By Kristin Coveney

Eric Mulwanyi and his five siblings grew up in a rural, Ugandan village with only their mother to raise them. While some might view this as an insurmountable obstacle, Eric saw an opportunity. He now helps youths to develop their own businesses by promoting cheap, modern pig rearing techniques, and forming savings and loan associations.

Eric originally set out to translate classroom ideas into tangible projects through low-cost, advanced farming. However, after the 2010 Global Engagement Summit, he refined his plan to incorporate the asset-based community development model. Eric believes that “a community of people united by a shared passion is the best avenue for change;” trade and business opportunities empower them, whereas handouts and direct aid immobilize them.

By building upon the talents and skills of those involved in the local associations, Eric is living his life-long dream of helping others to rise out of poverty. He advises others who want to start a project but might be afraid to do so to begin small and simple, and to surround themselves with people who understand their ideas and goals.

In the coming years, Eric hopes to expand his project to additional villages, register it as a national NGO, and increase his day-to-day involvement with the project. He also hopes to obtain a masters degree in non-profit management so as to expand his international network.