an Eastern Euro's views on backpacking Western Euro - Uganda (post #2)

Not so fast, before my Euro trip...awaits Uganda ....it is time for monitoring and evaluation of Thrive. Our Uganda project is due for an audit and a thorough assessment of the progress made thus far.

This nearly 3 week journey starts off with Jenny and I arriving in Entebbe very late and driving another hour to Kampala on the same night. We drive for an hour or so in the pitch dark, lit up only when cars come in the opposite direction.  I get anxious driving this long stretch of semi-paved road in the dark as drunk-driving is a common pastime activity for the locals ....while rules of the road seldom exist.

Once in Kampala, Jenny and I get our stuff organized at our host and grab a hot tea to settle down from our travels.  The house is quiet as the children are fast asleep and we are also ready for bed.

The morning starts off with children bursting through the door greeting Jenny and I.  They have been eager to see us and hug us, and play with us, and quick to ask what we brought to them as gifts. While I am a huge fan of teaching children manners, I let this one slide and just enjoy meeting everyone at the home of our host.  Morning breakfast is similar to what we ate the night before, toast and tea however, Uganda toast seems to taste a whole lot better once other options are set out in front of you.  But we are still fresh off the plane and find most things exciting to try out.

We spent a few days in Kampala, meeting with stakeholders, getting some admin work done, and buying all that we will or think we need in Masaka.

Once in Masaka our options become very limited in purchasing most things, but converting money is the major one.  Jenny also hooks me up with doxycycline (made in India) and this will become a key 'culprit' in the first few days in Masaka.

Just in a few days, we get ready to head to Masaka. Our driver is arranged through connections and friends which saves us from the crowded public transport we usually have to endure on these journeys.  Though we aren't totally convinced this is a good idea, it gives us the flexibility to stop wherever we want to ....which I requested at the start of our journey.....the Equator!

On this trip, we also bring along a young male translator who is from a smaller village himself but currently resides in Kampala.  At first I was skeptical about using a young city boy to translate for us in the village but for now, I was not fully voicing my concerns.

Since I have been taking the doxy, the last 2 days or so, I have been feeling extremely ill.  During the days I felt fine, but each night I was sweaty, with chills and crazy stomach ache.  Nausea, followed by crazy diarrhea.  Hmmmm, 2 nurses on this trip, yet neither of us can figure out what is going on with me.  Once in Masaka, Renata gets worse.

We hold our staff meeting and develop our plan for the next 14 days.  I try to remain focused and take notes along the way, but my body wants to get horizontal. After the meeting we make a group decision to stay at a friend's place in the village however, I became extremely ill, and this time, we are off to the closest hotel.

Since we have planned to do 7 days of simultaneous visits to each of our micro-finance groups, deciding to stay at a hotel was probably the smartest move. After about 2 days of walking, meeting Thrive group members, and feasting on delicious jack-fruit and local meals, the nurses come to an educated guess, aka, diagnosis: Renata was reacting to the Doxy.  I have never had an issue with taking doxy however, a dear nursing friend once warned against taking Indian made doxy (or any medication for that matter) in Uganda.  However, this same nursing friend, bought me doxy (made in India) ....and let me suffer for 3 days.  I blamed Jenny for my suffering....but at least it is confirmed that generic brands for medications do not work for everyone ...

Oh well.  We realized that after 14-15 hour days of walking and meeting people, and consuming large amount of feasts which were prepared for us, having a hotel room was key to sustaining our momentum and give us the 4-6 free hours to recharge. While the shower and toilets worked, they were bare minimum.  However, by day 3, we got bumped up to the executive suit, because staff decided to burn garbage next to our window. We woke up in distress from the fumes and choked by the black smoke entering our room. Feeling better from stopping the doxy, but now inhaling carbon monoxide from burning garbage.  Run! And this is why we were upgraded.

Before I explain our 7 day village visits, I must give a little more detail of our executive suit.  It was big, lavish, and yes, the shower was broken, and the mozie net did not protect me, the one without malaria protection.  I guess we were both unprotected against malaria since Jenny cannot take any of the malaria meds.....this meant we had the best room in this hotel, and wished that we still had our old room but without the fumes. Never mind, we had a lot of work ahead of us. (But it is important to note that staying in a hotel.....still drains our energy, in a way)

By Day 2 of M&E, we had the routine down.  Though we have realized that by the afternoon our energy fades to bare minimum, we still had to continue on with the show.  Each morning we started fresh, but by the final visit we had to force our smiles to the eager crowd.

It was wonderful to hear each participant's testimony.  The stories were telling of the successes and challenges which come with the savings groups.  But most importantly, tears of joys were common in each story as it was filled with gratitude for Thrive and the project's commitment.  It was both exhilarating and also difficult for us to hear the systematic limitations which has cursed this country.

Day 3-4-5 seemed to mold into one long day with a nap between each. Getting home each night was pure exhaustion, and each morning, brainstorming and documenting new ideas and plans.  The food was ok at the hotel, but much more AMAZING in the villages.  We both tried to not offend anyone by refusing to eat, so our bellies were exploding by the end of each day.  Also, as we walked through each village, we gathered gifts given to us by the thankful Thrive participants.  We had kgs of fruits, baskets and mats to carry with us.  Of course, transportation remained our worst nightmare.  After the morning rush hour, finding rides home was nearly impossible. But we somehow managed each day.

Our translator, while lovely, was not the best fit for this project.  He continued to wear urban attire while Jenny and I were trying to assimilate by wearing clothes which resemble people living in the villages. I felt that this created a little barrier between him and group members and maybe even lost some of the trust in being open with their stories.  But either way, we managed to complete 7 days of walking and talking and develop our evaluation which we set out to do.  The final day 7 or 8, I am losing my memory on this, we managed to only visit homes.  We walked nearly 14 hours with 3 of our staff and visited nearly 10 homes just to see the fruits of our work on the ground.  We were hungry, thirsty and sun burnt.

In order to celebrate our final night, we had a big dinner with all of us (3 staff and 2 of us) and even had time for some silly pictures on the Zebra statue outside our hotel.

Getting back to Kampala was again a nerve wracking experience.  We had only a few days left to meet with stakeholders and decide on some big steps for the future of Thrive.  I was also going to leave Jenny alone for a week because my ticket to Europe was waiting, and I had to attend meetings which have been planned along the way.

Overall, we had a wonderful time in Uganda but I'm sure this isn't my last time.

Off to Amsterdam on Feb 4.

- R :-)

The Uganda Project 2011 - Muzungues in Uganda speak Luzungu

(the river Nile)

I am neck-deep with work at the SOPH (School of Public Health) but Jenny is ready to have me for a visit. In a week (last minute as always) I managed to get time off from research and book my flight to Uganda. I can finally meet the children who have become oh-so-dear to Jenny (as well, reunite with my dear friend Oj from when I was completing my masters at UQ). I guess you could say that Jenny is neck-deep with developing her very own NGO (and I am ecstatic to witness some of the process).

As you might remember, Jenny and Mrs. Martin were busy working all through the month of April and May. Oj (a friend of mine) has been extremely supportive of Jenny's project and has offered one of his dear friend/consultant, Paul, to help with the planning phase. Jenny will be co-directing an NGO called Africare Community Initiative (ACI). So far, she has been meeting with key stakeholders in the Masaka region and planning out her objectives and key activities for the first year of the project. Between long days of meetings and managing chores at the orphanage, Jenny and Mrs. Martin still made time for the children, providing them with as much TLC as possible.

Mrs. Martin had to fly back home at the end of May so Jenny has been working on her own for the past 3 weeks. As soon as I was given the 'OK' to come and visit her, I hoped on a plane and was ready to help with whatever possible. Jenny was down to her last 2 weeks in Uganda and in this time we were hoping to develop community support for the project while making time for the children. The work sounded overwhelming but all my focus was on reuniting with Oj and Jenny. Work can wait till the morning.

Day 1

I arrived in Entebbe on a Monday night, 7pm (as I had a 14h transfer in Jo'burg from Cape Town). Once in Uganda, Jenny and Oj were waiting for me at the airport, cameras flashing and with open arms! They were so sweet to have come and meet me. We then immediately headed to grab some dinner. The air was nice and warm (I thought at the time) as I have been freezing my tosh-off in Cape Town. As we arrive to the restaurant, I had to look and reassure myself that in fact the security guards in the parking lot were actually holding shot guns. Double-take confirmed. Too happy to care at the time, we went inside the restaurant to enjoy food and company. We chatted about life and updated each other of our stories which included: how to make our world a better place. Once we have emptied our thoughts I then turned to Jenny and asked the questions........How did you manage to become a director of an NGO ?


She looked at me with a kind smile on her face and said: It's a long story. So I listened. Basically, for Jenny to be able to work in Uganda she needs to be registered. The ACI is actually a dormant project initiated by Oj as he has been busy managing other priorities. Jenny was given the offer to establish her own NGO thereby 1) giving her possibilities to work in Uganda and 2) providing the community of her interest with capacity building activities. These activities should in return strengthen families (and their income) with the hope that such empowerment will benefit the children as well.

After our wonderful dinner we headed for a sleep at Oj's welcoming home. It was very surreal experience to be in his home and talk about some of our memories while attending UQ. This was also my very first time sleeping under a mosquito net. Jenny provided a crash course on making sure I took water (and anything else I would need throughout the night) under the net with me, since tucking in the net was a timely procedure. Doxycycline also check.

Day 2



Both Oj and the rooster next door were busy enjoying the morning sun. I too woke up early as I was still excited to be in Uganda and even more excited to get to Masaka early and meet the children. Oj has told us to walk down to lake Victoria while he's at work and to be back at 10am so he can drive us to the bus stop. Of course, we took our sweet time to walk into town and just as we arrived Oj called to say "hurry back". "Hop on the boda-boda" says Jenny. Wait, hop on what ? These motorbikes called boda-bodas are everywhere and it is considered the local taxi. I have seen them but didn't think I will be utilizing them while in Uganda. Well, I only had to step outside on my first morning, the opportunity was there and we had to get back to the house fast. Jenny suggest we each take one, but I pledged for taking one (clearly I'm terrified at this point and being with her is better than flying solo with a stranger). We hop on (me in the back) and we are off. No helmets, skirts flopping behind us, no problem. As we are pulling up to Oj's place, he has got his camera out and taking pictures of us, he is already thinking "this is a great Ugandan experience for Renata". Boy he was right !

I'm smiles ear to ear, and SOB (short-of-breath) in hopes for a safe return from the center. We were going through pot holes and mostly on dirt road as if it was no one's business. I am now thinking to myself "what did I sing myself up for" but being with Jenny sure will make this experience worth while. Oj takes us to the bus stop and we are off to Masaka via Kampala.

In Kamapla: I have ridden in mini taxis (in Cape Town) and have also experienced driving on dirt roads (growing up in Romania) however, I have never in my life combined the two. The closer we got into Kampala the worse off the roads were. We were bouncing all over the place and hitting our heads off the ceiling of the taxi. The taxi station in the city was our final destination but only to transfer to another mini taxi and head to Masaka. Hurray, another 2-3 hours in a crammed mini bus is exactly what we were looking for !

Arriving to Kampala central taxi stations was an experience of its own kind. We get out........ and then I have this strong feeling that there is something wrong. OMG, am I naked?! I quickly look down to re-assure myself that this morning I DID remember to get dressed and I did so properly. So then why do I feel as if I am completely naked??? Jenny hops out the mini bus and she runs to fetch her bag from the back. During this time I feel very alone and surrounded by people (mostly men) and they are staring, intensely staring. The only thing I can make out form their conversation is "Muzungu" and looking intensely into my eyes (this is when I decide to forget about eye contact all together).

Being stared at in the townships near Cape Town and being stared at in Kampala are two very distinctively different sensations. People have surrounded me in just a few seconds stepping out of the mini-bus, and just like a celebrity everyone is murmuring something. I quickly give up on listening to their words and I just want to call out for Jenny to rescue me.... oh, hold up, she's back and we are running to the next mini bus. While sitting in the second bus and waiting for take off, there were people coming around trying to sell us anything from drinks to snacks to all sorts of accessories, oh and even air time. You HAVE to be there to see this!

Day3-4

The next few days are spent getting to know the communities around the orphanage. Jenny has assured for us to stay at the nearest monastery where sister Katherine and William has become our care takers, or more like sweet parents. This little monastery is self-sufficient by selling milk and allowing tourist groups to stay at their place. It is a sweet heaven away from the busy buzz of the major cities. Even though major cities in rural communities are still very rural, it's nice to spend time at the monastery.

Jenny tells me that each morning and night, William and sister Katherine make sure that we have enough food in our bellies and that our heads rest comfortably so we are strong enough for our busy days. At this point I have little knowledge in what's waiting for us, but I didn't need a crash course on the future plans as the morning was near us, so let the work begin ! (I must include that Jenny does look a bit slender and she tells me that her tummy has been acting up. William kept a good check on her that she eats well, but there is only so much you can eat with an upset tummy.)

In the morning I am introduced to Paul, who is the consultant helping Jenny with her work. I am told little of the days plans, we eat and start our walk. We end up walking by the orphanage but in great distance away. We are trying to stay clear from the director but again I only know bits and pieces of the story at this point. We are in search of the chief in each community surrounding the orphanage. We walk to where people amongst the farm fields point us to.

Each introduction began with greetings, sitting down with the man of the house hold, while the women sit on the ground. Jenny and I listen, while Paul did the talking. Once in a while we smile when we get called 'muzungues'. We nod when Paul nods about 'money' and 'helping'. This goes on for most of the day. Walking, meeting, sitting, nodding, listening (holding back yawns once mid-day has past). The sun is beautiful and slowly roasting our exposed necks here and there. Each time a boda-boda passes us we move aside on the road and let them pass by while making our vision dusty ahead. I am always lagging behind on our walks as I am taking pictures above, below, ahead, behind, just about every angle you can think of. The views are breath taking and I hear myself saying, "you are truly here. This is the real story". I love every sight, smell, sound, and just want to hear more.

I wave each time we come across a home with children sitting in the dirty. They are laughing and waving back, "MUZUNGU"!!! Some come to greet us and shake our palms, for good manners but also driven by curiosity of the white skin. Big smiles make me want to wave and greet more and more people. Webale! Webale ! Oliotya! Everyone seems very friendly in the rural communities. Mind you, we are walking through what feels as jungles and only seeing a house every so often. Coffee plantations, banana, mango, cassava, avos, mangoes, corn and sweet potato just to name a few. I'm sure there are more which I'm forgetting to list off. Jack fruit would has to be my most favourite intrigue. It's big, bigger then anything I can picture growing on a small sized tree. Curiosity will not let up so I did manage to try one from the market.

To sum up our days, we walked 20-30h a day, talked or listened about 15h of it. By our last and final day we got on bodas to try and save our feet. From the long walks and hot days, Jenny and I ate very well each dinner time. We managed on 2 meals a day. Each night we would be up talking about life and innovations. Jenny and I enjoy heart to hearts so sleeping was really our most deprived source. But we budgeted for that. I only had a few days in Uganda so we were going to make the most of it.

Even though we managed to get ahead of our work each day, I did not meet the children till the very last day/sunset. We were exhausted, but forced to make our last day worthy. We hopped on a boda and zoomed to the children. They knew I was coming so not greeting them was just not an option. We happen to meet up with the children on their walk home form school. Their faces light up, Auntie Jenny!!!! Auntie Renata!!! They knew my name so well. We decided to walk home with them and spend time talking. Due to our busy last few days, this walk is the only quality time they will have with me. Once at the orphanage, I meet the mother and chef at the orphanage. The children have to fetch water 1km walk away so we all grab jugs and head to the water source.

We sing and laugh and run and giggle during our walk. The children are smiles ear to ear and enjoy saying my name. I tickle and chase them. Makes the walk seem shorter when distracted. I am saddened to see their water source once we arrive. There are many children who come to this same water source. It is shared by many of the farming communities and also their cattle. It is used for washing and drinking is not a proper water source for the children. Once we filled our bottles it's time to head on home. The older the child the larger the jug which they carry. Of course, the children gave me 2 very small containers but I carried them while they laughed at the sight. As we got closer to the orphanage, some of the older children who already put their water jugs off came running to help me with mine. Kindness and laughter were our forms of communication when English did not work.

The sun was setting fast and we had to get back to the monastery for our last meal. I gave each of the children their gifts and we rushed off. Eating our dinners I was reflecting on our 3 amazing days. We managed to spread good news of Jenny and her organization. We managed to gain support from most of the village leaders who are aware of the orphanage. And, the most exciting of it all was that Jenny and Paul was invited to attend the regions board meeting and get municipal support. I unfortunately did not get a chance to attend this meeting but my fingers were crossed for the 2 of them. Everything was slowly falling into place for Jenny and I felt very fortunate to have been able to witness her journey.

We said our good-byes in the morning, hugging sister Katherine and William knowing that I have little certainty in our next visit. Deep inside I stay hopeful for seeing them again, but for now we had to rush off to Kampla and Entebbe for my last day/night in Uganda.

Note: I did not go into details of our 18 person taxi ride in a sedan, collecting furniture from a children's school on a ute, and other crazy traffic incidences. Uganda traffic regulations do not exist. If it has more then 2 wheels and and engine (motor/ man-power) can be used with or without safe equipment. Foot ware is also optional.

Day 5 - Friday

We arrived much later then expected. Oj had a 24h schedule on what we needed to accomplish before my 6am flight. With little energy left, we just followed our plan. Quick stop for souvenires. Then off to dinner. After dinner we rushed to meet Oj's son ! What a cute thing. Chubby and healthy both mom and baby ! After spending time with under weight children it was nice to hold a full weight baby. Once baby fell asleep, we headed to Oj's friends place, Sylvia, and start our evening of bar hopping.

Jenny and I only needed about one beer each to experiment with grasshoppers. Jenny has mentioned that she has purchased these for the children as it is considered delicacy. I was offered by one very cute child in a taxi ride to try and I still regret not taking it. He was so sincere and kind and I felt like a scary muzungu rejecting his kind offer.


The opportunity came to me once again and grasshoppers DO taste lovely when fried in butter.

After a great night of dancing it was time to head to the airport. I only had time to shower. Oj and Jenny had little energy left. I was worried about them falling asleep at the wheel. Hugs and good wishes were our final words.

I was wide awake again. Never enjoy leaving friends. Especially when there is uncertainty in my return. I can only wish that life and opportunities will grant me another visit to my dear friend Oj and Sylvia.

Webale nnyo to a great week in Uganda !

Sending love
R :-)

The Uganda Project 2011 - Good Luck Jenny and Mrs. Martin !!!

The final 4 days (before take-off) have arrived for Jenny and her dearest Mom.


They are en route to Uganda, filled with hopes and anticipation for the 30 children living at the Home Sweet Home Orphanage. Each of their bags is packed with their most essentials and one large bag filled with essentials for the children.

The journey awaiting Jenn and her Mom will be a challenging one. The hard work, support from friends and family, presentations to the donors and 30 little sweaters will be truly put to the test when the ladies arrive to the orphanage.

Finding the support for a cause and then carrying out a cause present with equally difficult yet very different challenges and satisfactions. Finding support takes hours and hours of preparation, organization, presenting to donor agencies, gathering supplies and essential things for the children but all within the comfort of Jenn's own home, community and society with what she is familiar with. Carrying out Jenny's cause, will be in a foreign country in a rural community, with little support and resources in a culture much different from Jenn's home. In addition, Jenny is very much concerned for her mother's enjoyment and safety, but in this case, I think this might be just the right amount of challenge for a mother and daughter.

Once Jenny and her Mom arrive to Uganda they will be relying on each other (and some of the local people working at the orphanage) for motivation and strength to wake up and face what might seem impossible, each day.

It’s a steep hill to climb when I think about meeting the needs of these children and I am extremely proud of both Jenny and her Mom for attempting to do so. Since my next journey will take me to South Africa, I too hope to visit Home Sweet Home and meet the lovely children who have stolen Jenny’s heart.

Keep in tuned to both of our journeys. We are gypsy girls on the road following our calling. I am very excited to see where Jenny and I will end up after these experiences, and I hope some of you will stick around to see us bloom and grow.

R :-)

XO

The Uganda Project - April 2011

My dear friend Jenny is preparing to re-visit Uganda, a year after her last time, when she lived and worked at an orphanage. Her arrival back to Canada was extremely exciting for me because I got to hear, first hand, of all her experiences (both inspiring and some were very sad). I was not shocked at all to hear that Jenny came home but began supporting the children at the orphanage. I however, was shocked to hear that she was now providing schooling for all 30 of the children. Once I too returned form my studies overseas, I was very happy to hear that Jenny kept close contact with the orphanage director and to hear that the children were doing well.

"A vision without a plan is a dream, and a plan without a vision is marching in place." - unknown

Jenny has the vision to 1) meet the immediate needs of these 30 loving children at Home Sweet Home orphanage and 2) continue to work towards collaborating with local organization(s) in hopes to prevent child abandonment and orphanhood. Amongst a million-and-one things to get done before take off, we are trying to see if our close friends and family are able to help out with anything from:

- well-wishes (always the best)

- kind and wise words of wisdom

- donations of all kinds:

* money (100% of your donations will go towards funding for the childrens'
medical, schooling, and breakfast program)
* warm fleece sweaters (for children between the ages 2-14 yrs)
* story books
* stationary supplies (for crafts and school)

Jenny and I are also looking for those individuals with a professional background in working with children (health care, social work, education). We are looking to gather simple but useful and effective activities which we can implement with the children at the orphanage while assisting their developmental needs.


Jenny will be the best to contact and let her know that you have read Renata's message on her blog and would like to help.

martin.grad.2008@gmail.com

Thank you for taking the time and reading about Home Sweet Home.


Sincerely,
Jenny and Renata :-)

Home Sweet Home Newsletter 2010 - Uganda

This content comes from Jenny's Newsletter of Home Sweet Home Orphanage.

Please read through and if anyone is interested in sponsoring any of these children please email me at renata_em@yahoo.ca or post a message on this blog with your email and I will respond to your request.

On behalf of the children and Jennifer, THANK YOU for taking the time,

Renata :-)

Message from Jennifer Martin

It’s been a year since I launched a modest but determined initiative to support the thirty children residing at Home Sweet Home Orphanage in rural uganda. These children are thirty of the 2.3 million orphans in Uganda today. One million of whom have been orphaned due to AIDS.

Growing up in an institution is a poor substitute for a loving home. Often isolated from surviving family members and under the care of one “Auntie”, the children at Home Sweet Home Orphanage are greatly lacking in love and attention. The orphanage offers shelter and one daily meal but struggles to meet the children’s growing need for education, medical treatment and psychosocial care.

While the challenges these children face are tremendous, with access to education, proper care
and encouragement these children can thrive. With the services of Just Care in Uganda and your support we can ensure that they do. Because of your generosity all the school-aged children are now attending a local primary school where, in addition their classes, the students are receiving two daily meals. Furthermore, the children are now accessing medical care as needed thanks to your donations.

This is our first newsletter and it is an opportunity to share in detail our accomplishments of our first year as well as share our ambitions for the upcoming year. On behalf of the children and myself thank you for your support.


BACK TO SCHOOL
Currently we have seventeen children enrolled at Tower Primary School. In addition to their tuition the children receive a uniform, school supplies and two daily meals. With seven new children at
the orphanage and the little ones reaching school age we will be sending twenty-five children to school in the new year!



WATER
The orphanage director is constructing a well on site to bring potable water to the orphanage.
Clean water will greatly improve the children’s health and mean a lot less time spent fetching water!



HAPPY FEET
Two of our supporters funded the repairs needed in the children’s dormitory. Some of the bedding
was replaced and a concrete floor poured. With the dust gone the children are experiencing fewer parasitic foot infections are taking much more pride in keeping the dormitory clean!



WELLSPRING CHILDREN’S MEDICAL CENTRE
To date 73 visits have been made to the medical clinic where the children have received treatment for malaria, waterborne illnesses and communicable infections. In the new year the children will begin receiving medical care at Wellspring Children’s Medical Centre. The clinic provides excellent medical care and has an ambulance service with a well reputed hospital. The clinic shares the same site as the children’s school, which means the children and staff can access medical care just two kilometers from the orphanage!



AMBITIONS
In the spring I will be returning to Uganda. The return trip will allow me to implement new programs to better care for the children’s physical and developmental needs. My goal is to improve the children’s nutritional and health status, to better meet their psychosocial needs and to develop a care plan for the HIV+ children. My hope is to help the children of Home Sweet Home Orphanage access the following: a nutritious breakfast; the care of a social worker; and monitoring and treatment for those who are HIV+.


Breakfast Program
Outside of the meals provided at school, the children receive one
daily meal at the orphanage. In the spring we will introduce a
breakfast program of Corn Soy Blend; a nutrient rich porridge.
The added nutrition will allow the children to recover from
malnutrition and will minimize visits to the clinic.



Grief Counseling
These children have faced tremendous obstacles in their lives. Many watched their parents
succumb to AIDS and later were abandoned by extended family. Hiring a social worker to provide
programming and counseling will help the children work through issues of grief and loss and to
build healthy coping strategies.



HIV Positive
The HIV+ children living at the orphanage require extra care to
minimize infections, to access proper treatment and to meet their
unique dietary needs. With the guidance of specialists in the field of
pediatric HIV/AIDS we are developing a treatment regimen to
ensure these children remain healthy and enjoy quality of life.



To Donate:
This initiative is solely funded by donations. All donations go directly to the children and are greatly appreciated. All administrative costs and travel expenses are self-funded. Cheques can be made payable to Jennifer Martin in trust. Note: As we do not have charitable status we unfortunately cannot issue tax receipts.



Contact:
Jennifer Martin

e-mail: martin.grad.2008@gmail.com

The Uganda Project 2011

Just the other day I had the opportunity to catch up via phone with a nursing friend from undergrad. Near or far we have managed to keep in contact and stay good friends because of one very special vision which we share: to help those less fortunate.

During our chat she explained that the 25 children she has been supporting since 2009 are still under her care and she is planning to visit them early April. "Would you like to come?" she asks. I don't even think she had the opportunity to ask because I jumped in and told her that I want to be part of her grass-roots organization in any way possible.

Jenny's story:

Just as I was working away in public health, my friend Jenny was packing her bag and going to Rwanda and Uganda to work in orphanages. She planned to go for 6 months but her trip ended just after 5 months of being there. I think the hardship and what she has seen (as she told me) has finally took effect on her and she thought it was time to come home. But when we met post-travels she was eager to tell me what she has done.

25 children in an orphanage now was under her funding and care. "Jenny, how is this possible?" I asked confused. She tells me that the man who was watching over the children lived in a lavish home with TV and cabel and food for an entire community. However, the children who were supposed to be getting all that funding were eating maybe once a day, if that! So Jenny thought it would make more sense for her to come home ....work....and send the money for the kids to attend school, eat, and receive any of the health checks they need.

My skeptical self right away doubted that Jenny's good deed is arriving to these children however, now a year has gone and she was telling me that it is time to visit her children and get registered as one of the grass roots organizations. Her funding has been managed by trusted locals there and she now is ready to get the ball rolling.

So just on the phone I said: "Jenny, I want to come with you!"

And there you have it. My masters has prepared me for developing, implementing and evaluating grass-roots organizations just like the one my kind Jenny is trying to develop. We are going to get as much paper work done before April as possible and if everything work out for us we should be in Uganda by April 2011.

I am going to leave this as the introduction to the Uganda project and with time I hope to have a more detailed description for you available .... with 25 hopeful little stories !

Much love to all those who have support me in my blog so far!

xo
Renata :-)