Open to opportunities

ajambo mary

@ajambomary

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Development Practitioner with expertise in education and gender equality.

Uganda

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What I'm looking for

I seek a role that allows me to drive impactful education and gender equality initiatives while fostering collaboration and innovation.

I am a dedicated Development Practitioner with over 6 years of experience in designing and implementing impactful education, gender equality, and community development programs across East Africa. My journey has been marked by a commitment to empowering vulnerable children, adolescent girls, and women through strategic partnerships and effective project management.

As the Founder and Executive Director of Motherly Heart Organization, I spearhead initiatives that advance education and gender equality in rural Uganda. I have successfully secured partnerships with local governments and NGOs, distributing over 1,200 reading books and establishing a literacy hub for more than 200 children. My efforts in launching girls’ clubs have significantly mitigated school dropout rates, and I have raised substantial funds through donor outreach and evidence-based proposals.

My previous roles as a Freelance Researcher and Education Coordinator have further honed my skills in research, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement. I have produced numerous research papers that have informed program design for various NGOs, and I have managed education sponsorships that improved retention rates for refugee youth. I am passionate about creating sustainable change and fostering inclusive educational environments.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Founder & Executive Director

Current

Motherly Heart Organization

Aug 2023 - Present (2 years)

Spearheaded organizational strategy, program development, and partnerships to advance education and gender equality in rural Uganda. Secured partnerships with local government and 2 NGOs, distributing 1,200+ reading books and establishing a literacy hub serving 200+ children in rural Busia.

Strategy Program Development Partnership Development Community Engagement Education Programs Gender Equality Early Childhood Development Fundraising

Freelance Researcher (Gender & Education)

Various Organizations

Dec 2018 - Dec 2023 (5 years)

Conducted mixed-methods research on gender, education, and economic empowerment for NGOs. Produced 8+ research papers adopted by partner organizations to inform program design.

Mixed Methods Research Education Research Data Management Program Design

Education Coordinator

Student Orphan Aid Program (SOAP)

Jan 2016 - Jan 2019 (3 years)

Managed education sponsorship for 30+ refugee youth from Kakuma Camp, improving retention rates by 40% through a psychosocial support program. Led resource mobilization efforts, securing funding for 3 students to attend university, including one scholarship to Canada.

Education Sponsorship Resource Mobilization Academic Updates Program Management Partnership Building

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Education & Administrative Assistant

M-LISADA

Mar 2012 - Mar 2015 (3 years)

Coordinated sponsorships for 100+ vulnerable children in Katwe slums, maintaining 95% donor satisfaction through transparent communication. Designed a sponsorship database system, streamlining data entry and reporting efficiency by 25%.

Database Management Data Entry Reporting Child Protection Administrative Support Program Support Stakeholder Management Efficiency Improvement

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Ndejje University

Bachelor of Development Studies, Development Studies

2012 - 2015

Studied development theories, social policies, and community development practices. Gained expertise in designing and implementing programs for social change.

Makerere Institute for Social Development

Diploma in Social Work, Social Work

2010 - 2012

Acquired foundational knowledge in social work principles, human behavior, and social welfare. Developed skills in case management and community intervention.