African Village Support was set up by Marie Cates following the time she spent as a volunteer for Voluntary Services Overseas. Marie lived and worked in a small community in eastern Uganda working alongside local head teachers and teachers. Upon her return she set up this charity to support small villages in eastern Uganda with the aim of helping to improve the quality of life of both adults and children in some small way. The needs are wide and varied ranging from support for the development of basic living conditions, to support that adds some enrichment to daily life. Working as a humanitarian, community based organisation, AVS helps with sustainable community projects, with maternal health, hygiene and education, working with students, women and youth groups in the area.

We have been working in the area since 2003 and have seen many developments. We work alongside a committee of dedicated, voluntary, hard working Ugandan members. We started, because when living there, you are constantly faced with the needs. Initially, I saw the needs in schools and helped to build structures, improve classrooms, provide resources. We soon however, got to know the children and their families and the need to help bright, needy students get access to secondary and tertiary education by UK sponsorship became paramount. Some of our achievements include;

* Sponsorship of up to 50 students in education.
* Support to over 20 Womens Groups on making an income and creating saving plans.
* Built and run a hostel for up to 80 girls.
* Provision of 'Mama' bags for up to 60 expectant mothers each month. Bags include clothing for baby, soap, rubber gloves, vaseline and more.
* Built and run a community centre in the heart of Muyembe providing youth activites, internet cafe, library, canteen and catering facilities which can also be hired out for events for between 200-300 people.
* Youth programmes through sport, music, dance, drama and small livlihood projects.
 

For more information see our pages under 'About our Work'.