Wednesday, May 7, 2008

CONSTITUTION OF VOICE OF HOPE FOUNDATION FOR CHILDREN UGANDA

Republic of Uganda





The Constitution of

Voice of Hope Foundation for Children
(VOHF)




Dated December 2005






CONTENTS


Article Number and Description Page

1 INTRODUCTION 3

2 VISION 3

3 MISSION STATEMENT 3

4 VALUES & PRINCIPLES

5 DETAILED GOALS, OBJECTIVES AND UNDERTAKINGS

6 VOHF FINANCE

7 MEMBERSHIP

8 TRUSTEES

9 VOHF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

10 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

11 OTHER MEETINGS OF THE ORGANISATION

12 MINUTES OF MEETINGS

13 SECRETARIAT OF THE ORGANISATION

14 AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION

15 MISCELLANEOUS

16 DECLARATION AGREEMENT
1 INTRODUCTION

Voice of Hope Foundation for children (VOHFC) is an organisation which was conceptualized way back in the year 2003 with a vision to improve the lives of street children and other vulnerable categories of children in
Uganda.

The founders of VOHF are themselves former street children who grew up with the support of different NGOs. The purpose of the project is to unite and restore hope in street children and other vulnerable children in order to re-integrate them into their communities as responsible members of society. The agenda here is to improve the capacity and ability of local partners and the community to address the needs of street children who currently live and work on the streets.

VOHF also seeks to improve coordination, co-operation and networking among stakeholders in the social work environment, notably government departments, NGOs and local communities. This will empower the children to be self-reliant and become useful members of their communities.

OUR MOTTO
Our motto shall be "Never Lose Hope."


2 VISION

To develop hope and self-reliance in Ugandan street children to enable re-integration into a world full of social dynamics. In the future we aim to see a Uganda without street children whatsoever.


3 MISSION STATEMENT

To develop economic,social,political and community participatory confidence amongst street children and other vulnerable children to enable them participate in moulding a better world for other children like them.

Further, to implement social and economic activities to reduce poverty in families and to ensure self-reliance through engagement in income generating activities and by providing children with counselling on personal problems and issues such as HIV/AIDS.

4 VALUES AND PRINCIPALS GUIDING THE OPERATIONS OF VOHF
VALUES;1
The community has the potential and responsibilities to protect children rights, All boys and girls must receive a compulsory free basic education of good quality to enable them achieve their desired goals in the future.


4.1 PRINICPLE 1:
The project advocates that the communities should give children opportunity to participate in decision making in the matter affecting them

VALUE; 2
Children are the greatest future resource and should have first consideration with a regard to this country’s resources. All boys and girls must receive a compulsory free basic education of good quality made to reach his/her goals in the future.

PRINICPLE:2
In all our undertakings the best interest of the street children shall always be our primary concern of. Educate every child.

VALUE:3
A family is the best place for child to grow and change, therefore children’s home should only be used as a last resort for childcare.

PRINICPLE:3
The strengthen of the family unit and planning of family support programmes and encouraging responsibilities of parental childhood. in slum areas of Kampala

VALUE: 4


Street children in Uganda have to be resettled guidians, relatives,
Because every boy and girls are born free and equal in diginity , all form of discri mination must end . It has also been the most common cause that leads street children and disadvantaged children on the streets of Kampala slum areas

PRINCIPLE 2: Educate every child
All boys and girls must receive a compulsory free basic education of good quality made to reach his/her goals in the future.

PRINCIPLE 3: Put Children First
In all our undertakings the best interest of the street children shall always be our primary concern.

PRINCIPLE 4: Care for every child orphan
The survival and development of children is the essential foundation of human development. No effort should be spared to ensure that street children (orphans) get the best possible start in their life through showing them parental love and care which was lost a long time ago, and address the need to restore it again in their lives. .



PRINCIPLE 5: Fight HIV/AIDS
Street children must be sensitised and educated to understand issues surrounding reproductive health, and particularly the area of HIV and AIDS.

PRINCIPLE 6: Provide Shelter
VOHF will provide shelter for street children who participate in the programme and activities.

PRINCIPLE 7: Cooperation
VOHF will co-operate with other appropriate agencies, such as non-government organisations, private companies and relevent government departments.

PRINCIPLE 8: Involvement
VOHF will work with children in development activities and it will involve children in the gathering of research information to strengthen the capacity of the project.
VOHF is a project which wishes to work with all sectors of the base line community to seek the views and participation of a wide cross-section of its members.

PRINCIPLE 9: Community Sensitisation
VOHF will network with the community to advocate the position of street children and disadvantaged children in the community. The organisation will work collaboratively with municipalities, local councils, NGOs and the government among others to improve and increase the level of services providing for these children.


5 DETAILED GOALS, OBJECTIVES AND UNDERTAKINGS


5.1 Goal 1
To empower street children and disadvantaged children with knowledge and skills in order to become responsible citizens of our nation and world.

Objective:
To reduce the number of street children and those living in the slums of Kampala (such as Katwe and Kisenyi) and to prevent the influx of children onto the streets within a period of five years.

Activities:
To provide training in life skills such as:-
· · Literacy and numeracy
· · Sports, acrobatics and recreational activities
· · Music, Dance and Drama
· · Wood carving, sculpture and arts and crafts such as beading.
· · Sustainable agriculture



5.2 Goal 2
To mobilise resources to support the work of VOHF, especially through networking with government, other NGOs and international organisations and companies.

Objective:
To establish a multi-disciplinary transit vocational centre to target the most addicted street children who have difficulty in resettling in their respective homes and repeatedly return to the streets and slums of Kampala. It is these children who influence others to join life on the streets.

Activities:
· · Site identification for the transit centre (with a view to purchase or rent)
· · Identify, recruit and mobilise street children and disadvantaged children
· · Implement counselling programmes to develop children's life skills
· · Develop recreational activity programmes
· · Develop education and vocational skills programmes
· · Network with the government's enforcement department to help the most addicted street children.


5.3 Goal 3
To protect street children against child abuse, exploitation, violence and defilement.

Objective:
To create awareness among children of legislation and policy to improve care and protection of children at large in all communities.

Activities:
· · Sensitise the communities about children's rights through advocacy of information, education and communication (IEC)
· · Inform stakeholders about children's problems and the problems they face on the streets through the medium of music, dance and drama, poetry, acrobatics shows, and films about children with HIV/AIDS in our targeted areas.
· · Sensitising wider communities about these issues through various media such as radio, TV, Internet, newsletters, and workshops,



5.4 Undertakings by VOHF
In order to accomplish the objectives of the project, VOHF undertakes to:
1. 1. Implement the project in accordance with the project rules and guiding principles.
2. 2. Provide the resources necessary to make full and appropriate use of services financed by VOHF.
3. 3. Secure the contributions of resources being provided by VOHF pursuant to the project proposal and agreed budget.
4. 4. Prior to entering into a new agreement with other donors inform the Project Director on the scope and nature of the intended assistance.
5. 5. Promptly inform the Project Director about proposed changes in the nature of operations of VOHF and of any event or conditions which might materially and adversely affect VOHF for the project







6 VOHF FINANCE

6.1 Sources of Funding
VOHF shall aquire funding through individuals, groups or organisations, both local and international. These funds are realised through grants, gifts and donations and said donations shall be accepted in kind or in cash.

VOHF will also embark on income generating activities to supplement funding, with a view to become financially sustainable through its own operations in the future.

Other ways and means of getting donations from other sources shall be approved by the Executive Committee.

Funding partners will undertake to work and liaise with VOHF in the coordination and implementation of our objectives. VOHF will be responsible for project management and administration. VOHF funds are provided through its donors. Furthermore, our partners will provide assistance to strengthen VOHF's capacity in providing relevant and useful management and technical training to the young people.

Each disbursement of the project funds will be transferred by the EC to a separate interest-bearing account of VOHF. The service account will be opened by the project administration to be disbursed under this agreement. Disbursements from the service account shall only be made to meet the necessary costs of the project which are agreed upon by both parties.

6.2 Bankers and Auditors
VOHF shall open and operate current Bank Accounts with a Bank to be determined by the Executive Committee.

VOHF will use the services of an Auditor to verify and approve its accounts. The appointment of the auditor will be carried out at the Annual General Meeting.

6.3 Utilisation of the project funds
The project funds shall be utilised by VOHF for the purpose of meeting the reasonable costs of the following activities, to be performed in conformity with the project proposal and the budget:
1. Technical training of young people
2. Business and management training for young people
3. Literacy and life skill training for young people
4. Strengthening of the facilities of V.O.H.F.C and the quality of accommodation for the children in care.
5. Setting up a small loan fund to facilitate young people to establish businesses and make their own resources.
6. Time to educate young people
7. Time for music, dance and drama, arts, sports and acrobatics. Both parties as required will agree upon other activities.


The income and property of V.O.H.F.C whosesoever derived shall be applied solely towards the promotion of the aforementioned objectives and no portion thereof shall be paid directly or indirectly in any manner whatsoever to the members of V.O.H.F.C provided that nothing herein shall prevent the payment of reasonable remuneration to any officer or employee of V.O.H.F.C in return for services rendered to the Association.

6.4 Conditions for disbursements:
The obligations of V.O.H.F.C to disburse any payment of the project funds under this agreement will be conditional upon:
1. 1. Fulfillment of all conditions presented in Section 4 of this document.
2. 2. The donors having received information and reports provided for in Section reporting methods below, together with such additional information and reports as the donors may reasonably request. This must happen 2 weeks prior to the second and subsequent disbursement.

Notwithstanding anything in this agreement, V.O.H.F.C retains the right to review the provision of funds and to withhold payment of those funds if, in its view, V.O.H.F.C does not have sufficient financial or human resources to be able to operate.

6.5 Reporting Methods
V.O.H.F.C shall submit to donors the following information and reports:

1. 1. A quarterly progress report covering all activities performed under the project. This will specify the operating results achieved for each individual project component compared to the agreed targets, together with an operational plan covering proposed activities for the next quarter.
2. 2. For each financial period a statement of accounts comprising income and expenditure accounts, balance sheet and profit/loss account of V.O.H.F.C. This is drawn up in accordance with the generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied immediately upon completion. This, will be
provided no later than 15 days after the end of each financial quarter.




7 MEMBERSHIP

Membership of the organisation shall be open to all interested persons who share the values and principles of V.O.H.F.C. The secretary of the Executive Committee is to keep an accurate and up-to-date record of the members of the organisation and subscription fees.

Each member of the organisation is expected to pay an annual subscription fee, as detailed below. The secretary is responsible for collecting membership subscriptions. An allowance of four weeks is provided for members after the first request for payment from the secretary.


7.1 SUBSCRIPTION RATES FOR MEMBERSHIP
INDIVIDUALS.
Individuals shall qualify for annual membership based on the following rates per annum.
Bronze membership………………………………………...50,000 shs
Silver membersip……………………………………………100,000 shs
Golden membership…………………………………………200,000shs
Local Organisations……………………………………...500,000 Shs
International Organisations……………………………....1,000,000.Shs

NOTE
The Executive Committee shall carry out its Annual General Meeting each year to evaluate the projects implemented and its programme of activities for the past year, as well as reviewing and renewing the membership profile of the organisation.

7.2 TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP.
Any member of the organisation may be expelled by written notice:
If such member’s subscription is in arrears for one year and payment has not been forthcoming 3 months after the last request.
OR
If such a member is, in the opinion of the Executive Committee, and after reasonable opportunity of explanation and defence, found guilty of unbecoming or otherwise, conduct contrary to the interests of V.O.H.F.C

The Executive Committee only has the power to suspend a member, while the AGM has the powers to expel a member.


8 TRUSTEES
There shall be no less than three (3) and no more than five (5) trustees who shall be vested the ultimate control of all property of the organisation.
APPOINTMENT OF TRUSTEES

The power of appointment of new trustees shall be vested in the Executive Committee of the organisation, subject to approval at the AGM.
TERM LIMITS FOR TRUSTEES

Trustees shall hold office of a period of three (3) years, and are eligible for re-election.
9 V.O.H.F.C EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.
10 There shall be an executive committee



ELECTION OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITEE.

The executive committee shall be elected under a democratic system.
CONDUCT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITEE


All members included on the Executive Committee shall act according to the founding principles regarding the operations of the Voice of Hope Foundation For Children.
TERM LIMITS OF THE EXECUTIVE CIMMITEE
The tenure of office of the EC shall run for two years


9.2 CONTENT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITEE (EC)
The executive committee shall comprise of the following members.
1. Director
2. Managing Director
3. Chairman
4 Vice Chairman
5. Program Co-ordinator
6. Executive Program Manager
7. Project Instructor
8 Treasurers
.

The EC may from time to time co-opt not more than five (5) further members thereof for any period expiring not more than (2) years.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE EC

Subject only to any special directions from the organisation, the EC shall be the governing body of the organisation with control of all funds and operations of the organisation with the power to do or direct any activities consistent with the objectives described in Section 5 of this constitution.

The Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the organisation shall be the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the EC, provided that in their absence the EC shall elect a Chairman for the meeting.

9.4 Functions and Responsibilities of the Executive Committee

Signing of Documents
All documents other than those relating to the unmovable property of V.O.H.F.C, required to be signed, shall be so signed by the Chairman and Secretary and such documents so signed shall be binding on V.O.H.F.C and all members thereof.

Signing Bank Cheques
The organisation’s bank cheques shall be signed by the Treasurer and Chairman or Secretary.

The Seal
The seal shall be affixed in the presence of any two of the following: The Chairman, the Secretary, and the Treasurer.

Borrowing Powers
Subject to the previous sanction given by a resolution passed by a majority of two thirds of the members present and entitled to vote at a General Meeting specially convened for the purpose, the EC of the organisation shall have the rights to raise or borrow such sums of money for the purpose of the organisation and in such manner as the resolution authorizing the same shall direct. And any sums so borrowed may be secured by a mortgage on the unmovable property of V.O.H.F.C or otherwise.

Representation of the Association
The Committee shall exercise all such powers and all such things as may be exercised or done by the organisation, save such as are, by this constitution or by any law for the time being in force required to be done by the Association in General Meeting. No rules made by the organisation in General Meeting shall invalidate any prior act of the Committee which would have been valid if such rules had not been met.

Indemnification of the EC and Individual members
All of the acts done, by the authority of the committee or any sub-committee thereof, in good faith and with the authority expressed, or implied, of the organisation shall be deemed to be the acts of the organisation and for a period of six months from the date he or she ceased to be a member of the organisation. Every member of the Committee shall be indemnified by the organisation for any cost, losses and expenses which any member of the committee may incur, or become liable to by any reason of any contracts entered into or act or things done by him or her as such member of the committee in any way in the discharge of his or her duties.

Frequency and Procedure of EC Meetings
Subject to the provisions of this constitution, the EC shall have powers to make regulations providing for the frequency and procedures of its meetings.

The EC shall have the power to appoint sub-committees and some officials other than those stipulated in this constitution.

Conduct of EC Meetings
The EC shall determine its own rules of procedure and meet as often as it considers necessary for the proper conduct of the affairs of the organisation provided that it shall meet at least once every three (3) months and provided that a quorum of the EC shall be three (3) members other than those co-opted to the Committee.

Powers of the EC
The EC may, from time to time, make, amend or revoke by-laws in respect of any matters which they are by those rules required or authorized to prescribe, or any other matter which lie within their power as defined by this Section 9.



10 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

10.1 There shall be one AGM in every calendar year during the month of December, convened by the EC for the purpose of:
1. Receiving and passing the annual accounts of the organisation.
2. Receiving a report on the activities of the organisation over the past year.
3. Electing Trustees (if and when the need arises)
4. Electing the Executive Committee (if and when the need arises)
5. Appointing an Auditor
6. Such other business (if any) as may be agreed by the organisation.

10.2 At every meeting of the organisation:

1. A quorum shall be one third of the actual membership
2. All voting shall be show of hands or consensus of those present and entitled to vote.
3. All decisions shall be taken by plain majority vote and in the case of equal number of votes; the Chairman shall have a second, casting vote.
4. In all other respects, procedure at such meetings shall be as the EC may prescribe, or in respect of any matter not so prescribed, the Chairman of the meeting may decide.

Notice of every AGM shall be sent to all members of the organisation not less than 14 days before the date of the meeting. Accidental non-receipt of notice to any member shall not invalidate the proceedings of any meeting.

11 OTHER MEETINGS OF THE ORGANISATION

Other meetings of the organisation may be convened by the EC as and when appears necessary or desirable. Such a meeting must be convened if and whenever required by a two-thirds majority of members.

12 MINUTES OF MEETINGS
It shall be the duty of the Secretary (the Programme Manager) to ensure that adequate minutes are kept of all meetings of the AGM, the EC, and any other specially convened meeting.

13 SECRETARIAT OF THE ORGANISATION
The Voice of Hope Foundation For Children shall have a staff team, headed by the Programme Manager, who will run the day-to-day operations of the project. They will carry out their work according to individual letters of appointment.

The Staff Members of V.O.H.F.C are as follows:
1. Project Accountant
2. Project Secretary
3. Project Counsellor
4. Social worker
5. Literacy teacher
6. Cook
7. Custodian

Members of staff will be governed by the terms and conditions of service set by the EC.

















14 AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION
Addition to, or alteration of, all or any of the foregoing rules, including the names and objectives but excluding the Financial rules, may be passed from time to time by resolution of the AGM, provided that such resolution is passed by not less than two-thirds in number of the members of the organisation present at a meeting of which due notice has been given, specifying the nature of the additions or alterations proposed.

The organisation may, at any time, be dissolved by resolution of the AGM, provided that such resolution is passed by not less than two-thirds in number of the members of the organisation present at the meeting of which due notice has been given, specifying the proposal for dissolution.

In the event of dissolution of the organisation, the net assets of the organisation, after discharging or providing for all liabilities, shall be transferred to the founders of the organisation, as may be determined by the resolution for dissolution, or failing such determination, as the Trustees may in their sole discretion decide.

15 MISCELLANEOUS

The books, documents and accounts of the organisation are held by the Secretary and are available for inspection within a period of 14 days after receipt of a written request.

All matters not entrenched in the Constitution shall be dealt with in accordance with the goodwill of the organisation.



16 DECLARATION AGREEMENT FOR THE FOUNDERS

VOHF Principles;
1. VOHF believes in God and encourages all religions.
2. We will always work to protect and strengthen the capacity of V.O.H.F.C.
3. The founders must act as role models for all other street children in Uganda.
4. Decisions are made by a team, not by individuals.

We, the persons undersigned, are desirous of being formed into permanent members of the organisation in pursuance of this Constitution and do hereby subscribe ourselves to the furtherance of the objectives herein.


Name ……………………………………… Signature……………………….....................

Address:.................................................................................................................................


Name ……………………………………… Signature……………………….....................

Address:.................................................................................................................................


Name ……………………………………… Signature……………………….....................

Address:.................................................................................................................................


Name ……………………………………… Signature……………………….....................

Address:.................................................................................................................................


Dated this .............................. day of...............................2005.



Witness to the above signatures:

Name ……………………………………… Signature…….................................................

Address:.................................................................................................................................


Dated this .............................. day of...............................2005.
VOICE OF HOPE FOUNDATION LIST OF MEMBERS



NAME ADDRESS TELEPHONE

Mr. Owori Mark Voice of Hope O75- 20 24 27
Foundation
P. o. Box 31718
Clock Tower
Kampala


Mr. Yeri Apollo Ofwono Parliament of Uganda 0772-449405
Parliament Of Uganda
Parliamentary Building
Kampala

Mr. Moses Amone Cordinator 0774-198895
Uganda Coffee Roasters Association
P.o.Box


Mr. OLweny Charles Voice of Hope Foundation 0752-807822
P. Box 31718
Clock tower
Kampala


Mr. Kaija louis Paul Voice Of Hope -----------------
Foundation
P. o. Box 31718
Clock Tower
Kampala

Mrs. Annet Lukwago Commmunity Based 077610405
Rehabilitation initiative
P. o.Box 11656
Kampala

Ms. Juliet Tumuheirwe Friends of Children Utl: 234 156
Association 071503156
P.O. Box10353
Kampala

Progress on works.

Voice of hope foundation is organising an art exibition early next month. This exibition will involve art pieces that are made by the kids themselves. We hope to raise some funds from this arrangement but we just pray we get a good turn up.

However,we are facing financial constraints to organise this particular event. we have managed to produce enough good quality art pieces we we know can fetch great value and push the childrens welfare to the next level. We are currently struggling to raise $5,000/= for the publicty campaign for this event and we hope we will be able to come through with it.

We pray that if any good samaritans out there can come in and help,then we shall be very greatful as we endevour to make these innocent children better and useful citizens of this world.

we have also been holding community outreach programmes in which we go and interact with other children who are still on the streets. These kids see the change in thier former mate and are encouraged to think positively because their colleagues act educative dramas and give great testimonies of how voice of hope has changed their lives. Voice of hope even spent a night out with the kids in kisenyi slams to have a feel of what these kids go through at night. Due to financial constraints, we can not take all these kids from the streets but we try to rehabilitate them slowly through our community out reach programmes.

Friday, April 11, 2008

VOICE OF HOPE FOUNDATION

Voice of hope foundation for children is a kampala city based community based organisation that is specialising on rehabilitation of street children and other disadvantaged childre. We mainly target rehabilitation of these kids through provision of formal education,training in Acrobatics, art,dance and drama and several other hands on skills (vocational) to enable them become self sustaining and resposible citizens of their country.

Voice of hope foundation has normally raised its survival revenue from the sale of its art products and music,dance and acrobatic performances by its children to the numerous audinces around the city.

However, of late HALO (Help art liberate orphans) foundation USA has come in to give great support. However,all this support is not sufficient enough for the organisation to run successfully in achieving our vision of having streets that are free from street children whatsoever as the numbers are massive and yet resources are limited.

Its is against such background that we invite any good samaritans and organisations who can come in to support this noble cause to do so and we shall be very happy to save the future of these kids.

Regards


Charles Olweny
Programme Director
Voice of hope foundation for children
Tel:+256-752-807822/752-202427
Email:voiceofhopefoundation@gmail.com
colweny@myself.com