How we work

The Ruben Fernandes Association supports community development initiatives that are locally conceptualized and led by active members of the Africa chapter of the Ubuntu Global Network.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 over eight years, the Ruben Fernandes Association has worked 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?

Support for micro-financing of the projects.

Microfinance support for sustainable projects

Community development initiatives

Projects that place the poorest of the poor at the very heart of the mission

Direct partnerships with local leaders

Direct crofinancing for community projects

OVER 8,000 beneficiaries.

Partnerships with local leaders in 7 countries

Sustainable, high-impact programs

Our Impact?

Creating lasting change through strategic partnerships and community-led development.

Who Can Apply?

Servant leaders who are:

Active members of the Ubuntu Global Network

Founders or managers of community initiatives

Change-makers committed to local impact

Request small-scale funding (up to €7,000)

Generate revenue to ensure self-sustainability

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 the 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 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, Kilifi county, Kenya
2024
Supported construction of the Alessandra Technical and Vocational School in Uganda and improved facilities at Ubuntu Community School, Juba and also Funded a poultry enterprise to support education for vulnerable children in Kasese, Uganda.
2025
Provided life mentoring to vulnerable youth in Lamu, Kenya and support for projects which include provision of water plus electricity to over 2000 people village and the launch of employment creation 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

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