Hello from the HUGS team, we hope each and every one of our supporters is well and safe during these difficult times.
In this months' Blog we bring you news about three amazing women HUGS have supported through their education and tell you about our Christmas Schools Equipment Appeal (see link below)
Education in Uganda has been suspended for 6 months because of the pandemic, and only recently were final year 'candidate' classes allowed to return to school. Children in Primary 7 classes, and those studying O' and A' levels will soon be taking their exams, whilst other children remain at home, with little hope of home tuition. This will affect girls more than boys. Their comparative poor social standing is likely to mean Uganda will see more girls drop out of school, be married before the age of 16 or be pregnant when still children themselves. With this in mind, this picture offers hope. Here are the O' Level students from the Asili Girls School in Lira, using their brand new Chemistry equipment, which HUGS funded, for the first time in preparation for their exams. Qualifications in Science, allow girls access to many jobs and facilitate independent living.
Three amazing Women
It gives us great pleasure to inform HUGS supporters that Faith Nakinga has completed Medical School and is soon to be Dr Nakinga. Bridget Katusabe has qualified as a midwife and Dr Grace Nannyondo, has passed her Specialist training and is now a consultant in Gynaecology and Obstetrics. Despite the upheaval of this last year, these woman have not let the pandemic stop them from achieving their goals. All have described future aspirations to be working with marginalised, poor people and aim to make a difference to the lives of others. Bridget says she is 'excited to send HUGS a picture of the first baby she delivers as a fully qualified midwife.'
HUGS Christmas Schools Equipment Appeal
As you will be aware, we are nearing the completion of our 7th school, St Francis de Sales School in Jinja. We want to help provide teaching equipment.
Our Christmas Appeal is to help us raise £4000 for desks, chairs, books, pens, art equipment and for the poorest children, socks, shoes and a school bag. We are trying a new form of fund raising. The HUGS Christmas Craft Auction. This is online between Friday 27th of November and Sunday 6th of December. Local Artists have kindly donated beautiful gifts (ceramics, paintings, embroidery, chocolate and more) which would make ideal presents. Please take a look and please place a bid.
You can view the auction here HUGSChistmasAuction and start to place bids from next Friday.
There is an opportunity to donate directly towards this fund:
virginmoneygiving.com/fund/HUGSChristmasEquipment
Please share this link with friends and family. If you use social media then please tweet, share, blog and poke.
Many thanks for all your continued support
The HUGS Trustees