The word ‘Boomu’ means ‘together’ and this describes the purpose of the group: ‘to work together for our mutual benefit and the benefit of our communities’. Formed in 1999, the project provides an opportunity to gain an insight into their lives and the issues that affect the local people, experience life in rural Uganda and learn about how your stay will benefit the community.
The main objective of the project is that it is a participatory experience: for the group, the local community and for the visitor. The local community is very enthusiastic about receiving visitors and to share with you, details on the life, history, culture, traditions and the issues that affect the people. For more info, visit: www.boomuwomensgroup.org.
There is a craft shop on site and staffs are always happy to show you how the crafts are made and even to teach you how to make your own basket! (If you are a group that wishes to spend time learning how to make baskets with us, please notify us in advance, so we can arrange to be at the site).
Staff can also prepare simple, local meals such as filled chapattis, rice and beans at a nominal cost. Cooking takes up a large amount of subsistence farmers’ time. We will first take you to our fields where you can help dig your dinner, which we will then prepare. While we are waiting for dinner to cook, we shall fetch firewood and cooking water. Dinner will be served the local way with the option of a fork!
- Tours through the local village are available, during which you will see and learn about a variety of crops and harvesting processes.
- The project has close links with the Kaniyo Pabidi chimpanzee eco-tourist viewing site, which is nearby. Staff will be able to provide more details on this.
Main area of focus in Caring for the Destination:
Boomu Women’s Group was formed in 1999, in the village of Kihaguzi, with the aim of fighting poverty in the area by creating economic and social development.
A detailed description of the Caring for the Destination Initiative:
We undertake the following activities:
- All our members are subsistence farmers meaning that most food that is grown is for domestic consumption and what is left is taken to the market
- We have set up a basket weaving project and craft shop
- All proceeds from our accommodation go directly back into the project