Ugali is one of the staple foods in East Africa where we center a large percentage of our m
Ugali is one of the staple foods in East Africa where we center a large percentage of our microfinance projects. So today, we bring you a short video about the making of this delicious cultural dish.
Sandy Davis, Friend and former Kenyan transplant writes:
The main staple food is ugali (pronounced “00-golly”) which is only water and maize flour. Cooks in Western Kenya do not have measuring cups or spoons so they guess at proportions needed. For the ugali, heat a certain amount of water in a large kettle over the fire. The amount depends on how many people they will feed. When it boils, enough maize flour is added to absorb all the water and make a solid “cake” of ugali. It is then turned out of the rounded bottom of the pan onto a plate after being packed down hard. It is then a mound on the plate. Each person uses the communal knife to cut off a hunk of it for themselves. Portions are pinched off with the fingers and molded and packed in the hand with a final indentation made with the thumb to form a spoon. This is used to spoon up the greens or other broth and meat.
Ugali is a yummy, chewy meal that compliments most anything. If you give it a try at home, send us your pictures: media@rswr.org
Tongowa Disadvantaged Women in Post War Development
SIERRA LEONE, West Africa
Their name is long, but their mission is simple: to help women gain skills and build sustainable business endeavors. This is in the context of Sierra Leone, West Africa, a country in recovery from an extremely violent, leveling war that overtook Sierra Leone for 11 years. Tongowa Disadvantaged Women in Post War Development or “TDWPWD” is a Non-Governmental Organization or “NGO” which started in the mid-1990’s at the height of the war.
TDWPWD applied for, and received their first grant from Right Sharing of World Resources in 2007 when they found themselves in a self-described “crippling” state. The projects creatively evolved over the years as more women were introduced and needs and markets changed. There has been a focus however on weaving, garment and bed sheet sewing, as well as some agricultural activities. Over the years TDWPWD has been able to offer increasing basic adult education classes as well as skills and self sufficiency training.
So far, 320(!) women have received initial loans from TDWPWD. To date, 225 women have repaid their loans so far.
The attached testimonies from RSWR beneficiaries Isata Bassie and Nancy Nyama came in recently with the group’s latest report. We share those with you here.
Caption: “Since my contact with RSWR, I count myself blessed because there are thousands of my friends out there suffering, but with me, I belong to an organization which cares for me and has trained me to acquire skills for better living. Now I can boast of skills which are helping me to earn money and to earn money to support me and my family. God bless RSWR board and my organization TDWPWD.” ~Nancy Nyama
