TOGETHER FOR CONSERVATION & COMMUNITY
ABOUT US
The Gorilla Junction Foundation, established in 2012 by the visionary Lydia Eva Mpanga and supported by Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge and Nkuringo Safaris, is a testament to the commitment to conservation and community empowerment. Born from a desire to create a positive impact in the Nkuringo region, the Foundation's roots trace back to a humble coffee shop in Kisoro, which served as a hub for connecting travelers with the local community and promoting fair trade initiatives.
Our impactful projects, primarily focused in Nkuringo due to the lodge's location, address the diverse needs of the community:
- Skilling for Success: We provide training in arts, tailoring, and hospitality, equipping individuals with skills for sustainable livelihoods.
- Microfinance for Empowerment: Our microfinance program offers financial tools and resources, enabling individuals to start and grow businesses.
- Keep-a-Girl-Child-in-School Initiative: We champion girls' education, ensuring they have access to the opportunities they deserve.
- Gorilla Conservation Coffee: In partnership with Conservation Through Public Health, we support local coffee farmers, protect gorilla habitats, and contribute to sustainable livelihoods.
- Batwa Community Support: We empower the Batwa people through education, economic opportunities, and cultural preservation.
We believe that by investing in people, we can create lasting change. The Gorilla Junction Foundation began its journey in 2012 with a coffee shop in Kisoro, acting as a meeting point for Nkuringo Walking Safari guides and travelers keen on supporting fair trade and unique experiences. Today, we continue to foster sustainable tourism and community development in Nkuringo. Join us in building a brighter future for this vibrant village and its surrounding environment – a future where individuals thrive, nature flourishes, and communities prosper.
VISION
To empower rural families, particularly women and children, through skill development, education, and economic opportunities.
Mission
A thriving community where individuals are empowered, self-sufficient, and actively contribute to a sustainable future.
Food & water
To provide clean water solutions and teach modern failing methods.
Skills set
To inspire youth and women to delope modern survival skills.
Education
To educate youth and women out of the vicious cycle of poverty.
Health care
To help families learn how to stay clean and healthy and live longer.
Our programs are geared towards self-sustaining communities.
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Families in Nkuringo who need land for sustainability.
The Gorilla Junction Foundation is dedicated to fostering self-reliance and economic empowerment within the communities we serve. Our focus lies in developing and supporting income-generating projects that provide a sustainable path out of poverty. By equipping individuals with the skills and resources to create their own opportunities, we enable families to not only feed themselves and stay healthy but also generate disposable income.
This approach goes beyond mere financial assistance; it's about breaking the cycle of dependency that often hinders progress in rural communities. We strive to empower individuals to navigate the ever-changing economic and cultural landscape with confidence and resilience, building a brighter and more prosperous future for themselves and generations to come.