Founded in 2013 by a couple based in the United Kingdom, Alongside Africa is an organization committed to creating a world where everyone has the opportunity to make a living. The charity operates under the motto “Opportunities, Not Aid,” and has three main programs: the Amasiko Halfway House, the Obumwe Microfinance Program, and Give a Child a Chance.
The Amasiko Halfway House is a vocational training school that empowers young women from underprivileged areas by teaching them a range of skills, including tailoring and hairdressing. With the goal of enabling them to run their own businesses and become financially independent, the Halfway House has over 60 graduate students since its inception. However, the charity is currently limited in its ability to expand the school’s capacity due to funding constraints.
The Obumwe Microfinance Program is aimed at disadvantaged and marginalized groups in rural communities in Uganda. Through this program, select groups are offered loans of 1-2 million shillings that they pledge to repay within six months. During this period, they receive training in areas such as animal rearing, beekeeping, and potato harvesting, as well as guidance on financial management and savings.
Finally, the Give a Child a Chance program is Alongside Africa’s sponsorship program. Through this initiative, sponsors provide support for a child’s primary and secondary education. The majority of children benefiting from this program are orphans, homeless, or from severely deprived backgrounds. The program provides them with a stable environment and the opportunity to learn and grow in confidence.
Overall, Alongside Africa is a remarkable organization that is making a significant impact in the lives of individuals and communities in Uganda. While funding constraints may limit the charity’s capacity to expand, their commitment to empowering individuals with the skills and opportunities needed to become self-sufficient is inspiring. Through their programs, they are giving hope to those who need it the most, and creating a brighter future for all.
