MAHABA FOUNDATION
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Mission Statement
Amplifying Voices and Connecting Communities Across the Globe. The Mahaba Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to amplifying the voices of refugees, orphaned youth, single mothers, and other underserved populations in Uganda. Rooted in the belief that collaboration drives change, we facilitate locally led solutions that support individuals in defining their own paths to freedom, livelihood, and well-being. Guided by the motto "We will find a way or make one," the Foundation bridges global communities—connecting individuals, organizations, and institutions—to foster empathy, understanding, and collective action. Together, we build meaningful relationships and co-create lasting solutions that celebrate our shared humanity.
About This Cause
The Mahaba Foundation was founded in 2024 by Leslie Silletti, a passionate advocate for refugees, orphaned children, and other underserved populations. Leslie’s vision is rooted in the belief that locally-driven solutions, collaboration, and accessible participation are key to creating meaningful change. Her commitment to connecting global communities has shaped the Foundation’s mission to address critical needs while fostering sustainable growth and well-being. • Fabrications: Sewing Arts Training Center: Kyangwali Refugee Settlement, Western Uganda In partnership with Youth Opportunities for Building African Communities (YOBAC), the Mahaba Foundation is addressing urgent challenges at the Kyangwali Refugee Settlement in Western Uganda. The settlement is home to more than 100,000 refugees, many of whom have been displaced by historical and ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Together, we are implementing initiatives that provide pathways to sustainable livelihoods and improved well-being. These include the Fabrications: Sewing Arts Training Center and a food security and nutrition project designed to strengthen community resilience. Fabrications is more than a training center—it’s a space for transformation, creativity, and growth. Refugees at Kyangwali begin their journey as students, learning foundational and advanced sewing techniques. Over time, they progress to becoming skilled artisans, capable of creating high-quality handmade items. These creations form part of the Handmade with Love collection, a line we are in the process of bringing to an international audience. By showcasing their artistry globally, this initiative not only provides economic opportunities for the artisans but also amplifies their stories and talents to a wider community. • Food Security and Nutrition Project: Kyangwali Refugee Settlement, Western Uganda Our joint Food Security and Nutrition Project has been significantly strengthened by the Mahaba Foundation and YOBAC’s procurement of 1.5 acres of fertile land adjacent to the settlement. This land is used to cultivate crops that provide regular meals for students, many of whom rely on these meals for daily sustenance. The project addresses both hunger and malnutrition while encouraging school attendance by ensuring students have access to consistent nutrition. Surplus crops are sold, generating income to expand the program and purchase additional nutritious food, creating a self-sustaining food system that reduces food insecurity and supports YOBAC’s financial stability. Additionally, the initiative creates jobs for community members involved in farming and distribution, fostering long-term economic resilience. • Vocational Training and Creative Arts Center: Bujagali Village, Eastern Uganda The Mahaba Foundation is also partnering with the Igulu Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting orphaned and underprivileged children in Eastern Uganda. Together, we are developing a Vocational Training and Creative Arts Center in Bujagali Village to address the unique needs of single mothers, youth, and the broader community. This center focuses on two key areas: • Vocational Training for Single Mothers: Providing sewing and other practical skills to single mothers, helping them establish sustainable livelihoods and achieve economic independence. • Creative Arts for Youth and Community Members: Offering workshops and presentations in local arts and crafts, as well as other creative disciplines, to encourage self-expression, cultural preservation, and community engagement. Building on the success of our Fabrications: Sewing Arts Training Center at Kyangwali Refugee Settlement, this initiative aims to create similar opportunities for growth and resilience in Eastern Uganda. By offering both vocational training and creative outlets, the center will foster a supportive environment where individuals can build skills, connect with others, and contribute to their community. • Future Initiatives The Mahaba Foundation remains dedicated to continuing these vital programs while expanding our reach to address additional community needs. All future projects will similarly focus on co-creating local solutions, ensuring that the voices and expertise of those we serve remain at the center of our work. By connecting communities and fostering collaboration, we aim to strengthen our shared humanity, build bridges across cultures, and create a legacy of sustainable impact and progress toward a more equitable and united world.