The Batwa pygmies of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, with a life expectancy of 28 and an annual income of $25, are some of the most impoverished people on the planet. The Batwa were the indigenous forest dwellers of southwestern Uganda but in 1992 they became conservation refugees when they were evicted from their ancestral homeland, the Bwindi Forest, when it was made a World Heritage site in order to protect the endangered mountain gorilla. As hunter/gatherers they had no title to land and consequently were given no compensation.

Since 2001 The Kellermann Foundation has been striving to assist the Batwa in all areas of development. A hospital and several clinics have been constructed. Several schools have been built. Land has been acquired and homes constructed and agricultural programs initiated. Preventive programs have been instituted focused on water and sanitation to prevent diarrheal diseases as well as HIV and malaria prevention.

A cultural preservation center has been created to preserve their rich culture. 100 acres of land, consisting of old growth forest, has been purchased an is now used by the Batwa to teach their children their legends, songs and dance as well has their traditional use of medicinal herbs.

Please view this video:
Video by Alex Wolf – Land of Pygmies Land of Gorillas

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A study completed in 2006 indicated that the death rate of the Batwa children had been halved but much remains to be done. Your support remains crucial to the survival of these fascinating people.