Provide Vocational Training for 10 Ugandan Women

Greetings from Gulu!

     Since our last report at the beginning of 2023, we have moved our Gulu office. As often happens worldwide, our landlord decided he was raising our rent, which put that lovely house and compound out of our reach. Don't worry, though, because we have our amazing and unstoppable Ugandan Director, Gladies Orombi! Without skipping a  beat, it was Gladies to the rescue!  We are now in a smaller facility, but closer to town, which is more convenient for all concerned. We look forward to turning this new place into our Ribe home.

     In the spring, students of University High School of Indiana started a "Ribe Project Club" to raise money to pay school fees for the children of our artisans. In their first fundraising drive, they collected nearly $300 for their Ugandan peers! We can't wait to see what they accomplish in the fall. Thank you, Ribe Club!

     Now, back to the title of this report..... if you remember, in our last report I mentioned that fundraising was our biggest hurdle moving forward. We need more monthly donors and more outlets for the sale of our beautiful artisan creations. In May, The Ribe Project was in the lowest financial position we had been in since the first months of our existence. To be honest, I was not sure how we were going to continue to pay our wonderfully creative women artisans. Then, out of the blue, a letter came in the mail from the family of one of my graduating U.S. students. With that letter was a check for a very sizable donation to our organization! This incredibly generous gift will allow us to keep our doors open and gives us more time to recruit donors and find new revenue opportunities. It was quite literally, a lifesaver for The Ribe Project!

     I will close this report with a big ask. First, please consider becoming a monthly donor. A monthly donation of even $10 allows us to build a working budget. Second, support us by purchasing our beautiful baskets and jewelry! Each time you do, you not only have a lovely, handmade, and unique showpiece, but you also support our vocational training and fair-wage employment programs! We need your support!

Much love from, The Ribe Project