The Projects

IHA has many ongoing projects we are involved in year round, as well as multiple villages we visit to implement these projects while in Uganda. Our specific projects for this January 2015 trip include:

WATER

• Digging wells and teaching the community how to build and maintain them at low-costs. 
• Testing water sources for E. Coli, pH, alkalinity, turbidity, nitrate/nitrite. 
• Introducing the idea of biodigesters. Biodigesters collect the methane gas produced by waste (think compost) which can in turn be used as fuel for cooking, thus reducing reliance on scarce fire wood resources.

HEALTHCARE

• We are checking with district officials to see if the government will help fund and maintain private clinics, should we build them.
• We are testing the use of smartphones equipped with self-contained medical apps with the Healthcare workers. These apps will provide accessible medical support and education.

SOLAR POWER

• Our teams are working to install additional solar power to the village to provide power for light, as well as energy for charging phones and other devices. 
• We are collecting data on need, accessibility, where to install.
• We are installing tablets filled with self-contained scholastic apps for the schools to aid in education. We needed to search for quality self-contained apps which can be opened and accessed without the need of cell service.

MICRO-LENDING:

• We are continuing to educate the women on micro-lending and self-sustainability. This program empowers the women, and they have taken to it very well. 
• A new savings scheme we are adopting has been well-received, further empowering the women to save for future personal and group investments.

Read on in following posts for details on the villages we are visiting, the specific projects we have brought to each one, and the successes we've had and some bumps we've encountered along the way. There is so much need for help, education, and support for these rural villages. Please enjoy a recap of our journey as well as a few captivating photos to go along with it. If you are interested in helping in any way, both in Salt Lake City or on a future humanitarian mission cross-borders to Uganda, you can make a donation through PayPal on our website at www.interethnichealthalliance.org or contact us at iha_ut@hotmail.com.