TAPP USA studies the medical, economic, social, and theological factors that contribute to the HIV-led crisis in Sub-Saharan Africa. We believe that the AIDS pandemic affects us all. While experiencing the transformational TAPP Uganda communities we saw much stigmatization, marginalization, and oppression targeting persons living with HIV and AIDS. While AIDS carries the stigma of the “immoral disease” we seek to call ourselves into account and continue to ask how we may best love the person next to us.
Mission: Instead of creating a mission statement of our own, we choose to find ourselves within the mission of TAPP Uganda which reads:
TAPP (Tumaini “hope” AIDS Prevention Program) is a holistic care project that seeks solidarity with those infected and affected with HIV and AIDS. It provides training, Home Based Care, income generating projects, education and social support for a hopeful life which encompasses the entire community.
Upside-Down Economy
We position ourselves as learners to the poor who guide us through what it means to empower the world’s most vulnerable.
Handcrafted Products
In a world of manufactured goods we emphasize a handcrafted product and the connection it gives the buyer to a person and/or community.
Fairly Traded
We pay fair market prices directly to the artisan before products are shipped overseas. Profits are invested into local community development in Uganda.
Dignity Restoration
Though poverty eradication is important, we ultimately value space for our Ugandans to breathe new life through dignity restoring artwork, and for others to recognize the world’s most vulnerable as truly human.
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(Additional photography provided courtesy of Daniel Hayduk - www.danielhayduk.com)
