The more time we spent with the team of the reception center, the more it was clear to us how much they cared for the children there. Whether it was dancing and singing with them or playing sports, the staff loved spending time with the kids. And the kids loved the staff right back! So it came as no surprise that when asked what the reception center needed, the staff’s answer was focused on the littlest people there... ...volleyballs! Volleyball is an easy sport for the kids to play. All you need is a net and a ball and the game can begin. So today's idea was easy - we got these kids some volleyballs. The children loved bumping the balls back and forth with each other! Another way to spend some time getting to know new people and settling in. Tomorrow, we have one last surprise for our new friends at the center...stay tuned! … [Read more...] about Ready to Play

When we met with the management of the reception center at Nakivale Refugee Settlement, we found that one of the greatest needs was for children’s clothing. One, because kids outgrow their clothes quickly, and two, some of the children show up to the settlement with just one pair of clothes. We found out how many children were in the reception center. Then we went into town to find some new clothes... The kids were so surprised and delighted to get new outfits! The little girls got beautiful new dresses, and also a functional outfit. The boys got new shorts, pants, and shirts. Children tend to be excited about most things. But today was a little different - kids were jumping up and down and running to show their parents their new clothes. As these little ones adjust to life at the refugee settlement, there will be big challenges ahead. But equipped with an extra boost, they'll be able to face those challenges with a little more confidence, looking and feeling good. … [Read more...] about Looking and Feeling Good

Yesterday we brought an important item to the reception center - soap. Today, we're thinking about things a little differently with something that's so very important for kids as they grow up. And, it provides hours of entertainment, too. Footballs! “The reception center rightfully focuses on the basic needs that the newly arrived residents require," said Zu, our friend from Minneapolis who's doing the doable with us in Nakivale. "But the chance for organized play as a pastime can make all the difference." When you're new to the reception center, everything feels completely foreign. But football is something familiar. No matter where you're from, you know how to play football. The children gathered to run and play, laughing with friendly competition. What a great reminder that a small change can bring such immense joy! … [Read more...] about A Piece of Home

The reception Center in Nakivale Refugee Settlement is the first point of entry for people who have just arrived. Many have walked distances far and wide after fleeing a situation of crisis. People carry with them few belongings. They don't have much if anything to support them during their stay at the reception center, alongside hundreds of others waiting to be assigned land and other resources. The team who oversee the reception center told us that there's a huge need for a simple thing - soap. So, we thought, there was something we could do for these new arrivals. We went into town and got a whole truckload of soap for under $500! We were able to ensure that every family in the reception center received a bar for every member of their family. There was smiling and laughter all around. One of the most moving moments was as the soap was handed out, the community brought forward a woman who was deaf and mute. They told us that they wanted her to be the first to … [Read more...] about A Way to Welcome

The energy and closeness of the Rubondo neighborhood in Nakivale Refugee Settlement has taught us so much! We're thankful for their example of what a great community can be, and the positive impact a group of people can have on those around them. And we had one last idea to make our week of change with them complete. When people of Muslim faith go for prayer, there are certain hygienic standards they're required to meet. But right now they're using big community jerrycans, which can be inefficient and not as cleanly as they'd like. The imam told us how much a jerrycan for everyone would change things. So we set out to get everyone in the group their own to use. We love this idea because it's so simple - and has an instant impact. When the jerrycans arrived, the community was moved and excited. Such a small change can make such a big difference. … [Read more...] about A Simple Shift

At the mosque in Rubondo, the lights are on, the loudspeaker is here, and there are some fresh prayer mats. The imam told us there was just one thing for the building that would make it complete... A concrete floor. A solid foundation solves a TON of problems! First, it makes the structure more stable. Second, it keeps the mosque much more hygienic and clean. If it rains, it doesn’t get filled with mud and dirt. And the prayer mats can easily be kept clean and in good condition. We got right to work! Mix the concrete, pour it down, and lastly, smooth that floor right out. The floor really changed look and feel of the mosque into a totally new and amazing building. What a great idea and change it was! The mosque was fully out fitted and ready to go. Making changes that shape the community and transform a space is what we're all about. Tomorrow, we’ve got one last addition for this community...stay tuned! … [Read more...] about A Solid Foundation

In Uganda, there is an abundance of sun. That means that things warm up quickly. But it also means that there's plenty of solar power to unleash. This works out perfectly for us because the electricity at the mosque has been out for, well forever. Enter the power of the sun. At the mosque they have no way to power their lights inside or outside, so a brand-new solar panel is the perfect option. This also works perfectly to get their new loud speaker running for calls to prayer. The possibilities that a solar panel unlocks are infinite! Another simple solution to a problem that impacts families in a huge way. … [Read more...] about Shining Bright

For the past three days we've been working with our Minneapolis-based friend Zu, making change in Nakivale Refugee Settlement. And one community in the settlement needed a little help with their mosque. This mosque was missing something - a megaphone. Mosques usually include a megaphone that projects out to surrounding neighborhoods, signaling a call to prayer. "Because this community is spread far and wide over rolling hills," said Zu, "many residents do not have access to clocks, and programming the time to go for prayer can be difficult." The lack of a loudspeaker was felt heavily by the community. But it was also a simple change we could make. We found a loudspeaker and an amplifier in town. This loudspeaker was no joke! When we tested it out, it practically knocked us over with volume. The Imam’s face lit up as we watched him use the speaker for the first time. He told us it would also be helpful to the community for making important announcements as they came … [Read more...] about Amplifying Change

Yesterday, Zu and the crew brought mango trees for the community of Rubondo. Today, we're thinking about how to nourish not just the body but the soul. The majority of this community is Muslim, so prayer is a big part of their daily lives. But in the local mosque, they didn't have enough mats to go around. People were kneeing on the hard ground. Zu had an idea - she wanted to make their daily prayers a little more comfortable. We surprised this community with brand new prayer mats! Enough for everyone. Now people will not only pray comfortably, but they'll take comfort knowing that this center of community life is fully equipped. And they'll be a daily reminder of their friendship with Zu - and that people from across the ocean care about their well-being. “This is what the Changemakers projects are all about," said Zu, "providing the support they need to bridge the gap created by the circumstances of living life in a refugee settlement.” … [Read more...] about Nourishing the Soul

Over the next month, we're in Uganda with our longtime friend Zu! Zu is no stranger to Uganda or refugees. Her parents are both refugees from Uganda who were resettled in the United States. She was born in the U.S., but has a special connection with her roots. She wanted to give back. Zu works at Sweatshop Health Club in Minneapolis, and together they accomplished an amazing feat - raising enough funds to send Zu to do the doable with us in Nakivale Refugee Settlement for one whole month! And today is day one. First, we met with the community of Rubondo, an isolated area of Nakivale. It's the furthest into the settlement, making it difficult to access to many things. During our meeting one of the neighbors brought up the idea of mango trees, and how they might add greenery, fruit, and opportunity to the community. So the next day we returned with 360 mango trees! And we were greeted with such excitement and kindness. “We appreciate you acting so fast," said one … [Read more...] about Meet Zu