Tiger Marketing volunteers in a Uganda Orphanage
We’re hoping to raise £1,000 to make vital repairs and improve school & orphanage facilities with the One Love Project in Uganda…
In October 2023 we celebrated Tiger Marketing’s 10th anniversary. And as part of that momentous milestone, we wanted to do something momentous to celebrate – and not something for ourselves, but a significant action that would make a difference to others. So, our MD and Head Tiger Louise is heading to Uganda for two weeks in February with 65 other volunteers who will be doing essential repairs and improvement work on a school there, as part of the One Love Project.
Located in the Kabale District of Uganda, the school is currently in need of urgent repairs following landslides caused by Uganda’s rainy season. These landslides have damaged the school buildings and homes in the community, so the more money we raise, the more we can help. As of 2023, Uganda is the 26th poorest country in the world, with 47% of the population living in ‘multidimensional poverty’ (a measure that includes access to education and infrastructure as well as monetary poverty), according to UNICEF.
In the long term, we want to help raise enough money to add an extension to the school, comprising three trade areas where children can learn carpentry, sewing, weaving and electrics that will benefit their community. The school is a safe haven for these children, but it’s currently of very basic construction, with limited teaching equipment and resources. Creating these additional spaces where children can gain practical skills will expand what the school can offer and broaden opportunities for young people.
However, the first tasks Louise and the team of volunteers will be working on are:
- Completing the construction of a P7 classroom (the all-important final year before children move on to secondary school)
- Repairing the school following the landslides
- Working with local builders and tradespeople to complete plastering, painting and bricklaying jobs
There are also repairs and renovations to be done on the Special Education Needs school, ‘Our Little Tribe’ – including installing solar panels, plastering and painting, and adding more furniture. Our Little Tribe provides assisted education for nine children with different disabilities and offers vital therapies that the children’s families could not otherwise afford.
The more funds we raise, the more we can do to improve the education facilities for these children, giving them a better, safer environment for learning and broadening the opportunities available to them.
About the One Love Project
The One Love Project school (formerly known as the Abode Project) was set up by Kai Cant and his business partner of the time in 2017, following a career as an event producer, promoter and record label founder. Work began on the school in 2018 and it officially opened in February the following year, with just two classrooms and 67 students. It is now a thriving educational facility with approximately 150 students.
Now, Kai and his business partner Emily Chapman run Tribe Travel Experience, an organisation that takes teams of volunteers to Kabale to complete work in the community that makes a tangible difference to the lives of the children and families who live there. For volunteers, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Emily and Kai are conscious of “poverty tourism” and of the perception of white people arriving in a developing country, trying to do good then disappearing. They have spent years immersing themselves in the local culture and have worked slowly and sensitively to embed themselves in the community. They also believe transparency is key and are rigorous about showing how donation money is spent.
A little favour to ask…
Here at Tiger HQ, we are delighted to have the chance to do this. For ten days in February 2024, Louise will be helping with building works and painting to help make the school and orphanage the best it can be, supporting the children in learning new skills, and supplying items such as clothes, footwear, textbooks, stationery, musical instruments, teddies and toys.
The more we raise, the more opportunities we can give these children. So, if you’re able to, please do so in any of these 3 ways:
- Your monetary donations will really help make a difference – just £5 goes so far!
- If you’re having a clear out of any of the items mentioned above for children, please do get in touch as Louise has a spare large suitcase to fill.
- It would be amazing if you’re able to share this blog or our link to the donation page [please cut and paste this: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/tiger-marketing-uganda-2024] so we can spread the word as far as possible!
Thank you in advance for your support and generosity! x