Hands of Hope Initiative

Our Projects

Hands of Hope Initiative delivers targeted, community-rooted projects that address the most pressing needs of young people across Uganda — from safety and literacy to health and economic independence.

My Safety, My Right Tusoome EEP — Economic Empowerment Programme Afya Yangu

From Vision to Action

Each project is designed around a specific gap identified in the communities we serve. We work directly with young people, families, and local leaders to ensure every project is relevant, responsive, and built to last.

01My Safety, My RightSafety & ProtectionRead more 02TusoomeEducation & LiteracyRead more 03EEP — Economic Empowerment ProgrammeEconomic EmpowermentRead more 04Afya YanguHealth & WellbeingRead more

Safety & Protection

My Safety, My Right

"Every young person has the right to live free from violence, exploitation, and fear."

Overview

My Safety, My Right is a gender justice and protection project that equips young people — especially girls and young women — with the knowledge, skills, and support networks they need to recognise, resist, and report violence and exploitation. The project operates in schools, community centres, and safe spaces across Kampala.

Our Approach

We use a peer-to-peer education model, training young people as safety champions within their own communities. Champions receive ongoing mentorship and are supported by HOHI staff and partner organisations to handle disclosures safely and effectively.

Where We Work

Schools, community centres, and households in Kampala and surrounding districts

Who We Serve

Girls and young women aged 10–24, with targeted support for survivors of gender-based violence

Project Objectives

Raise awareness of gender-based violence, sexual exploitation, and young people's legal rights
Train community volunteers and peer educators to identify and respond to cases of abuse
Establish and maintain safe spaces where survivors can access support without stigma
Provide psychosocial counselling and referral pathways for survivors
Advocate for policy change and community norms that protect young people from violence

Education & Literacy

Tusoome

"Tusoome — Luganda for 'Let us read' — because literacy is the foundation of everything."

Overview

Tusoome is a literacy and education project targeting out-of-school children and young people who have fallen behind due to poverty, displacement, or family crisis. Through structured reading and numeracy sessions, remedial classes, and community learning clubs, Tusoome rebuilds the educational foundation that children need to re-enter formal schooling or pursue vocational pathways.

Our Approach

Tusoome uses a community-based learning model, bringing sessions directly into neighbourhoods rather than requiring children to travel. Volunteer facilitators are recruited from the same communities, ensuring sessions are culturally relevant and delivered in familiar languages including Luganda.

Where We Work

Community learning clubs in low-income neighbourhoods across Kampala

Who We Serve

Out-of-school children and young people aged 6–18, with a focus on girls and children from the most vulnerable households

Project Objectives

Improve reading, writing, and numeracy skills among out-of-school and under-performing children
Establish community learning clubs facilitated by trained youth volunteers
Support children to transition back into formal schooling with the skills and confidence to succeed
Engage parents and caregivers in supporting children's learning at home
Provide learning materials — books, stationery, and reading resources — to children who cannot afford them

Economic Empowerment

EEP — Economic Empowerment Programme

"Skills, savings, and solidarity — building the economic foundations young people need to thrive."

Overview

The Economic Empowerment Programme (EEP) addresses Uganda's youth unemployment crisis by equipping young people — particularly young women and out-of-school youth — with practical vocational skills, business development knowledge, and access to savings and credit through community-based Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs). EEP graduates go on to start small businesses, generate income, and support their families.

Our Approach

EEP is delivered in cohorts over a structured training period, combining classroom sessions with hands-on practical work. Participants form peer support groups that continue meeting after the programme ends, providing ongoing accountability, savings, and mutual support.

Where We Work

Training centres and community spaces in Kampala and peri-urban areas

Who We Serve

Young women and out-of-school youth aged 16–30, with priority given to those from the most economically marginalised households

Project Objectives

Provide vocational and life skills training in areas including tailoring, catering, hairdressing, and small business management
Establish and support Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) to give young people access to credit
Train participants in business planning, bookkeeping, and financial literacy
Mentor young entrepreneurs through the early stages of starting and growing a business
Link graduates to markets, networks, and further training opportunities

Health & Wellbeing

Afya Yangu

"Afya Yangu — Swahili for 'My Health' — because every young person deserves to know and own their health."

Overview

Afya Yangu is a sexual and reproductive health (SRH) project that ensures young people have access to accurate, age-appropriate information about their bodies, their rights, and their health choices. The project addresses critical SRH issues including teenage pregnancy, child marriage, menstrual hygiene management, HIV/AIDS awareness, and healthy relationships — delivered through community outreach, school sessions, and peer education.

Our Approach

Afya Yangu uses a rights-based approach, framing health not as a privilege but as a fundamental right. Sessions are delivered by trained peer educators and HOHI staff, with referral pathways to health facilities for young people who need clinical support. The project works closely with parents, teachers, and community leaders to shift norms and reduce stigma.

Where We Work

Schools, health centres, and community spaces across Kampala and surrounding districts

Who We Serve

Young people aged 10–24, with targeted programming for adolescent girls, young mothers, and young people living with HIV

Project Objectives

Deliver comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education to young people in schools and communities
Provide menstrual hygiene management (MHM) support including reusable pads and hygiene education
Raise awareness of HIV/AIDS prevention, testing, and treatment among young people
Address child marriage and teenage pregnancy through community dialogue and advocacy
Train peer health educators to deliver SRH information within their own peer groups

Support Our Projects.

Every project we run depends on the generosity of partners, donors, and volunteers. Join us in making these projects reach more young people across Uganda.

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