Bwindi Project

The project is up and running! Please scroll to the bottom for updates and photos of the families already benefiting from your generosity.

The Mburameizi Village
Located at the central eastern edge of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park of Uganda, one of the most important forests of East Africa for biodiversity and home to over half of the world's remaining Mountain gorillas , lies Mburameizi village. In the local language of Rukiga, Mburameizi translates to “without water”, a name which unfortunately still accurately reflects one of the daily struggles for those who live there. This reality exists in stark contrast to that experienced by the thousands of tourists who pass right by this village spending hundreds of dollars on Mountain gorilla trekking ($600 minimum cost for permit for one hour with Mountain gorillas) or birding. The government claims to provide 20% of revenue to the adjacent communities, but this is not the reality. In contrast, you find an unacceptable example of extreme inequity and injustice.

 
Our Goal
The goal of this fundraiser is to raise money to establish an ongoing sustainable livelihood project for the Mburameizi community, whose members struggle daily in meeting basic needs including water, food, and basic education for their children. In addition to helping the community very directly, we think this project will ultimately help conserve Bwindi Impenetrable National Park by limiting resource extraction from the forest. Importantly, this project was developed by the Mburameizi community members including the basic concept, the specific rules, and the strategy for enforcement.

Project Overview
Specifically, the money that you donate would be used to provide livestock (pigs, goats or sheep) for a subset of households in the village, a shelter for the livestock, money for the necessary vaccinations, and education for effective rearing and breeding of livestock. These animals will provide the founding population for the entire village. In brief, the way the project will work such that every member of the community benefits (and to limit the required donations), following the first breeding season, offspring from livestock donated to the initial recipients will be shared with all remaining households. The order for this process will be determined based on household preferences for livestock and a random selection process, a method chosen with consensus by the Mburameizi community.

To ensure the ongoing success of this project, this cohesive community has established, on its own, multiple committees to monitor program success and enforce participant requirements related to animal care and record-keeping.  For example, one requirement for participation in the project is that animals that are initially provided are bred (not sold) and selling of animals is only permitted when it can be done so sustainably, such that breeding can be continued independently for all members of the community.

The required cost for providing livestock, a shelter, and necessary vaccinations for a single household is approximately $140-$180. However, any amount that you can offer would be of help! The specific breakdown of costs is the following:
One piglet: $20
One goat: $40
One sheep: $40
Shelter supplies: $100
Vaccinations: $2 

If you decide to donate, you would be informed of exactly what your money will be used for and who you would be helping. You will also receive ongoing updates regarding the success of the project.

Meet some of the families you would be helping with your donations!

Pictured above: Murembe Erineriko, Augustine Byaruhange, Kyokunzire Mary, Turyasingura Alexander, Tumushabe Guderia, and Nakurinda Clare
This family lists some of the perceived benefits from the project as manure from goats for the land, meat to provide protein in the family diet, and eventually income which can be used to pay for their children's school fees.

Pictured above : Turinawe Feredinado, Bakehwahekyi Stephen, Ayebare Erinest, Turyasuma Maria Doreen, Niwarimpa Keneth and Turinomuhangi Maria Judith. Turinawe's husband is not pictured as he passed away suddenly in 2017 for unknown reasons.
Some of the benefits this family anticipates from the project include manure to fertilize otherwise poor soil so they can grow vegetables and income which can be used to pay for children's school fees.

Pictured above: Tumwehongyere Edurida, Abenayezu Raymond, Akampurira Hellen,  and Nshabohurira Stephen (not pictured: Katusime Rester)
Some of the benefits this family expects from the project include manure for the garden as the land is very infertile. This will help to grow vegetables which will be used for food and income which is required to pay school fees. Currently, only three of the four kids can go to school and Nshabohurira makes bricks to sustain the family.

Pictured above: Ainebyona Joweria, Arinatwe Agnes, Atwebembere Benandine, and Tumaheise Christine. Tumaheise's husband is not pictured as he passed away in 2016.
Some of the benefits this family from anticipates from the project include manure for the land which is infertile and raising money for school fees. Currently Tumaheise is sustaining the family by growing potatoes and beans.

Picture above: Tumugabirwe Lawrence, Turihabwe Priscilla, Akampurira Rossette, Ekinshaba Dennis, Niwarinda Bridget, and Akanyijuka Maritia (not pictured: Ekyakunzire Adelah and Ayebazibwe Albert)
This family lists some of the perceived benefits from the project as manure for the infertile land and raising money for school fees.

Your donation, whatever you can offer,  will have a direct and strong impact on some people's lives and will be appreciated to an extent that is probably difficult to imagine.

UPDATE:
Because of your support, the project is running! Two households have shelters and animals and two more are in process.

Here are some photos of the project's first beneficiaries!

Bindeeba Gerevasi (w/sheep)

Turihabwe Priscilla (w/ pig)