Introduction

Founded in 2016 by Congolese entrepreneur Wane Rusagara, CHANGIA AFRICA ORGANIZATION LTD is a unique and transformative initiative rooted in Kampala, Uganda. Rusagara's journey from a filmmaker passionate about storytelling to a social entrepreneur determined to uplift refugees and vulnerable communities is a remarkable testament to the power of empathy and innovation.

Origins: From Film to Social Impact

Rusagara's venture into entrepreneurship was driven by his deep connection to the stories he encountered while producing films that depicted real-life struggles. He was particularly moved by the plight of refugees, feeling their pain and challenges through his work. His experiences in filmmaking ignited the desire to do more than just tell stories—he wanted to create tangible solutions that would empower these communities.

In response to the hardships faced by refugees, particularly women and children, Rusagara decided to establish CHANGIA AFRICA ORGANIZATION LTD. The organization’s primary mission is to address the socio-economic challenges faced by refugees and local communities by providing job creation, women empowerment projects, education programs for children, and livelihood training for parents. Rusagara describes his initiative as a way of turning "local problems into local solutions."

Mission and Core Values

The core of Changia Africa’s mission is centered on education and livelihood enhancement. The organization’s primary project, Changia Child Care Center and Parent Training Programs, aims to provide early childhood education while offering financial literacy and vocational training to parents and caregivers.

  • Mission: To equip children and parents from refugee and host communities with the education and vocational skills necessary for financial stability and personal growth.
  • Vision: To foster an environment where children receive quality education and parents are empowered to support their families through sustainable income-generating opportunities.
  • Core Values:
  1. Providing a safe, engaging, and educational environment for children aged 0-6.
  2. Offering financial literacy programs to help parents manage their finances.
  3. Creating job opportunities for parents through vocational training programs, including the production of reusable sanitary pads, bar soap, Vaseline, permaculture, and computer literacy.

Unique Service Offerings

CHANGIA AFRICA ORGANIZATION LTD offers an array of services aimed at uplifting both children and their parents:

  • Early Childhood Development and Education: The child care center provides children from refugee and host communities with early education that focuses on holistic development.
  • Livelihood Programs: These include the production of reusable sanitary pads, bar soap and Vaseline, permaculture training, and servant leadership programs.
  • Vocational and Financial Literacy Training: Parents are equipped with essential skills, such as budgeting, investing, and computer literacy, which help them become financially stable and self-reliant.

Changia Africa's Revenue Generation Model

To sustain its operations and ensure profitability, Changia Africa relies on several income streams. The parents of children enrolled in the child care center contribute termly fees that help sustain the education programs. Additionally, the production and sale of reusable sanitary pads and monthly contributions from computer literacy training programs provide further revenue. This diversified business model allows the organization to fund its educational and livelihood programs while maintaining financial stability.

Target Demographics

Changia Africa primarily serves parents from refugee and host communities. By addressing the needs of both groups, the organization has positioned itself as a trusted community resource. Rusagara’s innovative approach of collaborating with community leaders, churches, and hospitals has helped to spread the word about Changia Africa’s services, allowing the organization to gain the trust and support of the community.

Key Milestones

Since its inception, CHANGIA AFRICA ORGANIZATION LTD has made significant strides in improving the lives of refugees and local communities. Some notable milestones include:

  • The creation of 13 jobs within the organization.
  • Expansion into two regions: Kampala and Nakivale.
  • Securing a large plot of land that will be used to build an early childhood education center, a key part of Rusagara’s long-term vision.

Overcoming Challenges

As with any startup, Changia Africa faced its fair share of challenges. In the early days, Rusagara struggled to gain the community’s trust. Parents and community members were initially skeptical of the organization’s services. However, through persistence, community engagement, and delivering tangible results, Rusagara was able to overcome this challenge. Today, the community is confident in the services Changia Africa offers, and parents are actively involved in promoting the organization to others.

Innovation and Staying Ahead

Innovation is at the heart of Changia Africa’s approach to solving the challenges faced by refugees and local communities. Rusagara has continuously sought ways to enhance the organization’s impact by embracing new ideas and technologies. For example, through innovation boot camps, the organization learned about virtual reality and its potential applications in the tourism and hospitality sectors. Additionally, the introduction of reusable sanitary pads has been a game changer for refugee women, providing them with an affordable and sustainable solution to a critical need.

Long-Term Vision

Looking ahead, Rusagara envisions expanding Changia Africa’s reach and impact. His long-term goal is to improve the quality of education for children while enhancing the livelihoods of parents. One of his major plans is to invest in the marine tourism sector in Uganda, which remains underdeveloped. Although this project is still in its early stages, Rusagara is confident that it will create new opportunities for job creation and economic growth in the region.

In the short term, Rusagara remains focused on improving Wafoyo Safaris and Onen Lodges, ensuring that both continue to deliver top-tier safari experiences in East Africa.

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Rusagara’s journey from filmmaker to social entrepreneur offers valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs. His advice to those looking to start their own business is simple: “Be committed and love what you do. No matter what, continue learning and consult experts to improve.” He emphasizes the importance of perseverance and the willingness to adapt and innovate in order to succeed.