Youth and Women Empowerment (YAWE) Foundation started as a Community Based Organization in 2000 by a group of youth and women. It later legally registered with National NGOs Board as NGO in 2004 (Registration NGO number 5055). YAWE Foundation operates in Kabarole district, western Uganda. Since its inception YAWE Foundation has been involved in activities directly targeting the orphans and vulnerable children (OVCs), youth and other vulnerable people in the community. It has a revolutionary idea of organizing the youth, women and other vulnerable people under one forum, offering them a platform of co-operation for the promotion of human rights, HIV/AIDS awareness campaigns, and encourages activities of self reliance through capacity building of community members in entrepreneurship and business enterprises management.

YAWE Foundation activities aim at improving the welfare of OVCs especially those living with HIV/AIDS in Kabarole district. YAWE Foundation operates a youth friendly health centre in Kabarole district which offers a wide range of youth friendly health services including, HIV Counseling and Testing (HCT), Psychological consultation, Immunization, Family planning services, Antenatal care, diagnosis and treatment of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).

YAWE Foundation works with other partners in the district such as the District Health Office and networks of people living with HIV. It has established a strong network of Young People Living with HIV/AIDs (YPLHIV) in Kabarole and the neighbouring districts with the aim of empowering them to overcome stigma, improve treatment adherence, and positive living. This has been a unique intervention that has brought on board the young positives on the campaign to achieve Zero new HIV/AIDS related death, Zero stigma and discrimination, and Zero new HIV transmission

They operated in the following sub counties of Kabarole district; Bukuuku, Busoro, East division, Hakibaale, Karambi, Kasenda Sub county, West division, East division, South division, Mugusu, Buheesi, Ruboona Town Council, Kichwamba, Kibiito Town Council, Kibiito, Kisomoro, and Rwimi Town Council

YAWE Foundation headquarters are located on plot 82, Bwamba Road, Rwengoma, Fort Portal, Kabarole district.

Vision

An enlightened health society with sustainable socio-economic development

Mission

To create improved standards of living in the community through health promotion, and social support for sustainable socio-economic development.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

• - To organize and mobilize the youth and women under one forum, offering them a platform of co-operation.
• - To promote HIV care, treatment and prevention campaigns
• - To advocate for the Human Rights of marginalized groups; youth, women and those living with HIV
• - To Promote adolescents reproductive health services
• - To promote poverty eradication strategies through development of skills, talent and resource mobilization.
• - To promote vocational skills among the youth
• - To enhance proper community management of natural resources (environmental protection) water and sanitation programs.
• - To facilitate links between groups and development partners, NGOs, and government for sharing of information, experiences and resources.

CORE VALUES

• - Honest and integrity
• - Hard work
• - Team work
• - Non Discrimination
• - Respect for humanity
• - Confidentiality

ORGANIZATION GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

YAWE Foundation management is composed of Board of Directors, Executive Committee, Staff and Volunteers. Delegates from the member groups constitute the general assembly and convene annually to elect the directors and executive committee. Currently the organization has over 800 members. The staff is composed of 12 full-time positions and 8 part-time. A team of volunteers work part-time in organization activities coordinated by the staff and Executive Director. The program activities are coordinated and monitored by the Project Coordinator and Administrative Assistant. Monthly reports on performance are obtained from all organization departments and shared with the relevant partners and donors.