Educate and support 60 orphans in Kampala

Hi everyone,

I have just got back from a week at the Orphanage that you have so kindly supported. You may remember the challenge that James had before Christmas to raise over £2000 from over 50 people. In the event over 240 people contributed a total of over £7000. This money has been earmarked for the feeding and school fees for the 40 children. Thank you so much!

Since I was there 1 ½ years ago there have been enormous changes. The children are older (obviously!!). Fiona, the childwith Kwashiakor, is now a robust and very healthy 5 year old. Ian and Elijah took over the toycar I had taken out (relic of our grandchildrens childhood) and I was impressed at how quickly they co-ordinated the string pulling and the release.(Sadly it was loved too much over the next 12 hours and I had failed to take miniature screwdrivers to repair it with).There has been a massive change in the facilities. The boys building has been finished (but still needs things done), the girls building has mortgage completed and a classroom built; all owned by the trust. A water tank has been given which should enable rainwater to be captured (and water bills lowered). All children have a bunk bed, mattress, sheet and are covered by mosquito nets which should reduce malaria. Money used to be so tight that food was inadequate in quality. Adults eat with the children and while I was there we had eggs twice, fish twice and meat once with fruit three times. The Matron, Mama Rachel, runs this.

I took out  a case of clothes. James and Matron had been through them and had a set of clothes for each child. They were soo excited and changed into them immediately. It was Christmas all over again!  A big thank you to all who heard about the need for clothes: I wish you could have shared in the excitement

The school has completed its first year. They are teaching children how to read and write but (I had not fully appreciated this) in English which they have little understanding of. It must be so difficult for the children and for the staff with few aids. There are 28 in the preschool section, divided into Nursery and Tops, and looked after by Nina. Justus looks after P1 and Julius Busibuzi, the  Headmaster, P2. 

Humanly speaking it is hard to see how they move the school on from this point. Land is expensive in Kibwa. James’s sense of calling is to the children of Kibwa (so perhaps cheaper alternatives elsewhere don’t meet this). Perhaps some local person will give the land and he could then afford the buildings. I went to James’s home area, 150m to the NW of Kampala.  It was great seeing his Mum again, especial as last time she was bedbound while now she can walk slowly (and has a fine aim keeping the chickens away). I also met an “old man” who was so supportive of James’s project that he had given 3 acres for 5 years to grow sugar cane to support the orphanage. 

James still lives in a slightly smaller room without electricity and water.James, Julius and Mama Rachel are a very specialgroup. Please keep praying for them.

I will happily send on any gifts, or if you are a UK tax payer and can Gift Aid please send via GlobalGiving UK at http://www.globalgiving.co.uk/projects/support-40-orphans-kampala/

Again. Thank you so much for your continuing support and may God bless you

Mark                                                                           

markshawhamilton@hotmail.com 

01633615339