SYPO provides structural aid in Uganda by initiating and supporting projects with a sustainable, entrepreneurial character. We believe that development cannot be planned from above, but should start from within society. To ensure that projects have a long-term impact, we concentrate on commercial ventures, which will grow as a result of their own success. By enabling people in Africa to start this type of projects themselves, we ensure that people know that they are responsible for their own development, so that they are enthusiastic and proud of their work. Development cannot be planned in advance, and what works in developed countries is not necessarily a good approach in Africa. SYPO spends a lot of attention to the evaluation of projects, in order to know which projects are most effective. Driven by results, we continue to improve our approach.

SYPO started its projects in the Mukono district in central Uganda, on the shores of Lake Victoria. Uganda is located in eastern Africa, with the neighbouring countries Kenya, Rwanda, Sudan, Tanzania and DR Congo. As a consequence of our experience and many good contacts in Mukono, we decided that for the time being, we focus on setting up projects in that region. The Mukono district has around one million inhabitants. The average income per capita is 300 dollars per year. The bulk of revenue comes from the cultivation of coffee, cocoa and tea, usually on small self-sustaining farms. One in eleven children does not survive the first five years, one in five women die in or because of labour and life expectancy is 43 years (Ministry of Health, 2002). The security situation in the area has been good for decades, and the region is politically stable.