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Dear valued Supporters, We love that you are a part of the Tamarind journey. Please find our annual report 2023 attached. You will be able to read all the amazing things that Tamarind have been doing in 2023. Thank you for all of your continuing support to Restore, Rebuild and Resource.

It has taken us some time to write this update as there has been so much to process; putting it down on paper seemed so all-encompassing that it was put on the do-it-later shelf! I’m not a natural writer; I have to get in the zone to express life on paper. I am more of a visual person that could probably make a movie rather than write a book, blog or newsletter! Here is my attempt to bring an update from us to you! In January 2020, prompted by health issues and the kids’ education situation needing to change, our family began to prepare to transition to Australia permanently, thinking that our time in Uganda was coming to an end, at least for a period of time. Little did we know that our planning was futile, and the world was about to be turned upside down. Just before the pandemic was announced and the whole world went into lockdown, we had a week to work out whether to stay in Uganda or try to get out and head to Australia. This was a difficult choice with so many variables to navigate and decisions to make. But at the end of the day the peace came in the decision to stay in Uganda. We are glad that we stayed and were able to see so many wins in the Tamarind projects and personally. In a lot of ways, it was a great place to be for lockdowns and we were able to have the space and time to finish projects and start new ones, both for Tamarind and personally. It was not all smooth sailing, however, as the whole world had its challenges. Restrictions of all kinds made life difficult and even though they were different to the restrictions on the other side of the world, there was comfort knowing the whole world was in the same situation. And we never ran out of toilet paper! For many people, Covid is a distant memory, but the effects still linger on in the lives of many others. For Tamarind, the impact has not been extremely dramatic; however, the ripple effects do still hit us from time to time. While Covid dragged on, as workers and missionaries in a developing country we were longing to return to Australia to see family, friends and supporters. Once the world opened up again, we decided to start planning a trip to Australia, not to transition at this stage; just to reconnect with family, friends and supporters that we had not seen in over 3 ½ years.  My eldest nephew was getting married in November 2022! That was the push to get our travelling spirit in gear. Our dream of being physically reunited with family, friends and supporters was about to become a reality! Paperwork for visas for Chris and Lillie was put into process and Zach’s Australian passport was renewed - not an easy task from Uganda! These are the challenges of a blended family: we’re from different cultures, and country of birth, along with the legalities connected with having an adopted child. The cost of five airfares at an extremely elevated price post-Covid was not in our budget, but we were gifted the flights by a very generous supporter and old school friend. So, the road was clear to travel once again. The journey back to Australia was full of potholes and detours, taking five days with canceled flights and layovers for days in airports along the way. Not the welcome back to travel we had hoped for, but so worth it to be embraced by friends and family in the land of Oz! We were feeling a little like Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz, landing after being in a whirlwind bumpy ride home. Our just under three months at home was packed with activities, including catching up with friends and family, a fundraising event, public speaking engagements and private one-on-one catch ups.  Chris did landscaping for donations and we squeezed in a quick trip to Victoria to visit friends, supporters, and farms! After returning to Uganda earlier this year from our visit to Australia, we began to look ahead to Tamarind’s future.  With a firm foundation now in place for Tamarind and a maintainable structure on top of it, as Tamarind’s founders we believe that it is the right time to transition Tamarind to its next stage of growth. We have always been a community-based organization that values longevity – building for a future generation; building something that lasts, and that can eventually stand by itself.   We are excited to say that after 12 years of hard work we are able to leave the project in the hands of a great team of Ugandans. This means some exciting changes for us as a family and for Tamarind! Our family is planning to move to Australia in November this year where we will have a year of transition, evaluation and then begin work on developing Tamarind Australia as a supporting organization for Tamarind Uganda.  Meanwhile, we have an amazing team on the ground in Uganda that will continue to RESTORE > REBUILD > RESOURCE communities to break the poverty cycle in Northern Uganda. Under the leadership of this local Ugandan team, Tamarind Uganda will continue to grow and develop, and projects will continue to run. They will not be alone as we will continue to support them from Australia. This is not the end but rather the beginning of the next chapter. It’s not the end of the road but rather the next destination. It is both exciting and sad; filled with hope and grief. Hope for the new opportunities and challenges that lie ahead and grief as we say goodbye to friends and family on this side of the world, not forever, but just to the daily hellos and life. Goodbye to the highs and lows that we share with so many, not just on a superficial level but in a deep relationship. Connections that run deeper than words and experiences; relationships and lives changed for eternity, changed to be dignified and able to stand and provide for themselves living their lives to the full. We are excited for the next chapters of Tamarind and how they will unfold, some planned and some to wait and see, like waiting to turn the page of a good novel or waiting to see the next episode of an endearing series. One thing is sure: as we continue on the journey, both personally and organizationally, the saying “home is where the heart is” rings true for us. With an eclectic, blended family, and nomadic residing in two countries, you work out what home means in a totally different perspective. Thank you to all of you, new and old, who have joined us on the Tamarind journey so far; we hope and pray you will continue to journey with us onto the next chapters or episodes! As you can imagine we have little time left before the transition and a lot to get done! If you are able to help support us financially to get ready for the next chapter of Tamarind, we would really appreciate it! All donations are tax deductible. We would love financial support for the following: Renovate Storage container - $7,000 Expenses and costs to get to Kampala before flying out - $850 Fence posts for Laliya 50 fence posts- $1000 Fence posts for Pagak 12 fence posts - $300 Out of Africa with love! Yours sincerely, Chris and Sarah Ochaya Founders of Tamarind Australia

This area was built with consultation from the local community to serve their needs. Keep up to date with all of our projects by following Tamarind Australia on Facebook and Instagram. To contribute to more projects like our community area, consider donating to Tamarind Australia's work to restore, rebuild and resource Northern Uganda.

Our annual report for 2022 includes: Chairman's report Progress updates on all of our major projects Our finance report for the year Click below to download

INTERNATIONAL GIVING TUESDAY is an amazing opportunity all over the world to give to a charity and make the world a better place! Why not join the journey and donate to TAMARIND to be a part of breaking the poverty cycle in Northern Uganda. Thank you. Yours sincerely, Chris and Sarah Ochaya Founders of Tamarind

We would like to take a moment to thank you for supporting Tamarind. When you support Tamarind you support a community of people moving forward to break the poverty cycle in Northern Uganda. You make a difference in the lives of individuals and communities. Impacting on a personal level as well as a community level. You change the story of hopelessness to hope for a future, you change the story of helplessness to empowerment, and you change the story of being forgotten and unloved to known and loved. Thank you for playing a vital part in Tamarind. Yours sincerely, Chris and Sarah Ochaya Tamarind Founders

As the dry season comes to an end and the rain is back, it has inspired me to think about the next season, not just physically, but also about what that means for Tamarind and the community we reach. I have been thinking a lot about the legacy we leave and the longevity of what we do. In Tamarind, we have always focused on breaking the poverty cycle, not just short term, but for the next generation to come. Teaching self-sustainable practices and employing people to change mind sets has been at the core of what we do. A lot of the time, it feels like nothing is happening in dry season, but, at times, we are unaware of the changes in the hearts and minds of people. So much of what we do cannot be noted down on paper or quantified. What we do is similar to the picture of the leaf on the bottom of this page. It looks like nothing is happening to this leaf surrounded by dry, brown dirt, but it is changing into beautiful bright shades that reflect more changes on the horizon, just like the heart of those we work with. It is our hope and our vision that the skills and provision for change Tamarind offers will affect the next generation and break the poverty cycle. We hope it will allow this community the chance to live in dignity, supporting themselves and their families. Many things can distract us from spending time with and depending on God. In this culture, poverty can be one of those distractions. However, it can also draw people to God. As we work with and love the people who surround us, we share our faith and trust in God on a personal level. It is a great privilege and honor to share a living, breathing heavenly Father. This weekend, a lovely lady opened her heart to Jesus and invited Him to come walk this life with her. This is one of the most exciting things that happens here in Tamarind. Though there are constant needs no matter where you are, Tamarind believes the universal need we all have is the need for a Saviour, JESUS. He wants us to be in relationship with our loving, heavenly Father. May you all have this need meet as you journey through 2022. Our physical needs continue to grow as we serve the people here in Northern Uganda. If you are able to join with us in financial support, this would be greatly appreciated (either one off or monthly). We also have some one-off expenses we need to cover. We have not been to Australia in 4 years and would love to travel this November for a visit to see family, friends, and supporters. We are also in need of funds to top up getting a small car. This car is needed to transport our kids to school and for Sarah to run The Tribe project. Thanks for all the support you have given to Tamarind and us, and for all the support you will continue to give as we RESTORE > REBUILD > RESOURCE lives in Northern Uganda. Please join us in this journey with regular updates on Facebook and Instagram. Partner with us in this exciting, grass roots, Community Based Organisation. From the founders, Chris Ochaya and Sarah Ochaya

As the year has started and we are all adjusting to a new normal, we hope and pray you have stayed safe and healthy throughout this global pandemic. While some of you have been with us on this journey for a long time, others have just joined, and we would like to say a big thank you for supporting us. You have already impacted so many lives! As we head into 2021, we are asking you to partner with us in a strategic vision to break the poverty cycle in Gulu, Northern Uganda. Our aim is to bring change to this nation through mentoring, training locals developing a team in self–sustainability, and teaching business development strategies. Currently, this process happens through engagement in 3 primary projects: 1) The Gweno (Acholi for Chicken) We are raising chickens for sale and egg production. This income will generate local jobs and enable us to teach and train up to 50 people each year, helping to develop self-sustainability for families in the community. The work has already begun and is based at our Operation Centre. Brian is being mentored to take on the assistant role at the Gweno project. Meet one of the team… Brian (aka Man) is a 17-year-old young man who started in our mentoring program when he was 13. He has really grabbed hold of every opportunity God has given to him through Tamarind. He is currently in training to take on 2 IC of the general running of The Gweno. In Uganda, there is no pension and most people do not have a retirement fund, so he supports his mother and grandmother who are unemployed and retired. Brian, at only 17, is the one source of income who can support and offer basic needs like food and medical care for his aged mother and grandmother. $100 a month will pay the wage of a hard-working young man who supports his aged mother and grandmother. 2) The Tribe …One step forward and the tribe will follow. We are tapping into Gulu’s creativity by empowering and employing local women to create unique African artwork and jewellery. Currently, we supply a popular store in the heart of Uganda and international markets in the USA, Australia, and about to branch into Germany. The funds from the sale of these products enable ongoing development, business training, and stability in the lives of our employees and their families. We are looking to expand The Tribe in 2021 to reach out to more women and empower them run a business and be self-sustainable. Justine has been working with us for almost 5 years and is about to increase her management role in The Tribe. Meet one of the team…. Justine is a mum to 4 children, trying to parent, work, and maintain her family on a single income. She has great attention to detail and gets things done in a professional and high-quality manner. The Tribe exists because of her expertise. But her wage only goes so far in this, so we are seeking support so she can keep progressing in what she has begun. $150 a month will employ Justine mother of 4 children. $10 a month will sponsor 1 of her children to go to school. $30 per month would cover all 3! 3) Demonstration Farm … to teach and reach. The farm teaches local people how to manage their land, raise animals, grow healthier crops, and store their harvest for the highest yield, providing farmers with the means to take good care of their families. Meet one of the team… Joseph is one of our lead farmers and building developers. Joseph is a father of 3 children. He is the sole provider for his family, and the income he earns goes to sustaining his family in education, food, and medical needs. He is a hard worker and constantly looking for ways to develop business and a better way of growing crops. He is also a mason and has been very helpful in the development of the buildings in our projects. $150 a month will employ Joseph and help him support his wife and 2 daughters. We are working hard to continue to grow and develop, to become more effective, and to reach and train more people. We have been stretched and been employing the team but as we grow and change we can’t impact lives without you. Partner with us to break the poverty cycle and change lives in Northern Uganda. There are still so many more lives that are waiting to be changed through this opportunity, to walk empowered by the support and work of Tamarind. Will you help be the change? You can be the change by donating! Join us on the journey of Tamarind, and together we can break the poverty cycle in Northern Uganda. All donations are tax deductible in Australia, and receipts will be issued to you. Thank you for your time and consideration

HAPPY NEW YEAR! HAPPY 10 YEARS TO TAMARIND! 2022.... 10 years of service to Tamarind. 11 years of marriage. 10 years of restoring hope and community. 10 years of Rebuilding a culture that was lost, 10 years of resourcing change to a poverty stricken community. We would love to celebrate this milestone in our journey by taking a break to recharge! At this time it is not possible for us to return to Australia so we would love to enjoy a mini break in Uganda to REST > RECHARGE > RESET. We would love to take this time to refocus and map out the year ahead. Due to our limited resources we need your help to do this... All donations are tax deductible for Australians If you are in another part of the world we have a pay pal account. Much Love and kind regards, Chris and Sarah Ochaya

Hello! Meet Justine. Justine is The Tribe artisans’ full-time beading director. She has been working for Tamarind for four years and is creative and meticulous about her work. She is a single mother of three boys, sometimes bringing her son Omara with her because there is no childcare in Uganda. Whether it is rain or shine she arrives with him on her back, always so kind and considerate, never complaining about anything. Even though her life is full of challenges, she always come to work with a smile on her face and an attitude to accomplish a job well done. We are so grateful to have her on the Tamarind team and love her dedication to life no matter the circumstances. Help us continue to pay her wage, which will equip her to support her boys in getting an education so they may grow up to break the cycle of poverty. Some of our new products that you can purchase: The funds from the sale of these products enables ongoing development, business training, and stability in the lives of our employees and their families. We are working hard to continue to grow and develop, to become more effective, and to reach and train more people. We can’t do any of it without you. Partner with us to break the poverty cycle in Northern Uganda. One step forward and the tribe will follow...

Hello! We are so thankful to all of you who have been supporting us over the years. It has been some time since we have updated you, so come with us as we take a brief glance at Tamarind right now! Tamarind is in search of someone like you to partner with in a strategic vision and the future of Tamarind to break the poverty cycle in Gulu, Northern Uganda. Our aim is to bring change to this nation through mentoring, training locals in self–sustainability, and teaching business development strategies. Currently, this process happens through engagement in 3 primary projects: 1) Chicken rearing and egg production. We are raising chickens for egg production. This income will generate local jobs and enable us to teach and train up to 50 people each year in egg production, helping to develop self-sustainability for families in the community. The work has already begun and is based at our Operation Centre. 2) The Tribe Artisans. We are tapping into Gulu’s creativity and employing a number of local artisans to design unique African artwork and jewellery. Currently, we supply a popular store in the heart of Uganda and international markets in Australia and beyond. The funds from the sale of these products enables ongoing development, business training, and stability in the lives of our employees and their families. 3) Demonstration Farm. The farm teaches local people how to manage their land, raise animals, grow healthier crops, and store their harvest for the highest yield, providing farmers with the means to take good care of their families. We are working hard to continue to grow and develop, to become more effective, and to reach and train more people. We can’t do any of it without you. Partner with us to break the poverty cycle in Northern Uganda. Sarah Ochaya Founder of Tamarind Australia

(The Store House) Tamarind branches spread wide over Northern Uganda. This week we want to focus on one of our 4 projects “The Store House,” which is located in Pagak (about 22 kilometres out of Gulu town towards the boarder of South Sudan and Northern Uganda). Our vision for the demonstration farm is to teach sustainable farming to the community, for the community. We believe this is not for our personal legacy but for the legacy of the community and for Acholiland. We know we may not get to see the benefits or lasting sustainability that we sow back into the land. However, we believe God knows. We have been called to be the sowers and RESTORE a land and people back to their roots—farming—and REBUILD an ethic of sustainable living. We RESOURCE farmers that surround our farm with local farming education—skills to cross crop and get the most out of the land. We offer a space to store produce to get best-market value for it. Our vision is big, but our resources are limited. If you would like to know more, we would love to connect with you and share our story and our vision. Join us on Facebook 9th July for an online presentation we will host. If you would like to join the journey right now and sow into Tamarind today, we will give you a tax-deductible receipt for end of year financial giving, which means the reaping will be two-fold —you will also be a part of the change to help break the poverty cycle in Northern Uganda.