Uganda Rural Fund (URF), founded in 2005, is a grassroots NGO empowering AIDS orphans, underprivileged you
ths, and women in rural communities to fight the cycle of poverty, through educational and sustainable development opportunities.
Inspired by the personal experience of its co-founder, John Mary Lugemwa, OSB, who grew up in poverty in rural Masaka, being an orphan and having dropped out of school and then being able fight all odds to advance in education, URF is founded on a belief that a better life is possible for everyone. URF aims to empower her beneficiaries to implement high-impact sustainable programs to fight poverty in the effort to help people help themselves, one village at a time.
We focus on rural communities because they have often been neglected by larger multinational organizations, but most importantly, it’s where the disparity in our education system is most evident. We believe that education, formal or informal, is the best way to fight the cycle of poverty and illiteracy plaguing rural communities.
URF is a registered 501(c)(3) charity under the Federal Tax ID: 20-4118165 in the United States. A sister organization, the implementing partner, Uganda Rural Fund, is also registered in Uganda with a CBO number C.D.5821. We are an international and grassroots Community Based Organization that exists on non-political, non-denominational, and non-sectarian principles.
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Hey, looks great
Hi John Mary, thanx for the effort,time, energy and any other form of sacrifice invested into designing this site. Its beautiful and gives a wider perspective of URF activities. So many people especially children are under priviledge and dont have a voice out there. But with URF in place am optimistic there is a brighter future ahead of our children. With the seminars being arranged, children will gain the confidence to always express their views before their peers and bigger crowds. Thanx once again, for the great work.
humanitarianism is the way forward!
Hi!
I am graduating from a University in the U.S. this June and have been in contact with John Mary about teaching for a year at Hope Academy. It is my dream to do so and John Mary has been so awesome at helping to make that dream more of a reality. Now, as I am getting closer to making my final decision, my family (as well as myself a bit) is worried about the safety and stability of Uganda. I was wondering if anyone can reassure me with the safety of a young female from the U.S. coming to Hope Academy? Particularly Molly, if you are reading the posts if you could respond to tell me a bit about your experience? (I’m also up for emailing if you feel comfortable). Thanks
Hey Megan,
The stability of Uganda right now is fine. I would follow the international news up to the date of your departure if you are nervous. Other than that, things to watch out for are sicknesses. I did get sick from drinking bad water in Uganda. However, I was taken to the hospital and was fine. Malaria as well- be sure to wear bug spray daily and use your net at night. The country being stable, safety in Jja jja’s home at Hope Academy is not an issue. They have a rather extraneous night guard but at no point during my stay was our safety ever threatened by outsiders. The Ugandans themselves are unfailingly honest. I had many many more issues with things being stolen and personal safety in South Africa, in the much more developed area of Cape Town. Unless something goes seriously awry before you leave, and you watch what you drink/watch our for mosquitos (there is only so much you can do- as JM once said, the rest is up to God) you should be fine. I am really excited for you. This is an opportunity not to be missed. Uganda and HIA will change you forever in the best possible ways. Please contact me at molly.dierks@gmail.com if you have any more questions or concerns, and I will happily respond!
YES I WILL BE ATTENDING . WALIGO THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR INFORMING ME .
its a great honor that you have organised sme special event like this i really appreciate it.
I look up to all of you.
I am inspired by you to work
harder. All I want to do is help
out you all and do the right thing.
My dream is to come where all of you are
and meet you, whoever is willing to meet me.
WhEN i see things on tv of how it is over there
I want to cry because you all deserve better.
A poem for you, who ever reads this:
keep draming life is still waiting.
you can be all that you want, never give
up always go for what you want because in
the end you will never know if what you want
will be stiil waiting.
By: brianna
from america
Yeah it quite awesome i look forward to be part of the conference.