Local Entrepreneurship and the Market Day Fund: A Sustainable Approach

This week, we're discussing the importance of local leadership and the Market Day Fund, a program that helps fuel purchases from small businesses in rural Uganda. This approach is in line with Far Away Friends' mission of supporting initiatives that are led by and benefit local communities.

One of the key reasons why this program is important is that it focuses on investing in local people and their businesses, rather than shipping or donating physical items like books, backpacks, clothes or shoes. Instead of providing aid in the form of (often used items) physical donations, the Market Day Fund empowers local individuals by buying items our students and teachers need from our neighbors and entrepreneurs in northern Uganda. This approach is more sustainable in the long-term as it promotes economic development and job creation, rather than depending on physical donations. Investing in local leaders ensures that the community has a direct say in how the funds are used and how they can benefit it’s people.

We also want to remind you that on February 5th, the Market Day Fund is back! You can support local entrepreneurs and small businesses by shopping for items directly online that will later be purchased from local vendors in Namasale, Amolatar and Lira, Uganda. Browse through the different products and services offered by local entrepreneurs and add them to your cart. Bring your family, your kids or your book club to the table to "build a cart" of items that make a double impact: on our students and on entrepreneurs. Not only does the Market Day Fund promote the support of local businesses but also allows the us to work together across 8,000 miles to make a positive impact.

Avoiding the buy one-give one or clothes/shoe donation models is crucial, as they can harm local economies and perpetuate stereotypes about the global south. Instead, let’s invest in local leaders and their business ideas, promote economic development and job creation, and empower local communities to thrive.

We hope you’ll share this post about how to support development initiatives in a sustainable and effective way with Far Away Friends! Happy Shopping!