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I'm running a half marathon in the hope of raising £1,000 for the Dewe Project - an education project in Uganda.
The Dewe Project is a skills centre set up on a farmstead just outside Dewe village, half way between Entebbe and Kampala, Uganda. It's aim is to empower local people by providing a range of workshops teaching all kinds of practical skills. These include; making soap, candles and essential oils, cookery, sewing, knitting, leather work and practical first aid, and a whole host of other things. The hope is that these help villagers to become more self sufficient in their daily lives and to encourage the setting up of small businesses to support the local economy.
The farmstead is entirely organic and, as well as growing a range of fruit and vegetables, cultivates a wide variety of trees and plants with medical applications in treating common diseases and ailments. It is in itself a model for the successful growth of local produce and good practice in plant nurseries and fertiliser production. Local growers are welcomed to come and exchange skills and ideas.
The project needs funding to support the farm manager, Gerald, and his family, and to support volunteers offering workshops at the centre. Money raised so far has gone to putting Gerald's daughter and brother into education. His brother, Julius, is just about to start a full-time welding course, with the idea that he can then establish a workshop at the project and pass on the skills he has learned. Money is also needed for tools and materials: the desire for more wool from the knitting groups set up is insatiable! There are also plans to develop a cafe and a campsite to generate an income and make the project more self sufficient.
More details of the project can be found at:
