Pledging to cut preventable death-rates by implementing integrated health, food security, and environmental development programs, Kapuwai’s villagers left the tree’s shade that day with hope - and a mission.

Twenty years on, Kapuwai-PACODET’s health and education programs have transformed the prospects of 100,000 adults and children in over 100 villages. Innovative environmental and agricultural programs help villagers protect their resources and optimize food yield.

Despite PACODET’s accomplishments, community leader Stanley Okurut remains focused on the challenges ahead. “Consolidation, expansion and collaboration with agencies like Nabuur are key to improving standards of daily life in Kapuwai,” he says.

Behind him two girls play under that same mango tree with their mother and grandmother.
For them, thanks to the drive of a whole village, death no longer comes calling.