Ubuntu Mundo Q3 2023 Update

Feed the Children of the World

A child is greeted at the Ubuntu Mundo gates. She lines up with other children from her community and a food handler fills her container with a hot, nutritious meal. The child then walks home with a heathy meal and a big smile. This is the daily routine for the 600 children of Ubuntu Mundo. Each meal contains a protein, a grain, and organic produce from our gardens. And now, once a week, it also includes a fresh egg – a favorite with the kids! Balanced nutrition is key to healthy, childhood development, and Ubuntu Mundo has already served more than 90,000 hot meals this year.

The Ubuntu Mundo model starts by partnering with local leadership to create projects that feed children. The feeding program, kitchens, and organic gardens are located in the heart of the community served, meeting children where they live, and creating jobs in the immediate area. From there, our strategy envisions creating revenue-generating activities that can eventually lead the project to financial sustainability.

Path to Sustainability

Our work in Bodlayabongolo has entered this revenue-generating phase. In recent years, small amounts of excess produce from our local garden have been sold in local markets producing a modest amount of revenue. A new partnership has provided additional land and we have launched our first commercial farming initiative. 18,000 green pepper plants have been planted and are close to their first harvest. Our first customer, the local Pick & Pay, is waiting eagerly for the produce. Based on this pilot program, we are in talks to acquire additional land to scale up commercial farming operations to fund additional feeding programs. It is an exciting development that is being made possible by working with a growing team of local experts, leaders, and supporters.

Marathon of Amsterdam

Sunday, October 15, was the seventh time Team Ubuntu Mundo participated in the Amsterdam Marathon. Together, a group of 36 runners ran for a total of almost 850km. The day was a great success from both an awareness and fundraising perspective. From day one, this group has truly embodied the true meaning of the word Ubuntu: ‘I am because we are’. They ran together, cheered each other on, and picked each other up during the run.

Ke a leboga to all runners and donors. Without your dedication and teamwork leading up to and during his beautiful event, this day would not have turned out the way it did!

Ubuntu!