About Tekera Resource Centre
TRC was founded in January 2006 in Tekera/
Lwega village, Buwunga sub-county, in Masaka district (see
map). about 16 km from the town of Masaka. The goals of the Centre are to provide high-quality health and education
services, encourage community development, teach new skills for economic
growth and develop
co-operative groups.
The community is isolated
from services such as electricity and public transport. Prior to 2006,
there was no road into Tekera and required navigation through bush to
reach the village. The closest
village that has limited transport is 6 km away. The population includes
a high number of Rwandan refugees who eventually made this area home
after the first (1960's) & second (1994) genocides. Some have come
recently, finding it difficult to settle in many areas due to tribe &
culture and unable to return to Rwanda. Others migrated here to escape
persecution because of tribe in the 1970's & 1980's.
The Centre now
includes a health clinic and counseling service, a primary school,
adult education classes, a farmer's group, craft club, a community work programme and a community
farm.
TRC believes in empowering people to care for themselves
and their families, without giving ‘handouts’. TRC provides
instruction to the local community by working along side them rather
than in a classroom setting. None of the services
at the centre are free – locals must pay
pesos
or shillings to avail of
healthcare and education. Exceptions are made where it is not possible
to work and there is extreme poverty. TRC is aiming towards complete financial and
organizational self-sufficiency for the Centre. TRC is registered as a
local NGO is Uganda (No. S.5914/6996). All donations and income generated from the
centre is used to continue funding the services provided. TRC is a
volunteer organization and no income or allowance is provided to any
foreign member.
Mission
To improve the quality of life for residents of Tekera/Lwega and build a
model community. |
