BUNYONYI FOOD FOREST FOUNDATION (BFFF)

Batwa Plant Knowledge and Relationships

11/5/2024

We are grateful to BFFF member Tyson Ndamwesiga who traveled to Buhoma, Uganda - along with Kyevu/Batwa Elder - to meet with Ezera Mugyenyi and other Batwa community members of this region of Uganda.

During this visit, Indigenous Plant Knowledge was shared, Batwa Forest connections were witnessed, and important Relationships (in 3 districts of Rubanda (BFFF), Kisoro, and Kanungu) were bridged.

We are excited to meet and learn from this visit to Buhoma as we consider next steps for the training and building of Bunyonyi Food Forest, and collaborating with related programs within Lake Bunyonyi, Buhoma, and beyond.

Bunyonyi Boat Safety - BFFF

10/6/2024

With a view to preventing future drownings on Lake Bunyonyi, due to the capsizing of dug out canoes, Lake Bunyonyi's BFFF members, Tyson and Joe, are working with boat builder, Mr. Bangirana Alfred (see image below), to craft a more stable dug-out canoe design for this region. Once a prototype has been built, BFFF's Youth Group will work with BFFF & Kashekye volunteers to assist locals in modifying their boats. Together with Tyson and Hillary teaching swimming, these two initiatives should help to make boating safer and help prevent future drownings.

BFFF's New Logo:

10/2/2024

Culturally Relevant Education: BFFF, KAB, & VIU Collaboration

9/2/2024

Exciting News! Kabale University (KAB/Uganda) instructor and doctoral student (Winnifred Namazzi) has received an International Scholarship to spend one full term at Vancouver Island University (VIU/Canada) to enrich her research studies on “Culturally relevant education for Indigenous, Batwa communities”.

As part of her research, Tyson (BFFF’s Batwa Relations member) introduced Winnifred to Kyevu community (Sept., 2024) to learn more about what they desire for culturally relevant educational opportunities for their children and youth.

Upon her arrival at VIU (Fall, 2024), BFFF Global Relations members (Nadine and Joe), will be introducing Winnifred to friends, colleagues, Indigenous Elders, and community members who are similarly contributing to culturally relevant educational opportunities within Indigenous Coast Salish regions.

This collaboration supports both KAB & VIU’s Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and BFFF’s Vision for reciprocity and cultural revitalization.

As noted in BFFF’s 3 Pathways, Strategic Plan, Winnifred will continue sharing her enriched knowledge with KAB and BFFF communities upon her return to Uganda, and work together to offer Indigenous-led, culturally relevant, land-based educational opportunities within Kyevu community.

3 Pathways Strategic Plan

8/28/2024

Refer to 3 Pathways for new documents that share BFFF's Vision, Goals, Pathways, and Timeline (including a 3-5 year budget plan).

Sharing BFFF's Story through film and facebook

6/23/2024

Thanks to King and Tash - of award-winning Reel Impact - for filming the start of BFFF's documentary:

,Note: A shorter (3 minute) 'trailer' can be found on main "Welcome" page.

Thanks to Bridget - BFFF member - for creating a BFFF Facebook page:

Bunyonyi Food Forest Foundation - Facebook Page

EcoSan Latrine, Supply/Garden Shed are near completion!

5/7/2024

BFFF Team (in Lake Bunyonyi/Kabale) has mobilized an Engineer and Construction crew for the building of an on-site Eco-friendly latrine, supply/garden shed. As it is almost complete, plans to bring groups on the land to build a Food Forest, can begin.

BFFF Team has also met with film-maker James "King" Bagyenzi (Founder & Managing Director of Reel Impact TV & Reel Impact Foundation) to begin documenting BFFF's Story through Photography and Documentary. Relationship building, conversations, and filming with Kashekye and Batwa community members are planned for the week of May 13-17, 2024.

"...I feel that you have a capable team.
The community vibe is definitely high,
you have the people mobilized
and the expectation and involvement is high.
I also felt the genius of it so if you can keep the focus
it will be amazing"
(King, May, 2024)

"I totally agree with you King. I felt the same way" (Tasha)

After spending much time with
Batwa community
(traveling 62km by foot & canoe),
including meeting with the Chief,
Tyson reported his “good news” that
“pygmies have agreed to be part of us in every activity and they are very happy to find that they are also considered in BFFF”
(May, 2024)

During this construction and filming stage, BFFF Youth who are interested in Film-making, Photography, Engineering and/or Construction, have the opportunity to learn these skills.

Enhancing the roles of women and youth, as leaders and public speakers, is also a focus of this week.

See slideshow below for Action Photos.

Landing Dock Complete!

4/15/2024

The first BFFF construction project is happening on Bunyonyi Food Forest site with the building of a Community Landing Dock. This dock will allow materials and resources for the building of other infrastructure and programs.

DAY 1 - April 15