The Power of Income-Generating Activities (IGAs)
One of our CarePoints’ most impactful initiatives is the support of communities through income-generating activities (IGAs). These activities provide hope, empowerment, and dignity to the families of CarePoint children. They enable families to actively participate in sustainable economic activities, educate families on how to identify income-generating opportunities to help solve their current socio-economic challenges, promote self-help initiatives and provide dignity for participants, and promote awareness by forming relationships with businesses that will support the selected groups to gain access to markets.
By empowering families to take ownership and generate a steady income, communities can uplift their own livelihoods and create lasting self-sufficiency. Not only do CarePoints support families in IGAs, but they also teach children entrepreneurial skills. This is vital for training the next generation to elevate their economies and improve their communities. Entrepreneurial training also instills confidence and determination into generations of leaders to come.
The Beekeeping Project at Ongongoja CarePoint
At Ongongoja CarePoint in Uganda, the IGA participants have successfully created a thriving business harvesting and selling honey through their apiary project. The Ongongoja Apiary (Beekeeping) Enterprise Development began in 2022 with seven members and six locally-made beehives. With the support of generous partners, the members acquired ninety beehives, bee harvesting gear, and honey processing equipment. They also received valuable training in modern apiary farming skills.
Now, there are thirty members involved in the apiary project. So far, the CarePoint has harvested about sixty pounds of honey, which is then filtered, packaged, and sold. The training that the members have received has also exposed them to other profitable honey products, such as propolis (a substance collected by bees with therapeutic properties), bee venom, and beeswax. Honey and other bee products are in high demand in Ongonogja and the surrounding communities. This project has made an immense impact on the Ongongoja community by generating significant income for both individuals and the CarePoint.
Demand and Impact
Honey and bee products are in high demand in Ongongoja and neighboring communities, making this initiative a significant boost for the local economy while promoting environmental stewardship. By engaging in modern apiary farming, participants not only contribute to ecological balance but also earn a sustainable income.
Honey, which is non-perishable if properly stored, serves as a reliable source of nutrition and income. It is packed with nutritious macronutrients, making it healthier than refined sugar. Additionally, honey and other bee products are packaged and sold to meet the high demand in local communities, providing a stable income for participants.
How Your Support Transforms Lives
Through IGAs such as Ongongoja’s apiary project, individuals gain essential life skills, including teamwork, entrepreneurship, financial management, and environmental stewardship. These initiatives bring long-term benefits for generations. When you support a child at a CarePoint, you’re not just providing for that child’s immediate needs. You’re also contributing to projects like this one, which empower families to increase their income and foster sustainability within the community. These projects have a ripple effect, positively impacting the lives of families, creating economic opportunities, and ultimately contributing to the overall thriving of the community. It’s about more than just individual support; it’s about empowering an entire community!
Curious to learn more about the transformative power of income-generating activities like the apiary project at Ongongoja CarePoint? Visit our new Income Generating Activities webpage. Discover how you can make a difference and further support these effective initiatives!
