Latest News and Updates from Uganda - 14th May 2020

Currently Uganda still is under strict lockdown with a review of the current situation being undertaken and an announcement due around the 18th May. 

Food markets are allowed to open, but most other businesses remain closed with the exception of hardware stores (for construction sites), garages (for the repair of vehicles) and metal and woodwork shops.  Restaurants are allowed to open for takeaways only, and no businesses are allowed to use their air conditioning.  All public transport is banned, and private vehicles can only travel if they hold CV19 permits issued by the government.

Deserted streets of Kampala

Education

Schools remain closed for now, and there is doubt as to whether they will reopen for the beginning of Term 2 which is due to start on 25th May. Some people are forecasting that schools will reopen in September and some are saying December, so, for now, the children at the Home continue to be home-schooled under the supervision of Teddy.

The children are still doing the home revision after breakfast every weekday to keep them active during this temporary holiday time. During revision time, Teddy prints out the work given to her by Olivia and other work she gets from websites. This temporary holiday has helped Teddy understand more about the children’s social and cognitive behaviour, their concentration levels during class time while at school and find possible solutions where necessary. For example, some children are slower learners, so she had to resort to teaching them at a slower pace to help them grasp the content, and where the questions are answered incorrectly, she goes through it with them again in the evening. This has motivated the children and helped them to enjoy learning.

Some children are brilliant but can be lazy, so Teddy has counselled them and reminded them of the importance of education in their lives.

Life at the Home

On 7th May, the Children's Home in Uganda welcomed 10 boys who are street children and in need of temporary care during the Corona Virus lockdown. They have settled in well and having enjoyed their first breakfast at the Home together, they later played football with the other children.

The facilities at the Home are great for the 50 children currently living there with plenty of space to run around and play in, areas to grow vegetables, and of course the football pitch. With all the safe open spaces, the children have a certain amount of freedom during lockdown.

Community Support

We are grateful for the support that the Home has received during these challenging times, support from the UK, Europe and Uganda.

The Home has received direct support from the Office of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Gender, the congregation of Victory Christian Centre, and local and National supporters via Mobile Money. Thank you to all who have supported the children during this time.

Donations from the UK and Europe have also been amazing and have ensured that we are able to continue to provide for all the children and the staff during the lockdown – THANK YOU!!

At the start of the lockdown we were very aware of the needs of children who are supported by the project, but who live outside of the Children’s Home - children who have been resettled with family members; children who have been fostered; and children who are supported for their education under the Community Education Support Project. We were therefore delighted when we were approached by Hellen, a Ugandan lady living in Switzerland who wanted to help raise funds to support these families. Again, we have been overwhelmed by the response and to date have received £1,286 in donations and provided funds to 28 families for food for 2 weeks, with further funds due to be released shortly. The families are so happy to have been given this support, and as is the Ugandan way, have shared their provisions with neighbours who had nothing – true community support.

Here is a short video clip of Emmanuel, Betty and Isma – siblings who have been resettled with a family member - saying thank you for the funds that have enabled them to buy food.

If you would like to know more about this project or support Hellen by donating you can do so by clicking here to visit her project page.