TGR Newsletter June 2020 Issue

Welcome to Tender Grassroots’ first newsletter!

We are a non-profit organization dedicated to providing underserved communities across Uganda with resources, knowledge and skills that will empower them to end the cycle of poverty.

Within our newsletters you will be able to learn about the Ugandan people as well as our projects, events, and news. We are excited to have you join us on our journey.

Dear readers,

As I look at the wonderful work that so many people have contributed to launch my dream, Tender Grassroots (“TGR”), I am humbled and filled with so many emotions, the foremost of which is HOPE.  In his novel Hunted Down, the great author Charles Dickens said, “A very little key will open a very heavy door.” Well, these words could not ring truer for the mission of TGR. 

Having grown up in Uganda and knowing the potential of its people, I have recognized for many years that what was needed was the tools to turn dreams and aspirations into realities.  Too many incredibly bright students do not make it through the primary school system – more than 60% drop out, and of those that remain, only slightly more than 50% graduate.  The reasons behind such statistics are myriad, but two truly intertwined reasons stand out – poverty and health. 

Uganda is a poor country that lacks adequate educational funding, infrastructure and accessibility.  Moreover, many students, some from an early age, must focus on tasks other than education that will help financially support their families. This challenge is compounded by the health issues that the Ugandan people face daily, especially in more rural areas. There is less than one doctor for every 100 people in the country. The lack of coordination of healthcare delivery, major infrastructure gaps and the lack of availability of quality medicines exacerbate the problem. The result is that many young people, as well as their families, fail to receive the basic healthcare necessary to live healthy and productive lives.

So, getting back to the Charles Dickens quote and its meaning for TGR.  We are small, but we are strong. We are organized, and we know the “tumblers” that must be moved to open the “heavy door” to a better day for many in Uganda.  We are consciously starting small in an effort to stay focused and be successful – expanding as our capabilities, experience and skill sets develop over time.  We plan to remain “nimble” and to partner or collaborate with other quality organizations and foundations whenever possible. And we will remain true to our mission, focusing on how we can make a practical difference in the lives of children in need.

We have begun our efforts in Wakiso district of Uganda.  For me, a special place; the place of my youth.  This is where we will plant our “roots,” devoting our efforts to practical and achievable educational and health interventions. With your help and support, and the hard work and love of many committed people, we will nurture these roots so that they can grow strong and spread to other communities over time, making positive differences that will change lives and create a different vision of the future for many.

To those that have already committed their support, I am very grateful.  For those considering involvement in this initiative, we welcome your help and support.  I once saw a quote that I think rings true – “There are two gifts we should give our children; one is roots and the other is wings.”

Together, we can do this!

Food Relief to the Vulnerable during COVID-19

With a GDP per capita (current US $) at $740, Uganda is categorized as one of the poorest countries globally. The socio-economic conditions are exacerbated by the increase in population with almost twenty five percent of the population living below the poverty line.The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, resulted in many countries including Uganda initiating a national lock down. This meant restricted movement, but for the poor, who live from hand from mouth, a panic ensued as they struggled to find ways to not only stay safe but also feed their families.

Entebbe UMEA Primary School Lunch Program

Entebbe UMEA Primary School, established in 1947 is a community-based school located in Kitubulu village, Wakiso district in Uganda. It currently has a population of approximately one thousand students.

While the school receives partial government aid, in terms of staff support, Entebbe UMEA largely relies on its community and tuition fees to run its activities including provision of school meals. With most of the student population, and by extension, the community coming from low-income families, raising adequate funds either through tuition fees or community initiatives has been a challenge for the school. Consequently, the school has experienced high rate of school dropout, early marriages for the girl child and retardation in the rate of growth and development of the school.

Entebbe UMEA is also grappling with underperformance of its students. A major attributor is the parent’s and school’s failure to offer meals (lunch and breakfast) to the learners during school time, therefore attending lessons for the whole day on empty stomach which adversely affect their learning process, concentration and performance.

With a vision to help Entebbe UMEA address some of the inherent challenges, Tender Grassroots has decided to contribute towards the school meal program. This will help learning and also reduce attrition because for some students, the meals incentivizes them to stay in school.