The HUGS Trustees trip to Uganda last month has filled us with joy and hope. We are reminded of the dedication and personal sacrifice of our Trusted representatives and marvel at the tenacity of the organisations they work for, which we support. We met with so many children who, with a little help from our donors, are surmounting great obstacles in life to learn, grow and have fun.
We’d like to share four highlights of our trip with you in the form of short videos.
The first shows the progress of the New Hope School, which will care for 300 children from the Kosovo Slum, Kampala. When you watch it, remember that most children have never been to the countryside and don’t have space to play. The building work is going to plan, on time, and within budget.
During our visit, we presented a new football kit to the Girls football team at Dokolo School. Two years ago, the girls won the regional football championships playing barefoot in their school uniforms. There’s nothing holding them back now so be prepared for more trophies. The dances they perform are traditional Ugandan and celebrate the strength of woman. Very apt.
We met with 4 University students HUGS has sponsored who graduated in 2023/4. This video shows a short interview with Rita Kenyange, (MSc in Immunology and Clinical Microbiology), Tom Okade (Degree in Environmental Science and Public Health) and two newly qualified doctors, Michael Ssuuna and Paul Nsobani. All destined to become great leaders in their chosen fields.
Finally, no one is excluded. We never cease to be amazed by the compassionate and inclusive thinking which makes St Francis de Sales such an inspirational school. Every child has a disability and receives a bespoke, caring education from teachers, who themselves have overcome disabilities to become examples of what ca be achieved when people believe in your potential.
Thank you for all your support. None of this would be possible without your trust in our charity. We hope you can share in the joy we have experienced first-hand. We visit our projects every 18 months and are happy to take donors with us.
Richard Bircher
HUGS Chair.