Trust for Africa's Orphans
Sefton House
2 Molesey Road
Hersham
Walton-on-Thames
Surrey KT12 4RQ
United Kingdom
Sefton House
2 Molesey Road
Hersham
Walton-on-Thames
Surrey KT12 4RQ
United Kingdom
Phone: +44 (0) 1932 269877
Fax: +44 (0) 1932 269877
info@trustforafricasorphans.org.uk
Projects
Since beginning operations TAO has successfully undertaken the following fifteen major projects which have all been based in Uganda:
Project 1, Beekeeping: Luwero
Project 2, Soya Bean and Maize: Kaborole
Project 3, Beekeeping: Masaka
Project 4, Water Pump and Tank: Masulita
Project 5, Public Health: Kaborole
Project 6, Sustainable Farming: Mubende, Mpigi and Kiboga
Project 7, Savings and Credit: Mbale
Project 8, Beekeeping: Rakai
Project 9, Beekeeping: Mbarara
Project 10, Maize for Food Security: Masulita
Project 11, Goat and Pig Farming: Mukono, Kiboga and Tororo
Project 12, Vocational Training: Migyera
Project 13, Poverty Alleviation: Masindi and Nakasongola
Project 14, Integrated Development: Kikihura (Mbarara), Rakai and Ssembabule
Project 15, Provision of Seeds: Gulu
Project 16, Re-settlement Assistance for Displaced People: Northern Uganda (Ongoing)
Project 1, Beekeeping: Luwero
This three-year project in the Luwero District of Uganda started in 1995. Phase 1 of this project provided beehives and training to 100 families, (each supporting an average of eight children), and was completed in 1998. Each of the families paid back the costs of purchasing the beehives over an agreed period from profits achieved from the production of honey and beeswax. The beehives have since been re-used under similar schemes. This project also set up honey collecting centres where appropriate and the beehives continue to be operating well today. Phase 2 of this project was incorporated into Project 6, the larger sustainable farming project, which was extended into the Kiboga and Mubende Districts of Uganda in addition to Luwero. This project was funded by grants from the Isle of Man Overseas Aid Committee, the States of Guernsey Overseas Aid Committee, Scott Bader Commonwealth Ltd., the Hilden Charitable Fund and Comic Relief.
Project 2, Soya Bean and Maize: Kaborole
This one-year Integrated Soya Bean and Maize project in the Kaborole District of Uganda assisting 100 families, (each supporting an average of eight children), began in January 1997. TAO supplied seeds, tools (hoes, shovels, etc.), grinding equipment and extension workers to provide training. The assisted families are now able to produce flour for their own use and to be sold. This project was funded by a grant from the Australian Aid Agency.
Project 3, Beekeeping: Masaka
This three-year project in the Masaka District of Uganda started in April 1997 and followed the successful format established in Luwero in Project 1. 100 families, (each supporting an average of eight children), were provided with beehives and training in order to produce honey and beeswax. This was a co-funded project by the UK Department of International Development (DFID) together with several smaller grants from the Isle of Man Overseas Aid Committee, the States of Guernsey Overseas Aid Committee, Scott Bader Commonwealth Ltd., the Hilden Charitable Fund.
Project 4, Water Pump and Tank: Masulita
Water is a scarce resource in many parts of Africa and people travel long distances to carry it in heavy jerry cans. The water provided by this project is pumped into an elevated water tank at the Masulita Children's Village Home in Uganda from where it is supplied to nearby villages thus improving the lives of a small community. This project began in 1998 and was funded by a grant from the Australian Aid Agency.
Project 5, Public Health: Kaborole
This one-year Public Health project in the Kaborole District of Uganda started in July 1998 tackling malaria and other diseases. The project involved public health and hygiene training, the supply of free mosquito nets to 200 people and the opportunity for more nets to be purchased at subsidised rates. This project was funded by a grant from the Australian Aid Agency.
Project 6, Sustainable Farming: Mubende, Mpigi and Kiboga
This major Sustainable Farming project in the Mubende, Mpigi and Kiboga Districts of Uganda began in September 1998 with the aim of benefiting 600 families, (each supporting an average of eight children). The project incorporated the provision of seeds (maize, sweet potatoes, fruits, beans, millet and cassava), the provision of livestock (goats and pigs), environmental considerations, capacity building and HIV education. Each of the families paid back the costs of purchasing the seeds and livestock over an agreed period from profits achieved from crop and livestock sales. This project was funded by grants from the Isle of Man Overseas Aid Committee, the States of Guernsey Overseas Aid Committee, Scott Bader Commonwealth Ltd. and the Hilden Charitable Fund.
Phase 2 of Project 1 was incorporated into the project so extending the beekeeping component from the Luwero project into the Kiboga and Mubende Districts. The beekeeping component was funded by a grant from Comic Relief and the sustainable farming elements were funded by the European Union together with several smaller grants. In 2000 the project was extended with a grant from the Norwegian Aid Agency (NORAD) and was closely monitored throughout by officers from the Norwegian embassy who were pleased with the outcome and encouraged the Trust to apply for funding for Project 13 as a result. The sustainable farming skills acquired by the participants have been copied by neighbours so extending the sustainable farming know-how and skills to a wider group.
Project 7, Savings and Credit: Mbale
This Savings and Credit Project was based in the urban areas of the Mbale District of Uganda and commenced in November 1998. Each participant was lent the equivalent of US$ 100 which was paid back in monthly instalments over a six month period and encouraged to establish a self-sustaining source of income. The participants used the funds for a variety of approved small business activities, including the establishment of market stalls and small cafes, the purchase of bicycle taxis and mopeds, and the setting-up of stalls selling everyday provisions and pharmaceutical products. As a result of these initial business activities many participants were able to purchase land for farming and learnt how to save. The project was funded by a grant from the UK's National Lottery Community Fund (now the UK's Big Lottery Fund). The project has since been absorbed into the larger micro-credit operation of our local Ugandan partner, UWESO.
Project 8, Beekeeping: Rakai
This three-year Beekeeping Project in the Rakai District of Uganda began in August 1999 and provided beehives and training to 100 families, (each supporting an average of eight children). Each of the families paid back the costs of purchasing the beehives over an agreed period from profits achieved from the production of honey and beeswax. The beehives have since been re-used under similar schemes. The project was funded by grants from the UK's National Lottery Charities Board (now the UK's Big Lottery Fund), the Isle of Man Overseas Aid Committee, the States of Guernsey Overseas Aid Committee, Scott Bader Commonwealth Ltd. and the Hilden Charitable Fund.
Project 9, Beekeeping: Mbarara
This small Beekeeping Project in the Mbarara District of Uganda commenced in September 1999 funded by several small grants from various donor agencies. The project provided beehives and training to 100 families, (each supporting an average of eight children). Each of the families paid back the costs of purchasing the beehives over an agreed period from profits achieved from the production of honey and beeswax. The beehives have since been re-used under similar schemes. The project was funded by grants from the Isle of Man Overseas Aid Committee, the States of Guernsey Overseas Aid Committee, Scott Bader Commonwealth Ltd. and the Hilden Charitable Fund.
Project 10, Maize for Food Security: Masulita
This Maize for Food Security Project in the Masulita Children's Village of Uganda commenced in June 2000 funded by the Australian Aid Agency. This project followed on from the successful water pump and tank project at Masulita (Project 4) which stimulated the establishment of the model farm at Masulita. The inoperative maize mill was replaced with a new maize mill which now enables a service to be provided to all local maize farmers. The mill continues to run and means local farmers are now self-sufficient in the production and milling process.
Project 11, Goat and Pig Farming: Mukono, Kiboga and Tororo
This three-year Goat & Pig Farming Project for sustainable farming in the Mukono, Kiboga and Tororo Districts of Uganda began in November 2000 and was funded by a grants from the UK's National Lottery Charities Board (now the UK's Big Lottery Fund), the Isle of Man Overseas Aid Committee, the States of Guernsey Overseas Aid Committee, Scott Bader Commonwealth Ltd. and the Hilden Charitable Fund. The project offered a choice of either three goats or three pigs to 600 families, (each supporting an average of eight children). Each of the families then farmed the goats or pigs to achieve a profit and paid back the purchase costs over an agreed period. Such repaid sums have since been invested in similar goat and pig farming projects.
Project 12, Vocational Training: Migyera
This Vocational Training Project established a Vocational Training Institute at Migyera in the Nakasongola District of Uganda which started operating in June 2002. Major donors have been the European Union and the Elton John AIDS Foundation together with other donors both in UK and Uganda. The area is remote and there were previously few educational facilities in Nakasongola. The Vocational Training Institute has been built on a former cattle ranch 4km from the main road and after clearance of the land new school buildings, dormitories and staff housing were constructed. Electricity has been connected and water tanks erected which also supply the neighbouring village of Migyera. Two year long courses are offered in farming, tailoring / dress-making and building skills. A connected farm has been established that will provide food and profits to help support the Vocational Training Institute. When fully developed there will be up to 600 residential student places on the site as well as places for teaching and support staff. The site is located close to the war-affected northern area of Uganda where there are very few vocational training centres.
Project 13, Poverty Alleviation: Masindi and Nakasongola
This three-year Poverty Alleviation Project for poor households supporting orphans in the Masindi and Nakasongola Districts of Uganda began in September 2003. Funded by grants from the Norwegian Aid Agency (NORAD), the Isle of Man Overseas Aid Committee and the States of Guernsey Overseas Aid Committee this project incorporates sustainable farming, water and sanitation planning, HIV/AIDS education and capacity building. This project has benefited from the experience the charity has gained in previous sustainable farming projects and we believe will have a 'multiplier effect' as other neighbouring communities copy the successful techniques employed by the participants.
Project 14, Integrated Development: Kikihura (Mbarara), Rakai and Ssembabule
This major four-year Integrated Development Project for poor rural communities supporting orphans and vulnerable children in the Kikihura (Mbarara), Rakai and Ssembabule Districts of Uganda commenced in October 2005 and assists 600 families, (each supporting an average of eight children). The project has been funded by grants from the UK's Big Lottery Fund, the Isle of Man Overseas Aid Committee, the States of Guernsey Overseas Aid Committee and La Chiesa Valdese in Italy. There are various elements including sustainable farming, HIV/AIDS education, capacity building, water and sanitation planning, and land access, use and control. An important additional ingredient in this project will be the construction of a number of 'rainwater harvesting' ferro-concrete water tanks for participating families. Constructing ferro-concrete tanks is a skill that can be taught in this region and our hope is that there will be a gradual rise in the number of water tanks benefiting large sections of the community. Funds from our donors will enable 60 demonstration ferro-concrete water tanks to be built and the Trust will work with the remaining participating families to fund their own tanks once the benefits of having a ready water supply are established.
Project 15, Provision of Seeds: Gulu
This project aims to provide seeds to poor communities living in displaced persons camps in the conflict-affected Northern Gulu district of Uganda. The seeds delivered are for millet, sogam, maize, cassava, beans, peas, sweet potatoes and sesame seed. This project has been funded by the Stichtling Vluchteling Foundation.
Project 16, Re-settlement Assistance for Displaced People: Northern Uganda (Ongoing)
The people in Northern Uganda have been affected by conflict for more than 20 years due to the activities of the Lords Resistance Army (LRA). Many were displaced from their villages as a result of the conflict caused by the LRA and housed in temporary Internally Displaced People Camps (IDP's) where they were provided with food rations from the World Food Programme (WFP). As a result of recent peace talks with the LRA, security has improved and many North Ugandans are now returning to their original homes / villages. A significant number of the returnees, (especially widows, orphans and disadvantaged people whose husbands / fathers have died due to the conflict or AIDS), have found their land has been taken-over or used by parties who do not have legitimate ownership claims. In addition to this, the vast majority of returnees are extremely poor and cannot easily engage in any economic activity to support their daily needs. This project will help these returnees to secure their former land and re-establish simple agricultural production which is the main economic activity in the region to provide food, employment and income. Funding has been provided by the Big Lottery, the Baring Foundation and the States of Guernsey Overseas Aid Committee.