Our goal is to launch a socially productive, financially sustainable small enterprise to benefit the education and skill development of people in and near Fort Portal, Uganda. This small town nestled below the Rwenzori Mountains has a great demand for technological skill development in order to keep up with the rapidly growing economy of Uganda.
We are partnering with a well-established local NGO, The Foundation for Rural Development (FORUD), to expand services to better assist young people with obtaining the skills they need to be competitive in the job market, and to improve their quality of life. Due to the unpredictable nature of grant funding, it is imperative that we establish a center that will achieve our goals using a sustainable funding model. For this reason, the technology center will charge very modest fees (discounted for students and teachers) for computer courses and Internet use. Any profits made by the center will go directly back into funding more skill development programs and expanding the center's reach.
What We Need & What You Get
We have lined up and waiting to go:
- a location
- a dedicated network local partners since 2009 (FORUD)
- 4 desktop computers
- a basic 3g modem for Internet access
- software
- a constitution
- a detailed strategic plan
- a projected budget
- 2 voluntary, skilled computer teachers (us: Sadira & Stephen)
We will purchase all of the necessary equipment (listed above) and open the center before the end of this campaign. Our cost/income projection indicates that we will need a diverse range of services offered at the shop in order to subsidize the cost of classes so that the most deserving students can participate no matter their current financial situation.
We are currently applying for small grants to defray our start up expenses. In addition to these grants, we are asking our indiegogo contributors for 1,000 dollars to purchase a copier, book binding machine, stationary supplies and other basic items so the center can diversify its revenue sources while providing a range of in-demand services to the community.
Anything exceeding our 1,000 dollar goal will allow us to purchase additional computers to increase our impact. We can buy one additional computer for every 500 dollars raised in addition to our goal. Raising more money also means we can lower the price of courses.
Our perks for contributors include handmade paper bead bracelets, bark cloth thank you notes, hand woven reusable shopper bags and that warm fuzzy feeling you get from being a good person. We will bring all perks back to the United States with us when we return on August 2nd.
Even if we cannot raise the entire 1,000 dollars we will still purchase the equipment necessary to open the center, we will just buy less (and lower quality). The more we raise, the more people will gain access to our services.
The Impact
Starting on June 15th, we will offer 4 classes to a total of 20 students with highly individualized instruction, textbooks, a resource guide. Upon completion of a course, students will receive a certificate, letter detailing the training regimen, one free hour of internet use and a usb flash drive to store their future work on. Opening the center will directly create employment for at least 3 Fort Portal (Ugandan) residents, and we hope to expand this number as our micro-business grows.
Other Ways You Can Help
Spread the word about our campaign, we appreciate any mentions on Twitter, Facebook or your personal blog.
Apply to be a volunteer instructor in beautiful Fort Portal.
Keep an eye out for our website, coming soon.
