How We Work

Our mission is to support local community leaders in their efforts to assist disadvantaged populations by providing resources and financial support to help them build better lives. We value projects presented by servant leaders who live and work directly within their communities and demonstrate:
- Proven values-driven leadership qualities
- Founding or leading grassroots community-based organizations
- Strong experience in project management
- Deep understanding of the local context
- Effective relationships with national authorities and institutions

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Community project image

Our Focus

We believe in locally conceptualized, sustainable solutions that create a real and lasting impact in people’s lives, making them cherish their surroundings and their communities. Our focus is on improving the lives of the pockets of population that are deemed discardable, and therefore, left behind.We support projects that:
- Restore dignity to particularly vulnerable pockets of the population
- Foster development of professional competencies and life skills
- Promote community ownership and self-reliance
- Create lasting transformation directly in individuals and indirectly in their communities

Financial Accountability and Transparency

For more than eight years, the Ruben Fernandes Association has been operating in this manner to restore human dignity. Lives were improved and changed through the dedication of trusted local partners. Our initiatives are supported not only by donors but also by the personal commitment of Alexandra Fernandes, who has invested her own financial resources in service of the communities we assist. We maintain close collaboration with local project coordinators and apply rigorous oversight at every stage. Our accountability framework ensures that all funds are used responsibly, ethically, and exclusively for their intended purpose.

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What We Support?

Sustainable community development projects led by local leaders to support the poorest of the poor

Microfinance support for sustainable projects

Community development initiatives

Sustainable, community-driven development initiatives that empower local leaders to support vulnerable population groups.

Direct partnerships with local leaders

Direct crofinancing for community projects

Over 8,000 beneficiaries.

Partnerships with local leaders in several countries.

Sustainable, high-impact programs

Our Impact?

Creating lasting change through strategic partnerships led by local community development.

Who Can Apply?

Change Agents commited to local impact.

Active members of the Ubuntu Global Network

Founders or managers of community initiatives

Change-makers committed to local impact

Projects which require small scale funding

Projects which generate revenue to ensure self-sustainability

Projects which demonstrate potential for meaningful qualitative/quantitative impact

Projects We Support

We select projects that help address critical community gaps and promote sustainable change.

The Ruben Fernandes Association's Journey

2017
Supported a sustainable hydroponic greenhouse project providing meals to vulnerable children (for 7 consecutive years), in Punta Cogon, Philippines.
2018
Invested in the Makobo Platform in Mozambique to strengthen local entrepreneurial support to education.
2019
Supported the launch of the Chipochashe School (kindergarten to secondary) in Shanje Village, Zimbabwe.
2020
Provided humanitarian support to displaced families in Al Hudaydah, Yemen. Financed the establishment of a vocational needs project targeting deaf students (Padaria Spezial) and equipped a classroom for blind students at Inzo Arnaldo secondary school, Roxas City, the Philippinnes.
2021
Supported the establishment of the Ditima School in rural Zimbabwe. Invested in a microcredit initiative to restore dignity to vulnerable widows in Kwale county, Kenya
2022
Financed a kindergarten and primary school in Gudele 9, Juba, South Sudan. Financed and innovative agricultural business (azola plant) in Kilifi county, Kenya.
2023
Financed the Ubufarm project promoting food security and agricultural training in Terekeka County, South Sudan. Supported the launch of nutritional biscuit targeting pregnant women and young children in Kilifi county, Kenya
2024
Supported construction of the Alessandra Technical and Vocational School in Uganda. Improved facilities (built 10 toilet cubicles) at the Ubuntu Community School, Juba. Funded a poultry enterprise to support education for vulnerable children in Kasese, Uganda.
2025
Provided life mentoring to vulnerable youth in Lamu, Kenya. Supported provision of water and electricity to 2000 people. Supported the launch of Mkunumbi organic food oil agribusiness.
World Map

Communities supported by the Ruben Fernandes Association

South Sudan Flag SOUTH SUDAN
Kenya Flag KENYA
Philippines Flag PHILIPPINES
Uganda Flag UGANDA
Zimbabwe Flag ZIMBABWE
Mozambique Flag MOZAMBIQUE
Yemen Flag YEMEN
Guinea-Bissau Flag GUINEA BISSAU

Get in touch with us

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