Empower, Educate, Sustain Uganda's Rural Orphans

In our report to our cherished donors,

Since partnering with GlobalGiving, we've achieved significant milestones and faced occasional setbacks, as is common in any project. Nonetheless, our resolute commitment remains focused on highlighting our remarkable progress, moving steadily closer to our ultimate goal each year.

Our journey began with securing essential materials and empowering mothers with valuable sewing skills and the purchase of sewing machines. This empowered them to mentor other unemployed single mothers and teach sewing to our children. This initiative had a dual impact, equipping our beneficiaries with valuable expertise and enabling them to create clothing. Our dedicated team of mothers crafted clothing for 35 MCCF orphans, and 35 more mothers are set to follow suit. This endeavor will benefit a total of 70 mothers and 50 children, offering new clothing, pride, and income opportunities.

We introduced a diverse range of skills, including basket weaving and jewelry making, with items destined for local markets and international sales. A knitting project started but was disrupted due to a mother's serious illness; we're working to resume it. Utilizing land that was graciously lent to us, we supplied MCCF orphanage with seeds. As a result, they cultivated their own crops, including corn, beans, green collards,tomatoes and squash introducing a variety of nutritious food options to the children's meals. In addition, a generous donation from a local included a rooster for the orphanage, and there are plans to acquire hens in the near future. Furthermore, we experienced the unfortunate loss of our goats due to a bee attack, but thanks to the generosity of a donor, we now have the possibility of acquiring new goats or even a cow with an additional contribution, we plan purchase next month.

Prioritizing medical care, two doctors conducted check-ups, distributed vitamins, and provided guidance on disease prevention, including malaria. The donation of 100 pairs of eyeglasses from French opticians greatly benefited the community. A youngster afflicted with a serious skin condition sought the expertise and treatment of a dermatologist.

To enhance the comfort of our children, we procured blankets, mosquito nets, and replaced several mattresses ruined by humidity. We also installed solar lighting panels to improve illumination.

Our commitment to supporting education continued with the coverage of school tuition fees for September and the provision of essential educational materials. An ongoing project involves the installation of electricity within MCCF for homework,  administrative work and security.

Challenges emerged with our well system, temporarily affecting other planned projects. To ensure a continuous supply of safe water for the children, we will need to extend and replace the pipes to connect to a new water source.

We aspire to initiate a project focused on creating reusable sanitary pads and potentially construct an MCCF school in the community, pending the availability of funding. Our hopes remain high for funding the operation of our visually impaired girl, restoring her vision so she can lead a life like any other child.

Your steadfast support has been pivotal in our achievements, profoundly impacting the lives of those under our care. We're deeply grateful for your unwavering dedication. Together, we're creating a lasting and tangible difference. Thank you for being an integral part of our inspiring journey.

Warm regards, 

Victoria Spencer Geurts

Links:

• Save Children of Mbale website