The Story of NANEF
Nakweede Network Foundation (NANEF) is a community-based organization founded out of a deep commitment to improving the lives and opportunities of vulnerable women, girls, youth, and children in rural and semi-rural communities of Kayunga District, Uganda.
Where It All Began
The Foundation's journey began in 2018 under Women At Work International (WAWI), where community and school-based engagements provided an opportunity to work closely with families, young people, women, and educational institutions. Through these interactions, it became increasingly evident that many families were facing persistent challenges including low household incomes, school dropout, teenage pregnancies, early marriages, gender-based violence, and other forms of social and economic vulnerability.
The COVID-19 pandemic further exposed and intensified many of these challenges. When schools eventually reopened, Nakweede Harriet observed a troubling increase in the number of girls who had not returned to school. Some had become pregnant, others had entered early marriages, while many were struggling to return to education because of poverty, family circumstances, and the effects of the pandemic.
Rather than simply witnessing this situation, Nakweede Harriet was moved to act.
Since 2018
Empowering Kayunga's Vulnerable Groups
A Vision Taking Shape
She began engaging directly with affected girls and their families, encouraging them to return to school, regain confidence, and see possibilities beyond the circumstances they were facing. What began as a personal commitment to support vulnerable girls gradually developed into a broader community vision: to create opportunities that enable vulnerable people to become self-reliant, resilient, and capable of shaping better futures for themselves and their communities.
In 2022, NANEF was formally registered as a Community Based Organisation (CBO) in Kayunga District, building on the experience and community relationships established since 2018.
Today, NANEF works to equip women, youth, and children with practical skills, knowledge, opportunities, and support that enable them to improve their livelihoods and participate meaningfully in community development. The Foundation focuses on addressing the underlying causes of vulnerability rather than only responding to its consequences.
Our Continuing Mission
Through skills development, education support, community empowerment, advocacy, mentorship, and partnerships, NANEF seeks to help individuals and families break the cycle of poverty, violence, injustice, and social exclusion.
"Our story is rooted in a simple belief: Every woman deserves an opportunity. Every child deserves a chance to learn. Every young person deserves a future. And every community has the potential to transform itself when people are given the right support and opportunities."
Nakweede Network Foundation continues to work with communities, schools, leaders, development partners, and other stakeholders to turn this belief into meaningful and sustainable action.
Touching Lives Together
Empowering Communities. Transforming Lives. Building a Better Tomorrow.
