For over 20 years, Uganda has been affected by insurgency, during which many people lost their lives and property and were physically abused. In some of the most impoverished regions in Uganda, there are many child-headed households and orphaned children who cannot afford education, food, medical care, and other physical needs. We believe that for the Uganda of tomorrow to become better, the country needs a new generation of leaders who fear God, love justice, and are committed to change. The arrival of Children’s HopeChest to the eastern region in Uganda was timely, according to Joseph, our Country Director.

In response to poor leadership within the communities, Children’s HopeChest’s UGLDP was designed in May 2016 to serve and train young people (ages 15-30) and community leaders from across areas where we work. We identify individuals who demonstrate community leadership and have a desire to serve others and create vibrant communities. Our objective is to provide participants with residential leadership training, facilitated 100% by Ugandan leaders from other institutions to empower young people and community leaders in the Teso sub-region.

The UGLDP of HopeChest Uganda bridges the leadership gap within community service through transformational leadership, as well as social and business entrepreneurship. Transformational leadership further develops a wide range of meaningful and effective practices, and cultivates powerful new identities, ready to challenge poor resource management between leaders, community leaders, and members. The training was designed to particularly address the attitudes, knowledge, and skills which empower individuals to effectively deal with the demands and challenges of everyday life.