Needy Support Center

Yesterday I visited Needy Support Center in Nakawa, Kampala. Nakawa is one of the lowest income neighbourhoods in Kampala. Needy Support Center is a partner of CAP AIDS in implementing the Sustainable Livelihoods for Orphans and Caregivers Project. I met with the working committee, the governing body of the organization. We talked about the work they've been doing and what I could do to support the center. The center works to support AIDS orphans, caregivers, people living with HIV/AIDS, disabled and elderly persons to be self-reliant. They are working to support the education and empowerment of their community members. They have several income generating activities, that have had moderate success so far. Although they are having difficulty finding markets for their beautiful products.

These are the board members showing some of the jewellery that their members have made. One of my goals will be to help them create their own blog to help faciliate their sales. Check out the link. It is still under development but will be getting better each week.  needysupportcenter.blogspot.com

They also produce simsim, which is a paste created by grinding peanuts (or groundnuts as they're called here) and sesame seeds togther. It is delicious and completley natural. This is a great example of how they are adding value to resources at their disposal.

Another success of the center is that with the support of CAP AIDS they have been able to send several orphans to vocational schools. This young woman learned tailoring and here are some of her products.

I will be going back next week to start working with the coorindator on creating their blog, touchig up their reports, and to visit where they acutally make the products.