Empower and Care Organization (EACO)

I wanted to travel to Uganda as a volunteer so I could learn more about the culture and help out while I was there. EACO appealed to me because It's an organisation run by Ugandans, not Westerners. The work they do in the community seemed to really be changing people's lives for the better and I wanted to be part of that and help where I could.

Every day is different. I could be in the office writing blogs, advertising the program on websites, applying for funding and improving the website. Out on the field I was able to meet the clients and see their income generating activities in person as well as bring supplies and help Shadrak monitor their progress. At the workshops I again was able to meet the clients, take photographs and film the activities.

The Empower And Care Organization provides physical and psychosocial support to marginalized and at-risk women, vulnerable children & orphans, youth and the elderly living in the Mukono district. EACO has a special focus on single mothers, widows, and women who are taking care of orphaned children. The organization seeks to empower women through economic development, which it achieves through education programs, vocational training, and the provision of health care.

EACO also campaigns for Poverty, HIV/AIDS and human awareness and provides direct support to children who have been orphaned as a result of the Poverty, HIV/AIDS, Violence, Displacement War, or Conflict. In addition to providing orphans with school supplies, EACO has established and created income-generating opportunities for women, vulnerable children & orphans, youth and the elderly living in the Mukono district.

My role at this organization is to plan and implement daily activities, as well as documenting information on activity progress. I also liaise with project beneficiaries, create crafts project timelines for each beneficiary, coordinate and supervise trainers and volunteers. Additionally, I prepare reports to the donors as required and contribute to the preparation of grant proposals.

I grew up in a deprived group of people where women and children more so the orphans were neglected and did not have access to the most basic needs as it is their right. Therefore I shared my vision with the friends and community members here they joined me and we worked together.