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CHILD SPOTLIGHT
JUNE 2011
WE ARE SAD TO REPORT... Christopher Bakwana, 16, sponsored by the Lakhani family from Brick, died on May 12th from untreated malaria while home on his school holiday break. Since his father deserted their family, he lived with his grandmother who was his guiding light. Christopher, focused and ambitious, was striving to reach his goals as the only child in his family to remain in school. He had joined a secondary boarding school in 2009 when the long distance he traveled everyday to school was addressed.
Semanda Brasio was able to get a 1st grade in the primary leaving examination. He is also one of the pioneer children from 2008 when he was sponsored by Nesta Williams from Brooklyn. His exuberance is evident as he stands in front of the school sign since he knows that had it not been for this school and all its affiliated benefits, he could not have passed his exam. Difficult issues in his extended family, where their father abandoned them, forced him to leave school. Once he became a sponsored child, ChangeALife Uganda has encouraged him to be focused on his studies. It has also guided him through family problems concerning financial issues, social relationships and spiritual matters.
NEW ADDRESS For your letter to Uganda! Name of Child and Number Code ChangeALife Uganda Foundation P.O.Box 23469 Kampala, Uganda
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According to statistics from the ministry of health, in Uganda, malaria has historically been a very serious health problem and currently poses the most significant threat to the health of the population. It accounts for 25-40% of all outpatients' visits at health facilities, 20% of hospital admissions and 15% of inpatients deaths and has a case-fatality rate of 3-5%.
Microfinance Successes and Challenges Thanks to a $10,000 gift from a very generous donor, our 2010 microfinance pilot project was modified and expanded in 2011. We now have five client groups, four in Migyera and one in Nabbingo. Each client took an initial loan averaging $100 dollars. Although some requested more, the amount was limited to confirm their repayment habits. If they register success, they will receive more the next time. Learn about QuarterForWater Click on the logo above, to visit our website and see the video!
MARK YOUR CALENDARS! Father Lawrence will visit the U.S. from September 14 to 28. We are planning events now. Let us know if you are interested in helping.
Successes ! Families have been able to increase their investment capital. ! Clients have improved their skills and techniques about bookkeeping and management, as well as in poultry and piggery rearing. ! People have earned to save some of their profits. ! Standards of living have improved in that they are now able to buy the basic necessities and medical requirements. ! Families have acquired supplementary nutrients by eating eggs and vegetables that they produce. ! Parents are now able to pay tuition/fees for other children in the families. ! People have acquired a new meaning to life. Challenges ! Ventures are still minimal and the earnings are not sufficient enough to facilitate all the necessary requirements at home. ! Some have a fear of acquiring a loan, thinking that they may fail to finance it. ! Clients are scattered deep in villages which makes it difficult to monitor them. Client stories: 1st story in an ongoing series of 4 Kyakuwa Cissy from Migyera: "When I joined the crafts department of ChangeALife Uganda in November 2009, we were trained to make simple crafts that we could sell to raise income and positively impact our economic life. I make baskets, bags, trays and jewelry. To increase my income, I look for other markets, like selling baskets for traditional marriage ceremonies. Through this craft project, along with other simple home projects like raising poultry, I have raised my income. Now, I am able to pay the school fees for my six children that are not sponsored. I am grateful to ChangeALife Uganda because just like it says, it has actually managed to change the lives of many of us. It has raised selfsustaining housewives and I am hopeful that in the near future, we shall live to the vision of the founders and tell life-changing stories."
Look for story 2 in our next newsletter.
QuartersForWater Thanks to the leadership of Susan Peacock and the school's teachers and administrators, on April 14, Old Mill School in Wall NJ hosted a QuartersForWater Walk. The marching band, the sirens of town's fire trucks, children marching, the dancing and singing of African songs, the beautiful spring sunshine combined with the outpouring of enthusiasm, generosity and compassion from the students and their families made this a truly a happening event. Since Old Mill School launched their QuartersForWater project a month ago, they have raised $10,021.98! Way to go Susan and the students and parents of Old Mill School! Susan will be going to Uganda with us this July.
In April, we sent $6,500 from our QuartersForWater fundraising to conduct an additional survey of potential sites for water. We hired a company, experienced in drilling in arid areas which will use advanced equipment called Super Sting to perform hydro-geological and geophysical studies of the subsurface. This information will identify other drilling sites to connect to the original site to ensure increase water volume and borehole success rate. Forward email
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Change A Life Uganda | 58 Fairview Avenue | Brick | NJ | 08724