OVCP was founded by Terra Lorenz and Paul Bogere, who stumbled upon a corrupt orphanage in Iganga, Uganda, where children endured horrendous living conditions. In Uganda, impoverished families often resort to orphanages, believing it’s the sole way to provide healthcare, education, and nutrition for their children. Shockingly, four out of five children in Ugandan orphanages have living relatives and institutionalization rates have surged by 1600% since 1992, causing family separations and social disconnection. Terra and Paul realized that families didn’t want to abandon their kids but felt it was their only option for a better life.
They embarked on a challenging journey to reunite children with their families and transitioned towards empowering and educating both children and families, giving rise to Our Village Community Partnership (OVCP). OVCP, underpinned by Christian values, strives to uplift vulnerable communities in Iganga and Lamwo districts through the transformative power of education.
At the core of Our Village Uganda’s mission lies empowerment, which serves as the cornerstone upon which all their initiatives are built. This empowerment begins with the establishment of relationships firmly rooted in the love of God, recognizing the universal human need for love and community. Through these deep connections, Our Village Uganda has witnessed the transformative power of standing shoulder-to-shoulder with individuals, fostering the courage to pursue solutions, the strength to endure challenges, and the hope that collective efforts can effect meaningful change. The belief in the intrinsic equality and potential of all individuals underscores their approach, emphasizing the role of a supportive presence that believes in and accompanies people on their journey toward change
Crucially, Our Village Uganda places Ugandans themselves at the forefront of leading change within their communities. The organization’s strength lies in its Ugandan staff, whose profound impact has extended across countless families, cultivating a warm and supportive community. With a team deeply rooted in the communities they serve, their intimate understanding of local struggles enhances their effectiveness. Moreover, partnering with Our Village Uganda directly contributes to job creation for Ugandans, with a dedicated team of 28 full-time staff and a significant number engaged part-time across diverse projects. In essence, empowerment is interwoven into every aspect of their programs, serving as the linchpin for their success, and ultimately, their belief in empowering communities to become self-sustaining agents of change remains at the heart of their mission.
Education is a transformative force that unlocks a world of possibilities, and in our region, where 89% of children lack access to reading materials and there’s a troubling 71% drop-out rate in the national elementary school system, the need for quality education is glaring. Before our school was established, none of the local elementary schools prepared children for junior and senior high school, but now, every student leaving our institution is equipped with the education needed to advance to higher levels of learning.
Our Village Uganda is deeply committed to education for both children and adults, boasting significant achievements:
Their own elementary school accommodates over 550 children.
This year, they’ve funded over 70 youths to pursue junior and senior high school or college and trade programs.
More than 70 children benefit from scholarships to attend their elementary school.
They’ve empowered hundreds of community members with agricultural training.
Currently, 14 women are undergoing tailoring training under OVCP’s guidance.
They prioritize continuous training for their Ugandan staff, nurturing their growth at every level.
Recognizing that education cannot thrive when students are sick or hungry, they go the extra mile by providing breakfast and lunch for all of the students and educating their community about health and sanitation practices to prevent unnecessary illnesses. Additionally, They collaborate with families to ensure access to essential medical care, making education truly accessible and impactful for their community.
Our Village Uganda’s aim is not to create dependency on foreign aid, but to foster meaningful relationships and partnerships within communities in Iganga and Lamwo districts, equipping them with the infrastructure and resources needed to support one another from within. Together, they strive to develop sustainable solutions to combat poverty. Currently, Our Village Uganda owns 28 acres of land, intended to serve as a communal hub for training and the demonstration of income-generating practices. Their ultimate objective is to empower individuals to address their community’s needs independently, reducing reliance on external aid and achieving self-sustainability.
In 2016, they allocated 24% of their outreach funding to empower community members through job opportunities, agricultural and tailoring skills training, and support for new businesses. By empowering parents, they positively impact entire families, fostering pride and joy as they become providers for their children. Furthermore, They have introduced essential infrastructure, including a high-quality school, a versatile multipurpose hall, a deep water well, and a playground to the community. Additionally, their multipurpose lodging facilities offer opportunities for both children and adults to receive education and training when such opportunities are lacking in their own communities. Their overarching mission is deeply rooted in the word of life, with the goal of thoroughly equipping individuals for every good work, as stated in 2 Timothy 3:16. If you are interested in supporting their projects or learning more about their needs, please refer to their Equip – Helping Hand Book for detailed cost information and ways to partner with their ministry.
Our Village Community Partnership is dedicated to empowering, educating, and equipping individuals with the strength, skills, and tools needed to create lasting change in their community, effectively combating poverty. We are thrilled to announce their transition from a Community-Based Organization (CBO) recognized at the district level to a registered Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) acknowledged at the national level by the Ugandan Government, reflecting their commitment and impact in the communities they serve. OVCP is led by an exceptional team of Ugandans, and will soon be sharing pictures of their dedicated leadership and staff. They proudly collaborate with various organizations, churches, and individuals in Uganda, Canada, and the United States, with key international partners for donations processing including The Mandate, The Great Commission Foundation, and Prairie Harvest Christian Life Centre.
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