Hello beautiful people,

In November 2023, I had the incredible opportunity to visit the Ruboni Village and Ibanda Rural Orphanage Development Centre in remote Uganda. The resilience and spirit of the community made a lasting impression on me, inspiring me to take direct action. Today, I am sharing with you the story of this remarkable community and an opportunity for you to make a direct impact.

Orphanage Story

Nestled in Busongora North, Kasese district, the Ibanda Rural Orphanage Development Centre (IRODC) is a community-driven initiative that started in 1998. Over the years, it has grown to become a central pillar in the community.

IRODC Orphanage is a part of a bigger project of the Ruboni Community (check out their website, the work they do is incredible). Despite the Ruboni community's efforts to offer various tours and reinvest the proceeds back into the community, the exposure remains limited. This ongoing challenge results in a constant struggle to secure funds for basic needs, including those of the vulnerable children in the orphanage.

The IRODC orphanage does not have fancy websites, brand managers, marketing budgets or even quality photos, nor does it receive support from big charity organizations that prioritize their own expenses over the actual needs of those they claim to support.

When I got to know this remote rural place, I was struck by its authenticity and the dedication of the people. In the absence of flashy presentations, what becomes obvious is a genuine commitment to the community and the children under their care.

Taking action

In December, 2024, I will be returning to Uganda, bringing already collected clothes and other necessities for the children at the orphanage. However, there is more that we can do together.

Our goal is to provide essential school supplies and medical equipment (such as glucometers) to 51 wonderful kids currently residing at the orphanage.

(We will purchase school supplies together with the orphanage head locally in Uganda, where prices are more affordable).

How You Can Help

Donate:

Your financial support will go directly towards purchasing school and medical supplies for the children at Ibanda Rural Orphanage.

Spread the Word:

Share this fundraiser with your friends, family, and colleagues. Every share brings us one step closer to reaching our goal.

More information about the orphanage:

Ibanda Rural Orphanage Development Centre (IRODC), founded in 1998, supports vulnerable children in Busongora North, Kasese district. Registered in 2018 as a community-based organization (CBO) with number 1872, IRODC operates in Ibanda Kyanya Town Council and surrounding areas, offering foster care, transitional housing, and a range of projects such as education sponsorship, healthcare, emotional support, recreational activities, life skills training, child care, community integration, stress reduction, and cultural herbal research training.

This is an invitation to join a different kind of journey; It's a chance to connect directly with a community, see the impact of your contribution, and be a force for change in the lives of those typically overlooked by mainstream charities.

"Many small people who in many small places do many small things can alter the face of the world".

Don't hesitate to contact me via the platform if you have any questions.

IG: @elena_anelez