Through our programs and initiatives, we aim to empower women and children by
investing in their education, skills training, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
By building their capacity and confidence, we not only help them break free from
the cycle of poverty but also empower them to take control of their own lives and
contribute meaningfully to their communities. Our focus is 3 fold: Education, Livelihood
and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights.
Education:
Early Childhood and Primary Care Education
The Mummy Foundation recognizes the crucial role of early childhood in
shaping holistic development and future prospects. Sadly, many
impoverished children miss out on essential early learning opportunities
due to chronic poverty or broken families. This deprivation perpetuates
cycles of poverty and disadvantages across generations, undermining
societal stability. To address this, the foundation prioritizes bridging
the gap for vulnerable children unable to access early childhood
development programs. Regardless of background, the foundation believes
in providing all children with quality early education to unlock their
full potential. Despite economic challenges and pandemic-related
disruptions, the foundation has enrolled over 160 children and
collaborated with stakeholders to enhance teacher skills in early
childhood education, ensuring a lasting impact on children's education.
At Mummy Foundation, we believe in nurturing young minds through a
comprehensive early childhood education program that encompasses
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Our commitment
to providing a stimulating learning environment from an early age is
reflected in our integration of STEM into our curriculum. Through
hands-on activities, interactive experiments, and age-appropriate
projects, we aim to instill a love for discovery and problem-solving in
our young learners.
In our STEM program, children are encouraged to explore the wonders of
the natural world, engage with basic scientific concepts, and develop
critical thinking skills. Through activities such as building simple
structures, experimenting with cause and effect, and exploring patterns
and shapes, children not only acquire foundational STEM knowledge but
also develop essential cognitive and social skills. Our dedicated
educators, trained in early childhood development and STEM education,
create an enriching environment where curiosity is nurtured, creativity
is celebrated, and every child has the opportunity to reach their full
potential. At Mummy Foundation, we inspire a lifelong passion for
learning and exploration through our innovative ECCE and STEM program.
Library and Literacy Activities
The Kristeen Arnold Library, established by the Mummy Foundation, serves
as an i
nclusive platform for accessing data and information. Recognizing the
crucial role of educational support, particularly for children lacking academic
guidance at home, the library extends its resources to all members of the
community.
With an extensive collection of magazines and books, the library not
only facilitates knowledge acquisition but also encourages its
application in everyday life. Its initiatives aim to engage both the
community and schools from an early age, fostering social awareness and
empowering children to become future problem-solvers. By prioritizing a
forward-thinking, knowledge-driven approach, the library endeavors to
shape a thriving community.
The foundation firmly believes that a library is indispensable for
nurturing a happy and healthy childhood, advocating for universal
accessibility. This conviction has led to well-equipped community and
school outreach programs, including the "I am the Story Champ" project,
initially supported by Book Aid International.
In efforts to reach underserved schools, such as Nsambya Parents School,
Ntuuse Primary School, Great Junior School, Friends of Sarah, and Cream
Light Junior School, the mobile library extends its services. With
aspirations for further expansion, the foundation aims to encompass all
schools in need of book resources within the community, thereby
enhancing the demand and accessibility of its library services
Music Education
Mummy Foundation prioritizes music as a key educational tool, collaborating with
Brass for Africa to provide life skills and music training through brass bands
and choral, orchestra, traditional music, and jazz programs. While Brass for Africa
oversees brass music, the foundation independently manages other musical endeavors.
Recognizing music's universal significance in human culture, Mummy Found
ation integrates classical and traditional music into its activities, believing
in its power to express emotions, foster community integration, and promote personal
growth. Through the Imagination, Participation, Commitment (IPC) model, participants
are encouraged to explore, express, and commit to their musical endeavors,
fostering essential life skills such as communication, self-confidence, and
teamwork. The foundation plans to conduct research to evaluate the impact of music
on children in slums, emphasizing its commitment to evidence-based practices
and holistic development.
Livelihood:
Vocational Training
In Uganda, high school dropout rates are alarmingly high, leading to a
significant challenge of unemployment, especially among the youth. This
trend underscores a broader issue of graduates struggling to apply their
acquired knowledge to real-world scenarios, leading to what is often
perceived as a mismatch between education and market demands.
Recognizing this gap, Mummy Foundation has emerged as a key player in
offering marginalized adolescent and young mothers a pathway to economic
independence through vocational training initiatives.
Despite facing financial constraints exacerbated by the COVID-19
pandemic, Mummy Foundation remains committed to empowering vulnerable
women by facilitating their enrollment in vocational training
institutions. This effort aims to equip beneficiaries with practical
skills tailored to the job market's needs. The foundation has also
enhanced its referral network to ensure access to additional support
services, collaborating with organizations like the International Rescue
Committee and Plan International.
Moving beyond its intermediary role, Mummy Foundation is actively
engaged in direct implementation, particularly in sectors traditionally
dominated by men. By offering training in areas such as hairdressing,
fashion design, catering, and urban agriculture, the organization seeks
to challenge gender stereotypes and promote women's participation in
diverse industries. Embracing the 3Ps model—Provision, Protection, and
Promotion—the foundation ensures a holistic approach to livelihood
development, emphasizing not only skill acquisition but also
apprenticeship placement and sustainable employment opportunities.
Through these efforts, Mummy Foundation endeavors to foster
self-reliance and empower women to thrive in the workforce, thereby
contributing to broader social and economic advancement.
Financial Literacy
At Mummy Foundation, we recognize the importance of equipping women with
the knowledge and skills to navigate the financial landscape
effectively. Our financial literacy program offers practical guidance on
budgeting, saving, and investing, empowering women to make informed
decisions about their finances. Through workshops, resources, and
personalized support, we aim to build confidence and autonomy, enabling
women to secure their financial futures and break the cycle of poverty.
We remain committed in empowering women to achieve financial
independence and build a brighter tomorrow.
Urban savings and loan associations (USLAs)
The Mummy Foundation has initiated urban savings and loan associations
(USLAs) in various communities to mitigate financial challenges. With a
focus on assisting underprivileged women and girls, the foundation
established five USLAs. These groups, comprising 30 members each,
totaling 150 community members, aim to pool resources for mutual
development. Despite undergoing financial literacy training, and linkage
to financial service providers, access to finance by these women is
still a challenge. Additional funding is crucial to bolster their
initiatives and address the economic needs of all participants
effectively.
Business Support and Job Placements
At Mummy Foundation, we're committed to empowering women and teenage
mothers through business support and job placements. Our comprehensive
program offers tailored assistance, including mentorship, training, and
access to resources, to help women launch and grow their own businesses.
Additionally, we provide apprenticeship opportunities in various
sectors, equipping participants with valuable skills and pathways to
sustainable employment. By fostering entrepreneurship and facilitating
job placements, we aim to break barriers, promote economic independence,
and create a brighter future for women and teenage mothers in our
communities.
Computer Training
At Mummy Foundation, our computer training program, initiated in 2015
with generous support from the DANIEL COLLINS family in the UK, is
designed to equip the less privileged in our community, including
teenage mothers, children, and youths, with essential computer skills.
Originally focusing on basic skills like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint,
the program has evolved to cater to a broader audience seeking
employment opportunities. By providing comprehensive computer training,
we empower individuals to navigate the digital world confidently,
enhancing their employability and advancing their career goals. Whether
you're a teenage mother seeking new opportunities or a youth aiming to
develop marketable skills, our program is tailored to meet your needs
and support your journey toward success.
Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights:
Sexual and reproductive health, as defined by the United Nations
Population Fund (UNFPA), encompasses physical, mental, and social
well-being linked to the reproductive system. It ensures individuals'
ability to enjoy a safe sexual life, make reproductive choices, and
decide on family planning. Recognized as a fundamental human right under
Article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, sexual and
reproductive health is crucial for both men and women. While Mummy
Foundation primarily focuses on women's health, men's involvement as
fathers and husbands remains integral to fostering and sustaining
healthy communities.
HIV/AIDS Program
At Mummy Foundation, we are committed to promoting HIV prevention,
counseling, testing, and positive living among young girls and women in
our communities. We believe that knowledge of one's HIV status is
paramount, serving as the cornerstone of our efforts. Through
comprehensive prevention and awareness campaigns, we strive to educate
individuals about the importance of regular HIV testing and the benefits
of early detection.
Our dedicated team provides confidential counseling and testing
services, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their
health. In addition to offering support and guidance, we facilitate
referrals for biomedical HIV interventions, ensuring access to essential
medical care and treatment. We also work tirelessly to combat stigma
surrounding HIV/AIDS, creating a safe and supportive environment where
individuals feel empowered to seek help without fear of discrimination.
Through our holistic approach, we aim to empower young girls and women
to take control of their sexual and reproductive health, promoting
healthy behaviors and positive living. By fostering a culture of
openness, acceptance, and support, we strive to reduce the incidence of
HIV/AIDS and improve the overall well-being of our communities.
Together, we can create a future free from the stigma and discrimination
associated with HIV/AIDS, where all individuals have the opportunity to
lead happy, healthy lives.
Family Planning
At Mummy Foundation, we recognize the urgent need for comprehensive
family planning services to address the escalating rates of teenage
pregnancies and associated risks of unsafe abortions among adolescent
girls and young women. Through our family planning program, we strive to
empower individuals with the knowledge and resources to make informed
decisions about their reproductive health.
Our initiative aims to provide access to a range of contraceptive
methods, tailored to meet the diverse needs of young girls and women in
our communities. By offering counseling, education, and contraceptive
services, we support individuals in preventing unintended pregnancies
and reducing the incidence of unsafe abortions.
Furthermore, our program emphasizes the importance of comprehensive
sexuality education, empowering young people with the skills and
information they need to make responsible choices about their sexual and
reproductive health. Through workshops, seminars, and outreach
activities, we strive to promote healthy behaviors, foster open
communication, and challenge harmful myths and misconceptions
surrounding family planning.
By addressing the root causes of teenage pregnancies and unsafe
abortions, we aim to safeguard the health and well-being of adolescent
girls and young women, empowering them to pursue their goals and
aspirations without the burden of unplanned pregnancies. Together, we
can create a future where every individual has the opportunity to make
informed choices about their reproductive health, leading to healthier,
happier communities.
Combating Gender-based Violence
The national prevalence of spousal violence against married women is
significant, with statistics indicating lower rates compared to violence
against youths aged 15-19 years. Physical violence stands at 22.3%,
sexual violence at 16.6%, and a combination of both at 9.3%. In 2020,
defilement cases increased by 3.8%, with 1,186 cases reported monthly
and 40 cases reported daily. The victims of defilement include girls
aged 0-8, 9-14, and 15-17, with varying increases from the previous
year. Shockingly, over 300 people were defiled by HIV positive
individuals in 2020, highlighting the severity of the issue.
Additionally, there were 17,664 instances of domestic violence and
18,872 victims of domestic abuse, including both adults and juveniles.
Moreover, there were 2,102 cases of abortions due to gender-based
violence (GBV) and 29,494 cases of sexually transmitted infections
(STIs) attributable to GBV. Mummy Foundation, recognizing the gravity of
the situation, has partnered with Cafomi to address SGBV cases in
Katwe, Nsambya, and surrounding areas, providing support to victims and
advocating for justice against perpetrators.
As Mummy Foundation, we combat gender-based violence through
multifaceted approaches, including community awareness campaigns,
education on gender equality and respectful relationships, providing
safe spaces and counseling for survivors, advocating for legal reforms,
and collaborating with local authorities and organizations to ensure
perpetrators are held accountable. Through these concerted efforts, we
strive to create a society free from violence and empower individuals to
live with dignity and respect.