4africa + Seed Effect Empowerment Programs | New Partnership Pilot

We are thrilled to announce a partnership pilot between Seed Effect and 4africa in Omoro District, Uganda! We’re teaming up to reach more people than ever by imparting biblical principles for a Christ-centered life through proven and practical empowerment programs.

Joining Local Forces & Resources to Expand Our Reach

Located in northern Uganda, Omoro District is an underserved area. A 20-year insurgency led by the Lord’s Resistance Army left this area depleted and cut off from resources needed to recover after the war. Now, 4africa & Seed Effect are collaborating to empower thriving, self-sustained communities in this area of great potential.

Farming and small business can flourish here with the right empowerment tools. 4africa equips communities through local leadership development, ministry, and WASH (water access, sanitation, and hygiene) programs. Meanwhile, Seed Effect pioneers a microfinance program that promotes savings plans so people can establish small businesses for long-term growth.

The Need for Financial Empowerment Programs

According to the 2022 Uganda Multidimensional Poverty Index Report, “at the regional level, the northern region has the highest deprivations in almost every indicator.” Additionally, as “50% of households [in northern Uganda] lack access to financial services”, it’s clear that the need for Seed Effect’s program amongst Ugandan households is high.

Our partnership together offers the ultimate holistic approach, addressing life’s most essential needs.

4africa Family, Meet Seed Effect! | Proven Financial Empowerment Program

Like 4africa, Seed Effect partners with communities in East Africa facing extreme poverty, famine, and civil unrest. Seed Effect’s Christ-centered, savings-led microfinance program empowers refugees and those trapped in material poverty to know Jesus and provide for their families with dignity. As part of their economic development strategy, Seed Effect’s local staff hosts financial sessions and offers long-term guidance to alleviate poverty.

It all starts with a green metal lockbox. Inside, recipients receive basic financial tools. With items like ledgers, calculators, stamps, ink, pens, locks, and passbooks, savings group members have what they need to start saving and planning for the future. In the box, members also receive a Savings Training Manual and Savings for Life Bible Study to assist with sessions and small groups.

A Match Made for Heaven

 Our two organizations champion unique empowerment programs, but we’re united in our Christ-centered mission. Our greatest hope is that those we serve will seek and find Jesus through our programs. Like 4africa, Seed Effect believes in promoting sustainable, holistic change for individuals and families so vulnerable communities can experience lasting hope and restoration through a relationship with Jesus.

Since launching in Uganda in 2017, Seed Effect has empowered over 62,000 South Sudanese refugees and Ugandans in over 2,200 Christ-centered savings and loan groups. Seed Effect invites those without hope to know Jesus, grow spiritually, and access the tools they need.

By combining resources, we can serve more people living in extreme poverty in northern Uganda. Together, we can reach more people, touch more lives, and transform more communities. For now. For life.

The Partnership Pilot | Empowering the People of Omoro, Uganda

Seed Effect and 4africa are integrating their complementary programs to ignite transformation. Both teams are excited about this opportunity to test a new partnership model that may pave the way for more cost-effective expansion in the future in other regions.

After over 20 years of civil unrest, Omoro District was left to fend for itself. Now, many families and individuals live in extreme poverty without access to sanitation facilities, clean water, or educational opportunities.

4africa has been working in the Omoro District in northern Uganda since July 2021. As communities begin to thrive with clean water and restored health, they’re able to focus on small businesses, farming, and education. They can finally look toward the future.

Enter: Seed Effect’s 3-year economic approach.

Recognizing the need for economic empowerment and formal savings groups, 4africa and Seed Effect are introducing Seed Effect’s savings & loan model to 16 groups (over 450 people) currently served by 4africa’s other programs. Through access to financial services and meaningful investment opportunities, members will further improve economic security leading to holistic transformation.

Success Stories from Omoro, Uganda

Beatrice’s Story

Beatrice Akongo is a 34-year-old mother of five living in Oryang B, Omoro. With children to raise and a farm to run, she runs a tight ship. Needless to say, their new community well is a welcome relief. Not only does she have access to clean water right outside their home, but she also has more time to invest in her small business that funds her children’s education. As an active member of her community’s savings group, she knows a streamlined business strategy and savings plan will make all the difference for her family’s future:

Before Seed Effect came to our community, I lived hand-to-mouth—whatever money I made, I would consume. The idea of saving did not make sense because I never thought I made enough money to save. Since I started the program, [I have gained a better] understanding of saving. I learned that even the little I have can grow by saving. The trainings couldn’t have come at a better time for [our family]. Now we are very optimistic about the future.

Since I started saving, my business [has experienced] significant [growth]. I [started with] 150,000 UGx (Ugandan shillings) from my small roadside business, but it was not enough for me to increase my stock; however, I managed to get a loan of 60,000 UGx from the savings group, which allowed me to increase my stock quantities. For instance, I used to get 10 liters of oil, but now I’m able to get 20 liters every time I add my stock.

[With] increased running capital, I [can] meet my customer’s needs, and I sell more. [I’m able] to earn more, allowing me to save more. It is unbelievable that I am experiencing all these changes in just a few months! [Saving has brought] peace of mind when it comes to paying school fees for my children. I am grateful for the work you are doing. God bless you richly.

-Beatrice

Kerodia’s Story

At 62 years old, Kerodia is still imparting wisdom to upcoming generations. She has 8 children, 3 grandchildren, and 4 dependents. With such a large household, caring for her family’s immediate needs has always taken priority. Financial planning and savings did not cross her mind.

However, when 4africa partnered with her community to provide clean water and WASH (water access, sanitation, and hygiene) support, Seed Effect’s savings empowerment program also caught her eye. After all, it’s never too late to learn something new!

As a mother and grandmother in a large household, I shared [everything I made] with my family [to cover] basic household needs. Savings seemed to me like an activity for the rich.

Before attending Seed Effect’s training, I had no productive assets at home. [Everything] changed after our first few trainings on financial literacy—I felt like the training was tailored specifically for me!

Joining the savings group was exciting. [For the first time], I felt like I had a say in [my future]. The dream I had abandoned was coming back to me. Recently, through the savings group, I received a loan that allowed me to buy a piglet—one step closer to my dream of owning a piggery!

I also managed to weed and spray my two-acre maize garden with support from the group account. I plan to save 10,000 UGx weekly to save over 500,000 UGx to buy a cow and have a roof over my head at the end of the savings cycle.

Thank you, Seed Effect & 4africa! You are making an old woman dream again.

-Kerodia

 

Will You Stand for Africa by Supporting Empowerment Programs with Us?

We’re grateful that through this partnership with Seed Effect, families will not only have access to clean water & health initiatives, but also the spiritual and economic tools they need to provide for their families.

4africa & Seed Effect depend on compassionate partners like you. Your giving & prayer make these empowerment programs possible. Together, we can bring new opportunities to those in need.