ABOUT US
The Objectives of the organization include;
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To build the capabilities of individuals, households and groups through small business and personal finance management skills;
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To provide early childhood development interventions and livelihood skills;
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To campaign for the reduction of secondary school drop- out rates and increase the number of children in post-secondary school;
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To advocate for the protection of children and women from any form of violence and abuse; and
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To mobilize communities for active participation in health awareness, family planning and environmental conservation.
Where We Work
We currently work in Bududa District with a vision of expanding to other districts. Located in Eastern Uganda, Bududa District boasts of its green and mountainous landscape. The population is estimated to be 210,173 people (Census, 2014). Agriculture is the backbone of the economy; and the majority of the people are subsistence farmers.
The Challenges
Bududa District is struggling with many challenges including:
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A weak education system with 71% of children not making it past the 7th grade
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Large numbers of vulnerable children and youth at increased for risk for HIV/AIDS, neglect and abuse
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High teenage pregnancy rates with an average woman having her first child at age 14
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Harmful traditional practices including early marriage and child labor especially for girls
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Exploding population, leading to food shortages and environmental degradation
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Frequent landslides that have caused over 1,000 deaths since 2010 with over 20,000 people displaced
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High birth rates with a young population that can’t be supported
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High numbers of households living below the poverty line
Our Response
Pathways Development Initiative (PDI) would like to work with this community, to build sustainable livelihoods, and inspire the community to invest in education. We believe that the most proven way to fight poverty is through education and literacy. PDI works to help the community understand that education and literacy are powerful tools in fighting poverty and mobilizes them to be active participants in order to sustain children through school. In addition, individuals in the community must be educated to improve their income capabilities. The Bududa community can leverage the fertile soils and agricultural resources to build sustainable livelihoods.