News from Uganda

Widows Loans

We have formed a 5th widows group awaiting their first revolving loan, our 2nd, 3rd and 4th groups have received their first loan and our first group has already received their second loan. The groups are thriving and following the example of the successes of the first and now second groups. We are partnering with each of these groups on loans, house loans, empowerment and solidarity.

HIV/Health Access

At the request of the widows we have formed a sub group of widows and children living openly with AIDS. The members of this group are also members of one of the widows groups (or their mother is a member). The adult members of this group have received a pig each to raise with the intent that half the money raised from the pig would go to support health projects for this group and the other half would supplement the income of these HIV+ women who find hard labour extremely difficult. The children are given health items such as vitamins and mosquito nets and free transportation access to doctors. This program also provides transportation once a month to all members to visit the doctor to get tested and get medicine which is provided free from other organizations. In the interest of empowerment and sustainability, when the pigs begin producing the cost of transportation will be covered by the health project money raised by the HIV widows themselves.
This July in support of this project, the first two widows groups decided to all get tested for HIV, over 60 women were transported to the near by hospital to get tested.

Pay-it-Forward School Sponsorships

We have a total of eight children sponsored under the Pay-it-forward program where students in the top 10% of their class but are completely unable to pay for the higher school fees of secondary school are sponsored. They do not have to pay back their sponsorship but one day when they have jobs and are earning money they will pay forward their sponsorship and assist others that are in similar circumstances. These children are the future hope for this community and it is their future and the future of the community that is being invested in.
This July the pay-it-forward group took a trip to the national park. This trip was sponsored by some of our Canadian guests, it was an experience they will never forget.

Youth Group

This summer we started a youth group for 14 children in secondary school that are struggling to pay for their fees. Some of these children live completely alone, some live with aging grandmothers, other with their mothers who are either widowed, or widowed and HIV+, all of these children get sent home from school for lack of fees, all of these children want to complete secondary school. The youth group will meet with Bago to discuss their problems and also to devise solutions for the money they need to pay their fees. The have come up with a plan to raise animals and we are looking for funding to support this project.

School Sponsorship for Primary Students

We are sponsoring five primary students in local schools, three of them have found long term sponsors to attend boarding school and two are looking for sponsors. All of these primary children are either living without adults or are living with aging grandmothers unable to care for them. In addition to these five children we provide funds to cover costs of other children living with widowed mothers or grandmothers who are unable to cover all of the costs of school. There are many children in need like these children.

A Letter From Uganda

November
- 2009

Uganda

Dear Madam Janet Morgan

How are you and how is life in Canada for me in Uganda I am very fine

The main reason for writing this letter is to thank you for the impact you have caused to my life and history . Iam greatful that you have become my parent in all aspects .

Now Iam writing this letter to letter you that I have done my primary Leaving Examinations and  I hope for good results in February .I have nothing to offer  you  ,I only wish you the best of your life .Life has had meaning to me now and I hope be somebody very important in  the world in the coming years .Without you I  would not realised my dream of finishing the primary cycle you are well aware of my past and the challenges I have gone through.

I read the letter you sent by the internet  and other good news you have been sending me thank you for your good and encouraging words .When I read the I felt very happy because the words you put in were very good to me  so you are great to me and I think to evry one else here .Send my gretings to Christina Morgan my best friend and my elderest  sister , all your children  and others like Lindsay, Henry ,Carie and Lori .  Iam very happy of what you are doing.

On the other hand ,the living conditions at home are  not conducive for me  ,you know I used to stay my aunt's place but later my cousin did not like me and when Iam not at school  I at times stay with teacher Debrah at Kashozi who has been parental  and I think you can also thank her for the work she done for me. During the priod of examinations I have been staying at Mr Bago's place  has been good for me  and his wife has been treating well .I do love my mother but the conditions are hard for me . We many children and the house leaks when it rain and even what eat is not there  .The future my sisters and brothers is not clear but Iam determined to make it at the end .The days I have spent at kashozi I have also experienced happiest time.

At kashozi I was elected as school prefect in charge of game a thing that made feel that I

am like other people. Mr Bago has told me that he discussed with teacher Debrah over my holidays  and they agreed that I spend my holiday with  her and this very good for me. The holiday I spent at debrah's place  I was fine but when  iam at my mother's place I was not happy at all because some people  dislike and what to disorganise me .At Debrah's place I did not meet any problem .”Debrah thank you  very much “send it to her.

I hope to go to a secondary school and become one of big women in my country Uganda.Let me hope receive your reply.

Yours  faithfully

Kyarikunda Rossette