Empowering children, teachers and mothers in Uganda through creativity, craftsmanship and practical skills.
After a private visit to the children's home with her family in the summer of 2024, Marcella L. had an idea: to open up space for creative thinking and hands-on making. Andreas S. and Anne S. later joined her — together we believe that creativity and practical skills can transform lives. In partnership with Hands for an African Child (HFAAC) in Bukomero, Uganda, we run hands-on crafting and skills programs first and foremost for the orphaned children of HFAAC — while their teachers and parents grow right alongside them, learning new skills of their own along the way.
Our first volunteers, Hannah and Emily, arrived in February 2025 and spent six weeks laying the groundwork. Since then, 15 volunteers have taught on-site for a combined ten weeks, and we've helped hire and train seven local trainers — three in computer skills, two in crocheting and handcrafts, one in machine sewing, and one in motorbike riding & maintenance — who now teach every week during term time. We're already back for our second intensive course in July 2026.
We are not a large NGO. We are people who show up, roll up their sleeves and craft something meaningful — together with the community.
Each visit brings new workshops, new skills and new friendships. Here is how 2025 unfolded, week by week — and where we are now.
The project kicks off! Over six weeks, Hannah and Emily work with the children on bracelets, carved figures, sewn pillows, clay, mobiles — and bake a lot of cookies together. They lay the groundwork for everything that follows.
Our first local craft teacher joins. Esther specializes in traditional techniques like weaving baskets and mats from banana fibre, and begins regular textile lessons with the children.
Teacher Filder starts teaching textile work in July. In August, volunteers Boris, Sarah and Laura spend 2.5 weeks on-site, explore the local market, buy the first jigsaws and drills, and connect with Patrick, a foster father at HFAAC with a real talent for woodwork — expanding the program into technical crafts.
Marcella L., Andreas S. and Anne S. spend two weeks on-site leading the first dedicated project week — around 40 children work in depth on technical and textile skills. Teachers Esther and Filder help lead the handcrafting sessions, and Patrick, a foster father at HFAAC with a natural talent for woodwork, joins as our third local craft teacher. Every goal we set out with was achieved — and all three have kept the program running every week since we left in November 2025.
Back in Bukomero for our second intensive course! This visit we tackle two of our big 2026 goals at once: setting up a computer lab and introducing sewing machines — alongside advanced woodworking and crochet. Our local team grows to seven trainers: three in computer skills, one in machine sewing, one in motorbike riding & maintenance, and two continuing in crocheting and handcrafts. Tap any workshop below for details.
Our next project is already in the pipeline: bringing internet to the entire HFAAC compound — from the medical center and community building to the teacher homes, office buildings and all the way up to the family homes. We'll start with a microwave data link over a fibre (glasfibre) connection with WiFi access points across the site, and switch to Starlink once it becomes available in the area.
A huge thank you to Terry from the US, who is generously supporting this project — and who will help bring Starlink to HFAAC once it's available in the area.
Straight from our 2025 annual report — the real difference Crafting Futures has made in the Bukomero community so far.
With continued support, Crafting Futures aims to grow into a self-sustaining craft education centre that empowers generations of young people in Bukomero.
One of our top 2026 goals, done: a fully equipped computer lab is now up and running at Nuri Primary School, teaching the children their first digital skills.
Alongside hand sewing, students are now learning to use proper sewing machines and repair textiles — another 2026 goal reached during our second intensive course.
Grow from occasional visits to several dedicated project weeks per year with volunteers, so more children can go deeper on technical, textile and future computer skills.
Good progress already: most of our local trainers have been added to HFAAC's official payroll, sponsored by HFAAC's Brian and Brad — a big step toward making the program financially sustainable for the long run.
Every contribution helps us buy materials, support local teacher salaries and keep the workshops running. No donation is too small — every euro makes a real impact in Bukomero.
Come to Uganda, bring your skills and meet great people.
Every cent counts and flows directly into the project.
Help with fundraising, social media, texts and reports.
Teach computer skills remotely to our students.
Tell your friends and family about Crafting Futures.
All donations go directly to the project. We are 100% volunteer-run.
Crafting Futures operates in close partnership with Hands for an African Child (HFAAC) — a children's village for orphans in Bukomero, Uganda, built up since 2022. HFAAC provides the infrastructure, community connections and local support that make our work possible.