Opportunities & Social Justice for Africa’s Indigenous Batwa People
www.redemptionsongfoundation.org
Two Batwa siblings, Shivan and Beckham, wear their school sweaters and look healthy and happy.
Single Batwa mom Nossi is overjoyed at her new home that the community built her from funds raised from basket sales and donations. Here she is inside of her new mosquito net.
A minority Indigenous tribe, the Batwa were evicted at gunpoint from their ancestral rainforest home in 1991—which they'd shared with the mountain gorillas from time immemorial. Falsely blamed for the gorillas' decline, today, even as the gorillas thrive, most Batwa people live in extreme poverty, experience daily hunger, and many are exploited by other tribes. A shocking 96% drop out of school before finishing primary 7 (7th grade). We raise funds for issues they identify, including education, community development, and conservation. We train youth in effective leadership, provide career and livelihood opportunities, and partner Batwa traditions such as dance with popular and traditional African music, sports, and technology use.
10 Years of Impact!
Photos Copyright (c) 2024 Wendee Nicole
Since 2014, we have created major change with the Kalehe Village Batwa community, and in the next decade, we plan to triple our impact!
We will expand our current efforts mentoring Batwa youth in using digital technology to tell youth and elders' stories. Older youth receive leadership training, particularly in how to use writing, photography, speaking, and social media tools.
Under the guidance of Director Wendee Nicole, an award-winning journalist with experience teaching writing, we will seek grants + donations to "Create an Economy" that will help Batwa circumvent Uganda's low employment rates.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
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SHOP: Buy a basket or fair trade goods
Check out brand new items in our Online Fair Trade Store! Bring an authentic piece of African art into your home, including handmade baskets of various styles, colors, and hues. We also have hand-carved wooden gorillas and chimps, music shakers, and cloth goods.
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SPONSOR 1 of our STUDENTS!
For a tax-deductible $45/mo or annual $500 donation, you get to write children and receive photos, drawings, report cards, and letters from them. This covers school fees, supplies, transportation, and more. Learn more.
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DONATE: Make a One-time or Recurring Donation
Make a one-time donation, or set up a recurring donation at our Donate page, with Paypal, Venmo, CashApp or Paypal Giving Fund. RSF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and a Guidestar Gold-certified charity.
RSF Team Uganda & USA
DONATE
Donate via Paypal through our Donate page, or mail a check or money order to the address listed in the footer below, and on our Contact us page.
Your US tax-deductible donations support innovative community projects in SW Uganda that empower communities, families, and individuals.
GET INVOLVED
Want to travel to Uganda and work among the Batwa? Let's talk about volunteering abroad. We will provide meals and training, you need to buy a plane ticket! Inquire today.
Other volunteer work can be done from anywhere in the world. Are you a Connector? An influencer? Raise awareness, connect your school or group with ours for cultural awareness. Email us!
OUR VISION
To see all Batwa people celebrated instead of victimized; educated instead of illiterate; healthy instead of ailing; financially secure instead of impoverished; proud of their culture instead of ashamed; and hopeful about their opportunities in Uganda and beyond.