Challenge
In Uganda, an estimated 50,000 children do not have a home, and are known as “street children”. Thousands more have homes but do not attend school due to neglect or abuse. Iraji foundation previously owned a home for 50 orphans, but the government forced the children to move out without compensation. As an organization, we were forced to move our location and start from the beginning with a new home. Orphaned children and those living in poverty where we work are more likely to repeat a grade, decreasing their chances of finishing school and reaching a better future. Furthermore, over 80% of the community population has no viable source of income. This has accelerated the vicious cycle of poverty and high illiteracy rates because it is nearly impossible for families to educate their children making it difficult for the residents to get access to services and opportunities.

Solution
The Iraji foundation center will offer a variety of crucial benefits for the kids, all supporting our goal of breaking their cycle of poverty. It will offer the following facilities and programs: an Education Center with a computer lab and public library, Education for Out-Of-School Children (OOSC), Early & Primary education enrichment program, Food security & nutrition program, Vocational education program and Community development & parent/teacher training Building a new house on the two acres of land owned by the orphanage will stop the need to pay ongoing rent. Any future funds raised can then go directly towards offering the children a real home with regular meals and schooling. The orphanage’s additional land will be made into a vegetable patch & small farm. This will mean the home will be self-sustaining and be used in practical lessons for the
children, so they learn how they can look after themselves, once they leave home.

Long-Term Impact
The community center won’t just improve the lives of kids. It will also lift up the entire community!
A new orphanage within the community will offer opportunities for micro-businesses such as chicken farming and egg production, to grow. Once these businesses are profitable, more cost-effective and efficient feeding systems will be bought, to optimize land use and capacity. The project will also provide clean drinking water to the entire community meaning that there will be fewer water-related illnesses