H.E.A.L.S (Health, Education, Arts, Literacy and Sports) supports vulnerable children in Gulu, Northern Uganda with programs and services including school sponsorship, health education and literacy classes. Children are provided with a safe space to play on weekends through its Play Therapy Program, which offers traditional dance and music classes, sporting activities, and art classes. H.E.A.L.S w
as founded by Jolly (pronounced Jo-lee) Okot, who was among the first children abducted by rebels from the notorious Lords Resistance Army (LRA). Jolly's experiences gave her a deep understanding of what war-affected children go through and inspired her to help. The LRA left Northern Uganda in 2006 and are now fighting in neighbouring countries, but Gulu is still recovering from the effects of war. By supporting children to overcome their difficulties and realise their academic and creative potential, H.E.A.L.S is helping create a stronger generation to lead northern Uganda into a brighter future.
