The Solution
1. Discipleship
In Uganda, we have seen the extraordinary benefit of having mentors walk with students in a relational discipleship model. We believe that a quality education, by itself, is not the answer to the problems facing young people in Uganda. In addition, job training or business development efforts will ultimately fail if students are not guided in their transition from high school. By providing continued Christ-centered mentoring in a safe environment, students will have the confidence and support to pursue the life and career they desire and for which they are gifted.
The 314 Community will ensure high school graduates have consistent mentoring, safe housing, and access to programs designed to walk with students in their faith journey.
2. Community Engagement
If our ultimate vision is to see communities transformed through the efforts of transformed people, healthy relationships with the families of the students we support is requisite. In conjunction with our partners, our mentor staff will build and maintain value-based relationships, directly with our families. The goal is a simple one…. Friendships based on trust. In addition, since we are called to glorify God through loving actions toward others, regular service in the surrounding communities will always be central to everything we do.
The 314 Community endeavors to create opportunities for relationships to grow and flourish between our students and their families/communities.
3. Furthering Education
In a country like Uganda, where jobs are scarce and the opportunity to earn a meaningful income is limited, an advanced degree or certificate does not significantly change this unfortunate reality. Reason being, the vast majority of university level and/or vocational programs do not have practical learning as part of their curricula. In order to increase competencies/skills for our students, we will facilitate and resource hands-on training and internships with local businesses and tradespeople. Of course, this is in addition to making sure the funding is available for all “formal” education.
The 314 Community is committed to making sure that every student we support is equipped with all the training necessary to live out their faith through success in their chosen vocation.
4. Career Facilitation
When any student graduates from a university or vocational school in Uganda, it is inherently difficult to navigate the complexity of finding gainful employment. Regardless of the field of study, there are few, if any, mature or sophisticated job placement avenues, and access to investment capital is almost non-existent. For the students we support, there will be thoughtful and intentional career facilitation through existing business and government relationships, new business creation, and most importantly, entrepreneurial loans and grants with “alongside” mentorship.
The 314 Community is building partnerships with businesses, investors, and tradespeople to execute our strategy of creating opportunities for every student we support.