Our approach
“Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.”Proverb
Communities for Development was created in 2014 to support rural communities in Uganda achieve sustainable growth and reduce poverty by improving their financial ability to cover their basic needs.
To achieve that, we provide training in microfinance and business creation to give them the necessary tools and knowledge to make better use of their money. We make this happen by creating saving groups and providing training in income generating activities.
The benefits of our programmes are not only financial but have a wider impact. Weekly meetings and training strengthens the community. Those who have successful businesses also reach out to help others. People with an improved income can reduce reliance on the land and natural resources and can attain better homes, a better diet, better health and better opportunities; a virtuous cycle that improves the quality of life of the individuals as well as of the community.
Financial tools and training empower entrepreneurs to build businesses, support their families and transform their communities
Our objectives
Economic Development
Provide financial tools and training to allow rural communities to save and invest in their families and help grow a class of entrepreneurs who can drive economic development.
Livelihoods and resilience
Improve people’s ability to secure the necessities of life – food, shelter, clothing – and be resilient against shocks.
Education and training
Help our members, particularly women and young people, gain the skills they need to save their money effectively and run successful businesses.
Climate change and natural environment
Seek to limit the negative impacts of climate change on the livelihoods and natural surroundings of rural communities.
Our values
We are sustainable
We believe in long lasting improvements that enable individuals to be owners of their own development.
We work together
We believe that in order to be successful we must build strong partnerships with individuals, businesses and other organisations working with the community.
We are efficient
Due to our small, dedicated and results-oriented team, all donations contribute directly to delivering projects in Uganda.
Our method
Set up saving groups
Use the ‘Village Saving and Loan Association’ method to set up locally-led, transparent and democratic saving groups where members can save and borrow in a safe and convenient place.
Support entrepreneurship
Once saving groups have matured, we support members to leverage their skills and saving to develop income generating activities.
Provide training and financial advice
Many of our members are saving and starting businesses for the first time – we provide training to help them gain the skills they need to save their money effectively and run successful businesses.
Our impact
Knowledge creates opportunity
Through gaining skills and knowledge, savings group members can save their own money, develop ways to earn their own income, and be able to support themselves and their village independently and autonomously.
Group therapy
Much more than providing a financial tool, through training, collaboration and knowledge sharing, the savings groups empower, inspire and open up new possibilities for their members.
Girl power
The central role women play in the groups also helps to challenge traditional gender roles, strengthen women’s place in the community as well as provide a path to economic freedom.
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