Interview with Mr Jure Castro Iraguha, Founder of Blessed to Bless Life Ministries
- Interviewer: What inspired you to start Blessed to Bless Life Ministries?
Jure Castro: I was inspired by my own experiences as a refugee. I know firsthand the struggles that refugee children and youth face—lack of resources, a sense of displacement, and the need for hope. I wanted to create an organization that could provide these young people with support, education, and a sense of purpose.
- Interviewer: How did you initially establish the organization?
Jure Castro: It started with a vision and reaching out to friends and local leaders to share that vision. Slowly, as people began to understand and believe in the mission, we gathered the resources and support we needed to start making an impact.
- Interviewer: What are the primary programs offered by Blessed to Bless Life Ministries?
Jure Castro: We focus on youth empowerment, children’s welfare, education, and spiritual development. Recently, we’ve also started campaigns specifically for refugee children’s well-being and offer counseling support for those dealing with trauma.
- Interviewer: As a young leader, what challenges do you face in running an organization?
Jure Castro: Age can be a hurdle because sometimes people question my experience or abilities. But I focus on the mission and on building credibility through our actions. Every challenge reminds me why I started this journey and motivates me to keep going.
- Interviewer: How do you understand and address the needs of the community?
Jure Castro: We conduct surveys, hold meetings with community leaders, and interact with people one-on-one. Listening is a big part of our approach, and it helps us develop programs that address real needs, not just assumed ones.
- Interviewer: How do you balance your personal life with your responsibilities at Blessed to Bless Life Ministries?
Jure Castro: Balancing everything is challenging, but I make it work by prioritizing and creating a schedule. This work is fulfilling, and it gives me purpose. With a bit of organization, I’m able to balance my personal responsibilities, studies, and my role in the ministry.
- Interviewer: Could you share more about your youth empowerment initiatives?
Jure Castro: We offer skill-building programs in leadership, entrepreneurship, and even digital skills. The goal is to empower young people to create opportunities for themselves and their communities, so they feel equipped to handle life’s challenges.
- Interviewer: How important are partnerships and collaborations in your work?
Jure Castro: Collaborations are essential. We partner with local organizations, churches, and NGOs to pool resources, ideas, and expertise. This helps us reach more people and make a greater impact.
- Interviewer: How does your faith influence the mission of Blessed to Bless Life Ministries?
Jure Castro: My faith is central to everything I do. It keeps me grounded and reminds me that serving others is part of my calling. I hope our work reflects God’s love and compassion, and that people feel valued through our support.
- Interviewer: What upcoming projects are you most excited about?
Jure Castro: We’re planning to expand educational programs and livelihood support to help refugees become self-sufficient. I’m also looking forward to starting new campaigns focused on empowering the youth even further.
- Interviewer: What qualities do you look for in team members or volunteers?
Jure Castro: Passion, resilience, and a heart for service. We need people who genuinely want to make a difference and are ready to handle the challenges of working in refugee communities.
- Interviewer: How do you overcome the challenges of obtaining funding for your initiatives?
Jure Castro: Funding is always a challenge, especially since our work requires long-term investment. We apply for grants, reach out to donors, and showcase the impact we’re making to build trust and credibility.
- Interviewer: How do you motivate your team and keep them engaged?
Jure Castro: I lead by example and remind them of the lives we’re impacting. Celebrating small victories and expressing gratitude also go a long way in keeping the team motivated.
- Interviewer: Can you share a setback you’ve faced, and how you overcame it?
Jure Castro: In the beginning, we faced resource shortages and even some resistance from the community. But I’ve learned to be adaptable and persistent. Each setback has taught me valuable lessons that help us move forward.
- Interviewer: What impact do you hope Blessed to Bless Life Ministries will have on the lives of refugees?
Jure Castro: I hope we create a community where refugees feel supported, empowered, and hopeful about the future. I want them to feel they have a purpose and a place where they can rebuild their lives.
- Interviewer: How can people support Blessed to Bless Life Ministries?
Jure Castro: People can get involved by volunteering, donating, or simply spreading the word. Every bit of support helps, and we’re grateful for anything people can offer.
- Interviewer: What’s a lesson you’ve learned from your work that you’d like others to know?
Jure Castro: I’ve learned that even small acts of kindness can have a huge impact. Compassion and understanding can truly change lives, sometimes in ways we don’t even realize.
- Interviewer: How do you stay motivated, especially during challenging times?
Jure Castro: I remind myself of the children who depend on us and the impact we’re making. My faith also keeps me grounded, giving me strength to keep going even on difficult days.
- Interviewer: What are some common misconceptions people have about refugees?
Jure Castro: A lot of people assume refugees are helpless, but that’s far from the truth. We’re strong, capable individuals who just need the right opportunities to rebuild our lives and contribute to society.
- Interviewer: Can you share a memorable story from your work with Blessed to Bless Life Ministries?
Jure Castro: One story that stands out is about a boy named Emmanuel. He was alone and living on the streets when we found him. We were able to provide shelter, food, and education for him. Watching his transformation has been incredibly inspiring.
- Interviewer: How do you plan to meet the growing needs of your organization?
Jure Castro: We’re looking for more partnerships, applying for grants, and building a strong team to support our programs. As we grow, we’ll continue adapting and expanding our resources to serve the community better.
- Interviewer: What kind of support do you offer to your volunteers?
Jure Castro: We provide training, mentorship, and a supportive environment. We also listen to their ideas and involve them in decision-making. Volunteers are essential to our work, so we do our best to make sure they feel valued.
- Interviewer: How has your academic background helped you in leading the organization?
Jure Castro: My studies in biology, chemistry, and ICT taught me problem-solving and analytical skills that I apply every day. My ICT skills, in particular, help with managing our online presence and reaching a wider audience.
- Interviewer: What unique challenges do refugees face in Uganda?
Jure Castro: Refugees face many challenges like limited access to education, inadequate healthcare, and limited economic opportunities. Our work is dedicated to addressing these needs and helping people find stability and hope.
- Interviewer: How has community support impacted Blessed to Bless Life Ministries?
Jure Castro: The community has been incredibly supportive. From donations to encouragement, people’s support has been invaluable. It’s inspiring to see how much people care and want to be part of our work.
- Interviewer: What’s your vision for the future of Blessed to Bless Life Ministries?
Jure Castro: I envision us working in multiple refugee camps, offering a wide range of programs from healthcare to education. I hope we’ll be a model organization that shows how communities can uplift each other.
- Interviewer: How do you address mental health needs among refugees?
Jure Castro: Mental health support is a priority for us. We offer counseling services and create safe spaces where people can share their experiences and feel understood. We’re also planning to expand these services as we grow.
- Interviewer: What role does social media play in your outreach efforts?
Jure Castro: Social media is key to reaching a larger audience and spreading our message. It allows us to connect with people worldwide, share our story, and inspire others to get involved.
- Interviewer: Can you tell us about any leadership lessons you’ve learned through your work?
Jure Castro: I’ve learned that leadership means serving others and that true leaders are those who inspire and uplift their team. It’s about being there for people, even when things get tough.
- Interviewer: What’s your advice to young people who want to make a difference?
Jure Castro: Start small and stay committed to your vision. Believe in your ability to make a difference, and don’t be afraid to ask for help or collaborate. Real change comes from consistent effort.
- Interviewer: How do you manage resources effectively to ensure sustainability for your projects?
Jure Castro: We prioritize our spending and focus on low-cost, high-impact initiatives. I work with my team to plan budgets carefully and look for opportunities to leverage donations and in-kind support to make our projects sustainable.
- Interviewer: What kind of training do you provide for volunteers and staff?
Jure Castro: We offer training on communication, community engagement, and cultural sensitivity. We also emphasize leadership and problem-solving skills to prepare them for the diverse challenges they may encounter in the field.
- Interviewer: How do you measure the impact of your programs?
Jure Castro: We use a combination of surveys, feedback from beneficiaries, and regular assessments. Tracking progress helps us understand what’s working and where we need to improve, ensuring our programs are effective.
- Interviewer: Do you face any challenges specific to working in a refugee camp?
Jure Castro: Absolutely. Resource limitations, security concerns, and sometimes cultural differences can present unique challenges. However, we work closely with community leaders and stay adaptable to handle these issues effectively.
- Interviewer: How do you prioritize which programs to develop first?
Jure Castro: We prioritize based on the community’s immediate needs and feedback. We assess where the gaps are, whether it’s education, health, or empowerment, and then develop programs that address these areas first.
- Interviewer: What role do you see education playing in refugee empowerment?
Jure Castro: Education is foundational. It equips refugees with knowledge and skills, opening up new opportunities and empowering them to improve their lives and contribute to society.
- Interviewer: How do you maintain transparency with donors and supporters?
Jure Castro: We provide regular updates, financial reports, and impact stories. Transparency is important to us, and we believe it helps build trust with our supporters, ensuring they see the value of their contributions.
- Interviewer: Have you encountered resistance to any of your programs?
Jure Castro: Sometimes, there’s initial skepticism, especially with new programs. But we overcome this by involving the community in our planning and by showing how these programs benefit everyone involved.
- Interviewer: What’s your long-term strategy for organizational growth?
Jure Castro: Our strategy includes building strong partnerships, increasing our volunteer base, and securing sustainable funding. We aim to expand gradually while ensuring the quality of our services remains high.
- Interviewer: How do you support young people who want to pursue further education or vocational training?
Jure Castro: We provide career counseling, scholarship guidance, and, where possible, connect them with resources and mentors. Our goal is to support each young person in finding a path that aligns with their skills and ambitions.
- Interviewer: What advice do you give to other young leaders starting their own initiatives?
Jure Castro: Be resilient and stay true to your mission. Challenges will come, but perseverance and a clear sense of purpose can help you overcome anything. Surround yourself with people who believe in your vision.
- Interviewer: How do you make sure that your organization respects cultural differences within the refugee community?
Jure Castro: We emphasize cultural sensitivity in everything we do. Many of our team members are from the refugee community, and we make it a point to learn from each other’s experiences and respect everyone’s backgrounds.
- Interviewer: What’s the most rewarding aspect of your work with Blessed to Bless Life Ministries?
Jure Castro: Seeing lives change for the better is incredibly rewarding. Whether it’s helping someone access education or simply giving them hope, knowing we’re making a difference keeps me going every day.
- Interviewer: How do you approach fundraising for the organization?
Jure Castro: We use a combination of personal outreach, social media campaigns, and grant applications. Fundraising is challenging but essential, and we work hard to show potential donors the impact of their support.
- Interviewer: How do you ensure the safety and well-being of the children in your programs?
Jure Castro: Child protection is a priority. We follow strict guidelines, screen volunteers thoroughly, and make sure our spaces are safe. We also work closely with parents and guardians to support the children’s overall well-being.
- Interviewer: What impact do you hope to see in the next five years from Blessed to Bless Life Ministries?
Jure Castro: I hope we’ll have expanded to more refugee settlements, reaching more children and youth. I’d like to see more young people empowered and a stronger community network that supports refugees long-term.
- Interviewer: How do you handle personal challenges while leading the organization?
Jure Castro: My faith and community support help a lot. I also take time to reflect and recharge. Staying balanced is essential to being an effective leader, so I make self-care a priority.
- Interviewer: How do you stay connected with the global issues affecting refugees?
Jure Castro: I follow news and reports on refugee issues worldwide, and I engage with other organizations and leaders. Understanding global trends helps us adapt and improve our local programs.
- Interviewer: What future partnerships would you like to pursue?
Jure Castro: I’d like to work with organizations focused on education, health, and mental health services. Partnerships that offer specific expertise can help us provide more comprehensive support to our community.
- Interviewer: If there’s one message you’d like people to take away from this conversation, what would it be?
Jure Castro: I’d say that every action counts. Whether it’s offering support, volunteering, or simply showing compassion, everyone has the power to make a difference. Together, we can build a more inclusive and hopeful future for refugees.