Who we are…
Tŷ Cariad (Welsh for House of Love) is an amazing house near Kampala in Uganda. It is home to 38 children of all ages who have either been abandoned – often as babies or orphaned through Malaria, Aids or other diseases. It is a safe, loving haven where children can grow into healthy, well educated and one day, independent and productive citizens.
History…
Tŷ Cariad was established in 2003 following a visit by Paul Thomas (Chaplain to South Wales Fire and Rescue Service) to the Uganda Fire and Rescue headquarters in Kampala. His visit coincided with a local fire fighting team’s return from an incident where they rescued two babies, who had been dropped into a pit latrine. Sadly these babies died and Paul shared in the fire crew’s distress. Tŷ Cariad gained U.K. Charity status in 2008. Tŷ Cariad Africa works in partnership with Victory Christian Centre Child Care Project (V.C.C.P.) Kampala, Uganda.
What has been achieved so far?…
The original house is home to 38 children plus a Matron and housemothers. We also employ local cooks, a security guard and other staff. We are currently building a second house in our extensive grounds to house another 16 children – this house will be completed during the first quarter of 2012. A new well and pumping system ensures a constant flow of fresh water. So what about the future? We have space to build another 7 houses for a further 112 children plus the staff to look after them. We also have space to build a school, not just for our children but also those in the local village. This will save us future school fees and generate income.
The need…
You only have to drive through Kampala to see the need – children as young as 2 or 3 begging at car windows, with babies abandoned by their older siblings left on the side of the road while they do so. Uganda is full of orphans and abandoned children. We can only scratch the surface but we are determined – and now have the experience – to make a significant difference, but we cannot do it without people like you.
