MpaMpe

We are addressing the persistent gaps in learning and educational opportunities, particularly for marginalized communities affected by poverty, displacement, and disabilities in Uganda. School dropout rates in Uganda are high, with about 45% of primary school children and 30% of secondary school children dropping out before completing their education. Globally, 250 million children are out of school, and many more lack access to quality education. 

In Uganda, access to education remains a significant challenge, with poverty, inadequate infrastructure, and lack of resources contributing to the problem. Our solution aims to bridge these gaps by leveraging crowdfunding to provide financial support for education and inclusive learning environments, ultimately empowering marginalized learners and improving educational outcomes for all.

Our solution, MpaMpe, is a crowdfunding platform designed to address the educational disparities in Uganda. It provides a user-friendly online platform where individuals and organizations can create campaigns to raise funds for educational purposes. Users can donate to these campaigns conveniently through mobile money platforms or other payment methods. MpaMpe leverages cutting-edge technology to optimize campaign performance, enhance user engagement, and ensure transparency and accountability in fund utilization. The platform utilizes AI algorithms to match donors with relevant campaigns and provides real-time updates on campaign progress. Through MpaMpe, we aim to empower marginalized learners by providing them with the financial support they need to access quality education and create a more inclusive learning environment.

Our solution, MpaMpe, primarily serves marginalized learners in Uganda, including children from low-income families, refugees, and those living in rural areas. These individuals often face significant barriers to accessing quality education due to financial constraints and lack of resources. MpaMpe aims to address their needs by providing a platform where they can raise funds for educational expenses such as tuition fees, school supplies, and uniforms. 

By leveraging the power of crowdfunding, MpaMpe empowers these learners to overcome financial obstacles and access the education they deserve. This, in turn, has a transformative impact on their lives, opening up opportunities for personal growth, economic empowerment, and social mobility. By directly addressing the needs of marginalized learners, MpaMpe contributes to creating a more equitable and inclusive education system in Uganda.

Additionally, we have successfully carried out a pilot campaign at Makerere University, demonstrating the efficacy of our platform. In early 2023, MpaMpe launched its first campaign called "10-K Campaign For Oscar" to help a fellow student who lacked school fees and tuition. The campaign was a success, and over 3.5 million Ugandan shillings were collected, which went a long way in meeting Oscar's needs.

Here is Oscar's Testimony

Our team at MpaMpe is deeply connected to the communities we serve, providing us with a unique understanding of their needs and challenges. As students and recent graduates from Makerere University, located in Kampala, Uganda, we have firsthand experience with the educational barriers faced by marginalized learners in our country. Our proximity to these communities allows us to empathize with their struggles and develop solutions that directly address their needs.

Personally, I grew up in a low-income neighborhood in Uganda and experienced firsthand the challenges of accessing quality education where I dropped out of school (campus) in the very first year and spent over 5 years out of school. My journey has fueled my passion for creating positive change in my community and has inspired the mission of MpaMpe. Additionally, our team includes members who have volunteered or worked with local NGOs and community organizations, further enriching our understanding of the issues faced by marginalized learners.

From the inception of MpaMpe, community input has been central to our design and implementation process. We have conducted extensive outreach and engagement efforts, including focus group discussions, surveys, and consultations with stakeholders such as parents, teachers, and community leaders. These interactions have provided invaluable insights into the specific needs and preferences of our target population, shaping every aspect of our platform, from its features and functionalities to its user interface and accessibility options.

Moreover, our team's diverse backgrounds and experiences enable us to approach problem-solving from multiple perspectives, ensuring that our solutions are inclusive and responsive to the diverse needs of our community. For example, Angella's background in marketing and communications has been instrumental in developing outreach strategies that resonate with our target audience, while Emmilly's expertise in software development ensures that our platform is user-friendly and accessible to individuals with varying levels of digital literacy.

As we continue to refine and scale our solution, we remain committed to ongoing community engagement, seeking feedback and input at every stage of the process. By placing the needs and aspirations of our community at the forefront of our work, we are confident in our ability to deliver a solution that creates a meaningful and lasting impact for marginalized learners in Uganda.

We selected the pilot stage because we have already built and tested our crowdfunding model, MpaMpe, and successfully conducted a pilot campaign at Makerere University. Through our offline pilot campaign, named "10-K Campaign For Oscar," we raised over 3.5 million Ugandan shillings to support a fellow student who lacked school fees and tuition. This campaign served as a proof of concept for our platform and demonstrated its effectiveness in mobilizing resources to address educational barriers faced by students in our community.

During the pilot campaign, we engaged directly with donors, campaigners, and beneficiaries, gaining valuable insights into their needs and preferences. We also tested various features and functionalities of our platform, including donation tracking, campaign management, and user engagement tools. Through this process, we identified areas for improvement and iteratively refined our platform to better serve our users.

Overall, our pilot stage has enabled us to validate our solution, build a strong foundation for future growth, and establish credibility within our community. Moving forward, we are excited to leverage the lessons learned from our pilot experience to further enhance our platform and expand our impact to serve more beneficiaries across Uganda.

Please do utilize the following useful URLs about our progress and why we deem fit for implementing MpaMpe;

• MpaMpe Pitch Video
• MpaMpe Media Coverage 
• MpaMpe Pitch Deck 
• MpaMpe MVP 
• How MpaMpe Works 
• MpaMpe Pilot Campain Testimony

We are applying to Solve because we believe in the power of collaboration and collective action to address complex global challenges. As a social venture focused on improving access to education in Uganda, we recognize the importance of leveraging partnerships and resources to scale our impact and reach more beneficiaries. Solve's network of partners, mentors, and supporters aligns closely with our mission and values, offering valuable expertise, resources, and opportunities for collaboration that can help us overcome key barriers and accelerate our growth.

One specific barrier that we face is the need for technical expertise and support to further develop and enhance our crowdfunding platform, MpaMpe. While we have made significant progress in building and testing our platform, we recognize the importance of continuous improvement and innovation to meet the evolving needs of our users. Solve's network of technical experts and mentors can provide valuable guidance and feedback to help us refine our platform, optimize its performance, and integrate new features and functionalities that enhance user experience and drive greater impact.

Additionally, as a social venture operating in Uganda, we face unique cultural, legal, and market barriers that require localized knowledge and support to navigate effectively. Solve's commitment to supporting Solver teams from diverse backgrounds and contexts makes it an ideal platform for us to access the insights, connections, and resources needed to overcome these challenges. Whether it's navigating regulatory requirements, building partnerships with local organizations, or understanding the cultural nuances of our target communities, Solve can provide the guidance and support necessary to navigate these complexities and drive sustainable growth.

Furthermore, Solve offers opportunities for visibility and networking that can help us raise awareness about our solution, attract potential partners and funders, and amplify our impact. By connecting us with like-minded innovators, investors, and supporters, Solve can help us expand our network, build strategic alliances, and access new funding opportunities that enable us to scale our solution and reach more beneficiaries.

Overall, we see Solve as an invaluable platform for catalyzing our growth, connecting us with the resources and support needed to overcome barriers, and accelerating our journey towards creating positive change in Uganda and beyond. We are excited about the opportunity to join Solve's community of innovators and changemakers and look forward to contributing our expertise and experience to collective efforts aimed at building a more equitable and sustainable world.

MpaMpe's innovative approach to addressing the financial and digital divide in Uganda sets it apart from competitors and traditional alternatives. While platforms like FriendsFunds and DolphinFund offer similar crowdfunding services, MpaMpe distinguishes itself through its unwavering commitment to accountability and transparency. Unlike local competitors, MpaMpe ensures that every donation is tracked and accounted for, providing donors with full visibility into how their contributions are utilized. Additionally, MpaMpe goes beyond monetary donations by facilitating gifts in kind, broadening the scope of support and encouraging collaboration among diverse stakeholders.

Moreover, MpaMpe addresses the limitations of traditional funding methods such as word-of-mouth campaigns and flyer distribution. While these methods may lack the scalability and reach of digital platforms, they remain popular among certain demographics, particularly in areas with limited internet access. However, MpaMpe leverages technology to overcome these barriers, offering a user-friendly platform integrated with mobile money platforms for convenient donations from any device. This innovative approach not only expands access to fundraising opportunities but also enhances donor engagement and participation.

Furthermore, MpaMpe fills a crucial gap left by traditional avenues for financial aid, such as education grants and scholarships, which often come with stringent eligibility criteria and limited availability. Additionally, international crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe are inaccessible in Uganda due to payment options and currency restrictions. By providing an inclusive and accessible platform tailored to the needs of Ugandan communities, MpaMpe democratizes access to financial support and empowers individuals and organizations to address pressing social, economic, and health-related issues effectively.

Our solution, MpaMpe, aims to address the problem of limited access to education, particularly among underserved populations in Uganda, by providing a crowdfunding platform that enables individuals and organizations to raise funds for educational expenses. 

Here's how we expect our solution to have an impact:

1. Immediate Outputs: MpaMpe will facilitate the launch of crowdfunding campaigns by students, families, and educational institutions to raise funds for tuition fees, textbooks, school supplies, and other educational expenses. Through our platform, campaign organizers can create compelling fundraising campaigns and mobilize support from donors within their communities and beyond.
2. Short-Term Outcomes: By providing financial support for educational expenses, MpaMpe will enable students from low-income families to access quality education and remain enrolled in school. This will help reduce school dropout rates and improve educational outcomes among underserved populations. Additionally, our solution will foster a sense of community solidarity and support, as donors come together to contribute to the educational aspirations of their peers and neighbors.
3. Longer-Term Outcomes: Over time, we expect our solution to have broader and more sustainable impacts on educational access and equity in Uganda. By increasing access to education and reducing financial barriers to enrollment and retention, MpaMpe will contribute to improved literacy rates, higher graduation rates, and greater economic opportunities for individuals and communities. As more students are able to complete their education and pursue higher levels of learning, we anticipate positive ripple effects on social mobility, economic development, and overall well-being in Uganda.

In summary, MpaMpe's theory of change is grounded in the belief that access to education is a fundamental human right and a key driver of social and economic development. By leveraging the power of crowdfunding and community support, we aim to democratize access to education and empower individuals to pursue their educational aspirations, ultimately creating a more inclusive and equitable society in Uganda.

Impact Goals:

1. Increase Access to Education: Our primary impact goal is to increase access to education for underserved populations in Uganda, particularly children and youth from low-income families. We aim to reduce school dropout rates and improve enrollment and retention rates by providing financial support for educational expenses, such as tuition fees, textbooks, and school supplies.

2. Foster Financial Inclusion: We seek to foster financial inclusion by providing a platform for individuals and organizations to access financial support for educational purposes. By democratizing access to funding and eliminating traditional barriers to financial aid, we aim to empower marginalized communities and promote economic mobility and social equity.

3. Build Community Empowerment: Our solution aims to build community empowerment by fostering a culture of giving and collaboration within communities. Through transparent and inclusive crowdfunding campaigns, we seek to engage donors, supporters, and beneficiaries in collective action to address shared challenges and create positive social change.

Measuring Progress:

1. Number of Students Supported: We measure our progress by tracking the number of students who have received financial support through our crowdfunding campaigns. This includes metrics such as the total amount of funds raised, the number of campaigns launched, and the number of students who have benefited from the funds raised.

2. School Dropout Rates: We monitor school dropout rates in target communities to assess the impact of our solution on educational outcomes. By comparing dropout rates before and after the implementation of our crowdfunding campaigns, we can evaluate the effectiveness of our intervention in reducing dropout rates and improving school attendance.

3. Community Engagement: We measure community engagement by analyzing metrics such as campaign participation, donor engagement, and social media interactions. By monitoring levels of community involvement and participation in our crowdfunding initiatives, we can assess the extent to which our solution is fostering community empowerment and collective action.

4. Long-Term Educational Outcomes: We track long-term educational outcomes, such as graduation rates, academic performance, and career trajectories, among students who have received financial support through our platform. By following up with beneficiaries over time, we can evaluate the lasting impact of our solution on their educational and socioeconomic prospects.

Overall, these impact goals and measurement indicators guide our efforts to create meaningful and sustainable change in Uganda's education sector. By focusing on increasing access to education, fostering financial inclusion, and building community empowerment, we aim to contribute to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education and create lasting positive impact in the lives of individuals and communities across Uganda.

The core technology that powers MpaMpe is a web-based crowdfunding platform, supported by mobile money integration and advanced data analytics.

1. Web-Based Platform: MpaMpe operates as an online platform accessible through web browsers on desktop and mobile devices. Users can create and manage fundraising campaigns, browse existing campaigns, and make donations securely through the platform's intuitive interface. The web-based nature of our platform enables widespread accessibility and reach, allowing individuals from diverse backgrounds and locations to participate in crowdfunding campaigns.

2. Mobile Money Integration: To facilitate seamless transactions, MpaMpe integrates with mobile money platforms widely used in Uganda, such as MTN Mobile Money and Airtel Money. This integration allows donors to make contributions directly from their mobile wallets, eliminating the need for traditional banking infrastructure and expanding financial inclusion among donors and campaign organizers.

3. Advanced Data Analytics: MpaMpe leverages data analytics tools to optimize campaign performance, enhance user engagement, and ensure transparency and accountability. By analyzing user behavior, donation patterns, and campaign outcomes, we can identify trends, insights, and areas for improvement to continuously enhance the effectiveness and impact of our platform.

4. Artificial Intelligence for Chatbot: MpaMpe incorporates artificial intelligence (AI) technology to enhance user experience and support engagement through a chatbot feature. The chatbot provides real-time assistance to users, answering questions, providing guidance on campaign creation, and facilitating seamless interactions. By leveraging AI, MpaMpe ensures efficient communication and personalized support for campaign organizers and donors, ultimately improving user satisfaction and participation.

5. Blockchain for Crypto Donations: MpaMpe embraces blockchain technology to enable cryptocurrency donations on the platform. Through blockchain integration, donors can contribute funds using various cryptocurrencies, ensuring security, transparency, and traceability of transactions. Blockchain technology enhances the integrity of donation records, mitigates fraud risks, and expands the range of donation options available to users. By embracing crypto donations via blockchain, MpaMpe broadens its reach to a global audience of donors while providing a secure and efficient donation mechanism for supporting impactful campaigns.

Additionally, while our core technology relies on modern digital platforms and payment systems, MpaMpe also values and respects traditional knowledge systems and community practices. We recognize the importance of cultural sensitivity and local context in our approach, and we aim to incorporate indigenous wisdom and community-led solutions into our platform wherever possible. By combining modern technology with traditional knowledge and community engagement, MpaMpe seeks to create a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable crowdfunding ecosystem in Uganda.

Our solution team consists of six members, with four working full-time and two part-time.

We have been actively developing and refining our solution for about 1-2 years now.

At MpaMpe, we are deeply committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment for all team members. We recognize that diversity is not only a reflection of social and cultural attributes but also encompasses diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds. 

The full team comprises four ladies and two gentlemen. Three Ladies are Co-Founders plus one gentleman (Ronnie). The other two who are not founding members are just part-timers with various skill sets. Here's how we ensure that our team is diverse and inclusive:

1. Diverse Leadership Team: Our leadership team consists of individuals from diverse backgrounds, including finance, software development, marketing, quality assurance, and DevOps. We believe that having a leadership team with varied expertise and perspectives enables us to make well-rounded decisions and better serve our diverse user base.

2. Recruitment Practices: We actively promote diversity and inclusivity in our recruitment processes by ensuring that job openings are advertised widely and inclusively. We strive to attract candidates from diverse backgrounds and actively seek out talent from underrepresented groups.

3. Training and Development: We invest in training and development programs to support the professional growth and advancement of all team members, regardless of their background or identity. This includes opportunities for skills development, mentorship, and leadership training.

4. Equitable Policies and Practices: We have implemented equitable policies and practices to ensure fair treatment and opportunities for all team members. This includes policies related to hiring, compensation, promotions, and performance evaluation, which are designed to minimize biases and promote fairness.

5. Inclusive Culture: We foster an inclusive culture where all team members feel welcomed, respected, supported, and valued. We encourage open communication, collaboration, and feedback, and we actively address any instances of discrimination, harassment, or exclusion.

6. Community Engagement: We engage with our local community and partner organizations to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion both within our team and in the broader community. This includes participating in events, workshops, and initiatives aimed at advancing diversity and inclusion in the tech industry.

Overall, we believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential principles that not only enrich our team but also drive innovation and creativity. By embracing diversity and creating an inclusive environment, we are better positioned to achieve our mission of bridging the financial and digital divide in Uganda and beyond.

Additionally, the team comprises three co-founder ladies and one gentleman, with diverse skills and backgrounds. The other two members are part-timers, contributing their expertise to specific areas of the project.

Here is the full team description and various roles.

At MpaMpe, our business model revolves around providing a crowdfunding platform that bridges the financial and digital divide in Uganda while creating value for both our users and the communities we serve.

Key Customers and Beneficiaries:
1. Campaign Organizers: These are individuals or organizations seeking financial support for various initiatives, including education, healthcare, entrepreneurship, and environmental conservation.
2. Donors: These are individuals or organizations looking to contribute funds to support campaigns aligned with their interests and values.
3. Communities: Ultimately, our platform serves the broader communities in Uganda by facilitating access to financial resources for initiatives that address pressing social, economic, and environmental challenges.

Products or Services:
1. Crowdfunding Platform: We provide a user-friendly online platform where campaign organizers can create and manage donation-based campaigns to raise funds for their projects or causes.
2. Financial Literacy and Education: We offer educational resources and workshops to campaign organizers and donors to promote financial literacy, responsible crowdfunding practices, and the effective management of funds.

How We Provide These Products or Services:
1. Online Platform: Our crowdfunding platform is accessible via desktop and mobile devices, allowing users to easily create, browse, and donate to campaigns from anywhere with internet access.
2. Educational Workshops: We host in-person and virtual workshops to educate campaign organizers and donors on financial literacy, crowdfunding best practices, and the social impact of their contributions.

Why Do They Want or Need Them?
1. Campaign Organizers: They need access to financial resources to support their projects or causes, and our platform provides a convenient and accessible way to raise funds from a wide audience.
2. Donors: They want to make a positive impact on society and support causes they care about. Our platform offers transparency, accountability, and the opportunity to contribute to meaningful initiatives.
3. Communities: They benefit from the projects and initiatives funded through our platform, which address critical social, economic, and environmental challenges, leading to positive impacts on the quality of life and well-being of community members.

Overall, our business model creates value by facilitating financial inclusion, empowering communities, and driving positive social impact through crowdfunding and financial education initiatives. By aligning the interests of campaign organizers, donors, and communities, we strive to build a sustainable and impactful platform that addresses the needs of all stakeholders.

At MpaMpe, we have a multifaceted plan for achieving financial sustainability, which encompasses various revenue streams and strategic partnerships. Our approach in the past has included:

1. Crowdfunding Platform Fees: One of our primary revenue streams is the collection of platform fees from crowdfunding campaigns hosted on MpaMpe. We charge a small percentage fee (2-5)% on each successful campaign made through our platform, providing us with a sustainable source of income while ensuring that the majority of funds raised go directly to the intended causes.

2. Premium Features: We offer premium features and services for campaign organizers, such as advanced analytics, marketing tools, and dedicated support. Organizers can choose to upgrade to premium packages for enhanced visibility and support, generating additional revenue for MpaMpe.

3. Partnerships and Sponsorships: We seek partnerships and sponsorships with organizations aligned with our mission and values. These partnerships may include corporate sponsors, philanthropic foundations, and government agencies that provide financial support in exchange for branding exposure and collaboration opportunities.

4. Consulting and Training Services: We provide consulting and training services to organizations and individuals interested in launching successful crowdfunding campaigns. These services may include campaign strategy development, digital marketing training, and technical support, generating revenue through service fees.

5. Donations and Grants: While we have not yet received grants, we actively pursue opportunities for funding from grants, donations, and other sources. We have participated in several hackathons and innovation challenges, where we have won prizes and recognition for our innovative solutions. These achievements serve as evidence of our potential to attract funding and support for our work.

Some examples of our successful revenue generation efforts include:

• Women in FinTech Hackathon: In 2022, MpaMpe was among the top six winners in the Women in FinTech Hackathon organized by HiPipo, showcasing our potential to revolutionize crowdfunding and financial inclusion.

• Google Developer Solution Challenge: MpaMpe stood out among the global top 50 winners in the 2022 Google Developer Solution Challenge, being the only team from Uganda listed among the four in Africa.

• MTN MoMo Hackathon: MpaMpe demonstrated its ability to develop digital solutions addressing real-life problems for mobile money users in Uganda, earning the first runners-up position in 2022.

• FITSPA Women Competition: In October, We achieved the prestigious First Runners-Up position in the FITSPA Women Competition, underscoring our ongoing success in the fintech sector.

• Makerere Student Innovation Challenge Winners: We recently achieved a significant milestone by securing the top position at the CEDAT Open Day 2024. Winning the Makerere University Challenge 2024 and the CEDAT Open Day is a testament to our excellence and creativity.
  

While these achievements have provided us with recognition and prize money, we recognize that sustained revenue generation is essential for long-term sustainability. Therefore, we are committed to diversifying our revenue streams, expanding our user base, and forging strategic partnerships to ensure the continued success and impact of MpaMpe.

• MpaMpe LinkedIn Updates
• More about MpaMpe Wins