Fount of Mercy
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Fount of mercy ministries is one of the non profit organisations that has been very foundamental in empowering our Ugandan women for example Bulubandi Women's group in Iganga and care ans share women in Rwanda with alot of life skills in so many fields such as in tailoring and sawing skills ,beaking,craftsmanship and helping in various primary schools like Rock primary school (Rwanda, Ug) and TOAST primary scahool (Mafubira Ug) by educating and equiping teachers with enough skills and facilitating them by providing them with teaching material and physical eduation material like balls and very many others.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
yes i have experienced the results of this organisation because i have seen the work and out comes of the women after they have been tought by this group because alot of them have right now started their own survival businesses like sawing for commercial like school uniforms and now many can earn aliving.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I would like to extend or enlarge their teritory or work beyond eastern uganda so that they can cover or work in alarger area of the country because their work is sogood for the community development.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
As part of my second year of graduation school, I worked with Fount of Mercy for six months in Jinja, Uganda. Fount of Mercy is a fabulous organization that not only supports local indigenous organizations but also strongly supports women and their professional development. In every program, Fount works hard to include women in their work. One project I spent significant time providing monitoring and evaluation skills with was the Bread Basket Project. This project provides an employment opportunity for village women, many are widows, to come together and bake bread. They sell this bread in the villagers and use the proceeds to put back into their children’s community school. This employment opportunity not only provides extra income to these women, but also brings these women together to share in their difficulties and also helps to support their children in receiving an education they might not otherwise be able to afford. I would highly recommend Fount of Mercy to anyone who is either interested in volunteering with Fount or are looking for a new organization to donate his or her personal money. It is a fabulous organization that supports local women in every aspect of their work.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
seeing women feel empowered to continue working hard to bake bread in order to increase their income and provide funds to their community school.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
slowly continue to seek funds to expand their current work with local community-based organizations that supports gender mainstreaming.
I have loved working with FOM and being a part of such a fantastic growing organization. The philosophy they operate from is one that I feel very strongly about and that is teaching and empowering the people to help themselves, creating sustainability, rather than just relief aid. The programs they have initiated, have shown that the philosophy works. For instance the Bread Basket program, Sewing Hope and other programs that teach the women to produce a product that is usable, and needed, thereby giving them the capacity to make an income and sustain the means to make that income. The Community Health Initiative gives them knowledge about ongoing health issues that are specific to them, and helps them learn ways to prevent and treat medical and health issues, that without that knowledge, could be part of the death or decline of a society. It was so exciting to witness the women's excitement about new knowledge, new skills and new friends! And to know that beyond a shadow of a doubt, a difference really is being made in their lives!
Photos
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Witnessing the growth of women in the villages. Growth in sustainability, knowledge about themselves, their health and surroundings, skills, social interaction and empowerment in the all these areas, in the women of the villages I participated in.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Be sure each and every individual that volunteers is thoroughly evaluated and placed according to his or her strengths and capabilities. Not that I saw it as a fault, by any means, but just by the way I was screened and used, I felt like it made a huge difference in what I was able to contribute. So in a sense, the process used with me was a plus and if it is done on every volunteer, it would be a bigger plus!
Traveling to Uganda was a first for me. It all came together very quickly. I had decided, planned, and got to Africa within a months time. Fount of Mercy's employee, Rebecca, was SUCH a help in making me feel comfortable about traveling and answering questions in a very prompt manner. Once I got there, I found that everything was planned out for me and receiving a daily schedule was great to know what I was going to be doing that day. It was nice, at night, to always have the option to join the group for a dinner so you didn't feel alone. As for the volunteering portion, I enjoyed being there to help the men and women. i'm assuming it's because I planned my trip in such a short period of time, but I wish I would've been told what exactly I needed to know and bring to the table for our classes that we taught. I felt that I had a lot to offer but I ended up being a "translator" for a good portion of the time because I specifically do my pattern making a different way than the rest of the group. I do think, in the future, it would be great to add some sort of design/art class to it to build upon the basic techniques of patternmaking and sewing to make each tailor unique. I would love to volunteer with that. Overall, Fount of Mercy (Sewing Hope) is an amazing organization with great leaders. I am confident that in a few years, when all kinks are ironed out, that this will grow to be a truly impactful organization for Uganda and other countries.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Hearing about some of our students who have started their own businesses because of our teachings.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Take an assessment of everyone's strengths before traveling to know exactly what people can bring to the table.
I first heard about Fount of Mercy in the winter of 2008, at a missions conference. I sat through the presentation and the slideshow, and was brought to tears at what I was hearing and seeing. A year and a half later, I had the privilege of partnering with FOM by taking a team of 10 individuals to Uganda. Our time in Uganda was beyond words. I could probably write pages and pages on all the experiences we had, all the wonderful people we worked with, and all the amazing children we met. It was a truly eye-opening and life-altering experience. While we were there, we worked with three different organizations that were partnered with FOM (FOM partners with grass-roots organization in Uganda, empowering them to become self-sustaining and eventually independent of FOM). The first was HODASSU, which is an organization that empowers children who are blind, deaf or have other special needs by providing education, teaching sign language, and providing vocational training. The second was MOHM, and informal school and orphanage. And the third was Care and Share, an informal school in the village of Iganga. Informal schools are unsupported by the government which means that the teachers do not get any training, school supplies or even curriculum from the government! The amazing teachers at these informal schools are people who have a heart for children and a desire to give them an education, but they have very scarce resources. During our trip, one night, I was on the internet researching education in Uganda when I came across a quote…I don’t remember the exact verbiage, but it was something along the lines of: “Education is perhaps the best long-term solution to poverty in the developing world, especially the education of girls.” If you’re reading this review and are an educator, please consider partnering with FOM to empower the educators in Uganda. If you do, the experiences you’ll have will change your world!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Our team has received pictures of the children we worked with attending vocational training seminars that we were able to support through the leftover funds from our trip! Also, personally, I've decided to pursue my teaching credential. After earning my credential, I hope to go back to Uganda and anywhere else the Lord leads to be His hands and feet in this world.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
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During the summer of 2010, I had the unique privilege of traveling to Uganda to volunteer in the town of Jinja with Fount of Mercy. I'm a high school teacher and coach, so it made sense for them to place me to work in various schools in the area. One thing I like about the organization is that they take stock of each volunteer's talents and abilities and then work out a plan that will best fit with these specific qualities, instead of having a rigid program that requires volunteers to somehow find a way in which to fit.
I absolutley LOVED my time working with Fount of Mercy. I was able to combine my skills as an English teacher and coach to teach physical education to students of all ages. Because PE has not traditionally been part of the school curriculum but has recently become a requirement, the idea was that I could help the Ugandan teachers figure out some methods of integrating PE into the school day. It was really fun to play with these students, all of whom were eager for some organized instruction in PE. We focused on stretching, breathing, development of specific skills, teamwork, and the connection of literacy to physical activity.
To watch these young people eagerly ask to use the soccer balls and jump ropes which I brought (for they had no equipment), and then to watch them play with them in ragged school uniforms and bare feet - left me wanting to do more - to leave them with more. I left them each day exhausted and filthy - and smiling, full of such joy.
Michelle, who heads up the education portion of Fount of Mercy, organized each day so that there was a time for all of the volunteer teachers to reflect upon that day's classes and share with the Ugandan teachers about effective and not-so-effective methods of instruction. This was very important, as the long-term value of our time there was only as effective as the ability of the Ugandan teachers decided it would be.
In my three weeks with Fount of Mercy in Uganda, I was able to work with three different groups of students - some in regular education, as well as students who were deaf and/or blind. There were different challenges with each group, but the heart of our work was ultimately the same with each - to love them and help their Ugandan workers learn teaching methods that would help them for much time to come in the future.
I appreciate the freedom that Fount of Mercy provided - not only in our specific volunteer work, but in our time outside that. They know how important it is to have time to rest and went to great lengths to protect this time for us, providing mandatory "days off" and offering to plan fun activities, if so desired.
It's exciting to have watched the growth of this organization, ever since they began over five years ago, and I look forward to watching their powerful work continue in the future.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Fount Of Mercy knows that it is imperative that the members of the community in which they working "buy in" to what they doing AND partner in the work, so that eventually they can be self-sustaining. It does not matter if this is in the area of education, employment, or health care, as Fount of Mercy has partnered with Ugandan groups in each of these areas. It is particularly touching to have observed the way that they work to support widows, other women, and children.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I do wish that there had been more follow-up in the days that followed my return to the States, as I am eager to continue to support Fount of Mercy, whether I remain here or return to Uganda. It's easy to get caught up into "regular" life, and I would have loved more direct contact from the organization in the past months.
I recently spent 3 weeks working with Found of Mercy in Jinja, Uganda and was so excited to finally be a part of the life changing work they have been doing for some time now. I loved the idea that you can bring the skills and expertise you have in your own field of work and share it in a meaningful and practical way with the people of Uganda. So many of Fount's connections are focused on empowering women, a group that particularly needs a helping hand AND is very responsive. The change in these women's lives as they begin to acquire new skills, put them to use, and gain confidence as a provider, business woman, artist and important member of their villages is immeasurable. I plan on continuing to support Fount with my time and money and hope others would consider it as well. This is more than building a house. It is raising a community.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
participating directly with the planning and implementing of various health outreach initiatives in Uganda as well as planning and participating in many of the fundraising events they have here in New York City each year.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
give them more money so more of the staff could be full time. They use the donated money, equipment, etc incredibly well already. As it grows, I see a need for more time devoted to expanding their outreach, organizing group volunteer trips, fundraising, and day to day logistics. The changes are already beginning. By empowering local organizations and people there, they are creating self-sufficient results which don't rely on constant funding. This will make them last.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Quite well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
What one change could this group make that would improve your volunteer experience?
One extra staff person to be in completely in charge of volunteers and related logistics.
Did your volunteer experience have an effect on you? (teaching you a new skill, or introducing new friends, etc.)
It showed me how few possessions/things I need to live. I also got to use different facets of my professional skills that I haven't used before.
How did this volunteer experience make you feel?
Grateful for what I have, for the opportunity to give, and for the friendships I made.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
Upon just finishing my first summer (of what i anticipate to be many!) volunteering with Fount of Mercy, I left both beyond satisfied with my experience and teammates, as well as inspired and rejuvenated in life. I had a year in preparation for my Uganda trip, and one would think that after a year of anticipation that i would be disappointed. It was the exact opposite. I don't think my mind could have possibly imagined the joy i would find in volunteering, and especially with such a well organized, understanding and professional group. While in Uganda i photographed the 6 grassroots organizations that Fount partners with. Not only did i feel prepared for my adventures thanks to the amazing staff, but i also felt comfortable talking with the team before, during and after. Fount of Mercy is really doing something right when it comes to volunteer work. The level of compassion, responsibility, love, and passion that is put into their work is very moving, and i am honored to be a part of its history and future.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Just after i left Uganda, i discovered that the woman in one of our groups learned to make unique new pieces of jewelry and were connected with a shop in Jinja to sell!! benefits were reaping before our eyes and providing instant income!
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
try to get the staff paid for their work.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
i had a sense of freedom while working, but i also felt safe. Also, the organizations that Fount has chosen to partner with are incredible people.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
motivated, inspiring,talented, hard-working and compassionate
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
easily change the lives of everyone in Uganda, and perhaps beyond.
Ways to make it better...
i felt 100% satisfied with my experience, the only things i would have changed would have been on a personal level as a photographer. however, we learn from our experiences.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
funding, and expanding the network to get more donors.
One thing I'd also say is that...
if your heart wants to volunteer, start here!
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every six months
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
In the summer of 2007, I traveled to Uganda on a Travel with Purpose team and had my life changed through that experience with Fount of Mercy! While in Uganda, I spent time facilitating education training workshops for Ugandan educators. Once I was back in the USA, I had the privilege of working with Fount of Mercy as the Educational Development Director, overseeing the overall educational development program. The organization does an excellent job of connecting stateside volunteers with Ugandans in a way that the stateside volunteers can use their skills to strengthen Ugandans. Fount of Mercy focuses on empowerment of the Ugandans it connects with. I have loved my time and experiences volunteering with Fount of Mercy!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
the various workshops I have planned over the past 3 summers.
More feedback...
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every month
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
I was honored to help Fount of Mercy raise awareness and funds for their work in Uganda by assisting Tara Hawks with planning the first Sewing Hope Fashion Show in New York City. Working closely with Ms. Hawks and other Fount of Mercy Staff I was able to get a very close look at the work they have accomplished in Uganda. Their unique partnership approach is truly about empower the people of Uganda and helping build their capacity. The work Sewing Hope has done has had a direct impact on women, by teaching them how to sew. This skill is then used to help fuel the economy in their communities and also pass along the skills they learn to others. The Fashion Show Fundraiser is an incredible way for the Sewing Hope project of Fount of Mercy to showcase their work and encourage people in the United States to either travel to Uganda to help with the partner organizations there, or to help support their work financially. I was honored to help with this Fundraiser and continue to support the work Fount of Mercy is doing and plans to do. They are an incredible group of women and I hope to join them on a trip to Uganda to see the women and orphans they have been helping first hand.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
seeing the effect the work has had on the staff of Fount of Mercy. Their ideas, enthusiasm, care, cultural considerations are truly an inspiration.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
help them acquire more funds so they could accomplish more great work in Uganda. They are a new organization, full of young, talented, hardworking women, yet they are doing a variety of work to help fuel the work they truly care about, helping Ugandans.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
getting to know the incredible staff and learning about their work in Uganda.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
amazing. They are really hardworking, caring, intelligent and inspiring people. I have been honored to know them.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
really accomplish and incredible amount of work affecting many people's lives. As a new organization they have been on a shoestring budget and it would be a great thing for them to secure funds to implement more great ideas and projects.
Ways to make it better...
I had more time to volunteer with them! I really enjoy working with them I wish I could give them more of my time!
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
financial, but all new non-profits face that challenge. I know they will get past that because they have work with integrity and longevity. They have begun great work and it will continue!
One thing I'd also say is that...
if you have a chance to either attend the Sewing Hope Fashion Show Fundraiser in New York City - you should...or want to go to Uganda to do skill building, you should go with Fount of Mercy.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every six months
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
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