S.O.U.L. Foundation

S.O.U.L. Foundation:  Grantee in 2018, 2021, and 2022-23

Founded in 2009, S.O.U.L. is committed to addressing the root causes of poverty for rural women farmers in Uganda. It has fostered sustainable and vibrant communities in two districts in Eastern Uganda through unique partnerships focused on education, empowerment, food security, and maternal health.  S.O.U.L. serves over 14,000 Ugandans in 30 villages, utilizing a development-driven model that makes community members stakeholders in their own success.

Their staff, many of whom are locals, work side-by-side with community members to develop and implement training programs that teach such basic business skills and important financial skills as budgeting and managing a bank account.  Women working in groups are then given seed capital to launch cooperative businesses in agriculture, assorted livestock management (e.g., goat and chicken raising), aquaculture, artisanal crafts (e.g., baskets, jewelry, bags), and tailoring.  The majority of the over 700 women who have actively participated in these efforts have seen a 300% increase in their income, and eventually, the groups become financially self-sustainable. They are also able to invest the majority of their earned income into more nutritious food and healthcare for themselves and their families, as well as education for their children.

Recent eco enterprises revolve around two initiatives; the development of commercial fish ponds and cages and an industrial maize mill.  They generate both much-needed food for residents and commercial sales opportunities.

More recently, S.O.U.L.’s focus turned to facilitating vocational training for youth, with strong results and positive feedback.  Program expansion will help more youth to develop skills, find meaningful employment and fulfill their potential.