By Victoria Spencer Geurts | Founder and President of Save Children of Mbale
Dear Esteemed Supporters,
As we welcome the dawn of 2024, I extend sincere wishes for health, happiness, and prosperity to each and every one of you. Since our last communication, we have encountered a series of challenges that put our resilience to the test.
Unfortunately, our Director of Childcare, Sharon, faced a health setback requiring two weeks of hospitalization and urgent care due to high blood pressure and cardiac issues. Additionally, a contagious skin epidemic affected several children, necessitating medical attention for each of them. Unexpected government inspections occurred twice, leading to mandatory maintenance work, which was not initially factored into our budget.
Since our last update, I'm happy to report, electricity has been fully installed within the MCCF compound, providing comfort to our orphans and staff during dark hours. This improvement allows Director Tony to charge his phone and use his laptop without needing to go into town.
Furthermore, we extended our water pipes to a larger well with better pressure, and the water source has been extended for use in the washing area, eliminating the need for bringing buckets. To meet government inspection requirements and address safety concerns, a protective fence was installed around the orphanage, outer walls were cemented for added protection, and a protective cement block surrounding the building (a valander) was constructed to shield the dirt-based hut from humidity and protect against dangerous snakes, an issue we encountered previously. Additional windows were added for natural light, and the entrance door was upgraded.
During the second inspection, it was highlighted that the inside floors of the orphanage must be well-cemented, and a conventional toilet seat should replace the Turkish toilet commonly found in rural areas. Work on these improvements is set to commence this month.
Due to unforeseen expenses, the reusable sanitary pads project will be postponed until the next school vacation period, and plans to acquire hens for sustainability after the completion of all cement work.
Our ongoing special fundraiser to cover surgery costs for Asina is progressing well, with approximately half of the funds raised. The estimated cost for Asina's eye surgery to restore her vision is $1200. Director Tony will be traveling five hours to Kampala with Asina to obtain a detailed quote from the performing eye hospital, as the nearest eye hospital in Tororo is not equipped for the delicate operation Asina requires. This year, we are prioritizing Asina's vision restoration, aiming to achieve this goal before the dawn of 2025.
To address future unexpected medical needs without impacting savings meant for other vital expenses, we aspire to establish a specific medical fund that replenishes after each use.
With the assistance of donated materials from a French seamstress, we engaged a community lady to knit warm sweaters for several children, providing them with clothing for the chilly rainy season.
Despite the unexpected challenges, we concluded the year with a Christmas celebration, including a festive meal, cake, beverages, sweets, and balloons. A full netball set was gifted for the children to enjoy collectively.
Additionally, we are excited to share that merchandise from Mbale, Uganda, is now available for purchase on our website. All proceeds from these sales will directly benefit the MCCF orphanage and the Women's Empowerment Program. The items offered for sale are either skillfully handcrafted by our MCCF single mothers or sourced from local markets, supporting the livelihoods of the talented locals. For inquiries about shipping costs and payment options, please don't hesitate to contact me.
As we look ahead to 2024, we express our deepest gratitude for your unwavering support. We cannot fathom navigating through these challenges without you. Despite setbacks, we remain steadfast in our commitment to progress and anticipate achieving more milestones together. I eagerly await the accomplishments that lie ahead in the coming year.
Warm regards,
Victoria
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