Providing girls in Uganda with alternatives to forced marriage.

Throughout Uganda many children have lost their parents as a result of HIV/AIDS and civil conflict. It is common for relatives to raise their orphaned nieces and nephews, but when they are struggling to feed and educate their own family the added burden of caring for the extra children can be beyond their resources. For the orphaned girls, when they reach their mid-teen years, it is common practice for their guardians to release themselves from this burden by arranging a marriage. If the girls have no-one else to take responsibility for them, they will be forced either to accept the marriage or run away.

Angatunyo Girls is a micro-enterprise project that provides teenage girls with a vocation, enabling them to remain in school and become financially independent. Simple micro-businesses such as sewing uniforms for the local schools, making yoghurt and baking bread have potential to be life changing for girls who would otherwise be forced into a marriage arranged by their relatives. 

A grant of approximately $200 per girl will cover the cost of purchasing equipment and materials to establish the micro-enterprise network which will generate income to keep the girls in school and cover their living expenses. When they feel ready they will be able to live independently with their own micro-business, or remain as part of the network.

Angatunyo is the word for lioness in the Teso language of Amuria in north east Uganda. The name conveys the strength of independent young women being developed through the project and challenges perceptions of inferiority.

The Latest Developments

We are currently planning the expansion and development of the Angatunyo Lioness Girls Project, which will include long-term rental, increasing the staff, provision of security and all ongoing program expenses. For more information and to donate, please click on the link below.

"When I reached form 3 my uncle decided that I had acquired enough knowledge to help myself and therefore I can form a family by getting married. He reasoned that he does not have enough money now to pay for my school fees and therefore my only option was to get married.

However I am hoping to learn to sew, but in the future I want to achieve more education and be able to help myself, my future family, and other children who are facing the challenges I am going through now."

Abiji, Aged 16

"Like a Lioness" Click here to read about the commencement of the Angatunyo Girls project on our blog.

Donations 

We welcome your donations to the Angatunyo Girls Project which will provide orphaned girls in Uganda with alternatives to forced marriage.

By Cheque or Money Order: 

Fulcrum Aid Ltd

PO Box 126 Christes Beach, 5165

(please include a note with your name and address, and the name of the project.)

By Direct Debit: 

Fulcrum Aid Ltd

BSB: 633-000

A/C No:  155255201

(please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. including your name, address, the amount transferred, and the name of the project.)

Donate by Cash:

Cash donations can be made at any branch of the Bendigo Bank. 

Fulcrum Aid Ltd

BSB:  633-000

Account:  155255201

Please put your name in the reference field and contact us to provide your name, address (email or postal), the amount donated and the name of the project. 

No administration costs are deducted from donations to this project. All donations over $2.00 AUD are tax-deductible within Australia.

THANK YOU!