The need
Why this matters.
A trade is only useful with tools — and a full set can cost more than a family earns in months. Many graduates have the skill but not the equipment to start working.
Loaning tools closes that gap while they build savings.
Cariboo Gate Foundation
Tools shared, careers started.
A supervised store of masonry, carpentry, tailoring and farm tools that graduates can borrow while they save for their own.
- Status Open for funding
- Budget $6,500
- People served 150 graduates / year
- Location Bweyale, Kiryandongo
- Timeline 2027
What we're building
The plan.
A secure, supervised store of masonry, carpentry, tailoring and farm tools that graduates borrow with a simple check-out record, plus maintenance and a replacement fund so the library lasts.
Who benefits
- Graduates of all six trades
- Instructors, who can run it as part of the course
- Early-stage businesses owned by graduates
Phases & funding
Built one inspected step at a time.
Funds are released phase by phase, so each gift ends up in finished work.
-
Core tool purchase
Open for fundingHand tools and measuring equipment for all six trades, bought locally in Uganda.
Fund this phase$1,500 of $4,200 funded · $2,700 to go
-
Storage shed & check-out system
PlannedA lockable shed, shelving and simple check-out records.
$0 of $1,300 funded · $1,300 to go
-
Replacement fund
PlannedA small fund to repair and replace worn tools for the first three years.
$0 of $1,000 funded · $1,000 to go
Budget
Where the money goes.
- Hand tools (masonry, carpentry, tailoring)$3,300
- Power & measuring tools$900
- Storage shed & shelving$1,300
- Check-out records & training$400
- Replacement fund$600
Total build budget$6,500
Impact
What success looks like.
- 150Graduates who can borrow tools each year
- 85%Of tools in circulation (target)
- 3 monthsTypical loan while saving for own set
- 1Part-time librarian from the community
Accountability
How your gift is protected.
Written agreement
Every project has a signed agreement with Bweyale Vocational Education covering scope, budget, timeline and reporting.
Staged payments
Money is released phase by phase, only after the previous phase has been inspected and the receipts checked.
Evidence, not promises
Site photos, inspection notes and receipts arrive with each payment request and are reviewed by our board.
Open reporting
Funders get quarterly updates. Everything is summarized in our annual report and public CRA filings.
We follow the Canada Revenue Agency's guidance for charities that fund work through a partner abroad: due diligence, a written agreement, staged payments and regular reporting.
From the field
Latest updates.
Needs assessment complete
A survey of recent graduates found that 7 in 10 had skills but no tools to start work.
Local suppliers identified
Three Ugandan suppliers quoted for tool sets; we will buy locally.
Questions
Good questions, straight answers.
Who looks after the tools?
A part-time librarian from the community keeps the register, inspects tools on return and organizes repairs.
Can my company donate tools?
Yes — see donate goods. We buy most equipment in Uganda, but quality donated tools are welcome.
Will I get a tax receipt?
Yes. Eligible gifts of $20 or more receive an official donation receipt. If your company would like visible recognition beyond a thank-you, we treat the payment as a sponsorship instead — the partner page explains the difference.
What if the phase I fund is already covered?
Extra gifts go to the next phase of the same project unless you tell us otherwise. We will never redirect a designated gift to a different project without asking you first.
Fund the next phase
Help us start Core tool purchase.
Phase 1 needs $2,700 more to get under way (Early 2027). Every gift, whatever the size, goes into finished and inspected work.
$1,500 raised of $4,200 · 36% funded · 8 supporters so far
- Individuals: official tax receipt for eligible gifts of $20+
- Companies & foundations: fund a whole phase, with a named progress report — see recognition options
- Pledge across phases and we'll plan the timing with you
- Prefer to give online today? Go to our donation page
Questions about this project?[email protected]
Help plant hope that keeps growing.
Give money, tools or your skills. Every gift goes toward tools, teacher training and places for the people who need them most.