In 2008 we met a Ugandan priest in Australia who was struggling to set up a home for street boys in Kisenyi, one of the slum areas of Kampala. Eventually a home was secured (rented) and the Shalom Charity Foundation was set up as an Orphanage for street boys. In 2010 we took our first trip to Uganda and found 22 boys at ‘Shalom’ aged from 7yrs to 19yrs in terrible living conditions, with the rente
d premises offering very little security & sanitary
Here began our personal involvement. We offered ideas/suggestions and began donating more funds, with the view to improve the situation. We returned to Uganda in June 2012 and were saddened to find the boys in the same situation, but now there were 15 with the youngest just 5yrs. Some of the boys had returned to the streets believing that ‘Shalom’ was unable to help them any longer. We were aware of an ongoing fight between Shalom and the landlord, which unfortunately had escalated into a lawsuit and was now absorbing so much funding that little money was left to support the boys. All other funders had pulled out, but we couldn’t just abandon these boys. We approached the Catholic Church to ask for premises or land where we could build or renovate a home and fund the boys. After a meeting with the Archbishop of Kampala we were introduced to Juliet Nankumba, who was instructed to show us the CWAS (Child Welfare Adoption Society) group of organisations. Juliet accompanied us to ‘Shalom’ and was horrified with the living conditions, confirming our fears. A meeting was held between CWAS, Shalom & ourselves where it was decided to take the boys to Kankobe Orphanage, although this in itself would be a challenge as there were 4 older boys aged 15 to 17yrs and Kankobe is not set up for youth older that 14yrs. This is where we first learnt of the demise of ‘Nateete’ (A now defunct youth home). Nevertheless the boys were rushed to their new home in Kankobe Orphanage within the week. Initially some of the older boys resisted, but after just a month they had accepted our offer and their future with us. Another visit, In October 2012, to confirm the new arrangement for ‘our boys’, as they were to become known. An amazing change had taken place. Up until now these boys were polite but reserved, with little trust, troubled faces and withdrawn. Once they recognized me they came running, it was one of the most memorable experiences of my life. We had proved to them we were there for them, not just donating money but also ourselves. Their faces were young again and their smiles were bigger than ever. It was truly wonderful to see what security, love and hope can bring to those that have lost these gifts. We now have 10 boys now aged 7rs to 14yrs at Kankobe, cared for by the sisters. We serve as surrogate parents. Our intention is to guide and care for them until they are able to provide for themselves. We have continued our association with CWAS, where we are now supporting primary and secondary students from rural areas of poverty with little education opportunity. We are also sponsoring the university education for 2 youths living at Nsambya Babies home, Nelson & Juliet. These youth are from impoverished backgrounds, with much uncertainty. They live at the Babies Home with the sisters –not really appropriate or legal! Land has been allocated at Nabbingo to build a Youth Home for the students needing to stay in Kampala for education. Unfortunately the need is far greater than mentioned here but every little bit counts. This is another project we endeavor to take on, and the list is growing. Some things to know:
There are approximately 34,000,000 living in Uganda, of which 15,000,000 are under the age of 16yrs. Many families are known as ‘child headed’, meaning teens are responsible for food, shelter i.e. Education to a primary level is free, however that is only the teacher and the classroom where you will find up to 90 students per class. Most are unable to afford the costs associated with education, such as school uniforms, bags, shoes and requirements (toilet rolls, brooms, soap, pencils, etc). If the family does not supply these you cannot attend school. There are several levels of education: Government funded; Government subsidised & Private. Most youth attending school leave after Primary Education due to the associated costs. It is important to be aware that most rural children do not attend school and rural living involves the greater portion of the population. Average life expectancy is around 50yrs and many families have grandparents but no parents due to the previous prevalent HIV Aids epidemic, however Uganda was one of the first countries to embrace Aids help programs. We have learnt that given an opportunity of education these young people are keen to please and wish to succeed. Whatever has led them to look for ways to improve their situations has led them to us and this desire is what will take them into the future transforming their lives.
