The Joshua Cheptegei Development Foundation (JOCDEF) is a community-driven organization established to empower and transform communities into strong, united, and influential partners in development. Founded by Joshua Cheptegei, the world champion and Olympic gold medalist from Kapchorwa, Uganda, JOCDEF focuses on Talent identification and development, Education, environment conservation, Health, human rights, and social economic empowerment to uplift individuals and create sustainable opportunities.

Organizational Structure

JOCDEF operates under a three-tier structure:
General Assembly – Composed of all registered and subscribed members, serving as the organization’s supreme policy and decision-making body.
Executive Board – Consisting of five elected members from the General Assembly, responsible for policy formulation and supervision of the secretariat.
Secretariat – Made up of technical staff responsible for policy implementation and daily operations.

Our Impact:
Since 2016, JOCDEF has been advocating for fundamental human rights through various initiatives. Our flagship event, the Joshua Cheptegei Development Foundation Annual Race and regional football tournaments, attracts over 10,000 participants and serves as a platform to:
-Encourage parents to keep children in school.
-Distribute scholastic materials.
-Educate communities on gender-based violence and its effects.
-Support talented athletes by sponsoring their education alongside their sports careers.
– Educate communities on nature and environment conservation.
– Educate communities on health related issues
-Educate communities on social-economic related issues.

Mission

To work in synergy with communities, harnessing their full potential to achieve quality and sustainable
livelihoods.

Vision
A community that enjoys socio-economic development and security.


Our Objectives

To run a fund for the development of the foundation and communities.

To act as a platform of formulation of viable future community investments & projects.

To conserve and properly manage available resources..

To protect the rights and promote the welfare of the most vulnerable persons through empowerment, linkages, and complimenting service provision in communities.

To engage in Charity activities and working towards meeting the needs of the less privileged within the
society.

To advocate and champion for the rights of the children and less privileged in the community.

To combat the vices of Gender Based Violence, Female Genital Mutilation (FGM/C) disease, ignorance and all other forms of vices that create dis-order in the community.

To represent and advocate for the vulnerable groups of people within the community.

To improve on the welfare of under privileged people by building orphanages, homes for the disabled and the aged as well as Helping Centers for widows and street children.

To engage in activities that empower the community overcome the effects of living unhealthy lifestyles.

To encourage youth and children together with the community to embrace sound and healthy lifestyles
so as to make the communities a more peaceable and harmonious place to live and stay.

To establish the organization as a non-government organization and achieve its mission and government programmes.

To initiate, promote and support the imparting of life skills. Academics to children and adolescents in and out of school, and their communities.

To encourage the use and development of individual talents for recreation, entertainment, income generation and employment.

To do any other thing that is related to, connected with or incidental to the above objectives and to engage in any other activity that the Director(s) may from time to time decide at the Board meeting.

Our Values

Empowerment: We empower individuals and communities to take charge of their development, unlocking their potential.
Integrity: We maintain honesty, transparency, and accountability in all our operations.
Inclusivity: We ensure equal opportunities for all, regardless of gender, age, or background.
Collaboration: We work with local communities, government agencies, and partners to ensure effective and sustainable programs.
Sustainability: We promote solutions that have long-lasting benefits for future generations.
Excellence: We strive to provide high-quality services that make a meaningful difference.
Social Justice: We fight for fairness and equality, ensuring the rights of vulnerable groups are upheld.

Challenges and Call for Support
Our biggest challenge remains limited financial resources, as we primarily rely on goodwill contributions from the foundation’s directors, particularly Champion Joshua Cheptegei. We invite you to join us in our fundraising efforts to expand our impact and meet the growing needs of the communities we serve.