Get involved!
Here you can read about our various local grass-roots campaigns to realize Podrska’s vision of self-empowerment and compassion for human and non-human animals.
All our Local Campaigns.
Child Program
At the Podrska Foundation, we’re deeply committed to helping children in need through our child welfare program. Our Child Program is designed to provide essential resources and support to vulnerable children, especially those who are orphans or living in poverty. We believe that every child deserves a safe, healthy, and happy childhood, and we’re dedicated to doing everything we can to make that a reality.
Our team works directly with children in need, providing them with food, education, healthcare, and emotional support. The program raises awareness of children’s rights such as gender equality and equal opportunities. In particular, we ensure that girls not only go to school but also stay in school and acquire an education through our stay-in-school campaign. We know that these children face many challenges in their daily lives, and our volunteers are always there to lend a helping hand.
Through our child welfare program, we’re working to create a more just and equitable society for all. We believe that by supporting vulnerable children, we’re not only helping them, but also strengthening the communities in which they live. We’re proud to be part of a global movement for social justice and sustainability, and we invite you to join us in making a difference. Whether you’re a donor, volunteer, or supporter, your involvement can make a real and lasting impact on the lives of children in need.
Compassionate Feeding Program
At the Podrska Foundation, we are driven by a simple yet profound belief: that a hot meal can be more than sustenance: it can be a lifeline, a source of comfort, and a beacon of hope. Our Compassionate Feeding Program embodies this belief by reaching out to the most vulnerable communities and offering them hot, nourishing plant-based meals.
We’ve chosen to provide plant-based meals as a symbol of compassion not just for people, but for animals and the planet too. A plant-based lifestyle represents a sustainable, ethical, and healthy way of living that aligns with our core values.
Over the years, our program has touched the lives of countless individuals and families.
We couldn’t achieve any of this without the support of people like you. Your financial contribution directly helps us provide meals to those in need.
Education/ Sponsorship Program:
At the Podrska Foundation, we believe that every child deserves access to quality education, regardless of their background. Our Education / Sponsorship program provides early education for children and women who may not have had the opportunity to attend school otherwise. We know that education is key to breaking the cycle of poverty and creating a better future for all.
For just $50 per month, you can sponsor a child’s education. This sponsorship covers the cost of a health checkup, daily plant-based breakfast and lunch, school fees, and occasional school-related materials such as textbooks, bags, and uniforms. By sponsoring a child’s education, you can help ensure their long-term welfare and enable them to reach their full potential.
Our team of dedicated volunteers works tirelessly to provide a safe and nurturing learning environment for every child. We believe that education should be accessible to all, and we strive to make it a reality for the children in our program. We provide educational materials, books, and learning aids to help children learn and grow, and we offer counseling services for teenagers and empower women through education. With your help, we can continue to provide access to quality education for children and women in Uganda, and create a brighter future for all.
Plant-Based School Campaign
Our Plant-Based School Campaign aims to provide educational programs that teach students about plant-based diets, animal rights, and environmental sustainability. By introducing these concepts in schools, colleges, and universities across Uganda, we’re creating a culture of compassion and sustainability that will impact the lives of students and their families for generations to come.
In addition to classroom education, we also aim to create animal rights clubs within the communities where our schools are located. These clubs will serve as a space where students, teachers, and community members can gather to learn more about plant-based living, share recipes, and discuss the importance of animal rights. By promoting a plant-based lifestyle beyond the classroom, we hope to create a culture of compassion and sustainability that extends far beyond the walls of the school.
However, lack of funds has limited our ability to expand this program and establish more animal rights clubs in surrounding communities. We are currently seeking donations and sponsorships to help us reach more schools and establish more clubs. With your support, we can create a ripple effect of positive change, inspiring more people to adopt a plant-based lifestyle and care for the welfare of animals.
School Feeding Program
Our School Feeding Program is all about providing much-needed nutrition to children in Uganda, who might otherwise go hungry throughout the school day. Our team of dedicated volunteers work tirelessly to ensure that children in the program receive a daily mid-day meal lunch, consisting of plant-based foods that are both healthy and delicious.
For many of the children we serve, these meals are the only consistent source of nutrition they receive, and the program has a significant impact on their ability to learn and thrive in the classroom. We believe that every child deserves access to nutritious food and the opportunity to reach their full potential, regardless of their circumstances.
Through our school feeding program, we not only provide meals, but also education on the importance of healthy eating and how to prepare nutritious meals using local ingredients. Our team is committed to making a positive impact in the lives of these children and their communities, and we are grateful for the opportunity to do so.
Plant-Based Advocacy Campaign
Project Grow is a transformative initiative aimed at addressing food insecurity by teaching individuals how to grow their own food, whether in the limited spaces of urban slums or the rural countryside. At the core of our mission is the belief that everyone should have access to healthy, sustainable food while also promoting compassionate, animal-friendly practices.
Through over 15 workshops, Project Grow has already impacted 500 households in areas like Nansana, Kakila, Wakiso, Kabale, Kosovo, and Gganda, with a goal of reaching 10,000 households. These workshops provide participants with the knowledge and resources to grow their own vegetables, fruits, and herbs, fostering independence and sustainability.
We also host hands-on demonstrations at our office demo garden, where participants learn to cultivate crops, create compost from organic waste, and recycle materials for sustainable gardening. In each session, we distribute free seeds and seedlings to ensure participants can put their new skills into practice immediately.
Key Features:
- Workshops for Everyone: Whether space is limited in urban slums or ample in rural areas, Project Grow’s techniques are adaptable to any environment.
- Teamwork for Success: We encourage participants to form groups, ensuring mutual support and increasing success rates.
- Free Seeds and Seedlings: We provide the materials needed to start, with follow-up support to ensure long-term growth.
- Income Opportunity: By teaching sustainable farming, participants can sell surplus crops, improving their financial stability.
- Animal Rights Awareness: Along with promoting plant-based diets, Project Grow raises awareness about the exploitation of animals in industrial agriculture. Participants learn the importance of cruelty-free lifestyles, both for their health and the environment.
At the intersection of food security and animal rights, Project Grow ensures that individuals can access healthy, plant-based foods while making compassionate, informed choices that protect the environment and respect animals. Join us in creating a brighter, more sustainable future for all.
Stay in School Campaign
At the Podrska Foundation, we strongly believe that every child deserves the opportunity to receive an education in a safe and secure environment. Unfortunately, this is not always the case, as many children in impoverished communities face challenges that make it difficult for them to stay in school, i.e., children being exploited for labor, becoming young single mothers or even becoming involved in drug taking or drug dealing. We have made it our aim to help make schools safer for these children so that they can continue to learn and grow.
Through our Stay in School Campaign, we work closely with local schools and communities to identify areas where improvements can be made to enhance the safety and well-being of students. We provide training and resources to teachers and school staff, including trauma-informed care and conflict resolution skills, to help them better support the emotional and social needs of their students.
Project Grow
Environmental Initiative to Empower At-Risk Ugandans
Project Grow is a program that empowers individuals to make a positive impact on the environment and their own well-being. Through this program, we provide valuable knowledge and resources to participants, giving them the tools to make informed choices about adopting a sustainable cruelty-free lifestyle.
By teaching individuals how to recycle their organic waste into compost, they can reduce their carbon footprint and create a natural fertilizer for growing healthy, nutritious food at home. This not only benefits the environment but also provides an opportunity for individuals to improve their own health by incorporating more plant-based foods into their diets.
In addition, Project Grow has the potential to create a source of income for participants through the sale of surplus crops. This is a great opportunity for those who are looking to supplement their income while contributing to a more sustainable future.
At the heart of Project Grow is the belief that everyone deserves access to healthy, sustainable food, and that by working together, we can create a more just and equitable food system for all. Join us in this important work and help us build a brighter, more sustainable future for our communities.
Veggie Kids
Childhood obesity is a pressing concern in Uganda, and with our “Veggie Kids” concept, we
believe in early intervention and education to foster healthier lifestyles. Our program
focuses on raising awareness about the impact of childhood obesity and advocates for
a plant-based diet as a powerful tool for overcoming this challenge. By engaging with
families, schools, and communities, the Podrska Foundation through Veggie Kids strives to
instill the importance of nutritious choices, empowering children to embrace a healthier,
plant-powered lifestyle.
Green Space
Our Green Spaces program is a testament to our commitment to environmental
sustainability. We identify areas within our communities that can benefit from the beauty
and benefits of greenery. Through collaborative efforts, we plant trees to enhance the
environment, promote biodiversity, and create spaces where communities can thrive
At Podrska Foundation, we believe in the power of community-driven change. Join us in
these impactful programs and be a part of the movement towards a healthier, greener,
and more sustainable future for all.
Cooking Classes
These hands-on workshops are more than just cooking lessons; they are a transformative experience designed to empower individuals to make informed plant-based choices. Our classes equip participants with practical skills, providing them with the confidence to prepare delicious, nutritious plant-based meals using locally sourced ingredients.
The sense of community we foster in our cooking classes is equally important. As participants share their cooking experiences and stories, they build connections that encourage open discussions about dietary changes, animal rights, and sustainable living. This supportive environment makes the journey to a vegan lifestyle more enjoyable and sustainable.
At Podrška, we celebrate the rich culinary traditions of Uganda by incorporating local ingredients and recipes into our classes. We want our participants to know that veganism is not only feasible but also deeply rooted in our culture. Our cooking classes aim to show that plant-based meals can easily fit into everyday life, reinforcing the idea that a vegan diet is both accessible and delightful.
Through our cooking classes, we hope to inspire participants to explore new recipes, embrace a healthier lifestyle, and connect with their community. At Podrška, we are committed to supporting each individual’s journey toward a more compassionate and sustainable way of living.
Street Outreach
Podrška has so far launched over 170 successful street outreaches in Uganda. In high-traffic areas such as Nabweru, Nansana, Nakawa, and Lugogo, we engage pedestrians with powerful visuals, including footage of cruelty in industrial farms and slaughterhouses videos. This visual aids initiate honest and passionate talks about the ethical, health, and environmental benefits of living a plant-based lifestyle. Our outreach activities are frequently accompanied by free food sampling, as we bring several meat substitutes to the streets. Such hands-on events show people how simple and tasty plant-based living can be. The food samples inspire deeper discussions about the ethics of consumption, allowing us to engage more meaningfully with the public about ethically informed dietary choices.
Participants who sign vegan pledges during these interactions are encouraged to attend Project Grow, where they can learn about organic farming practices and take part in our vegan cooking classes. We make sure to follow up with those transitioning to a vegan lifestyle, offering them support and resources to ease their journey. This ongoing engagement ensures that the pledges lead to lasting lifestyle changes.
The success of our outreaches thus far demonstrates the power of grassroots activism in influencing public attitudes and promoting compassionate living across Uganda.
School Quizzes
One of our flagship initiatives is the “Conscious Choices: Vegan Quiz for Young Minds” competition. Initially focused on high schools, the competition has already seen participation by students from secondary schools. These quizzes foster values of compassion, empathy, and responsible decision-making while addressing vital issues such as animal rights, wildlife conservation, nutrition, and the environmental impact of human actions, particularly those related to diet and lifestyle choices.
In addition to quizzes, we are integrating spelling bees, podcasts, skits, poetry recitations, and other creative platforms to engage students in dynamic and thoughtful ways. These activities will allow participants to express their ideas about animal rights while nurturing their talents and raising awareness on critical issues affecting both human and non-human animals.
Our first quiz competition was awarded a fully funded study trip to Queen Elizabeth National Park, generously sponsored by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). During the trip, students engaged in a training session on conservation, where they learned firsthand about Uganda’s rich biodiversity, the critical importance of preserving wildlife habitats, and the role that young people can play in safeguarding the environment for future generations.
University Student Engagements
At Podrška, we organize university debates that focus on key topics like climate change, animal agriculture, wildlife conservation, and animal rights. These debates are designed to actively engage students, encouraging them to think critically and participate in meaningful discussions about the ethical and environmental challenges we face today.
We accomplish this by establishing Podrška Chapters at universities, which serve as hubs for student activism. Currently, we have successfully set up chapters at Makerere University Business School, Makerere University, and Kyambogo University. Through these chapters, we organize debates, demonstrations, vegan outreach programs, and other community-focused activities.
By establishing these university chapters, we ensure that students are consistently involved in organizing and participating in activities such as movie screenings, workshops, street activism, and vegan academic clinics. These initiatives raise awareness about issues such as animal abuse and the importance of adopting a plant-based lifestyle, with the goal of inspiring dietary changes and greater compassion for all living beings.
Furthermore, such debates offer opportunities for students to join our broader initiatives, enabling them to contribute to causes that align with their values. Through these efforts, we aim to educate a generation of compassionate advocates who will continue to push for animal rights, wildlife protection, and environmental sustainability.
Donations
Regular Donations: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=WHWRKLN5AJRHU
Patreon account https://www.patreon.com/podrskafoundation
Donations to specific projects can be made to our Donorbox campaign pages:
Vegan Food Program: https://donorbox.org/vegan-food-program
The Child Program: https://donorbox.org/the-child-program
The Lady Program: https://donorbox.org/the-lady-program
If you are unable to support us financially we appreciate you taking the time to share this project on social media or directly with friends, family and colleagues.
General Infos:
Science-based sites that inform the statements made above
https://www.preventionofdisease.org/
https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/the-right-plant-based-diet-for-you
https://nutritionstudies.org/whole-food-plant-based-diet-guide/
https://www.forksoverknives.com/wellness/vegan-toddler-healthy/#gs.41iz9q
https://www.nutritiousvida.com/blog/dietitian-raising-vegan-children