Community Support - Africa Sustainable Journeys

Empowering Communities Together

Community programs

Through our Choose Your Impact initiative, we support locally led programs that are creating real, lasting change in communities across Uganda and Rwanda. These programs are designed and implemented by local partners, and we work alongside them to provide guidance, resources, and collaboration, helping to amplify their impact and reach. Our role is to stand with these communities, strengthen their efforts, and ensure that travelers and supporters can see the difference that responsible tourism can make.

Teenage Mother Empowerment

In Uganda’s Rwenzori region, many teenage mothers face stigma, interrupted education, and poverty, making it difficult for them to envision a stable future. Through the Teenage Mothers Empowerment Program (TEMEP), run by Platform for the Needy, we support these young women as they reclaim their lives and pursue opportunities for growth.

TEMEP begins with safe spaces for healing, counselling, and confidence building, helping participants overcome trauma and societal judgment. The program then equips them with practical skills in tailoring, crafts, farming, and entrepreneurship, alongside financial literacy and savings groups. These tools transform vulnerability into independence, giving the girls the ability to start small businesses, continue schooling where possible, and regain agency over their futures.

What makes TEMEP unique is that it is driven by the voices of the girls themselves. They help shape the program, ensuring it addresses their real needs. Through this community-led approach, TEMEP fosters resilience, restores dignity, and demonstrates that even in challenging circumstances, hope and opportunity can flourish—one girl, one story, one dream at a time.

Rural Education Support

Access to quality education remains a major challenge in many rural communities. Children often face long walks to school, limited learning materials, and other barriers that can hinder their development, attendance, and overall learning experience. Through our partnership with St. Kizito Junior Academy, ASJ supports locally led initiatives that aim to remove these obstacles and create meaningful learning opportunities for every child.

The program provides uniforms, books, and essential learning materials, as well as teacher training workshops to enhance the quality of education.

By working closely with parents, teachers, and local organizations, these programs help children stay in school, learn with dignity, and develop the skills and confidence they need for long-term success. This holistic approach ensures that education is not just about attending classes, but about creating an environment where every child can truly thrive.

Cultural Heritage Program

In the heart of Entebbe, Uganda, the Nkumba Cultural Dancing Group brings together community members to preserve and celebrate traditional African music and dance. Led by Patrick, the group tells stories of their ancestors through vibrant performances that combine song, dance, and rhythm, reflecting the rich heritage of the region.

Through our partnership with the group, ASJ provides a platform for members to showcase their talent to visitors, access educational opportunities, and support their families. This collaboration allows the group to earn a sustainable income from performances, helping them cover daily needs and invest in their future.

The program also strengthens the community by fostering pride in cultural traditions, encouraging teamwork, and inspiring younger generations to embrace their heritage. Members refine their skills in various dance styles and musical instruments, while audiences gain insight into the history, stories, and values embedded in each performance.

Today, the Nkumba Cultural Dancing Group not only entertains but also empowers its members, preserves cultural heritage, and builds community resilience, demonstrating the transformative power of collaboration between local talent and socially responsible tourism.

Patrick, the group leader, reflects:
“Our partnership with ASJ has given us a voice, a platform, and the means to share our culture with the world. It has strengthened our community and inspired the next generation to keep our traditions alive.”

Our Focus Areas for Lasting Impact

Livelihood Support

Helping families earn, sustain, and thrive through practical support.

Economic Empowerment

Supporting teenage mothers and youths with skills training, microfinance, and hope for the future.

Education

collaborating with rural schools, NGOs and parents to give vulnerable children access to quality learning.

Our travelers Says

My trip with ASJ was impactful, I felt I was not just traveling, but also helping communities in a meaningful way.

Anon Eventon

Austria

Frequently Asked Questions?

1.How do you support community programs?

Each trip contributes to community support through our ‘Choose Your Impact’ initiative for travelers. ASJ also makes an annual donation to each program.

2. Do travelers engage with communities during their visit?

Yes, guests can engage with locals, and even choose to support one of their initiative(s) through our ‘Choose Your Impact’ option.

3. Can I visit the community programs during my trip?

Sure, but only when visits are safe, respectful to locals, and approved. For child safety and well-being, visits to schools are not allowed.

4. How do you ensure the programs are sustainable?

We partner with community-led NGOs, community groups, and schools to provide ongoing support, and reinvest a portion of trip proceeds and annual earnings.