The Adopt Gerenge Landing Site project focuses on improving economic and community development, water hygiene, sanitation, and environmental protection in Gerenge Landing Site, Wakiso District, Uganda. Located 35 kilometers from Kampala, this community comprises over 500 impoverished families from diverse tribal backgrounds. Fishing is the main occupation, and many sell their catch in nearby markets. Some residents supplement their income through manual labor in surrounding urban areas.
Youth in the area face limited job opportunities, leading to widespread drug abuse and alcoholism. The community relies on a single public toilet, which is costly, causing many to resort to open defecation in Lake Victoria, their primary water source. With more than 80% of the population living in poverty and low literacy rates, the area struggles with inadequate service delivery, poor infrastructure, and lack of government intervention.
Agriculture, artisan work, and daily wage labor are the main sources of livelihood. Unemployment, lack of medical services, rising school dropouts, and drug abuse among youth are major issues. Parents struggle to afford school fees, and low teacher wages deter qualified educators, worsening the situation for the youth, some of whom turn to prostitution.
The project aims to alleviate poverty and unemployment by building essential infrastructure, training unemployed youth and women, and creating job opportunities for marginalized fishermen and women. It seeks to implement a sustainable development program to improve health, nutrition, sanitation, and livelihoods, with a focus on women, children, and youth.