"My name is Kayemba Kalema, from Uganda, East Africa. I grew up in a polygamous family with four wives living under one roof. Unfortunately, neither my mother nor my sister were among the wives. In Africa, stepmothers sometimes transfer their jealousy onto children, depriving them of a loving relationship. As a result, my sister and I didn't have a good time with our stepmothers.

Tears became a common occurrence, and we often found solace in sleeping in the bush near our father's house rather than in our own home. It was a challenging time for us as children. One fateful night, it rained heavily, and we sought refuge on our neighbour's porch. Little did we know that a group of older boys, seeking shelter from the rain, had malicious intentions. Tragically, my sister was raped in front of me, I was 12 years old and my sister was 10 years old.

The effects of that terrible incident haunted us both, and my sister eventually passed away from HIV/AIDS, leaving behind four children - two affected by the virus and two who are thankfully HIV/AIDS-free.

After her being raped she felt ashamed and thought she is valueless, and she never went to school because of that dangerous act, her life was miserable.

We grew up on dogs' food because most of the time when we came back home after school we could find food on our plates, in our minds we went and shared with dogs the same meal because no one cared.

From that moment, I made a promise to myself to help children in need. I realized that there are countless children, youth, and young adults in Africa who suffer from hunger and neglect, regardless of whether they have parents or not. 

In 1994, after completing my studies as an engineer, I took the first steps towards fulfilling my dream. In 1998, I founded the Hope Children's Charity as a Village Self Help Group (VSHG), to give a voice to the vulnerable and helpless. Later in 2011 organization was formally registered with the Uganda Government as a NON- non-profit organization and changed its name to Hope Children’s Foundation.

This time we have decided to come up with a special name and programme for a Girl child with its vision, mission, objectives and core values in a special way to empower the girl child.

 EmpowerHer Africa

Vision:

EmpowerHer Africa envisions a continent where every young girl and woman has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their background or circumstances. We see a future where education, support, and empowerment are accessible to all, breaking the cycle of poverty and inequality and fostering a society where every individual can reach their full potential.

Mission:

Our mission at EmpowerHer Africa is to empower young girls and women in Africa who face challenges such as early motherhood, school dropout, and systemic barriers. Through access to education, vocational training, mentorship, and advocacy, we aim to provide them with the tools and resources they need to overcome obstacles, pursue their dreams, and create brighter futures for themselves and their communities.

Objectives:

Provide Access to Education: We strive to ensure that every young girl has access to quality education, regardless of their financial situation or cultural barriers.

Offer Mentorship and Support: We offer mentorship and counselling services to support the personal and professional development of young girls and women, helping them navigate challenges and build resilience.

Advocate for Gender Equality: We advocate for policies and initiatives that promote gender equality and address the root causes of early motherhood and school dropout rates, working towards a more inclusive and equitable society.

Create a Supportive Community: We create a supportive community where young girls and women can share their experiences, learn from each other, and build networks of support, fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment.

Core Values:

Empowerment: We believe in the inherent potential of every young girl and woman to create positive change in their own lives and communities.

Equality: We are committed to promoting gender equality and ensuring that all individuals have equal access to opportunities, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Resilience: We recognize the strength and resilience of young girls and women, and we support them in overcoming challenges and pursuing their goals.

Community: We believe in the power of community and collaboration, and we work together with our partners and supporters to create a lasting impact.

Integrity: We uphold honesty, transparency, and accountability in all of our actions and interactions, ensuring that we operate with integrity and professionalism at all times.

Our Team:

Kayemba Kalema (Founder): With a passion for empowering young girls and women, Kayemba Kalema established EmpowerHer Africa to make a difference in the lives of those facing challenges similar to his own upbringing.

Nabukenya Christine (Coordinator): A degree holder in Human Resources, Nabukenya brings her expertise in organizational management to her role as coordinator, overseeing the implementation of our programs and initiatives.

Bayiyana Brenda (Finance Manager/Co-founder): As a degree holder in Accounting, Bayiyana manages the financial aspects of EmpowerHer Africa, ensuring transparency and accountability in our operations.

Christine Namitego (Operations Manager): With a background in education, Christine oversees the day-to-day operations of EmpowerHer Africa, ensuring that our programs run smoothly and effectively.

Join Us: We invite you to join us in our mission to empower young girls and women in Africa. Whether through donations, volunteering, or spreading awareness about our organization, your support can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve. Together, we can create a brighter future for all. Get involved today and help us make a difference.