The IRFF UK Story

Many people may have heard about the International Relief Friendship Foundation (IRFF), but may not know about the exciting and helpful activities they carry out in countries like Uganda! As of 2017, IRFF UK supports 5 very worthwhile projects in Uganda, as well as partners another 5!!

These projects include: Destiny Junior School in Kibiri The Mobile Medical Team WAIT Uganda The Girl-Child Project Kawule Farm Project

In addition to the above projects, IRFF has formed partnerships with 5 other organisations: Kigulu Prime Academy Butale Mixed Primary School Masaka Prison. Omukwano Gwamaama Cooperative (Mother’s Love Cooperative) Kabuuma Joint Community Project

For read more download The IRFF Story.pdf

The IRFF Story Many people may have heard about the International Relief Friendship Foundation (IRFF), but may not know about the exciting and helpful activities they carry out in countries like Uganda!

As of 2017, IRFF UK supports 5 very worthwhile projects in Uganda, as well as partners another 5!!

These projects include:

1) Destiny Junior School in Kibiri which IRFF UK started in 2009 with a handful of pupils. Today, the school boasts 120 pupils, attending primary classes 1 -7. IRFF has funded the building of the classes, paying teachers’ salaries, providing a nutritious meal, school uniform, materials and basic healthcare for all the pupils. In addition, IRFF has seen to the construction of a bore hole, a huge water tank, and most recently, a brand new latrine for boys and girls. With the financial support from the Tricycle Shop in Alton and the Child Sponsorship Programme, most of the needs of the children and teachers are met. However, a number of other requirements remain to be done. These include constructing the floor and back wall for classrooms P4 and P7; the building of a 40m wall for security and to prevent flooding during the rainy season; and the building of a clinic as a long-term goal.

2) The Mobile Medical Team (MMT) work tirelessly to eradicate the problem of jiggers (parasites that enter the feet and hands of humans and breed there) which often result is severe disabilities and pain. The MMT travels to rural areas where they remove jiggers, treat the wounds, offer shoes or slippers when possible, and spray disinfectant in peoples’ homes. Currently, IRFF funds the MMT with £150 per month to cover the cost of fuel for our 4x4 vehicle, all the necessary material, and food costs for the volunteers. Definitely with more money, more areas could be reached and many more people’s lives would be improved!

3) WAIT Uganda reaches out to schools where the team uses the medium of Performing Arts to teach pupils the danger of HIV/AIDS and the value of abstinence in order to stay safe and healthy. Presently, the outreach is restricted as only £60 per month is provided by IRFF to cover the cost of travel, food and materials for the volunteers. If this were doubled, much more help could be provided by WAIT Uganda in saving young peoples’ lives!

4) The Girl-Child Project works alongside WAIT Uganda to visit schools and communities to support girls and young women with basic hygiene and understanding of their menstrual cycles. The volunteers also offer counselling, emotional support, reusable sanitary pads, and if funds are available, school materials too. As with WAIT Uganda, if the budget was doubled, more girls could be helped and prevented from missing their valuable school education!

5) Kawule Farm Project started in 2017 as a means to both support the local community and also IRFF Uganda. The farm which is located near Masaka is ideal for rearing pigs and chicken, but also suitable for growing crops in raised beds. The local community can benefit from learning agricultural techniques, receiving chickens and eggs, and drinking water; whilst IRFF Uganda and the farm manager can also receive income from the sale of piglets and crops. IRFF has provided the project with a micro-loan to install a large water tank, build the piggery and chicken house, and purchase the initial livestock and seeds.

In addition to the above projects, IRFF has formed partnerships with 5 other organisations:

1) Kigulu Prime Academy – a school IRFF has supported for a while; it runs an active MMT. The school requires a new kitchen and proper classrooms.

2) Butale Mixed Primary School – a government assisted school which runs a Junior WAIT team. The school requires a number of things to be done: the existing latrines need repairing after flooding; the pig house needs repairing; 3 sewing machines are required to produce sanitary pads; as well as 2 computers for the library, and a computer & printer for the office.

3) Masaka Prison. IRFF has supported in starting a school for prisoners and an outside tent for mothers with children, and will continue ongoing counselling and soap-making education supported by the prison.

4) Omukwano Gwamaama Cooperative (Mother’s Love Cooperative) which was started by the new IRFF Uganda Working Board in 2017 will work alongside the Girl-Child Project. IRFF will sell the products they make (computer bags, jewellery and sanitary pads). The Cooperative still needs 2 more sewing machines and a building of their own (long-term goal).

5) Kabuuma Joint Community Project which received a micro-loan from IRFF in the past has been struck with bird flu in February 2017 and swine fever in March/April. The project is requesting another micro-loan after a sterilisation period (January 2018) and 1 or 2 computers to teach IT to the local community.

How you can help IRFF a) Consider taking one of these projects and run with it – promote it in your local area, organise fund-raising events, or find sponsors! IRFF will help you with supporting information. b) IRFF is looking for 1 or 2 people who could work with us on social media (website, Facebook, YouTube, etc.) to promote the good work being done and also help raise much needed funds!

So, if you have a bit of time, wish to make a difference and help improve other peoples’ lives, please join our team! You skills are needed, you will be much appreciated, and you will feel good and connected to many new people! As a benefit to you, you could add the work you do to your CV and improve it, and IRFF can provide you with an excellent reference down the road. In the past, an IRFF volunteer has moved on to get a great job within the charity sector, and we helped him by providing him with a good reference for the work he did with IRFF!!

If you wish to have a chat, or require a Job Description for our social media work, feel free to contact either Eddie Hartley (07801 423324) or Marshall de Souza (07799 450703) or email IRFF at irffukhq@gmail.com. Thank you!