How The Road to Parity fits into an ecosystem of care which shields the most vulnerable and creates life-changing opportunities - against the backdrop of an extraordinary story
Ronnie left extreme poverty in his home village, hoping for a better life in Kampala, the Ugandan capital, but it was far tougher than expected and he ended up living on the streets. At 15, he slipped, underage, into the Ugandan military in a desperate attempt to care for his widowed mother and 3 sisters. Carrying a gun as a teenage soldier, Ronnie was sent to guard a diplomatic residence in Kampala. The assignment proved to be fortuitous. Through the friendly couple who lived there, Ronnie was eventually introduced to Kiwi humanitarian, Jeremy England. “I came into the care of Jeremy, who took me into his home. I helped with garden work and general support around his residence,” Ronnie remembers. The deal was that Jeremy would provide accommodation and a job for Ronnie if he returned to school. Not only did Ronnie get the education he was denied as a child, but he later went on to secure a degree in business administration and then a master’s degree in civil administration. His dramatic transformation meant he could finally support his mother, and paid for his sisters’ education. Lilian recalls she felt a ‘calling’ because of the love shown for Ronnie. “His story drove me to reach out to the vulnerable, the sick and the malnourished,” she says. Together, they set up a children’s shelter in Luweero district, north of Kampala. The sanctuary for vulnerable youngsters has become known as Canaan Children’s Development Initiative (CACDI). CACDI has close relationships with the local authorities, police and community leaders – with children referred each year. In all, 50 young people are currently in its care, aged 6-23. Of those, 19 live at the shelter - the rest live with carers who are supported with school fees and equipment, and some living expenses. Ronnie, who is also involved with farming, including growing maize, pineapples and bananas, explains: “We have relied on our own savings, which came from various sources - agriculture, a security job I took in Qatar, donations, help from Jeremy, and Lilian’s job.” Lilian points out that the sad reality in Uganda is that many children are abandoned by mothers who face horrendous circumstances; extreme poverty, widowed, domestic abuse, or suffering from HIV. “Our work brings us into contact with many of those women, and others, who desperately need help,” she says. In 2024, The Road to Parity entered a partnership with CACDI to help some of the distressed people it comes across to become financially independent. Beneficiaries are provided with a one-off micro grant to secure the equipment and supplies they need to set up a simple business, plus some basic training. The enterprises are varied; mini eateries, stalls selling shoes, snacks, chicken, maize, charcoal, fruit, vegetables and stationery, as well as businesses repairing shoes and tailoring. Lilian says: “In many cases, these are widows running for our rescue, or victims of domestic violence. If we don’t help them create a sustainable income, they will end up dumping children. It is very common for children to be dumped, especially new babies. The mother will go to hospital, give birth and then run.” ![]() Nabaasa is one of the latest entrepreneurs to be supported. The 39-year-old mother of 4 is separated and faced eviction because she could no longer afford to pay rent. Referred by the local council, she’s been helped to set up a street-side business selling fresh and cooked maize (corn on the cob), and chickens. “I can now meet my house bills, pay my children’s school fees and buy food,” she proudly says. Following early outreach feedback, the entrepreneurship programme was given the name Project Twekembe, which broadly translates to 'let's fight against poverty.' Lilian says the project provides the “the missing link” to help stop domestic abuse and protect children. Despite the complex challenges the entrepreneurs face, including illiteracy, none of the businesses set up so far this year have failed, and the mostly women have become role models within their communities. “The businesses give them pride,” Lilian says. “They are working and earning. It is what any mother would want – to be able to take care of their children." ![]() Project Twekembe has recently supported its first male entrepreneur. 40-year-old Mwanje lost the use of his legs and has severe kyphosis (curvature of the spine). The father of 3 has been begging on the streets to support his family, while his wife tries to earn some money washing clothes for villagers. Mwanje has received assistance to set up a shoe repairing business. “Since I cannot stand or walk, I can manage this business sitting down,” he says. “So far, it’s not so bad. I can at least go home with some more money to help my family.” As well as co-managing CACDI, Lilian is a supervisor with the Electoral Commission of Uganda. While the focus of her work there is helping to deliver elections, there is much to do in between - updating registers, confirming voter details, enrolling new voters and ensuring her team of more than 70 staff get paid. “Voting is now digitised,” she says. “But not like Europe. In African countries, even if it’s digitised, machines are often not functioning.” Lilian was expected to follow her mother into midwifery, but decided nursing wasn’t for her. Instead, she joined the civil service from school and took her first degree in arts and social sciences at evening classes. She later secured a scholarship to study a master’s degree in international development at Seoul National University in South Korea. She appreciates her work to support Uganda’s electoral processes is important, but it’s not where she derives most satisfaction. “It’s helping children that brings me pride and happiness,” Lilian says. “That 3-year-old boy, David, who was slowly dying when I found him in the rubbish, is now 8. He is healthy and attends primary school. Lilian adds: “One of the other children from the shelter is being helped through university. When I am with them, and see what they have become, I feel I did something good. Sometimes, I also feel a burden, like a weight, but I can never drop it until it’s done.” For Ronnie, speaking about his past remains painful, but he is eternally grateful to the people who have helped him along the way, particularly Jeremy. “I now consider him like a father figure.” Ronnie also recounts the kindness of a man who took him in for a few months and gave him work at a car wash when he’d been living on the streets of Kampala. “Since then, I have been trying to find that man, but in vain,” he says. “My journey, my story has been shaped by some truly humane individuals. Canaan was born out of a desire to help children in similar situations.” CACDI’s latest project – under Ronnie’s supervision - is a kindergarten and primary school with space for 350 children. It’s still under construction, but the aim is to welcome pupils in 2026. ![]() Jeremy, meanwhile, is currently cycling 1,300km from Belgrade to Athens to help raise some of the USD 10,000 needed to finish the construction work, equip the classrooms and dormitories, install bathrooms, and erect a security wall. “I’m doing it because I trust Ronnie and Sarah (Lilian). I’ve seen enough aid projects to know what makes one honest and sustainable – it's the people. These people are family to me.” To follow the ride, click here.
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Over 100 enterprises now supported in Uganda and India |
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40 businesses established under poverty alleviation initiative
A programme set up to fight extreme poverty through entrepreneurship has ended Covid-dominated 2020 on a high with a total of 40 businesses now established.
Despite the hurdles created by the virus, 32 businesses have been supported during the year through Project Unnati, following on from the 8 enterprises that were set up in late 2019.
Many of the recent beneficiaries have been young women, often illiterate and without any prior business experience. They have been helped to set up a variety of enterprises, including tailoring and ironing businesses, and stalls selling popular items, such as shawls and dupattas, cosmetics, hosiery, children’s clothes, vegetables, and snacks. All businesses so far have been started in slum districts of the Indian capital, Delhi.
Jonathan Hill, Founder of The Road to Parity, said; “This is fantastic news to end what has been, for so many people, a horribly tough year. I am so proud of our entrepreneurs who can look forward to 2021 with new hope as they gradually leave a life of suffering behind.”
“I’d also like to acknowledge our partner in India, Learning Links Foundation, for their ongoing support, particularly the outreach team, who have carefully navigated the evolving Covid restrictions to ensure beneficiaries could begin trading as soon as possible,” Jonathan added.
Under Project Unnati, potential beneficiaries are prioritised using a strict points system. At its core is identifying people in extreme poverty – households who have been scraping an existence on around £10 (13 USD), or less, per person, per month.
Other factors considered include helping the poorly educated, sole breadwinners supporting large families, the physically and mentally challenged, women, victims of domestic violence, and young men struggling on unstable labouring income while supporting families - effectively trapping them in extreme poverty.
Beneficiaries are given a one-time-only grant, which is used, under supervision, to buy the supplies and equipment required to set up a business. Basic guidance is provided on how to get started and progress is reviewed to ensure the business remains on track.
The first batch of entrepreneurs was set up in November 2019. The project was named Unnati (meaning progress) after one of the first beneficiaries said she felt her new business would bring prosperity to her family after years of desperate poverty.
OTHER 2020 HIGHLIGHTS
In February, The Road to Parity announced it had been granted registered charity status by the Charity Commission for England and Wales. There are different legal structures for a charity. TRTP opted for becoming a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), which means fewer administration requirements - freeing up more time and money to help the poor.
In March, India went into lockdown - the world's largest – as 1.3 billion Indians were asked to stay at home. Project Unnati outreach activity was suspended - and entrepreneurs identified for support - after enduring years in extreme poverty – faced a tortuous wait to start their dream businesses.
In June, following the establishment of eight businesses in November 2019, the results of a review were published into how the micro grant-based model was working. It is important to highlight that many beneficiaries are illiterate and have no prior business experience. The findings showed:
The micro grants offer one-off support. It is made clear to beneficiaries that this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to escape extreme poverty and they will not be able to come back for top up funds.
In July, once the business model had been shown to work, donation channels were opened in readiness for a charity fund-raising challenge. On 11 July, The Road to Parity’s Founder, Jonathan Hill, got on his mountain bike and began cycling from Land’s End to John O’Groats, combining his passion for cycling with raising money, and the wish to do something positive during Covid. Daily updates on the solo, unsupported trip were posted on Facebook and a total of £2,356 (3,222 USD) was raised, exceeding the £1,500 target. The best images from the 24-day, 932-mile adventure through some of Britain’s most stunning scenery can be seen on our challenge page. The money raised during this challenge has funded many of this year’s entrepreneurs with the remainder to be used in early 2021.
In August, Kohinoor’s was among the many beneficiary stories shared throughout the year. Here is the story that was posted on social media, as a reminder of why the charity exists.
In March, India went into lockdown - the world's largest – as 1.3 billion Indians were asked to stay at home. Project Unnati outreach activity was suspended - and entrepreneurs identified for support - after enduring years in extreme poverty – faced a tortuous wait to start their dream businesses.
In June, following the establishment of eight businesses in November 2019, the results of a review were published into how the micro grant-based model was working. It is important to highlight that many beneficiaries are illiterate and have no prior business experience. The findings showed:
- None of the businesses established failed
- Household incomes increased by 13% to 120%
- Household incomes increased on average by 65%
- Businesses benefitted households of up to 9 people
- The average grant provided was £52 (66 USD)
- Data was based on a 3-month pre-Covid period
The micro grants offer one-off support. It is made clear to beneficiaries that this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to escape extreme poverty and they will not be able to come back for top up funds.
In July, once the business model had been shown to work, donation channels were opened in readiness for a charity fund-raising challenge. On 11 July, The Road to Parity’s Founder, Jonathan Hill, got on his mountain bike and began cycling from Land’s End to John O’Groats, combining his passion for cycling with raising money, and the wish to do something positive during Covid. Daily updates on the solo, unsupported trip were posted on Facebook and a total of £2,356 (3,222 USD) was raised, exceeding the £1,500 target. The best images from the 24-day, 932-mile adventure through some of Britain’s most stunning scenery can be seen on our challenge page. The money raised during this challenge has funded many of this year’s entrepreneurs with the remainder to be used in early 2021.
In August, Kohinoor’s was among the many beneficiary stories shared throughout the year. Here is the story that was posted on social media, as a reminder of why the charity exists.

Kohinoor was already in poverty with 4 children when her husband – earning a pittance as a labourer – was killed in a road accident.
When her only brother and sister-in-law died through chronic illnesses, she had to take on another 4 children. Kohinoor lives in a Delhi slum, and with her father and mother under the same roof, there were 11 mouths to feed on a domestic helper’s salary.
So, you can imagine how much her face lit up when we discovered her and told her about Project Unnati, which we run with our partner in India, Learning Links Foundation.
Kohinoor said she’d love to have a vegetable stall. With a grant of 58 pounds (77 USD), we helped get her started; a cart, weighing scales and some stock. Now, Kohinoor buys vegetables from a wholesale market early in the morning – does her domestic helper job during the day – and returns to her business to sell vegetables in the evening. Full of pride, she reports already doubling household income.
In November, after a lengthy approval process, The Road to Parity was recognised by the PayPal Giving Fund, enabling eBay sellers to donate a percentage of a sale to the charity. TRTP is also using easyfundraising - which triggers free donations for shopping online, and AmazonSmile – the same products and prices as Amazon - but a small percentage is donated with purchases at no cost to the shopper.
10 MILESTONES
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Twenty four days after setting off from Land's End on a mountain bike, Jonathan Hill arrived in John O'Groats, relieved to have finally completed the iconic cycling route.
By the time The Road to Parity's Founder had reached the north east tip of Scotland, he was travelling on his third back wheel because of multiple fractures along the way. He'd also had to replace his seat, tyres, inner tubes and brake pads, and was wearing a wrist support following a fall coming over the Cairngorms in the Scottish Highlands.
After pedalling the entire length of Great Britain solo and unsupported through some of its most challenging cycling terrain, he had this to say on his 3 August arrival in John O'Groats.
Jonathan, a keen cyclist, wanted to combine a personal challenge with the launch of donation channels for the charity - and do something positive during Covid. A JustGiving page was set up and the pedal against poverty fund-raising target was set at £1,500. Daily updates were posted on the charity's Facebook page after the 11 July departure from Land's End. The final fund-raising total was £2,356.
"I'm really pleased the fund-raising target has not only been reached, but exceeded," Jonathan said. "A big thanks to all those who followed the journey and donated, including the kind people who gave along the way. The support meant a lot and provided much-needed encouragement, particularly when climbing some of those killer hills!"
All the money raised goes to Project Unnati (meaning progress) in India. The programme helps people in extreme poverty to set up tiny businesses - with a one-off grant of around £50.
Many of the entrepreneurs who are supported have had little education and are illiterate. Despite this, the results so far have been extremely promising. None of the businesses - mostly street stalls - have failed and household income has increased by up to 120%.
Reflecting on the journey, Jonathan said: "The trip gave me so much more than I expected. Yes, it was an immense physical challenge and I'm glad it motivated people to donate. But it was also an opportunity to re-acquaint myself with my home country - an incredibly diverse, and at times, stunningly beautiful island."
The route took Jonathan through England, Wales, back into England, and up through Scotland. Including the 17 miles back to Wick train station from John O'Groats, the overall distance covered was 932 miles.
He added: "As I progressed north, so many aspects gradually changed; accents, culture, architecture, landscape and the weather. It was so refreshing and therapeutic to be so close to nature day after day, especially in areas of wilderness. And all of this as Covid restrictions were lifting with different rules in different places. It was a truly fascinating adventure and one I will never forget."
The best pictures from the trip can be seen on the challenge page.
By the time The Road to Parity's Founder had reached the north east tip of Scotland, he was travelling on his third back wheel because of multiple fractures along the way. He'd also had to replace his seat, tyres, inner tubes and brake pads, and was wearing a wrist support following a fall coming over the Cairngorms in the Scottish Highlands.
After pedalling the entire length of Great Britain solo and unsupported through some of its most challenging cycling terrain, he had this to say on his 3 August arrival in John O'Groats.
Jonathan, a keen cyclist, wanted to combine a personal challenge with the launch of donation channels for the charity - and do something positive during Covid. A JustGiving page was set up and the pedal against poverty fund-raising target was set at £1,500. Daily updates were posted on the charity's Facebook page after the 11 July departure from Land's End. The final fund-raising total was £2,356.
"I'm really pleased the fund-raising target has not only been reached, but exceeded," Jonathan said. "A big thanks to all those who followed the journey and donated, including the kind people who gave along the way. The support meant a lot and provided much-needed encouragement, particularly when climbing some of those killer hills!"
All the money raised goes to Project Unnati (meaning progress) in India. The programme helps people in extreme poverty to set up tiny businesses - with a one-off grant of around £50.
Many of the entrepreneurs who are supported have had little education and are illiterate. Despite this, the results so far have been extremely promising. None of the businesses - mostly street stalls - have failed and household income has increased by up to 120%.
Reflecting on the journey, Jonathan said: "The trip gave me so much more than I expected. Yes, it was an immense physical challenge and I'm glad it motivated people to donate. But it was also an opportunity to re-acquaint myself with my home country - an incredibly diverse, and at times, stunningly beautiful island."
The route took Jonathan through England, Wales, back into England, and up through Scotland. Including the 17 miles back to Wick train station from John O'Groats, the overall distance covered was 932 miles.
He added: "As I progressed north, so many aspects gradually changed; accents, culture, architecture, landscape and the weather. It was so refreshing and therapeutic to be so close to nature day after day, especially in areas of wilderness. And all of this as Covid restrictions were lifting with different rules in different places. It was a truly fascinating adventure and one I will never forget."
The best pictures from the trip can be seen on the challenge page.
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