A Journey of Resilience, Learning, and Impact

Since our inception in 2007 as an offshoot of the Foundation for Sustainable Development (FSD-USA), we have continuously evolved, learned, and adapted to create meaningful change. Born from a global vision of service learning, we began as a small initiative with big dreams. In 2018, we became an independent indigenous organization – the Foundation for Sustainable Community-Based Development (FOSCOD).

Our Journey of Transformation

For years, we have been dedicated to supporting communities to achieve community-driven development goals through global learning exchange, facilitating structured volunteer and internship opportunities with host organizations for learners to gain hands-on experience in supporting community-based development while nurturing positive community outcomes. The unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic became a catalyst for innovation, prompting us to reimagine our role in creating lasting community change.

Navigating Unprecedented Challenges

While we’ve changed our acronym to avoid confusion with another organization using the same acronym, our core mission remains unchanged: empowering communities through ethical, sustainable development. The COVID-19 pandemic tested our resilience and creativity. When traditional community engagement became impossible, we innovated:

• Introduced ‘virtual community-based internships’
• Hosted 93 virtual interns
• Implemented 50 e-community-based projects in Busoga and Mukono regions of Uganda
• Supported 27 in-person interns and volunteers
• Completed 16 community development projects
• Trained 20 grassroots organizations in ethical community development practices

 

The result?  An impressive 86% of these projects continue to benefit communities independently.

 

A Holistic Approach to Community Empowerment

Our new strategic direction goes beyond traditional volunteer support and placement. We are now committed to:

1. Global Learning Exchange: Bridging international perspectives and local insights.

We will continue our successful intern and volunteer support and placement program alongside our new direct community empowerment strategy. This ensures we can support participants across various disciplines 

 

       2. Direct Community Engagement: Selecting and deeply investing in underserved communities in Jinja and Buikwe Districts of Uganda with comprehensive development interventions focusing on five critical areas:

• • Education and Skills Development
  • Health and Wellbeing
  • Economic Empowerment
  • Social Inclusion
  • Environmental Sustainability

 

      3. Community Development Centre of Excellence: Training practitioners in ethical, impactful community development 

Our Expanded Vision

Vision: To be a centre of excellence transforming communities through ethical, sustainable development practices, where trained practitioners and empowered communities drive positive social change for the holistic growth of youth and children.

Mission: To advance ethical, sustainable development through integrated approach of Global Learning Exchange, Professional Training, and Direct Community Engagement. 

We partner with underserved communities in Uganda to implement programs in education, health, economic empowerment, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability. Through these initiatives, we provide hands-on experience while nurturing lasting local capacity for the holistic development of youth and children.

Why This Matters

This evolution represents our commitment to:

• Creating deeper, more sustainable community impact.
• Fostering global understanding through meaningful exchanges.
• Prioritizing the holistic growth of children and youth, at the center of community transformation, recognizing children and youth as key agents of long-term sustainable change.
• Developing ethical, locally-driven development practices.

Why Join Hands with FOSCOD?

• For Universities: Offer your students transformative global learning experiences.
• For Donors: Achieve your mission by funding sustainable, impactful projects.
• For Corporate Partners: Amplify your brand while supporting ethical community advancement.
• For Governments: Align with complementary development roles for measurable success.
• For Interns and Volunteers: Immerse yourself in a community-centric learning journey.
• For Partner/Host organizations: fresh perspectives, specialized skills, and additional resources.
• For Adult Learners: Gain practical expertise and leadership skills in ethical, sustainable development, empowering you to drive positive change in your community or career.

Looking Ahead

Effective immediately, our organization’s communications, social media platforms, official materials, and website will no longer feature the FSD Jinja Uganda branding. Instead, all of our touchpoints will reflect our new identity as FOSCOD.  This change in acronym and visual identity marks a significant milestone in our strategic evolution as we continue our mission of empowering underserved communities.

 

Our Commitment Remains Unchanged

While our approach has evolved, our core commitment remains the same: building sustainable, empowered communities.

We invite you to join us on this exciting journey of transformation. Whether you are a past volunteer or intern, potential partner, or community supporter, your role in this mission is crucial. 

We’re excited to announce that we are updating our website to align with our new identity and expanded vision. While the site is still under construction, you can  engage with us on our social media platforms, Facebook  Instagram, X(twitter) LinkedIn, Youtube, Tiktok Please bear with us as we enhance the platform to better serve you.

Stay connected. Stay inspired as we embark on this transformative journey. Together, we’ll create a brighter future—one community at a time.

 

Reach out today to learn how we can collaborate and fulfill our shared vision for lasting change.