Visit Nyaka in Uganda

Matt Stauble

“My first visit to Uganda and Nyaka in 2015 was nothing short of life-changing. From the moment I set foot in the community, I fell in love with the people and the incredible work being done. Witnessing firsthand how Nyaka uplifts the community and how the community, in turn, comes together to care for and empower one another was deeply inspiring. It’s a testament to the strength, resilience, and love that permeates every aspect of life there.

Tory Dietel-Hopps

“I think one of the things I love so much about Nyaka, there’s something for everyone here, If you love children, we are working with children, if you are concerned about women and girls, there are many programs here championing women’s and girls rights. Their right to education, their right to safety. If you are interested in developing economic capabilities, so people have livelihoods, and part ways out of poverty. That is part of Nyaka’s mission. There’s also health issues being assisted through Nyaka’s program. It’s truly a holistic program.

It’s one thing to read that and see and be part of the community. It’s another thing to come and see it and feel it and be part of a community and I’ve never been in a community that made me feel as loved as Nyaka has.”

Bob Pell

“Visiting Nyaka was a profoundly moving experience. I witnessed a daily struggle for survival transformed into a vibrant community of hope through immense dedication and hardwork. The eager children, resilient grandmothers, and impactful projects are a testament to what is possible. Now, the critical question is: how can we connect these manifest successes with the resources and commitments needed to scale this model of change? Nyaka has laid the foundation; the opportunity is to help build upon it.“

Esmeralda Simmons

What most impressed me about Nyaka is that they are a decade ahead of most NGOs in terms of sustainability. They are not just thinking about securing more grants. The real solution lies in self-entrepreneurial enterprises, where you sustain non-income-earning projects with sister projects that do generate income. They use what is readily at hand. You can’t go more than a mile without seeing a banana, tea, or cocoa farm everywhere. If you’re surrounded by it, that is your solution. Use it, but use it in a way that becomes a resource for the projects that need funding. In this case, the profits go directly to the community programs, the educational initiatives, and the development and sustainability of our elders and youth.

This trip has been like seeing a dream realized. It is an inspiration to go home and tell everyone that I have seen in Uganda what we have been discussing for three decades. I have seen them doing it, and we need to replicate this. Nyaka is the future of the African people.

Michelle Della-Fortuna

Our founder, Jarett Schecter, first met Jackson several years ago and was immediately inspired by his mission and the work he was doing in Uganda. This inspiration led Teeem to begin a partnership with Nyaka.

The highlight of this experience has been witnessing the vast impact Nyaka is making. Before visiting, I knew about the schools through reports and our interactions, but experiencing Nyaka firsthand showed me that it is so much more than just education. The Grandmothers Program, the microfinance initiatives, and the vibrant community they have built are truly remarkable.

Of course, the children are wonderful and adorable, bright, and well-educated. It is clear that Nyaka is making a profound difference, and we are proud to support such transformative work.

Taylor D’Alessio

The highlight of my experience with Nyaka has been visiting the schools. It was absolutely unforgettable. My favorite moment was at the secondary school, where the students themselves gave us a tour. We spent the entire day with them, learning, laughing, and connecting. It was truly special.

In November, I’ll be running the New York City Marathon on behalf of Team Nyaka, which I’m both excited and a little nervous about! This opportunity allows me to continue spreading awareness, not only about Nyaka’s life-changing programs, but also about how extraordinary the students are and how Teeem students can continue to get involved.

Oliver Pell

This entire trip has been incredible. It’s evident that Uganda and Rwanda are poised to be the future leaders of Africa. Western Uganda was beautiful, with its rolling hills, tea farms, lakes, and rivers, a landscape quite different from
what we see in West Africa. The Nyaka schools were truly remarkable. As someone who works at a school in Togo, I was especially impressed by the quality of the resources and infrastructure. The students’ engagement clearly reflects the exceptional standard of education Nyaka provides.