My new project – Alli Wano
Anyone who knows me will know that I talk about Uganda A LOT - everything and anything can be linked back to Uganda in some way! Well now I've decided to go back to the place that has captured my heart all these years - The Pearl of Africa.
From my
experiences in Uganda over the past eight years and following a month’s research
trip to Kampala this summer, I believe that God is calling me to set up a
project there called ‘Alli Wano’ (meaning ‘He is here’ in Luganda). The project
will be a part of my uncle’s charity, Link International, which has numerous
such enterprising projects already under its umbrella.
Why?
My real
passion in life is seeing children with disabilities and learning difficulties
experiencing a good quality of life. Having worked for international children’s
charity, Viva, in Kampala previously, I have witnessed many families who simply
cannot afford to look after their children. Children with disabilities
unfortunately tend to be last on the list when it comes to basic needs being
met; in Uganda children with special needs are still largely thought to be the
sign of a curse on a family and of little value.
How?
I will be
working with contacts from a number of Kampala’s disabled children’s charities
who advocate for the rights of children with special needs and work with
parents to educate them about the value of all children. My aim is to come
alongside and empower the parents of these children by teaching them sewing skills
so they can sustainably support their families.
What?
By
partnering with local seamstresses and translators, I will teach the trainees
to make items such as kitenge (African fabric) bunting, cushion covers, tablet
and phone covers and baby slings and we will sell the products in the tourist
markets of Kampala. I also hope to hold specific training sessions on subjects
such as managing money and skills for running a small business in the hope that
ultimately the families could have their own sewing businesses.
When and Where?
I am moving to
Kampala in January 2015 and have committed to living there for at least two
years. My training centre will be set up in the compound of two married friends (Sarah and Godfrey) who also have a heart for children with special needs. Sarah and I are below.
And Finally...
This project has changed a lot since my initial vision for it and even in those few short months I have experienced heartache and turmoil as it has altered but it has never moved away from the focus of helping the parents of disabled children to help themselves and that's what I will continue to hold on to.
