Invisible Children isn’t the only nonprofit doing great work in Uganda.
By Taylor Sears
Children at the Jinja railway station in Uganda. Photo by John Hanson
Regardless of how you feel about Invisible Children and Kony 2012 director Jason Russell’s pant-less antics, most of us can agree that working to improve political and social conditions in Uganda is a noble cause. If you are interested in getting involved in public service work for Uganda, there are a multitude of organizations in D.
C. that can lead the way. Here are WL’s picks:
Grameen Foundation
Over half of the Ugandan population survives on less than $1.25 per day. The Grameen Foundation focuses on the use of microfinance and technology to improve the lives and livelihood of Ugandans. In 2002, Grameen launched a mobile phone program in partnership with Ugandan communications company, MTN. The accessibility of such technology can otherwise be very limited, forcing many to walk miles to place a phone call.
Grassroots Reconciliation Group
The Grassroots Reconciliation Group works to rehabilitate former child soldiers and reconcile them with their Ugandan communities. The organization has two projects it uses to achieve its mission: brickmaking and community farming. Former child soldiers work with their local communities on these initiatives to rebuild relationships and create economic stability. The Grassroots Reconciliation Group also runs a trauma counseling service to help people recover from grief associated with the devastation caused by the Lord’s Resistance Army.
