Who We Are?
Our MissioN
Empower people to unite with compassion, to uplift one another, and to work together for progress.
Our Vision
Our vision is for every human being to experience a fulfilling life in its entirety—one filled with dignity, opportunity, and well-being. We strive for a world where each individual has the chance to live a life of purpose, free from suffering and inequality.
Union for Progress and Deliverance Humanitarian Inc. (UPDH) is a community-based, not-for-profit association focused on rescue, relief, and development. It creates broad transformation in the social, economic, health, and spiritual lives of children, young people, women, families, and communities living in poverty or facing vulnerabilities.
The UPDH aims to drive broad transformation in the social, economic, and health conditions of children, young people, women, families, and communities living in poverty or facing vulnerabilities. We empower individuals to unite, work with compassion, and make progress in eliminating ignorance, poverty, hunger, and injustice.
Founded on July 16, 2020, UPDH is registered with the Queensland government’s Office of Fair Trading as an incorporated association under the Associations Incorporation Act 1981 (Section 15), with registration number IA59815. On December 1, 2020, the organization obtained its Australian Business Number (ABN): 61561620916.
UPDH represents an unfolding vision brought to life by passionate African refugees and immigrants across Australia. It started from very humble beginnings, born out of urgent needs and bold dreams for a better future. UPDH is the result of planning, organizing, and creating a dynamic not-for-profit agency dedicated to serving, supporting, and creating opportunities for individuals and families across the global refugee diaspora.
For many of us, the journey began years ago, driven by wars, conflicts, and even genocide, forcing us to flee our home communities. We lost everything—our homes, belongings, and in many cases, loved ones—while embarking on perilous journeys across borders, often on foot, and spending years in refugee camps in foreign countries. Some of us spent decades in these camps, while others were born and grew up there. For others, our journey to Australia began as immigrants seeking the Australian Dream.
We arrived in Australia through various pathways: some of us came through “Refugee Resettlement” programs, others sought asylum, and some submitted formal immigration applications, waiting for many years until our names were called. Upon arrival, we settled in different cities across Australia.
OUR METHODOLOGY
UPDH operates in response to the needs of the communities around us. After conducting various campaigns, we actively collect feedback on the challenges faced by these communities and work to find practical solutions. Our approach is centered on addressing these needs and creating sustainable, long-term improvements.
OUR TARGET GROUPS
The beneficiaries of UPDH are children, youth, women, families, and communities living in poverty or facing disabilities. We are committed to working with the most vulnerable individuals, ensuring they receive the support and opportunities they need to thrive.
Our Core Values
We are committed to the values of Union, Progress, and Deliverance. We strive to create a world where all people are united in their shared humanity, progressing together toward a brighter future. Our services are provided to everyone, without discrimination of race, religion, ethnicity, language, nature, culture, traditions, or gender, ensuring that all individuals have equal opportunities for growth and well-being
OUR HISTORY
In 1997, the founder of the organization witnessed the tragic death of his father during the DR Congo war, where his father was killed for helping people. Despite the ongoing conflict, he treated and cared for individuals in the hospital without discrimination. The war, which lasted from 1996 to 1997, resulted in the loss of more than 2 million lives. During this time, refugees who received help from his father expressed their ongoing struggles, mentioning their significant educational, economic, psychological, and social challenges.
Despite witnessing the hardships, the founder realized that helping through personal means was not enough. He understood that long-term solutions with broad impacts required the involvement of many people. Initially, the initiative was based in the Lugufu refugee camp.
The founder’s commitment to helping children, women, youth, and the underprivileged grew after he witnessed the devastating effects of the war in DR Congo. He began by selling his clothes to support children, women, and those separated from their families due to the conflict. However, as his resources dwindled, he sought help from church leaders and others with the ability to motivate and organize support.
This collaboration led to an initiative that rescued many refugee families stranded along the shores of Lake Tanganyika, who were trying to flee to Tanzania for safety. He was especially grateful for the support provided by the Free Methodist Church, Pefa, and Brother Daniel Mchimbwa, who helped by sending ships and boats to transport families to Kibirizi in Kigoma region. This humanitarian act greatly impacted the founder, as it embodied love and compassion, reflecting both divine and human values.
In 2002, after facing many challenges in the Nyarugusu and Lugufu refugee camps, the founder moved to Australia, where he eventually established UPDH on July 16, 2020. The mission of UPDH was born out of these life-changing experiences.
GENERAL OBJECTIVE
UPDH is dedicated to contributing to sustainable development, enhancing humanitarian recovery efforts, and supporting individuals in overcoming adversity to rebuild their lives.