About Us
The Mt. Elgon Self-Help Community Project (MESHCOP) is a community based organization established in 2007 with the aim or sparking and sustaining local development initiatives in Eastern Uganda. We believe that sustained and lasting change to a community comes from within, and we strive to use our resources to empower and mobilize individuals to learn new skills, realize their ideas, and spread change and hope to their communities.
Our Values
Social Justice and Equity
We strive to promote equity, dignity, and a more just society especially with regard to the poor and marginalized.
Unity In Diversity
We value diversity in our communities and programs, and believe that all individuals deserve respect and support, regardless of gender, faith, socioeconomic status, and any other group identification.
Build Self-Sufficiency
We believe that sustainable improvement comes from the work of individuals and groups within our communities. We will use our resources and build programs to help communities become self-sufficient.
Solidarity in Collective Action
We will support communities in identifying the key issues they face, and will create space, promote teamwork, and provide education to help them reach their common goals.
Promote Innovation
New ideas are the foundation of change, we believe in cultivating these ideas and providing support in order to make them a reality.
Create Lasting Partnerships
We will work with other organizations and government groups in order to best help our people.
Our Work
MESHCOP has a small team of 30 people, and is working together with over 70 community programs to plan and run our programs. Our various projects have served communities in Eastern Uganda such as Mount Elgon, Bududa, and other districts in the Mbale region. Our solar energy program has also attracted people in Karamoja region and Western Uganda.
Our team possesses a vast pool of skills in training, planning, management, community work, renewable energy, disaster management, and construction among others. Together, we have created an invaluable set of resources and services needed to effectively and positively impact the communities we work with. Here are some of our achievements:
- We have provided safe and clean drinking water to 15,000 isolated community members by protecting 10 water sources vulnerable to cholera contamination
- Our youth clubs have provided psychosocial support and life skills training to 820 vulnerable children throughout the district
- We have build a community library at Bumbo School, supporting literacy for 2,000 rural students annually
- We have supported 8,452 unemployed women to create micro enterprises to obtain independence and support their families
- Our solar energy program has provided energy to communities without power, and has provided jobs, skills, and income to people across Uganda
Mt Elgon Self-Help Community Program 