At the Rural Smiles Foundation, we envision a future where
rural communities are healthier, empowered, and thriving in an inclusive and
equitable society. Over the years, we’ve made significant strides in promoting
health rights, bridging the digital divide, and fostering economic empowerment.
But we believe there’s much more to achieve.
Our future plans are designed to amplify our impact, address systemic
challenges, and create sustainable change. Here’s a glimpse into what lies
ahead:
1. Expanding Vocational
Training and Entrepreneurship
Youth unemployment remains a critical issue in Uganda, with many young
people lacking the skills to access meaningful employment. By 2028, we aim to:
- Train 5,000 rural youth in
market-relevant vocational skills such as tailoring, carpentry, and ICT.
- Establish
a robust mentorship program to
guide aspiring entrepreneurs through the challenges of starting and
scaling businesses.
- Provide
expanded access to micro-loans,
enabling small businesses to thrive and contribute to the local economy.
2. Advocating for Improved
Land Tenure Policies
Secure land tenure is vital for sustainable economic growth, yet many rural
communities face challenges in accessing and retaining productive land. We plan
to:
- Advocate
for pro-women and pro-indigenous land policies
at national and local levels, ensuring equitable access to land.
- Collaborate
with policymakers to address systemic land injustices and promote
long-term land security.
3. Launching the Rural
Business Accelerator Program
Innovation is key to unlocking rural potential. By 2027, we will establish a
Rural Business Accelerator Program, focused on:
- Supporting
innovative startups in
agriculture, technology, and other growth sectors.
- Providing
access to business development services, including training, funding, and
market linkages.
- Nurturing
entrepreneurship to drive sustainable growth and create jobs within rural
communities.
4. Scaling Climate-Smart
Agriculture Initiatives
With climate change posing a growing threat to food security, we are
committed to scaling up our climate-smart agriculture programs. Our future
plans include:
- Training 20,000 smallholder farmers
in sustainable farming practices by 2030.
- Providing
high-quality agricultural inputs and tools to boost productivity.
- Enhancing
market linkages to ensure fair prices and increased income for farmers.
5. Bridging the Digital
Divide
Access to technology is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. We aim to
empower rural communities through:
- Establishing
ICT centers equipped with
computers, printers, and internet access in underserved regions.
- Training teachers, students, and community members
in digital literacy to ensure everyone can leverage technology
effectively.
- Advocating
for policies that protect internet freedom
and promote digital inclusion for marginalized populations.
6. Strengthening Health and
Health Rights Advocacy
Health is a cornerstone of our mission. In the coming years, we plan to:
- Expand
access to solar-powered
maternity wards, improving maternal and child healthcare.
- Advocate
for better healthcare
policies that prioritize vulnerable populations.
- Launch
programs to raise awareness about sexual
and reproductive health rights, particularly among women
and youth.
7. Promoting Social
Inclusion
Inclusivity is at the heart of our work. We aim to break down barriers that
prevent marginalized groups, such as women, youth, and persons with
disabilities, from accessing opportunities. Our goals include:
- Ensuring equal representation in
decision-making processes within communities.
- Providing
targeted support to marginalized groups, enabling them to participate
fully in economic, social, and political life.
Join Us on This Journey
At the Rural Smiles Foundation, we believe that change is a collective
effort. Our future plans are ambitious, but with the support of partners,
donors, and advocates, we can turn these goals into reality.
By investing in health, digital rights, and economic empowerment, we can
create a future where rural communities are no longer defined by poverty but
celebrated for their resilience, innovation, and growth.
Partner with us today and be part of the transformation.
Together, we can build a brighter tomorrow for rural Uganda—one smile at a
time.
Let us know what you think about our plans and how you can contribute to our
mission. We’d love to hear from you!
Contact Us Today
smiles@ruralsmiles.org
