About Us

The AWAGO Story

Founded in 2011, AWAGO was born from the desire to provide meaningful support to vulnerable women and girls in Uganda. We recognized that many women, especially those in ultra-poor communities, face significant challenges, including loss of hope, violence, poverty, and lack of education. These issues are compounded by the overwhelming stress of daily survival and loneliness makes it difficult for women and
girls to break free from the cycle of poverty.

AWAGO’s unique approach combines mental wellness practices, including Transcendental Meditation (TM), with vocational training, education, and community development initiatives. We believe that mental health is the foundation for personal growth and community transformation. Our programs create a safe and supportive space for women, offering thoughtful guidance, impactful education, and practical tools to help them achieve their personal and financial goals. By integrating mental wellness support with our community partners—who provide economic empowerment, health interventions, and financial literacy—we foster lasting change for families and communities.

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Women Empowered

with vocational skills

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Students

received educational resources

THEN they will develop inner resilience & stability to break cycles of poverty by taking advantage of the resources and opportunities offered to achieve independence.

Mental Wellness

Through Transcendental Meditation (TM) and wellness practices, women build emotional stability, stress management skills, and inner resilience. This mental strength enables them to:

Navigate economic hardships.
Overcome trauma and stress.
Develop clarity and confidence to lead their lives and communities.

Gender Access

True empowerment starts with access to education, leadership, and financial independence.

AWAGO integrates Village/Youth Savings and Loan Associations (V/YSLAs), healthcare centers, schools, and women’s collectives to serve as platforms for economic empowerment, mental well-being, and community support.

Collaboration

Women and girls do not thrive in isolation. Community support and collaboration are key to ensuring lasting impact. AWAGO partners with:

Local organizations.
Government agencies.
Social movements.
Private sector.
Universities

By strengthening community collaboration, AWAGO ensures that women and girls are not just beneficiaries but active participants and leaders in shaping their futures.

2010

Judith Nassali, AWAGO Executive Director and founder, attended the Transcendental Meditation Teacher Training Course and AWAGO began.

2011

AWAGO was incorporated and officially began offering programs to the public with the mission to offer the TM technique to women and girls in Uganda through charitable partnerships. Our first partnership was with EDAPO serving HIV orphans.

2012

AWAGO launched the "Stronger Together" strategy to attract partners who bundle services, creating economic opportunities, hope, and community for women in vulnerable environments. Our first partnership with UWOPED brought this vision to life, reaching 60 ultra-poor women in Kampala. This milestone sparked a ripple effect, expanding opportunities for more women and children.

2013

By training and hiring 5 teachers from our programs, AWAGO was able to reach 250 ultra-poor women with our flagship wellness program.

2014

AWAGO's 14-year partnership with Ideal Girls High School strengthens education by integrating mental health and social skills training for orphaned and vulnerable girls. This collaboration not only equips students with essential tools but also fosters their confidence and agency to navigate an evolving job market. By working within schools, AWAGO co-develops locally relevant, girl-focused solutions that align with the priorities of education ministries, schools, families, and communities.

2018

"The Effect of Transcendental Meditation on Self-efficacy, Perceived Stress, and Quality of Life in Mothers in Uganda" was published in the journal Health Care for Women International.

2020

Our Heal the Healers program was initiated in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which offers TM for free to health professionals and first responders.

2021

AWAGO was chosen to pioneer MindBody in Africa as part of its effort to create a digital profile for each women and girl served. This involved offering registration in both local languages and English.

2023

AWAGO signed an MoU with Butabika National Mental Referral Hospital, leading to the adoption of Transcendental Meditation (TM)

2024

Transcendental Meditation & Women’s Empowerment Research to assess TM’s impact on self-confidence, resilience, and leadership among Ugandan women. a 75% reduction in stress levels among TM-practicing participants was realized.

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