The Work
Sole Hope was founded in 2010 with a mission to address the devastating issue of jigger infestations. More than 1 billion individuals worldwide are affected by these painful parasites, and since our establishment, we have been dedicated to eradicating this problem. Through the invaluable support of generous individuals like yourself, we are making remarkable progress in our journey each day.
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School and Community Clinics
Our dedicated team travels to schools throughout the region on a weekly basis. We visit classrooms to educate children about jiggers and how to prevent them. Following the educational sessions, we hold clinics where each child's feet are washed, inspected, and treated for any jiggers present. As part of our commitment, each child receives a brand new pair of shoes, handmade in our own workshop, to protect their feet and prevent future infestations.
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Residential Treatment Facility
Our D. Gary Young, Young Living Foundation Hope Center provides critical care for individuals with severe jigger cases. Here, patients receive comprehensive treatment for jiggers and other medical conditions they may have, such as malaria or hernias. During their stay, they are nourished with nutritious meals, receive daily education sessions, and benefit from the support of social workers who provide psychosocial assistance. Our social work team continues to follow up with patients even after they return home, ensuring they maintain a jigger-free life.
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Community Education and Social Work
Our team of educators and social workers actively engages with communities across Eastern Uganda. You can find them in schools, under the shade of mango trees, and in households, working tirelessly to teach people how to live jigger-free lives. They provide vital education, equipping individuals and families with the knowledge and resources they need to prevent jiggers. Additionally, our social workers connect vulnerable families to various community resources, fostering a supportive environment for those in need.
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Shoemaking
We take great pride in our shoemaking program, which employs talented Ugandan men and women. Through their skilled craftsmanship, we produce around 11,000 pairs of shoes annually. Our closed-toed shoes play a crucial role in preventing jigger infestations for those who wear them. They offer protection against harsh conditions and serve as a source of pride for their owners. While our shoes are handcrafted in Uganda, their journey begins with you. By using your hands and donating your old jeans, you can breathe new life into vulnerable individuals in Uganda.
To learn more about our work or to host your own Shoe Party, click HERE. Together, let's make a lasting impact and bring hope to those in need. -
Government Hospital Based Partner Clinics
Sole Hope's strategic partnerships with government hospitals, doctors, and nurses enable us to extend our reach and provide vital assistance to jigger-infested communities. Through these collaborations, we address the challenges faced by affected individuals, ensuring they receive prompt and effective treatment. Our process begins with community mobilizers and Village Health Teams (VHTs) identifying and engaging communities. Through comprehensive sensitization programs, we raise awareness about jiggers and the importance of seeking medical help.
Once individuals are identified, they are referred to established clinics within different hospitals for specialized care, including jigger removal procedures performed by skilled nurses. These clinics also offer treatment for other medical conditions, promoting overall well-being. After receiving treatment, patients receive ongoing support from Village Health Teams upon returning to their communities. Currently, Sole Hope proudly partners with five clinics, working alongside hospitals, doctors, and nurses to make a lasting impact on the lives of jigger-infested individuals and their communities.
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Economic Empowerment Program
Sole Hope actively engages with community members through the Self Help Group-Economic Empowerment Program. This program adopts a self-help group approach, where small groups of 15 to 20 members, who share common characteristics and goals, come together to harness the power of savings, credit, and social involvement as tools for empowerment. Through this program, we focus on empowering women by equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to establish and expand their own businesses, fostering self-sufficiency and financial independence.