Fresh Start for Former Child Soldiers

In 2012, I launched JustOne which is an ethical fashion business that has worked in Kenya's Kibera slums and with former child soldiers in Uganda. We have made the decision to close JustOne to best support the artisans. The Kenyan artisans will be their own individual business that we are supporting and have no doubt will be a huge success! Unfortunately, times have been tough in Uganda for these incredible individuals. Abducted as children and forced into a war they did not want to be in, they returned home to stigma from their communities and rejected by their families. They have no education, lasting injuries due to landmines and bullet wounds from the war and in some cases being HIV+. They are hardworking - but as hard as they work they can't seem to get ahead.

It's time for them to have a fresh start. They're tired. Worn out. And drained.

We are hoping to raise enough to set up four amazing individuals with land to have their own safe home on and the ability to farm. We met with them to discuss their household expenses - and what they could bring in from farming both long and short term to make sure this is a viable option. We have also met with local Ugandans for their expertise and insight. With your help, four amazing, hardworking Ugandans will be able to have a well deserved new start. We are asking for your help to change their lives. Please consider donating to change the lives of these four Ugandans that deserve to live in peace and live independently.

We know this is a huge amount - but we have seen over and over and over again - that when we each do our small part... we can make a world of difference.

NOTE: GoFundMe asks for a tip which can be misleading and easy to miss. Please read carefully when you donate and feel free to adjust the tip amount which does not effect our fundraising in any way.

The breakdown of our total is as follows:

One Acre of land is $790

We are hoping to buy a total of 28 acres

Approx. = $22,120

 

Home structure and initial capital for farming

(clearing farm land, seeds, etc for crops)

Appox. $4,750 each or $19,000 total

 

Goats, chickens, pigs and structures & supplies to raise them

Approx $2,000 each for three artisans (one chose to farm only crops)

=$6,000

 

GRAND TOTAL: $47,120 (we rounded down to $45,000)

Thank you so much for your support and love. Apwoyo matek.