In 2019, when the world was hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, we found ourselves spending more time with the children as schools went into lockdown. During this time, we discovered something incredible: the children had hidden talents in farming. They began cultivating crops and flowers in pots around the children's home, opening our eyes to their potential.

 

Early Discoveries and Initial Challenges

​

This newfound interest in farming posed a challenge for us, as we didn't have enough land for crop cultivation. However, two of the children, Dabyliwo Mahadi and Mutamba Shalifu, surprised us by asking for a pair of rabbits to raise. Initially, we doubted their ability to care for the animals, but we gave them a chance. To our delight, the children showed great care and responsibility in managing the rabbits, even providing treatment when they fell ill.

​

Months later, the rabbits started multiplying, bringing joy as their numbers grew from 2 to 11. This success inspired the other children, each eager to showcase their skills in animal husbandry. Their enthusiasm solidified our decision to prioritize a farming project, but the dream of owning enough land seemed distant, as we struggled to raise the necessary funds of 10,000 pounds.

​

A Community Comes Together

​

Our hopes were reignited when we connected with Mr. Huseyin Bikim through Clubhouse. He introduced us to his sister, Mimi Bland, who moderated a room where we met Mr. Pete Edward Cohen. His simple yet impactful question, "How can we help you?" prompted us to share our immediate need for food and our vision for the farm.

 

Thanks to a Clubhouse event organized by Mr. Cohen, we received over 600 pounds, which we used to buy food. We expressed our gratitude on Instagram, sharing the link to the event. The following day, Mr. Cohen invited us back to Clubhouse, determined to help us acquire the farm. Mr. Christopher Connors, the founder of The Cocos Foundation UK, pledged to raise the necessary funds.

​

The Impact of Collective Effort

 

A 24-hour "Taking a Lead in Leadership" conference was organized, featuring 40 speakers from around the world. This event, driven by the love and support of many, including Debby Digby Smith, Mary Steadman, Mandy Jane Lace, Dr. Marine Avagyan, and Matt Rowden, extended beyond 36 hours. In a remarkable show of support, Mr. James Peters, a renowned lifestyle coach, ran 101 miles to raise funds for the 101 children.

 

By morning, we had raised over 11,000 pounds, enabling us to purchase a five-acre farm in Bugiri District, Bulidha village. Since then, we have successfully cultivated various crops such as peanuts, corn, cassava, potatoes, and mangoes. These crops not only provide sustenance for the children but also generate income from their sale.

 

A New Chapter in Agricultural Development

​

In a thrilling update to our journey, we celebrated a significant milestone on July 10, 2024, with the acquisition of a new tractor. This essential piece of equipment was made possible through partial donations and the generous support of New Holland, CNH, and The Cooper Motors Uganda. With the tractor now at our disposal, we have enhanced our ability to cultivate our land more efficiently and expand our crop production. The tractor not only boosts our productivity but also serves as a valuable resource that we can offer for rent to local farmers, creating an additional income stream for our charity.

​

This development marks a pivotal moment in our farm's growth, allowing us to advance our agricultural practices significantly and improve our sustainability. As we continue to cultivate various crops like peanuts, corn, cassava, potatoes, and mangoes, which provide sustenance and generate income, we are also exploring further enhancements that will benefit both our children and the wider community.

​

Looking Ahead: Building for Tomorrow​

​

As we look to the future, our focus shifts toward an exciting new project: building dormitories to provide safe, nurturing homes for our children. This initiative is crucial for creating a stable environment where our young ones can thrive. The dormitories will ensure that each child has a comfortable space to live, study, and grow. We are currently raising funds to support this project, aiming to gather 25,000 pounds to bring this vision to life. Your support can make a tangible difference in the lives of these children, helping us build a foundation for their future.