Greetings from the Lulwanda family, I hope that all is well with you. A lot of activities have taken place at Lulwanda even through some challenges as a result of the pandemic which cuts across the globe. Overall, we are well by the Grace of God, and I am glad to report some of the things that happened in February.
MEDICAL REPORT
Medical wellbeing at Lulwanda is great. We have a well-trained team of mothers and now Children who recognize when illness is present and it is promptly addressed. We had no major case of any illness this month. Ongoing care continues for those with existing medical conditions along with a strict compliance with COVID-19 SOPs (standard operating procedures). All guests are required to have their temperatures checked, hands washed and face masks worn while on site. Thankfully God’s provision has seen us through some of the toughest months of this pandemic in Uganda. Please continue to pray that God gives all of us wisdom and good health in the coming months.
DISCIPLESHIP
Discipleship is ongoing, both in the individual home setting, and within small groups. Church is conducted on site by Pastor Martin due to the COVID restrictions that mean Children are unable to attend community Church. We are seeing a breakthrough in the lives of many of our Children as they become more disciplined in Christ. Bible studies for staff are also done weekly and the Word is being proclaimed throughout Lulwanda. Tendo and town/resettled Children Bible study are set to resume mid-March now that the Kelley family has returned, but has continued virtually and in the Tendo home. Please be praying for the Holy Spirit’s movement in awakening the hearts of our Children and staff to the truth of the gospel and the hope it presents in their lives: not just in the reception of God’s Grace, but the application of Jesus’ teaching in their daily lives.
MINISTER’S VISIT
This month we hosted the Minister for Youth and Children’s affairs Hon. Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi and other government officials who accompanied her during the countryside visit to all Child care institutions. The purpose of her visit to Eastern Uganda was to check on the condition of all homes, quality of services offered to the children and give her recommendation. Some of the homes that were found not offering quality services to the children were closed immediately. The Minister was impressed with the good work at Lulwanda. She was very impressed with the construction of the new houses which gives Children an opportunity to live in a home- like environment. Care is very good due to the manageable number of Children under every house mother. She thanked the Lulwanda donors and sponsors for helping the Uganda government to raise up Children who will be the future leaders and better citizens. We requested the Minister to help us to renew our home approval Certificate which is expiring in May 2021.
JANE KATAIKE
Jane was successfully resettled with her family relatives in Pallisa District. She was placed under direct care of her paternal Uncle Richard Bumba and his wife Tino. She has been enrolled for a certificate in hairdressing and she loves what she is doing now. She was unable to complete the P.7 grade due to the low grades scored and most of the time she would repeat every class twice or thrice. She had also outlived the age for staying at Lulwanda and yet Tendo would not be the best option. The social workers took her through counselling and psychosocial support during this transition and she has adapted well to the environment. We hope Jane will be able to make money after one year of study as she perfects her skills, rather than continuing with the formal education with little or no chance of succeeding.
ANNUAL SHOPPING FOR CHILDREN
We bless the Lord for the gift of provision for our children through this entire season. Annual shopping has been ongoing and the children have been provided a number of items and they are so excited. This is always the most expensive month where we spend a lot of money during the opening of the new year. Among the items purchased include bed sheets, blankets, mattresses, school stockings, bags, mosquito nets, underwear, shoes and sandals, scholastic materials etc. We only remained with secondary and primary personal shopping and still hope for God’s provision. Overall most items have been purchased and this was good back up for them to live a happy life.
RENEWAL OF CARE ORDERS
Through this month, we had another group of children whose care orders had expired and had to be renewed. The paper work of each Child was done with current photos attached and submitted to the probation officer for approval and in turn submitted to the Magistrate’s court for renewal. I am glad to report that all our Children have updated care orders which is the first requirement from the government.
ABANDONED CHILD
Timothy Wataka, a Child from St. Kizito Babies Home, was brought by the City Probation officer and placed under temporary care of Lulwanda Children’s Home. Timothy is a 4-year-old young boy who had outgrown the age for staying at St. Kizito Babies Home and there was need to secure his protection. He was abandoned in a pit latrine by the mother and the whereabouts of the father is unknown. The mother also disappeared after being released from prison, and her whereabouts are unknown. He was first taken for the Covid 19 test before admission. He was attached to house 4 under the care of Mama Beatrice and he was so happy, calm and positive upon joining the Lulwanda family. He plays well and interacts with his friends and caregivers freely. We are hoping that Timothy will be one of the 11 kids to be rescued this year 2021. Great thanks to the GICF board for reviewing reports about this boy and accepting him to join and be part of Lulwanda.
TEAM BUILDING EVENT
Mercy, who is a finalist at UCU (Uganda Christian University) Mukono, organized a two-day team building event at Lulwanda. She organized the inter-house competition with various activities like cooking competition, dancing and this involved the house mothers supervising the Children. Winners of each category were rewarded with gifts as a way of appreciation for the job well done. The event was crowned by a campfire at night where there was pork roasting and counselling of the young ones at Lulwanda. All of the Children were excited and happy.
CONCLUSION
We shall continue to extend our gratitude to all of you for the unceasing support through this great journey. Our prayer is for the Lord to bless you and continue to meet all your needs according to His will. We shall keep you updated on every event that takes place at Lulwanda. Thank you all.
Best regards,
Paul Isabirye
Administrator- LCH
