Dragons’ Den in the Valley

“It’s not been easy,” says Sandra, Communities for Development Co-Founder and Committe member. “But the best I think is yet to come.” The three groups of entrepreneurs look nervously toward one another: it’s show time. Today is a one-time opportunity to pitch their startup proposals with the hope of securing crucial backing from the Communities for Development panel. You could cut …

The Art of Saving

“What is saving?” expert Joyce asks the room. “Moses, can you tell me?” It’s been one year since the Bulambuli community saving group Buyaga Vision first learnt the rules and regulations of holding their own saving groups on a weekly basis. And Joyce is taking no prisoners testing who can recall the core principles of saving. “It’s crucial to revisit …

Postcard from the Valley

Dear beloved CfD followers, We do apologise for the radio silence. Far from idle though, we’ve been busy bees over the last few months. And now we are back with a vengeance to tell you about all the hard work that’s been going on in CfD’s London HQ and out in Bulambuli Valley – and what’s in store for 2017. #BackOurValley Campaign …

Natalia in Bulambuli conducting an impact assessment

Assessing Impact

Women’s empowerment, team building, access to healthcare and higher school enrolment – just some of the many side effects of Communities for Development’s projects, as discovered by Natalia Cabeza Escudier when conducting a 6 week evaluation assessment in Bulambuli Valley this summer. Here are her stark reflections from her time spent with the community: In Bulambuli Valley, where the NGO Communities for Development works, …

Paul Mulemba

Five minutes with an entrepreneur: Paul

Next up in our ‘meet an entrepreneur’ series, Marta sits down with Paul Mulemba, Chairman of Buwebele Villlage and Member of Busabulo saving group. Juggling leadership with developing his own skills and business ideas, Paul is spearheading Bulambuli’s efforts to become Africa’s answer to Silicon Valley… Paul Mulemba, Chairman of Buwebele Village and Member of Busabulo A saving group. Marta: Hello Paul, …

Peza

Meet an entrepreneur from the Valley: Peza

As part of our interview series, Marta Zgodzinska had the honour of five minutes with one of the veteran entrepreneurs of Bulambuli Valley Community – as beautiful as she is wise, Peza not only has an extensive family to look after but overseeing the business activities of her saving group involves some mothering too… Peza, founding member of Bulambuli’s saving groups. Marta: …

Banner international women's day CfD

‘Planet 50-50 by 2030′: International Women’s Day

8th of March marked International Women’s day and I’d like to tell all young women around the world to remember: ‘No one can make you feel inferior without your consent’ as Eleanor Roosevelt said. Throughout history, women have made extraordinary contributions to their societies. Some are well known, some less so but there’s no doubt that in light of the …