Fr. Jude's Piggery Project

Hello, Everyone!

In the late Spring of 2006, the Women of St. Edward's became aware of an opportunity to support African Women who are seeking to better their standard of living and achieve some independence and dignity, in Father Jude Ssenngendo's parish in Mityana, Uganda. Father Jude (formerly Deacon Jude, who served at St. Edward's while at the Josephinum) had been approached by the women in his parish several times for assistance, but the $850 needed was just not there. He explained to us that many of the women are trying to make their own income so they no longer have to depend on the ruthless men who mistreat them. The Ndibata Tukolere Wamu (translation: Ndibata let us work together) Women's Group struggle daily to change their standards of living by working together as a team with a spirit of love and collaboration.

These African women play a very important role in the lives and well-being of their families and the local Church community at large. But they are very poor and depend mostly on ruthless drunken men who treat them as objects. Their roles include provision of basic needs for the family, especially food, school fees, clothing and basic care for the children. Unfortunately, they are more culturally disadvantaged than men. Many of them did not go to school and depend on subsistance farming. These women seek opportunities to support their family roles, such as starting self-help micro-scale projects to empower them economically, provide basic skills, equipment, knowledge and initial investment. But they need help to expand these micro projects. For example, they have learned how to rear chickens and pigs in a somewhat modern way, but since they do not have enough capital, some women have not yet received piglets and chickens.

The Women of St. Edward were proud to help financially support their sisters in Christ from Father Jude's parish. Our contribution helped get this project underway for the Ndibata Tukolere Wamu Women's Group. Our donation went directly to help the women reduce household poverty and maintain a better standard of living. Father Jude tells us that by expanding these projects, there is a very high hope of alleviating poverty in the homes of his parishioners, and also of overcoming the dependency syndrome.

Here are some pictures Father Jude sent us showing the construction of the piggeries:

In March, 2007, we received more photos from Fr. Jude, sending us "...many greetings and best wishes from the women raising piglets." Fr. Jude says the piglets are already growing, and that the women love this project. He says: "I see them smiling each time I visit their project." And he tells us: "A couple of weeks ago I had to go get a 'male pig' which is a little older than the other piglets in preparation for servicing the 'female piglets' that they have. We are expecting these piglets to multiply in a very short time, because we got a very good breed."

Looks like the project is going very well - here are the latest pictures:

Stayed tuned for more news in the piglet saga!

If you would like to help the Ndibata Tukolere Wamu Women's Group, please contact the parish office.