Where we work - Uganda

UGANDA -AFRICA

Here, around 165 children are given the care and protection they need at our two homes. Most are former street children while our home in Bulange, Kampala, also takes in abandoned babies. We strive to meet the overall needs of a child from medical and educational help to accommodation, food and clothing. Their spiritual development is also very important to us as we look to share God’s love in everything we do.

Bulange, Kampala (The Capital of Uganda)

Learning how to brush their teeth or behave at mealtimes are among the everyday tasks many children need help with when they arrive at the home. Their first month is a settling in period in which they learn the skills needed to live with others. Many will have had little or no education. because of lack of school fees, so they are gradually re-introduced to learning.

Stealing, abusive language, lying and violence are among the “street behaviours” many children will have had to adopt just to survive. Through education, bible teaching and practical activities like gardening, helping out around the home and sport, the children are able to re-integrate back into communities. Our goal is to see them enrolled at mainstream primary or secondary school where they can continue their education.

All children who arrive at the home have a medical check-up but this is particularly important for the abandoned babies. Some are extremely weak, malnourished and neglected and often need a special diet or extra attention. An Open Door has a social worker who works to trace babies’ families. Sadly, this is not always possible when a baby has been abandoned and no information about their background can be found.

We strongly believe that the best place for every child is with his or her own loving family. Wherever possible, we will re-settle the child back with their family or extended family. For children with no family, we will search for new parents to foster and then adopt the child.

But it’s not the end of the story once a child has been re-settled. Our social worker makes follow-up visits and, in some cases, we will continue supporting a child with school fees and other needs where the family are unable to do so.

Malaba (Trading town on the Kenyan Border)

Our Malaba base is home to mainly teenagers along with a few younger children. Here, we work closely with two neighbouring schools and a local church to educate the children and equip them with useful skills. Activities like music, dance, drama and football have proved to be a great way of motivating and developing the children.