Upendo

Program Overview

Upendo is a humanitarian relief and resource redistribution program created to address two interconnected challenges: waste and poverty. The program connects surplus resources—such as clothing, food, shoes, and basic household items—with individuals and families living in vulnerable conditions.
Upendo operates on a simple but powerful principle: what is wasted by some can become a lifeline for others

The Problem

Across the world, a growing culture of waste coexists with extreme poverty. This imbalance creates both a humanitarian crisis and an environmental challenge.

In the textile sector, many clothing items are worn only
before being discarded
In Cameroon alone
people live below the poverty line, lacking access to basic necessities such as food, clothing, and shelter (World Bank)
Globally,
of all food produced is lost or wasted

The Opportunity

Upendo addresses this gap by transforming waste into opportunity. By redistributing unused or discarded resources, the program:

Meets urgent basic needs

Reduces environmental pollution, particularly textile waste

Strengthens solidarity between donors and beneficiaries

Our Solution

Give to those in need instead of wasting.

Upendo provides an accessible, transparent, and dignified way for individuals and organizations to donate resources directly to people who need them most. Donors are encouraged to see the real impact of their contributions through direct distribution and community engagement

How Upendo Works (Our Model)

01/
Identify and meet vulnerable individuals to assess real needs
04/
Collect resources aligned with identified needs
02/
Register beneficiaries and document needs
05/
Process items (washing, cleaning, repairing, sorting)
03/
Sensitize individuals and organizations on the consequences of waste
06/
Distribute resources directly or through organized distribution events where donors can meet beneficiaries

Who We Support

  • Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs)
  • Refugees
  • Orphans
  • Widows
  • Persons with disabilities
  • Prisoners and other marginalized groups

Impact & Traction

Despite limited resources, Upendo has demonstrated strong results:

Donors directly engaging with beneficiaries, strengthening trust and accountability is our main achievement.

2000+

beneficiaries supported across the country

10,000+

clothing items distributed, alongside shoes, furniture, and other essentials

50+

individual donors actively contributing

25+

partner organizations, including churches and companies

Environmental & Social Impact

  • Reducing textile and food waste
  • Building resilient communities where members support one another
  • Lowering carbon emissions by extending the life of garments
  • Promoting responsible consumption and solidarity
  • Fighting environmental pollution

Partnerships & Collaboration

  • Individuals
  • Churches and mosques
  • Cultural groups
  • Companies and community organizations

SDGs Addressed

Looking Ahead

With increased funding and partnerships, Upendo aims to:

Expand to more communities and regions
Strengthen logistics and processing capacity
Scale distribution events
Deepen environmental impact measurement
Fund This Program

Partner With Us

Donate Resources