchange while generating income.

The food is delicious, and their skills are impressive—from chopping wood for the fire to handling hot pots with remarkable expertise. Visitors gain authentic insight into local culture while directly supporting the women and their families.

Traditional cooking experiences with tourists

Building Financial Independence Together

These three initiatives work together to create diverse, sustainable income streams that empower the women to support their families independently while preserving local culture and skills. Each initiative complements the others, reducing risk and maximizing opportunities for success.

Support Our Mission

2024 Success!

Workshop Construction
Complete

Thank you for supporting the construction of our workshop! You've enabled the women to produce high-quality handcrafted goods, from baskets to coasters, for tourists and local markets. By securing contracts with local businesses and hotels, we are laying the groundwork for long-term financial security and independence for these women.

Ready to Empower
StrongHER Uganda?

Your support creates sustainable change for mothers and children in Bwindi.

100% of donations go directly to the project.