Situation Overview
Numerous communities live the impermeable forest of Uganda, alongside our partners, we make an impact with improving the literacy rate of approx. 300 kids. What began as a simple “book box” program, whereby boxes with books would circulate around school libraries has now developed to us jointly-operating a library in Bwindi, Uganda.
Nowadays, our dedicated team plans activities such as the annual writing competition and workshops for teachers to give as preparation. Whilst local librarians provide the crucial field impact by reading books to children and taking care of the facilities. This collaboration is key to making an impact in 300 kids lives, which hopefully prepares them better for further education and workplace.
We are glad to work with our partners on continuing the “book box” program, which gives kids the opportunity to read different books as the boxes travel across the region.
Introduction
The Swiss Relief Association has a history of supporting children’s access to reading materials through its partnerships, including a one-year collaboration with Omushana Sunshine for Children UK. Our partnership aims to provide even more opportunities for children in the rural village of Mgahinga, Uganda, which has recently emerged from one of the longest COVID-19 lockdowns. Through the employment of two librarians and the implementation of regular writing competitions and book reviews, the Swiss Relief Association hopes to enhance the reading experience for the over 300 children who will have access to reading materials through this partnership.
We are also working to improve the library facility by adding safety equipment and additional seating to accommodate more children. Starting in February 2022, the Swiss Relief Association will cover the operational costs of the Mgahinga Community Library and collaborate with the local team to ensure the success and progress of the project.
Schooling and instruction
The Swiss Relief Association’s efforts to support children’s access to reading materials and improve the library facility in the rural village of Mgahinga, Uganda are likely to have a number of positive impacts on the education and future prospects of these children. By providing children with access to reading materials and encouraging them to engage with reading through the employment of librarians and regular writing competitions and book reviews, the organization is helping to develop literacy skills that are critical for success in education and beyond. The improved library facility, with its added safety equipment and additional seating, will provide children with a more comfortable and welcoming place to learn and engage with reading. These efforts are likely to have long-term benefits for the children of Mgahinga, including improved career prospects and quality of life. The Swiss Relief Association’s collaboration with the local team and involvement of the community in the decision-making process will also help to build stronger connections within the community and foster a sense of ownership and pride in the library.
More than academic preparation
The Swiss Relief Association’s efforts to support children’s access to reading materials in the rural village of Mgahinga, Uganda are likely to have a number of positive impacts on the career prospects of these children. By providing children with access to reading materials and encouraging them to engage with reading through the employment of librarians and regular writing competitions and book reviews, the organization is helping to develop literacy skills that are critical for success in education and beyond. These skills will not only help children succeed in school, but may also give them a competitive advantage in the job market when they enter the workforce.
Fostering a sense of safety and community
The Swiss Relief Association’s efforts to support children’s access to reading materials in the rural village of Mgahinga, Uganda have several of positive impacts on the community, including the development of a strong sense of community. By providing children with access to reading materials and encouraging them to engage with reading through the employment of librarians and regular writing competitions and book reviews, the organization is helping to build connections within the community and foster a sense of ownership and pride in the library.
In addition, the Swiss Relief Association’s collaboration with the local team and involvement of the community in the decision-making process is likely to help strengthen relationships within the community and promote a sense of collective ownership and responsibility. By working together to support the library and its programs, members of the community are likely to feel more connected and invested in the success and well-being of their community.
A strong sense of community can have several positive impacts to the community, for example, individuals who feel connected to their community may be more likely to support and assist one another, leading to a more supportive and nurturing environment.
How can you make an impact?
If you are interested to become part of the team responsible for coordinating with our British partners, feel free to contact the project co-coordinator Antonnete at antonnete@swiss-relief.org
You can make help us make an impact today! Every little amount donated can create a change in someone’s life around the world.
With 5 CHF we can purchase and deliver a new book written by local author
If you are interested in donating above 2,500 CHF, please contact donor@swiss-relief.org to be listed as sponsor of project and specify whether this is a book purchase donation or project endowment fund donation.
Situation Overview
Swiss Relief Association with the collaboration of Foundation Cottolengo, have launched two food banks in Quito, Ecuador which provide approx. 4,300 meals monthly to range of people varying from school children to adults. This has a significant impact on the North Quito community, as no other food bank in the neighborhood has such capacity. The primary food bank focuses on providing daily school meals, which secures children remain in school rather than going to find a job to feed themselves. Whilst our secondary food bank focuses on providing grocery supply bags to families twice a week. These efforts are made to create an positive impact on struggling families and individuals which cannot cope with the financial demands. Removing the financial strain on whether there will be a meal, allows them to focus on their education and peruse other opportunities.
This is our association’s flagship project which is expected to double the meals capacity by Q2 2023 to provide 8,600 meals monthly to wider pool of people within the community. Our Director of Operations, Paolo is in charge of overseeing the project with the assistance of project coordinator Deon. For more information either contact paolo@swiss-relief.org or deon@swiss-relief.org
How can you make an impact?
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