Opportunities & Social Justice for Africa’s Indigenous Batwa People
www.redemptionsongfoundation.org
Two Batwa siblings, Shivan and Beckham, wear their school sweaters and look healthy and happy.
Single Batwa mom Nossi is overjoyed at her new home that the community built her from funds raised from basket sales and donations. Here she is inside of her new mosquito net.
A minority Indigenous tribe, the Batwa comprise less than 1% of Uganda’s population. Evicted at gunpoint from their ancestral forest home in 1991—where they'd lived as hunter-gatherers from time immemorial—today, most live in extreme poverty, experience daily hunger and experience discrimination in their local culture. Most drop out of school in primary grades. We raise funds for issues they identify, including education, community development, social justice, conservation, and climate change mitigation. We train youth in effective leadership, provide career and livelihood opportunities, and partner Batwa traditions such as dance with popular and traditional African music, sports, and technology use.
10 Years of Impact!
Celebrating with Gladness & Thanks!
Since 2014, we have created major change with the Kalehe Village Batwa community, and in the next Decade, we plan to triple our impact! We will share stories & videos of our past accomplishments and future dreams in upcoming newsletters and social media, as we raise money to build the:
Batwa Peace & Power Leadership Center
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A Community Kitchen and Covered Outdoor Patio for our Educational Soup Kitchen
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A Demonstration Garden with coffee, trees, vegetables, and domestic animals.
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A Learning Lab for computer technology, communications (writing, social media, photography) and internet job training.
Once funding is secured, we will expand our current efforts mentoring Batwa youth in using digital technology to tell their stories and their elders' stories and to learn how best to advocate for environmnetal and social justice. Older youth will receive leadership training, particularly in how to use writing, photography, speaking, and social media tools to help their tribe gain recognition and power in society, and help them create their own small businesses so they can always have sources of income.
Under the guidance of our Director Wendee Nicole, an award-winning journalist with experience teaching writing, we will seek grants + donations to "Create an Economy" that will help Batwa circumvent Uganda's low employment rates—and discrimination—by using cell phone and computer tech to publish their works of art, photography, and writing internationally. They will learn goal setting, money management, computer/phone use skills, and much more. Young ones will continue to play and be nurtured with healthy food, while being tutored by the older students, who serve in internships.
SPONSOR 1 of our STUDENTS!
For a tax-deductible $45/mo or annual $500 donation, you get to write children and receive photos, drawings, report cards, and letters from them. This covers school fees, supplies, transportation, and more.
DONATE
Make a one-time donation, or set up a recurring donation at our Donate page, which will take you through to Paypal. You can also or mail a check to RSF, 6942 FM 1960 E #385, Humble TX 77346 (NOTE NEW ADDRESS). RSF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
Peace & Power ✊🏾🌍
RSF Team Uganda & USA
Photos Copyright (c) 2024 Wendee Nicole
DONATE
Donate via Paypal through our Donate page, or mail a check or money order to the address listed in the footer below, and on our Contact us page.
Your US tax-deductible donations support innovative community projects in SW Uganda that empower communities, families, and individuals.
GET INVOLVED
Want to travel to Uganda and work among the Batwa? Let's talk about volunteering abroad. We will provide meals and training, you need to buy a plane ticket! Inquire today.
Other volunteer work can be done from anywhere in the world. Are you a Connector? An influencer? Raise awareness, connect your school or group with ours for cultural awareness. Email us!
OUR VISION
To see all Batwa people celebrated instead of victimized; educated instead of illiterate; healthy instead of ailing; financially secure instead of impoverished; proud of their culture instead of ashamed; and hopeful about their opportunities in Uganda and beyond.