PeerLink Initiative Uganda’s (PELI-U) innovation and passion are fueled by the creative energy of the youth they serve. Using a trust-based philanthropy approach, FCDE introduced PELI-U to a key East Africa funder, the Segal Family Foundation. This partnership has exponentially expanded the organization’s funding, network, and capacity-building resources.

PELI-U has maintained agility alongside its growth as demonstrated by the organization’s rapid response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Shortly after a countrywide lockdown was announced, PELI-U went into action producing wellness packs of vitamins, paracetamol, cloth masks and liquid soap that they distributed to the elderly and most vulnerable in the community. Leveraging peer networks and support from FCDE’s Emergency Response Fund, PELI-U connected with another local partner, Nyabikuuku Women in Development, to teach women how to make liquid soap for income generation and as a way to prevent the spread of the deadly disease.