Caring for Vulnerable Children in Kamwenge, Uganda - June 2018 Update
Kamwenge, Uganda
From Humble Beginnings
The Kamwenge region became the home for 40,000 returning Ugandans who had fled the country during Idi Amin’s presidency (1971-1979). During this period more than 250,000 Ugandans were murdered and millions more fled to neighboring countries. As time passed and democracy came to Uganda, these refugees returned but lived in abject poverty. The government settled a large number of them in Kamwenge on small parcels of land where they could eke out a living through sustenance farming.
Rev. John Mulindabigwi reached out to the Kamwenge community with the Gospel and began to support these people with relief supplies. Even though people responded to the Gospel, their future remained uncertain due to a lack of education, no sustainable income sources – really a hopeless way of living. John believed that a long-term solution could come only through educational opportunities, economic development, family engagement, and creating collaborative partnerships. So, Rev. John took action and with the help of local youth who wanted a school, made bricks and built the first classroom for the school that would become the Kamwenge Secondary and Vocational School. That seed planted ten years ago has grown and now includes a secondary and primary school that serves more than 850 children. As the school has grown, so have the other components of John’s vision including businesses started through the vocational program, family engagement through local business ownership, and partnerships that leverage local and international support to help the school thrive and produce a new generation of dynamic leaders for the Kamwenge region.
Along the way, John and the community leaders focused on early childhood interventions. It became clear that early childhood education is foundational to a fulfilling adulthood. Thus, the Good Shepard Kindergarten and Primary school was started.
It was a joy to attend the KSVS anniversary celebration, where we were happy to see students graduate from the culinary and hotel management programs that began a few years ago. It was also amazing to see the first KSVS students graduate from universities and other institutions of higher learning. In his address at the celebration, Rev. John said: “When I look at the next ten years, I see hope and growth. I see a skilled workforce slowly being created in our society and actively working with integrity. I see a deepening of training students in practical science including agriculture for food security and income in our households. May God help us to keep laboring with him in this field.”
Grateful for your partnership in caring for vulnerable children,
Ebralie Mwizerwa
Projects Coordinator
Read more about Caring for Vulnerable Children in Kamwenge, Uganda HERE.
THE NEED
The Outreach Foundation is seeking $10,000 for Kamwenge children’s educational needs and school supplies.