MEDICAL
Medically this month has been quite an adventure. We have had an uptick in COVID cases in the country and have strictly observed SOPs despite having few occurrences of staff coming down with the illness. In collaboration with the District Health Officer (DHO), we fumigated the compound with an antiviral medicine like they use at the airport and has been proven safe and effective. This medicine helps kill the virus specifically on the surfaces of countertops, and places that are commonly touched by children. To date we have yet to have any COVID-19 case amongst our children. Typical illnesses such as wounds and malaria have been non-critical and handled appropriately. Please continue to pray that God places a hedge of protection over Lulwanda and all associated with its ministry.
HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES
All our kids are at home during this lockdown. We have bought a number of balls where we keep them entertained and feel okay after garden work and house chores. We have subscribed to most educational television channels where our Children are entertained. Most of our kids feel they should be at school but we have kept on counseling them why it’s not wise for the government to open up schools when the covid-19 cases are on the increase and many people are dying. It’s unfortunate that this time round during the lock down the government has not yet implemented the program of home learning. It’s a total lockdown and even our teachers could not travel and teach our home Children because of the transport restrictions. When the lockdown has been lifted, we hope to bring in the school teachers to help and teach our own kids in their respective houses.
DISCIPLESHIP REPORT
Discipleship continues, despite the partial lockdown. It has been scaled back to home based worship and teaching. Materials are provided, and each home can be heard at different times of the day worshiping and praising God Almighty. We are seeing spiritual growth, which is evidenced in the fruit of their behavior and desire to serve not from fear of punishment, but out of worship to God. Our children are truly becoming more grateful for what God provides and it is evidenced in the works of their hands (James 2). Please continue to pray for spiritual growth, and that leaders will emerge among the children with a desire to take the Gospel to all who will hear.
HARVEST
Our house mothers are doing a great job of teaching our Children garden work. This month we harvested beans equivalent to 1000 kgs. Children have enjoyed eating fresh maize corn and cassava which is supplemented on our daily menu. All our Children have enjoyed garden work and we no longer spend money on planting and weeding. Our Children have indeed seen and realized the fruits and benefits of hard work. Hopefully in another season, we shall be able to harvest more than this season.
MAMA JOY RETIREMENT
This month we celebrated Mama Joy and her retirement from Lulwanda Children’s Home after working for 10 yrs. It was not an easy moment to say bye-bye to someone you have a strong bond for all those years. She retired after having complications with her back due to her advanced age. We tried as much as possible to give medical assistance but Doctors recommended that it’s wise for her to retire from active work. We paid all her retirement benefits and she was very grateful for all the assistance that Lulwanda provided. She promised to always come back and check on the Children and Staff because she feels Lulwanda is her home. While with us she was caring, loving and taught our kids many skills like cooking, making baskets among others. She also taught our Children the word of God during the evening fellowship. We are thankful for her years of service and we shall miss her motherly love greatly. We pray that the good Lord bless her life for what she did for the orphans.
PROGRAM COORDINATOR’S OFFICE
The program coordinator had organized a number of activities but due to covid-19 lockdown, some activities were defered. Kids had baking classes where they learnt to bake different cakes which could be a source of income when they are reintegrated in the community. They were also taught how to make door mats, especially the older kids in upper primary and secondary. They learnt how to use tapestry and threads to make amazing door mats of which I allocated one to every house, so every house got to design theirs accordingly. All the kids enjoyed the class sessions conducted and they were excited to learn such skills.
We had a birthday party for Children and home staff and it was all fun. We purchased small gifts for the birthday babies and this was exciting since we had taken time without having a birthday party celebration.
CONCLUSION
I wish to pay tribute to the sacrifice of all our friends for your tireless effort in supporting the Children and ensuring that they have all the essential needs. I am aware that this pandemic has affected the entire world and your sacrifice in heeding to the voice of God is much appreciated. May the Almighty God continue to protect you and bless the work of your hands.
Best regards,
Paul Isabirye
Administrator – LCH
