Community Transport Initiative (CTI)
Community Buses: Micro-development/Enterprise Initiatives
Background: Uganda, Sub-Saharan Africa
In late 2007 the youth of NewHope Baptist Church donated funds to purchase a 14-seater minibus. In early 2008 a 22-seater bus was purchased through a generous donation made by HillSide Christian Church in WA. In mid 2010 another 22-seater was purchased through a generous donation made by The Garden Company. ISAA have been able to additionally purchase another (x5) 14-seater mini-buses to further develop the income-generating initiative which helps cover costs associated with the projects and programs in Uganda.
An additional benefit of this project is our ability to provide employment for unskilled/unemployed individuals. As such the local buses help to generate the extra income needed to meet the extra living expenses that the Child Sponsorship Program cannot meet. This public transport scheme assists directly and indirectly, socio-economically into the local community.
In order to maintain independence and objectivity, it is important to move towards micro-development projects that will help to create a self-reliant and self-sustained living. Giving to results, not the need! The fact that there is a need is not, by itself, the reason to send money. It is essential to know how an investment will change the situation.
The Facts are:
Poverty prevents the fulfillment of basic human rights to survival, security and well-being.
According to the Human Poverty Index, an estimated 38% of the population still lives on less than $1 per day.
Children constitute 62% of the people who live in absolute poverty.
About 7 million Ugandans (35% of the population) live in poverty (UBOS, 2002).
The technical and legal conditions required to enter the transport business are easily meet by any potential candidates.
High unemployment levels attract unskilled operators/drivers to enter the transport business.
Micro-Development Projects give rise to self-empowerment by enabling the poor to become cost effective agents to bring about change. These projects play an important role in the fight against poverty. Income generation from a business helps increase household income and assists with all basis needs.
Only 10% of chronic hunger is caused by war and natural disasters. For nine out of ten hungry families, food is readily available however the money to buy it is not. (United Nations)
PHASE 1: Purchased Vehicles, Generate Income & Employment
International Support Aid Australia (ISAA) is committed to helping locals establish micro-development initiatives that will bring about self-sustainability and empowerment.
So far together we have achieved:
Purchase of (6) 14 seater mini buses
Purchase of (2) 22 seater coaster
Employment opportunities for nationals
Generation of income for CARE4Kids home
Inspired other not-for-profit organisations to establish a transport income-generating initiative
Partnership Opportunity: Community Bus Initiative (BUS)
PHASE 2: Expansion of Community Bus Project
Partner with us to:
Purchase 3 extra buses (14 seater)
Give rise to more employment opportunities
Rent area for bus depot & office
Extra income raised will help complete children’s facilities i.e. kitchen facility, electrical work, ceilings, playground, matrons’ quarters, outside toilets & guttering.
Budget: Call to Action
Minibus Costs: $18,000
Annual running Costs: $2500
Donations of $2 or more are tax-deductible.