If Children can’t come to school, School must come to them.

We bring you stories of resourcefulness and success, despite the dark times of restrictions on education in Uganda.  Unfortunately, schools in Uganda remain closed and the 1500 children who attend our supported schools are, in the main, left without access to learning. However, following the example of other charities we have offered financial support to provide home schooling. If children can’t come to school, then school must come to them.  

We now have a network of school principals and teachers using the shade of trees, backyards and private homes to tutor small groups of children.  Using curriculum books bought by HUGS, the children can continue their journey of mastering reading and writing.  Much thanks to the tenacity and perseverance of our trusted representatives and the amazing teaching staff.

Times are still very hard for the young of Uganda. Opportunities for employment are poor and access to clean water and good food is limited to so many.  It makes the HUGS investment of 20 new clean water pipes into the Kosovo Slum, in Kampala all the more important.  Over 600 people, (two thirds children) will now be able to avoid drinking contaminated water and enjoy a better standard of health, improving access to education.

Charity Auction

Of course, all of this work is only possible because of your kind donations. If you want to help, please take a look at our HUGS art auction. Earlier this year, artists were asked to submit works to the title ‘What does sound look like to you’.  Dr Emma Stapleton, a HUGS Trustee and ENT specialist in Manchester, has arranged for copies of the winning entrants (shown here) to be permanently displayed in the ‘Peter Mount’ Building of the Manchester Royal Infirmary. We had many entrants including three artists who are deaf (one is also an inspirational musician). The pictures are beautiful. Proceeds from the auction will fund specialist equipment for St Francis de Sales School, specifically to help children with hearing loss.  Bids can be placed over a week from Sunday 31st of October 9 (tomorrow) to Sunday 7th November at 5pm. Please take a look and take part or donate via our website.

https://www.jumblebee.co.uk/artauctionforkidsinuganda

Writing for pleasure

Finally, one small story to warm your heart. The children with disabilities in Jinja and some from the Kosovo slum have started writing, as ‘pen-pals’ to the children at the Caistor Church Primary School, Lincolnshire. It is hoped it will foster improved writing skills and, who knows, life-long friendships. 

There are so many ways to help. If you want to be more involved in our work, please make contact. 

 

HOME EDUCATION? A possibility

Last month the President of Uganda announced schools would remain closed at least until January; leaving millions with no reasonable way to receiving an education.  HUGS sponsored schools care for over 1000 children, many who live in remote rural locations or are from families where resources are scarce and no one, who can read or write, is on hand to offer advice. HUGS has continued to respond, to do something to mitigate against this ongoing loss of human potential.

We have been in discussion with other charities facing identical challenges, and all of us are concerned many children, especially girls, may not return to education. We have found a way to supply home schooling workbooks, but without teacher support their impact may be minimal.  A fellow charity ‘Fields of Life’ have found a recipe which offers hope: a pencil, a workbook, a teacher visit to the community once a week, and a solar light (to read by at night).  This low-level support also offers a lifeline for teachers, who have been without income for months.

HUGS is working to ensure when children do return to school, facilities are ready for them to pick up on essential learning.  We have been busy fund raising for St Francis de Sales (our school for children with disabilities and hearing loss) with an art competition and auction. ‘What does Sound look like to you’ was the title. We had 13 entrants, including two from artists with hearing loss, and one from a sensory supported class of children in Manchester, all who have cochlear implants. They conceptualised sound as soft woollen pompoms. The artists have generously donated their pictures to be auctioned in November. We will share details next month.

Thank you to everyone who continues to support HUGS. Your generosity is needed more than ever, and your kindness is appreciated by so many.