Empowering Roots

In Bugonyoka village, Luuka district, the Baba Club acts as a beacon of hope, encouraging unity and positive change. Comprising 30 passionate members from the Bugonyoka zone, this unique club is not merely about financial savings; it is a community-driven force bringing positive change, especially in early childhood education. “In this Baba club, we provide support to parents/caregivers of children at risk of dropping out of school. This is achieved by offering loans at reasonable and affordable interest rates,” Lugonda, the chairperson of the Baba Club, passionately narrates. The club echoes the aspirations of the community’s youngest members: the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) that has set its sights on children aged 0 to 8, envisioning equal access to quality early education for holistic development. “We care deeply about children, especially those who are in schools,” he adds. This view aligns with the objectives of the ECCE Project, which strives to increase participation among children, particularly those from marginalized communities, fostering a connection between parents, caregivers, and school affairs. 

Prior to the intervention of the ECCE Project in Bugonyoka village, the community faced challenges that hindered the education of its young learners. Pupils studied beneath trees, impacting both enrolment and attendance. Lugonda recalls the transformative impact of the ECCE Project in improving enrolment and attendance. “Before renovations, pupils were studying under trees, and this affected enrolment and attendance.” To address this, the project, under the leadership of African Evangelistic Enterprise with support from Stromme Foundation, undertook the inclusive renovation and construction of seven classroom blocks, each containing three classrooms, across Bugonyoka and neighbouring primary schools. 

Being a group that not only comes together to support children going to school, but Baba Club also offers peer-to-peer guidance. This sees men come together for support in areas such as savings, parenting, Gender-Based Violence, economic growth, among others. 

Through the club’s saving efforts, the members were able to plant over 100 trees each, contributing not only to environmental conservation but also to their economic empowerment. “What we want to see and ensure in three to five years from now is reduced poverty in families, and every working member in a family at least has a daily income because we have planted fruit trees that help in earning some money,” 

Baba Club has also been widely admired by the Bugonyoka community because of the visible impact it has had. Gabolia, the treasurer, noted that Baba Club currently has an account worth One Million Uganda Shillings Only, and they provide loans. “We currently have funds totaling 1,000,060. The members in the club and other villagers can also join us. We organize and provide low-interest rates. Most importantly, we aim to generate profit, ranging from 5% to what you have taken.” He also added that on a personal level, the Club has helped in shaping his character, among others. “The club has influenced our mindset. It has broadened my perspective beyond limitations. It positively affects my mood.” 

As much as the club’s capacity is restricted to thirty members, and the fear of reduced support from AEE/Stromme Foundation lingers, underscoring the imperative need for sustained assistance, the Bugonyoka Baba Club thrives as a united force. Peer-to-peer counseling extends beyond the club, fostering a ripple effect of positive influence in the community. The commitment to disability inclusion further manifests, exemplifying the club’s holistic impact on societal well-being. 

Baba Club’s journey shows what a community, when united, can achieve. Now, let us take this inspiration and turn it into action, transforming not only Bugonyoka but countless other communities facing similar struggles.