North American, Female Travel professionals launch Echoes of Ubuntu to deliver clean water in Bwindi, where life expectancy is just 28 years.
A group of North American female travel professionals have launched Echoes of Ubuntu, a new charitable foundation dedicated to supporting one of Uganda’s most marginalised communities: the Batwa people of Bwindi. The foundation’s first project will provide clean, safe water to Batwa families, with groundbreaking scheduled for November 2025.
The initiative was born earlier this year when Canadian travel journalist and television personality Lorraine Simpson led a U.S. and Canadian delegation of travel advisors to the Pearl of Africa Tourism Conference. Among those she invited was Amarjit Keshav, a U.S.-based, Ugandan-born travel professional and award-winning agency owner.
During their time in Bwindi, the group was deeply moved to learn that the Batwa community has a life expectancy of just 28 years, due in large part to lack of access to clean water, basic healthcare, and sustainable livelihoods. That shocking statistic became a call to action, inspiring Lorraine and Amarjit to co-found Echoes of Ubuntu with the goal of creating tangible, immediate, and lasting change.
Why the Batwa?
The Batwa, often referred to as the “keepers of the forest,” are one of Central Africa’s oldest indigenous peoples. For centuries, they lived as hunter-gatherers in Uganda’s forests, but displacement and lack of resources have left many in extreme poverty. Access to safe drinking water remains one of the most urgent challenges, directly linked to poor health and low life expectancy.
The Power of Collaboration
Echoes of Ubuntu is more than a charity — it is a collaboration between North American travel professionals and Ugandan leaders. The foundation’s name is inspired by the African philosophy of Ubuntu, meaning “I am because we are”, reflecting the belief that humanity is interconnected and that compassion and solidarity make communities stronger.
From its inception, Echoes of Ubuntu has been guided by respected Ugandan advisors, including renowned tourism entrepreneur Amos Wekesa, along with Peter Mwanja and Morris Mzungu. Their insight ensures that the foundation’s work is locally relevant, culturally respectful, and community-driven.
“Uganda has touched me deeply,” said Simpson. “As a travel advisor and journalist, I want the world to see both the beauty of Uganda and the opportunity we have to give back to its people.”
“Uganda is part of my story,” added Keshav. “Being invited back by Lorraine was a full-circle moment. Founding Echoes of Ubuntu is our way of giving back and creating real change for the Batwa.”
A Different Kind of Foundation
Unlike many international charities where a large percentage of donations are absorbed by administration, Echoes of Ubuntu has been set up differently. 100% of donations will go directly to projects on the ground. All start-up costs — including registering the foundation, creating a website, and developing branding — have been personally funded by Lorraine and Amarjit. In addition, both have pledged to donate a portion of revenue from their own travel agency bookings to sustain the foundation’s work.
First Project: Clean Water for Bwindi
The foundation’s inaugural project will deliver clean-water facilities for the Batwa community in Bwindi, breaking ground in November 2025 with the support of another North American delegation of travel advisors. This is only the beginning. Long-term plans include education initiatives, healthcare access, and sustainable development projects designed to empower the Batwa and improve quality of life.
About Echoes of Ubuntu
Echoes of Ubuntu is a charitable foundation dedicated to improving the lives of marginalised communities in Uganda, beginning with the Batwa people of Bwindi. Founded by Amarjit Keshav, a U.S.-based travel professional born in Uganda and Lorraine Simpson, an Award Winning Canadian travel journalist,the foundation works in collaboration with travel industry professionals across North America and Ugandan advisors Amos Wekesa, Peter Mwanja, and Morris Mazungu. Its first project will deliver clean-water facilities in Bwindi, Uganda, with future initiatives focusing on education, healthcare, and community sustainability.
The public can help by donating directly, travelling to Uganda to visit the supported communities, organising fundraising efforts through schools, churches, or community groups, or joining a fundraising trip later this year.
