HAPPY NEW YEAR and read all about 2015

Wishing all our friends and supporters all the very best for a Happy and Prosperous 2016

Click here to read our 2015 newsletter and find what we have been doing in Uganda

Double your donations with THE BIG GIVE Christmas Challenge! We are fundraising for water tanks.

In the run up to Christmas THE BIG GIVE organization provides an opportunity for charities to double donations received. This scheme is one of our most important fundraising initiatives as it allows our supporters to have their donations matched. This year we are raising funds for water harvesting tanks for the elderly, disabled, and families impacted by HIV/AIDs (watch our video and find more project details on our website).

Our target is to install a minimum of 10 new water tanks. Over the last five years we have installed over 100 water tanks to homes, schools and nurseries impacting more than 2000 people by providing clean water. Water borne disease and poor sanitation still kills more people globally than all forms of violence, including war, and is a huge hurdle in the struggle out of poverty. The cost to install one rainwater harvesting tank is GBP500. This simple piece of infrastructure improves health, allows children time to go to school (rather than walk long distances to fetch [dirty] water), increases gender equality, and improves opportunities for food growth and enterprise. A small price for such a significant impact.

If you would like to support us there are three ways to donate. Our preference is for transfers directly to our UK charity account – we will then pledge the money on your behalf. This avoids us paying fees on the transfer.

Bank account details are:

Edirisa UK

Sort Code: 20-03-53

A/C No:  50376531

SWIFT/BIC:  BARCGB22

IBAN GB34 BARC 2003 5350 3765 31

If you would like to transfer funds please do so in the next few days so we can ensure your funds are pledged!

Alternatively you can make donations via The Big Give site when the race is on to secure matching funds (as the pot of cash runs out fast!). You have to be organized as the funds are released at 10am GMT on the 4th, 5th and 6th of December only! If you are kind enough to make a direct bank transfer to us, Edirisa UK will pledge the funds at the right time to maximise the opportunity to get donations matched.

Or, you can donate on our website.

A little goes a long way in Africa, and what Edirisa UK does makes an impact – please help us continue to do that if you can. Thank you! 🙂

Island Experience at Tom’s Homestay

Tom’s Homestay

Tom’s Homestay is a community overnight visit hosted by the family of Tom Karemire on Habukomi Island (Lake Bunyonyi) and organised by Edirisa Uganda. It has to be booked in advance, as it includes much more than sleeping on a remote island – it is a full-blown cultural tour into the traditional life of the Bakiga.

Tom was born on the lake, as was his father, he has been the Night Watchman at the Heart of Edirisa in Bufuka for almost 10 years.  A former prison guard he has many interesting stories to tell.  He is 68 and has 6 children, all boys, one unfortunately died on the lake returning from an election polling station late at night. Very few of the locals swim and the lake does claim many lives during the course of a year. This drives home the importance of swimming lessons for the children, which we try to provide every day at the Heart.

Tom

Edirisa has been bringing trekkers to Tom’s since 2005 and during these years he has developed a brilliant campsite. In 2013 it is finally being made accessible to those guests who might not opt for hiking but still crave for a unique island experience. For those more active  you have a choice of  combining it with a 5-hour Lake Bunyonyi trek, a 1-day Kabale-Bunyonyi trek or a 1-day Canoe Trekking.

View of Habukomi Island

The full-board homestay experience includes a professional guide, a dugout ride to the island and back, a tour of the island by Tom, camping near his house in spacious tents, a great local dinner enriched by crayfish, a performance of an enanga (traditional string instrument) player and the island dance troupe, stories near the campfire, breakfast with local honey, bananas and chapatis.

Campfire

In case camping isn’t your cup of tea a night boat ride back to your lodge an be arranged – but then you will miss the beautiful, relaxed Habukomi morning.

For bookings call the Edirisa Home in Kabale on +256 75 2558 222 or send an email to home@edirisa.org .

We’re looking forward to celebrating Tom’s 10th Anniversary with him next year!