In 2012 the Orange Foundation announced the start of a three year “FXB-Village” project of the François-Xavier Bagnoud (FXB) Association in Maganjo, Uganda.
In Uganda, 653 villagers from Maganjo will achieve economic and social independence
Since 2000, the NGO has been developing its “FXB-Village” project approach in several countries around the world. The project is an integrated community development programme which aims to simultaneously improve several aspects of life for children and adults in a village. A range of elements, including health, nutrition, hygiene, education, children’s rights, and an improved economic situation, enable families to escape poverty in the long-term.
The central element of the programme is the development of a micro-business by the head each family, enabling them gradually to meet the needs of their extended family. At the same time, FXB helps participants achieve independence by improving their access to high-quality health, medical, educational and financial services.
Based on the synergy of multiple components and initiatives developed in parallel, “FXB-Villages” provide a comprehensive and effective approach to combating poverty. Since 2000, forty-four “FXB-Villages” have been completed in Burundi (4), China (1), India (5), Rwanda (22), Thailand (5) and Uganda (7).
The village supported by the Orange Foundation was launched on March 12th 2013 at an official ceremony attended by numerous high-ranking guests: regional partners, heads of civil bodies, representatives from government institutions and local leaders. The Orange Foundation was represented by Harriette Kasirye, CSR coordinator at Orange Uganda, who spoke of the need to recognise the challenges facing vulnerable communities and expressed the Orange Foundation’s confidence in the project. Mr James Sembatya Kabogoza, assistant commissioner for Children at the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, was also present and spoke of the importance the Ugandan government attaches to strengthening families.
During the ceremony, family heads from other “FXB-Villages” spoke of their experiences, offering their support and explaining the improvements in their living conditions thanks to the programme. Thanks to the Maganjo project, 653 people, including 436 children, 137 adult dependents and 80 care-givers, will receive direct support from FXB so as to achieve economic and social independence.
This programme is a perfect match for the Orange Foundation, which aims to help communities gain improved education and access to health care.
