Funding A Business in Uganda

I'm fundraising on behalf of Rapha African Dolls in Kampala, Uganda.

Rapha African Dolls, under St Bruno Doll Making Group, was started in 1995. The group has 15 trained women and 3 men who help in assembling materials to make crafts; we also train other people who come to us for assistance. The group makes dolls and dresses them in different attires according to the African culture.

The main product is an African doll, a mother carrying a baby at the back and wearing a Gomesi, which is a traditional garment. A boy, a girl, and a father also accompany the mother. These are specifically designed to bring out the beauty of Africa. They are all made from brown fabrics.

The organization also makes other products in the same line which include: elephants, giraffes, teddy bears, necklaces, toilet paper holders, table mats, gloves, aprons, money purses, beaded bags, beaded pens, beaded wall hangings, dresses, shirts, traveling bags, and more.

"We require an increase in working capital so that we can buy more stock for our orders, as well as packaging materials, company labels, and for marketing tools, advertising, and a professional website. We also require funds to hire outside tailors to complete our orders, for those times when we are under-staffed. Otherwise, we can lose customers to other businesses that can fulfill the orders more quickly. We also wish to purchase a building to set up as a studio where we can meet to create our wares.

Our products are environmentally friendly and bring beauty and joy to our customers, while also fulfilling their practical needs.

Of course, we have indirect competition from vendors who import plastic dolls and other cheap goods from China and sell those for less than we can charge. We stand behind the integrity and quality of the magnificent, hand-crafted products we create."

~ Etheldreda Yatuha, Director