Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Summer 2012 - Travel with Purpose



Hi everyone!

This is just a quick plug to see if any of you are interested in traveling with Fount of Mercy during the summer of 2012. I know, I know... it seems early... but trust me... it isn't!

Taking time off work, getting finances in order, choosing the best flights ... all this takes time... and friends, you don't want to wait too late. =) This time also allows Fount of Mercy to work on your trip proposal so that while you're in Uganda you are investing in the areas that most fit your abilities, expertise, and passions. We want your trip to be purposeful and satisfying. To plan your trip well, we do need to know if you're planning on traveling with us as early as possible.

We're so incredibly thankful to those who have volunteered with us in the past and all the hard work you've done in your partnership with Fount of Mercy. We hope many more of you will take this opportunity and join us in the work we're doing in Uganda.

If you think you might be interested, or know someone else who might be, simply email me at contactfountofmercy@gmail.com and we'll start a conversation about some options for your trip.

Looking forward to the opportunity to work alongside you!

Rebecca Brown
Director of Communications

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Basic Business Class


Basic Business Course 2011

Hi all!
We wanted to let you know that we are currently teaching our 2nd "Basic Business Class" from a curriculum that our Fount of Mercy staff has written. We are thrilled to announce that it has been VERY successful!

Last summer we worked on a "Bread Basket" project in Lwanda in which we discovered that simply learning how to bake was not enough for those invested in the class. The entire group really needed a basic knowledge of business so that they could divide the work and hold each other accountable.

Our 1st Basic Business Class, which focused on making sure EVERY woman had some basic business knowledge, was key in empowering the group as a whole and for ensuring the necessary accountability among members.

Because of our first experience, we're now pairing our business classes with a small "practice project" for the group to have the opportunity to implement what they have learned immediately. We are currently working in sewing, baking, and agriculture...3 household-based vocations that are women-friendly and sustainable locally. We're finding a nice balance with this new model and are happy to report the work is going wonderfully.

Tara Hawks
Fount of Mercy's Vocational Development Director

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Fount of Mercy's Foreign NGO Status



NGO = Non-Governmental Organization

What is a foreign NGO? In a nutshell, according to our friends on Wikipedia, a foreign NGO is a legally constituted organization created by natural or legal persons that operates independently from any government. The term NGO originally came from the United Nations and is usually applied only to organizations that seek to pursue some wider social aim that has political aspects, but that are not overtly political organizations such as policial parties. And typically... the term NGO is used for organizations that are not for profit.

In May 2011, Fount of Mercy's status as a foreign NGO was renewed for three more years. This means that the Ugandan government is aware of, and approves of, the work that we do. It is very similar to non-profit status in the United States. This is excellent news for us! Without this status, Fount of Mercy would not be able to do its work. We are so excited that the Ugandan government granted us their approval to continue working for the next three years!

Written by Lori Acton
Fount of Mercy's International Development Director

Friday, October 7, 2011

Leadership Conference 2011



This past July, Fount of Mercy had a team visit Uganda and host a leadership conference for local Ugandan organization directors, educators and pastors. We are beyond thankful for their work and the time they invested in preparing for the four-day conference. We had an average of forty participants attend and the response was incredibly positive.

The courses the team offered these leaders included: public speaking, research methods, project management, conflict resolution, sewing and tailoring, teaching kids art, teaching kids music, leadership/team-building, and training the trainer.

This work was hugely successful and we couldn't be more proud of all that this team accomplished with their time and skills. We're hoping that this leadership conference will happen annually and are excited about the opportunities it will afford leaders as they serve their community's orphan and vulnerably child population and as they empower caregivers in their independence and livelihood. A huge thank-you to our volunteers for all they did to make this a success! We are grateful for you!

Rebecca Brown
Fount of Mercy's Director of Communications