We give people a trusted way to donate internationally with the assurance that 100% of their funds reach the most vulnerable through efficient, refugee-led programs in education and agriculture.
Originally set up for the private philanthropy of founders Kathy and Eric Berg, Now and Tomorrow has expanded to provide a vehicle for people seeking to donate internationally with the assurance that 100% of their funds reach the most vulnerable with efficient and effective programs. All of the work in education, agriculture and livelihoods has an immediate impact (Now) and a sustaining results in the future (Tomorrow).
The people we serve have fled armed conflict in their home countries in search of a safe place to live. Most are children and families with many children starting over with almost nothing, and looking for a way forward.
Nakivaale is home to over 200,000 refugees, primarily from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Somalia, Rwanda and Ethiopia. Most of the people living in Nakivale will likely spend the rest of their lives there making a new life in their adopted home.
The elimination of USAID and the world-wide surge in refugees caused by wars in Ukraine, Gaza and Iran has created a perfect storm of hardship for people that were already on the edge of survival. After repeatedly cutting rations for food, the World Food Program has eliminated food support entirely.
This places both a nutritional obstacle as well as an economic barrier for any investment in childhood education. Children drop out of school to help with childcare and chores so both parents can seek work. Young girls are “sold” into marriage to raise money to support the family – resulting in an end to their educational journey.
We have two central initiatives in Nakivale – one that addresses education for the children (Soma!!!Soma!!!) and the other that focuses on growing more abundant and nutritious crops on the land each refugee family is provided (Kura!!!Kura!!!). Both programs depend on refugees mobilizing their energy and resources to multiply and leverage the outside resources we provide. These are truly “self-help” programs.
Getting out-of-school children enrolled in government schools and keeping them there. Education is the only realistic path out of the settlement, so we cover the obstacles: fees, uniforms, food and follow-up. "Read, Read" in Swahili.
Regenerating the land families depend on. Each household gets a 20m × 20m plot; our team rebuilds degraded soil, captures scarce water and grows biodiversity into lasting food security. "Grow, Grow" in Kinyarwanda.
As important as the What and Why is the how this work is being accomplished. The prime movers in each of the initiatives are Refugee-founded, Refugee-Led Organizations (RLOs). While international Non-Governmental Organizations mean well, they can never have the local knowledge, experience and credibility of those living in the community that are part of the refugee population. These organizations are led by well-educated, committed individuals that can provide solutions wanted by their communities at a small fraction of the cost needed by international organizations. Funds do more when put in the hands of the local RLOs.
Now and Tomorrow works through two of these organizations: Now and Tomorrow Uganda and Unidos Social Innovations Center. Because the overhead of Now and Tomorrow is paid by Kathy and Eric, 100 percent of the funds raised go directly to the RLOs for the direct benefit of the refugees.
The simple answer is NOW! Years of working in the development sector taught Eric that it is possible to have an immediate impact on the lives of the beneficiaries BUT that short-term, giveaways and feel-good events often waste resources. In fact, the initial work with children was called Kusoma na Sana (Reading and Art). It provided an enjoyable, weekly 2 hours of reading and art for children in the community but had no lasting impact. After evaluating the results and researching alternatives, the Soma Soma program was created which brought the immediate impact (Now) of safety, learning and nutrition for the children while leading to a lasting impact of an educational journey out of poverty (Tomorrow).
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The Soma!!!Soma!!! program has resulted in over 2,500 previously out of school children becoming enrolled in government schools. Even more impressive is that despite the mounting pressures of food insecurity and income loss, over 75% of the children that were initially enrolled – remain in school today. While the Kura!!!Kura!!! program is just beginning – over 100 individuals have been trained and provided the tools to build Perma-Gardens.
By the end of August, 0ver 90% of those completing the training will have begun their first plantings, while simultaneously beginning the soil regeneration process. With additional resources, the Kura!!!Kura!!! program will expand to thousands of families in the Nakivaale Refugee Settlement
