ABOUT US

"Evoking the talents and skills among vulnerable children and young mothers in Masaka"

The Anaweza Talents and Skills Project is an NGO (Non Governmental Organization) working with vulnerable children, teenagers and young mothers in the Masaka District.

It is apparent that the children, youth and parents in the nearby Katwe Butego and Nyendo Ssenyange villages are living in very poor physical, social, and economic states. The government has tried to address these issues by establishing facilities such as health units, universal primary education and secondary education, but still many nearby families experience high rates of school dropouts because parents cannot afford to provide school fees, lunch, and supplies. Therefore, Anaweza exists to contribute to the efforts of the government and other NGOs that carry out interventions aimed at changing the course of the lives of these children.

The project has an after school drop-in center for children, youth and young moms. It is committed to providing education, counseling, skills training, sports and games as well as breakfast and lunch for the children who attend. It also engages the children and youth in health education and income generating activities. To date Anaweza has built a relationship with over 100 children in the region and has started programming with vulnerable young moms in Buchulo.

History

Julius Mulwanyi began Anaweza in 2009 with a single net ball given to him by his friend Kelly. This enabled him to begin his dream of starting a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO). He first started with the development of a net ball team for teenage girls, which was made possible through the support of Betty Nalutaaya who donated her garage as storage for the team's equipment, and this eventually evolved into an after school program held on weekends and holidays. Since then, Anaweza has grown to offer training in a range of valuable skills that will hopefully provide children with a brighter future.

Goal

To create an environment that supports health and holistic development for children and their families.

Current Objectives

to reduce the risk of vulnerable children becoming street children
to create/provide recreation facilities to enhance talents and skills of children and young moms
to provide mentorship and counseling for children and parents
to raise up mentors and leaders in the community
to reduce spread of HIV by educating on adolescent reproductive health risks and rights to teenagers and parents
to improve community nutrition by teaching gardening/agriculture skills and educating on proper nutrition
to lobby and advocate for child rights
to provide a library to improve literacy rates among children and parents
to assist children in gaining the necessary skills in order to grow up as productive members of the society

Future Objectives

to create a vocational school (saloon, agriculture, motorcycle mechanic, woodworking, bricklaying, catering, traditional crafts, etc.) to train underprivileged children & parents
to provide housing for orphans and vulnerable children
to regularly provide meals to malnourished children in Buchulo
to minimize cases of illness/disease by having a healthcare facility available
to provide a computer lab to improve technological skills and talents
to build a kitchen that will serve to both feed local children and also act as a catering resource to generate income for Anaweza and it's participants
to create a sustainable farm (livestock and garden) to provide for the participants of Anaweza as well as serve as sell in the market

Anaweza means "God is able," reflecting the belief that regardless of one's past a brilliant future is always possible.