Safe and Sound

At boarding school, sponsored student Hellen was not only getting a great education – she was also given safe shelter and comforts far beyond what she had back home.

This made it all the more devastating for her when schools shut down yet again due to COVID-19.

For years, Hellen’s family has been living in a one-room rental – essentially a shack that had been damaged by heavy rains. The property was in very bad shape with wide cracks and unstable walls, putting Hellen, her siblings and single-mother Jane all in grave danger.

You can see the state of their crumbling house below:

The unsafe home raised concern and was reported by Children of Uganda’s social worker.

Gratefully, we were able to raise the funds needed to move Hellen’s family to a better house, including 6 month’s deposit on rent and utilities.

In addition to rent and utilities, the family was given two new mattresses and an investment to start-up a new Income Generating Activity (IGA). Her mother Jane chose a small charcoal stall, which if well-managed will receive additional support from Children of Uganda via our Family Empowerment Program. Jane has ongoing health challenges, so our staff will monitor her project closely and offer support as needed.

We pledged to cover rent for 12 months, at which time Jane should be self-sufficient to the point of assuming it herself.

Hellen and her family were so thrilled by the unexpected support; they can now sleep safe and sound in their new house. Worries about the cold, wet room whenever it rained and fear of a falling wall are no more. There is now adequate light for Hellen’s night studies and for weaving mats in her free time. Relocating the family and investing in their future has been truly life-changing.