IGEN's trip to Uganda to design with the girls from El Cambio Academy!

In April 2024, the entire Team IGEN packed their bags and set off on a journey that was about much more than work – it was about making friends and family for life! We traveled to Uganda to visit El Cambio Academy, a Danish NGO with whom we have entered into a unique partnership. The purpose of the trip was not only to learn about the academy’s impressive work, but also to contribute to a project that is very close to our hearts – to help the girls at the academy dream big and find ways to make their dreams come true.

El Cambio Academy does an incredible job of giving young people, especially girls, in Uganda the opportunities and tools to reach their full potential – both on and off the football pitch. From the moment our own Ida walked through the blue gate of the academy in Masaka, she knew that this is where the rest of the IGEN team would love to be too – and most importantly, this is where they would LOVE to help too!

The academy is much more than a school; it is a home filled with love, support and a strong sense of community. But more importantly, it is a force for social change, empowering girls in society through sport and education. The girls at El Cambio don’t just learn to play football – they also develop self-confidence, teamwork skills and the belief that they can shape their own future.

The Design Process: From Dream to Reality

One of our big missions on the trip was to collaborate with the girls to design the perfect shopper. This bag had to be not only a practical item, but also symbolize the girls’ unique journey, their dreams and the values we share with them. From the first sketches to the finished product, the girls were involved in the entire process – from choosing the size to the colors and functionality. Their commitment and creativity were overwhelming, and together we created something truly unique.

Prototypes and Local Collaboration

When the ideas were so good that we had to change the prototypes we brought from Denmark, we visited local tailor Marie, who helped us make the girls' dreams come true. The result was nothing short of magical. The finished Ruffle Shopper , which we designed together with the girls, is now part of our collection and serves as a reminder of the dreams and hopes the girls carry with them every day.

Read about our other local collaboration with Candle Brix here

We Donate 100 DKK per Ruffle Shopper Sold

When you buy a Ruffle Shopper // Uganda , we donate 100 DKK directly to El Cambio Academy. In this way, you not only support the girls' education and future, but also become part of our shared mission to give them the opportunity to dream big. Two of the girls have already been to Denmark, and one of them is soon ready to travel to the USA to pursue her educational dreams.

Become Part of the Journey

We are incredibly grateful to be part of El Cambio Academy’s mission to empower girls and their future. Our collaboration is not just about designing a bag, but about creating a platform where girls can see that their dreams are valuable – and that they can come true.

Our trip was also documented in a mini documentary you can watch here OUR TRIP TO UGANDA // LouLiving & AGAIN

If you have any suggestions on how we can support more initiatives or ideas for new projects, we would love to hear from you! Write to us at hey@igen.dk and help make a difference.