Circa: 2010
Our Story: Straight from the Heart
A message from our founder & president
Where It All Began…
Be A Number kicked off as a simple t-shirt initiative: for every t-shirt sold, we gifted one to a child in need. Those t-shirts became gateways, leading me to Uganda when I was just 23. Over the years, with the guidance and insights from amazing friends I met on this journey, I began understanding the nuances of Uganda – its trials, its vibrancy, and its resilience.
Despite my years there, I'm constantly amazed by how much I've yet to learn. One key insight, however, has been the undeniable bond between hardworking moms and their children. This led to our inaugural project: Magdalene’s Bakery. Inspired by the strength and spirit of these women, former prostitutes, I wanted to lend a hand. Having seen family businesses flourish in my own backyard, I took the leap. Over five years, what began in a shack matured into a full-fledged establishment, employing up to 15 folks, including refugees from neighboring nations. Life took its turns — I got married, embraced fatherhood, and priorities shifted. The bakery ceased operations, propelling me into years of introspection about its highs and lows.
With an undying urge to make a lasting impact, I dabbled with micro-loans. While they might work wonders in certain scenarios, my experience was quite the contrary. Next, we tried "unconditional giving" overseen by a local pastor. This method, rooted in crafting and supervising individual business plans, showed promise, but scalability was a challenge. Pondering alternatives, my dear friend Simon Peter, a proud member of the Acholi Tribe, shared his vision for a vocational center. It dawned upon me: the past projects, albeit well-intentioned, were overly reliant on my management from continents away. A realization, seemingly evident, but achieved after over a decade of groundwork.
Now, we join forces with Simon and his nonprofit, Y.D.O., grounded in his homeland of Acholi, specifically in the post-war terrain of Gulu, Uganda. Be A Number and Y.D.O. are united by a shared dream — to uplift and rejuvenate the communities of this region. We co-create transformative narratives, cherishing the distinct roles we each play. At the heart of our collaboration is a vocational center where women are taught sewing skills. These garments, though seemingly modest, equip them with invaluable knowledge and capabilities.
It would be an honor if you joined us on this journey. The scars and remnants of war might seem overwhelming, but with collective efforts and unity, we can piece together a brighter tomorrow.
