What I want to do

My name is Kayemba Kalema; I am the Executive director for Hope Children’s Foundation-Uganda in East Africa (http://www.hcfuganda.org/ ). Hope Children’s Foundation is an initiative founded to care for the needy children orphaned by the country HIV/AIDS epidemic and war. We care for children from birth to adulthood with over 218 orphans. Hope Children’s Foundation comprises a home, Kindergarten and a primary school. In Uganda it’s the order of the day to find grandparents surrounded by a fleet of grandchildren, families headed by adolescents, dying adults being nursed by their children and children scattered among relatives Many orphans have been and continue to be traumatized by the loss of their parents. As result, many children are considered to be living in poverty and most of these are below the age of eighteen. Poverty has a direct effect on children’s lives, as poor children have little access to health services, education, clean water and many other very important things Hope Children’s Foundation works primarily in the field of Medical care (treatment of opportunistic infections) feeding, clothing’s, beddings, proving education and a roof over their head. Many times our orphans in our home go to sleep hungry every night, have no adequate medication, clothes, beddings and transportation to the nearest paediatric clinics. The reason I have sent you this invitation is I believe you have some interests, experiences and skills, which could be quite beneficial to our orphanage project. We are under a bit of pressure for time as we plan for orphans I am involved in fundraising for over 218 orphans cared by Hope Children’s Foundation Aids Paediatric Axis. So we need all the help we can get. We need pastoral resources to help orphans in Uganda, since a large number of such victims approach pastors. (If we don’t help orphans, we are among the people who violence their rights). This work has many challenges as the needs of orphan are long term and need long term sustainability, however many people don’t realize the orphan’s crisis. Over the past 5 years, the project has expanded from 15 children to 218 orphans. A commitment is needed to support each child by giving him or her strong educational foundation, a good time, self-esteem and values, and to help them plan how they can earn a steady livelihood as a step towards improving their standard of living. The fact is that, in our circumstance, all tasks have become urgent. I therefore urge you to please see the areas where you can help. Even your thoughts alone on an issue could make a difference. No assistance is too small. Even inviting people from your church become volunteers for Hope Children’s Foundation orphanage centre or to assist with organization activities, which include teaching, providing health education and awareness to orphans, care givers and families adopting orphans. I hope you will answer my appeal to help the orphans of Uganda by joining them as a Neighbour. You may also write to me at info@hcfuganda.org or volunteer@hcfuganda.org and I will answer any queries or concerns that you have. If you want to see photos of how orphans suffer in Uganda, they are available Best wishes Kayemba Kalema Executive Director