Dear Friends

It’s yet another moment of bringing warm greetings from the big family of Lulwanda. As you catch up with the life and activities of October, we are always grateful for your prayers and support given that enable us to provide parental care and Christ-like love to our beloved Children. All our Children are doing well despite the fearful pandemic which has claimed many lives of our beloved ones, God Has been faithful and protective to our Children. We have the reason to worship and Glorify His Name. Allow me to point out key activities of October.

MEDICAL

Medically, all is well at Lulwanda.  Most of our full-time staff have been fully vaccinated and COVID SOPs are enforced.  We had no suspected cases of COVID-19 or any related illnesses this month.  Overall, we saw a total of fifty-four patients overall during the month of October.  This number is composed of LCH children, staff, and staff’s children.  As always, malaria continues to be the leading cause of patients coming for treatment, although relatively positive rates are low and those who test positive are treated early.  We saw twenty-six patients with suspected malaria and had ten test positive and sixteen test negative.  It is currently the rainy season but use of nets is heavily emphasized.  We saw 19 cases of flu (dry and productive cough) which were all minor and treated.  Eight patients were treated for ringworm or other fungal infections.  The other cases ranged from abdominal pain/cramps, minor headaches, etc.  God continues to provide for the health of Lulwanda and for that, we are extremely grateful.

DISCIPLESHIP

Discipleship continues daily and we are continuing to see both young and older children desire to know God more intimately.  Daily devotions are held on site (LCH) and at Tendo, as well as sent digitally to all young adults who are at campus or unable to attend.  Weekly Bible studies have restarted since the lockdown and worship gatherings have been lifted, and we love seeing our youth have a hunger to know God’s word.  Please be praying that God will lead us to a prayer life that intimately knows what we need to be focusing on, as each child is different, and there are many topics to cover.  Worship and devotions take place both in small groups and in large groups weekly as well.  The major emphasis on campus is evangelism to those who don’t know Christ and training up disciples for those who have repented and believed.  Thank you for your continued love, support, and prayers.

TEAM AROUND THE CHILD (TAC) MEETING:

The social workers visited and assessed the homes of the four children (Davis Namonye, Phoebe Namono, Joel Gwapa and Samwiri Buyinza) who are set for the official reintegration in December 2021. All the four Children are 17 years old and as such they are  young adults who are not eligible to stay at Lulwanda. Reports were compiled, submitted to the TAC committee and all our four Children were recommended to explore Tendo for the next two years before the final reintegration with the clan members. It was a great experience for Sylvia to attend and learn what goes on in the meeting as a new social worker.

APPROVAL OF THE NEW CHILDREN

We are grateful to the US Board for the approval of the eleven (11) vulnerable and total orphans to be rescued next month. We are working hand in hand with the senior probation officer to secure the care orders before coming to Lulwanda.  On the arrival day, we shall take the new Children to the hospital for medical checkup to be aware of any health complications. We really appreciate all our donors and sponsors that God uses to support us and be able to rescue such children so as to bring them up in the fear of the Lord and have a bright future.

SECONDARY SCHOOL

The Secondary kids from S.1, S2, S3, and S5 are studying online. We are using the available laptops FOR the Children at Lulwanda, while at Tendo the Children are using smartphones. The children are happy that they can at least have some reading and interaction with the teachers as we wait for the official opening of schools in January 2022.

UNIVERSITY

Our four (4) that sat for Senior six exams all passed and have joined the University. Carol Naula scored 10 points and doing a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Nooru Watera scored 9 points and is doing a bachelor’s degree in Social Work and Social Administration, Musoba Abel scored 15 points and doing a Bachelor’s degree in Statistics and Economics and Mutsoshi John scored 15 points and doing a bachelor’s degree in Law. Carol and Nooru have joined UCU Mbale while Abel and John joined UCU Mukono. All have reported and started serious lectures.  Be praying for Anthony Wanzala who is doing Bachelor’s degree in Water Engineering and Naster Chebet doing a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration will be completed by February 2022.

HOME LEARNING

We agreed as Lulwanda Management Team that we will conduct home learning for only Lulwanda (Home) children. The lessons are being conducted from the hope dorm home since the school is not officially opened. The Children have been promoted to the next classes since the previous syllabus was completed in the first lockdown. The head teacher together with the teaching staff are conducting home learning from P.5-P.7 while the lower classes are just receiving study materials and assignments which are done by the Children and submitted for marking. We have four teachers coming daily to teach P5, P6 and P.7 while the head teacher is helping to teach phonics from Nursery-P3.

ROKE TELECOM

We hosted Roke telecom as they were celebrating the 15th anniversary and decided to come to Lulwanda and bless us with items like rice, posho, sugar, salt, soap, liquid soap, sanitizer, sanitary pads, balls and two new sewing machines. The day was colorful as the Children were served with breakfast, lunch and above all the Children enjoyed the different games with the visitors.

CONCLUSION

In Galatians 6:9 says ‘Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time, we shall reap a harvest if we do not give up’ Thank you for being there for Lulwanda and standing with us at all difficult times. May the good Lord bless!

In His Grace

Paul Isabirye

Administrator

LCH

Greetings our lovely friends! It’s a blessing to share with you the activities of the month and get acquainted with the new developments at Lulwanda Children’s Home. We shall continue thanking you for this noble cause which you have carried on your shoulders since the inception of this Home. The tangible fruits and testimonies from our Children are vividly evident as they grow and strive to reach their full potential. We sent out sponsor letters from our Children and we are so grateful to all of you who have kept in touch by replying back to our children. 

MEDICAL REPORT

God continues to bless Lulwanda with good health.  All our children at both campuses are cared for medically and have had no major illness or injuries this month.  To break down the medical patients seen by our LCH staff this month we report that we had a total number of fifty-five patients (consisting of staff, staff’s children, and home children).  Twenty-seven malaria tests were performed and eleven were positive while sixteen were negative.  Treatment was given in each instance based upon SOPs and general treatment guidelines.  We also saw 29 cases of mild flu/cough which were treated based upon symptoms.  We have six cases of ringworm that are actively being treated, two minor injuries, along with common complaints such as headache, backache, etc.  All patients have been treated and have recovered.  Thank you for your continued support and prayers and God’s providence in health and general wellness at LCH/Tendo.

DISCIPLESHIP

First, we want to praise God because churches have been allowed to reopen in Uganda.  There are current limitations on numbers, and strict SOP adherence policies but this is a major praise.  This is also a time to be thankful for Pastor Martin and the work he has been doing on behalf of the Lord Jesus in training up our LCH children to be lovers of the Word of God, raised, trained, and instructed in it.  We see lives and hearts being changed daily and all the Glory goes to God who saves and grants Grace to those who repent and believe.  Tendo Bible study has been largely virtual as the curfew time is still at 7pm.  Devotions are held each night both on the LCH and Tendo campuses and there is evidence of the fruit of God’s presence in the lives of His sheep.  Praise God for all He has done, and all He will continue to do.  We ask you to continue to join us in prayer; that Lulwanda will be a beacon of light into the darkness, that we will reflect the image of our Creator, the rock on which we stand, and that we will Glorify God in all that we do.  Thank you for your prayers.

UNIVERSITY ADMISSIONS

I am glad to report that all our Children who sat and passed Uganda’s advanced certificate of education have been admitted to different Universities. Abel Musoba has been admitted at UCU Mukono for Bachelors of Business statistics while John Mutsoshi was admitted for Bachelors of Law at the same Campus. Caroline Naula has been admitted at UCU Mbale Campus for Bachelors of Public Administration and Management while Nooru Watera  admitted for Bachelors of social work and social administration at the same Campus

Meanwhile Ambrose Mutema who was meant to Join the University last year but due to Covid-19 pandemic, is joining this year at Livingstone International University-Mbale Campus for Bachelors of Media technology.

All our University Children are studying online pending the reopening of Universities at the beginning of next month.  The number of Children joining the University is growing bigger every year and this calls for more expenditure in terms of tuition, boarding and room, meals and requirements like laptops and textbooks. Thank you so much for your support and prayers.

MINISTRY FOLLOW UP

The team from the Ministry of Gender Labour and Social Development visited us as a follow up of the virtual training on the Alternative Care management information system. This system helps create digital profiles of children living in approved homes as guided by Alternative Care guidelines by capturing birth, family, health, special needs, education and uploading all legal documentation against the child’s profile. This system is a five step process that begins with, registration of the child, building a plan for the same child, Investigating and qualifying families of the child, placing the child, and following up the Child after reintegration.

This system helps in recovering children’s data in case of fire or any other natural calamity. The system is also viewed by the Senior Probation and Social welfare officer and the Ministry officials for easy monitoring and being updated on the Home at all times. The system reduces much paperwork and reports can be negated on any Child in the shortest time possible. So far we have just completed the first step and the Ministry of Gender is yet to organize another training for the second step.

FINANCIAL TRAINING

Our Social workers have continued to attend Online training by Mr. Virgil Hughes on how to Manage Business Money. We plan to use them to train the Lulwanda Alumni on business transactions. These were some of the learning goals:

a)         How to keep household and business money separate.

b)         How to understand if your business is earning money.

c)         How to manage your money to keep your business growing.

All this can be achieved by keeping details of all records and avoid mixing business and household money, calculating profits, reinvesting in your business, using loan money for only business, using profits wisely, preventing business money losses and managing requests for credit sales

FAMILY ASSESSMENT

The government policy requires that children should be reintegrated with their families before they attain the age of 18. We have three Children, Davis Onesmus Namonye, Sawmiri Buyinza, and Joel Gwapa who are of the age of 17yrs and have to be reintegrated with the clan members at the end of this year. However, before the Children are fully reintegrated with the clan members, we continue to house them at Lulwanda Tendo to learn more practical life skills for the next two years. At this point, most of our Children will be at the University or trade school and therefore can take care of themselves when fully reintegrated with the clan members.

CONCLUSION

Great appreciation to our donors and sponsors for supporting us all the time. We are very much grateful to all the Board members and volunteers who have devoted their resources and time for the benefit of the Children. It is because of your endless guidance and financial support that we are able execute the above activities and smooth running of the Home.  Thank you so much and may the Almighty God bless you all!

In His Grace

Paul Isabirye

Administrator-LCH

Greetings all in the Precious name of Our Lord. Praying that all is well with you as we keep looking at Him to help us in our daily challenges of life. It’s the reason we continue breathing even when we are amidst a great storm like Covid-19 pandemic. Surely all our Children and staff are grateful for all the support which enabled us to run all the activities of the month. Praying for the abundant providence to all your needs according to His will. This month all our Children wrote sponsor letters appreciating your good gesture of sponsorship and hopefully all of you received the letters.  Below are some of the activities of August that I would love you to note.

MEDICAL:

Medical care has been going on very well as of late.  We continue to receive typical East African illnesses, and had two children who had injuries that needed stitching.  One major and one minor but both were done on site and have fully healed with no complications.  For the month of August, we had a total of 48 total patients (staff, staff children, and home children). Malaria cases were the majority of illnesses with fifteen positive cases.  Other minor cases of cough and flu were present, as were fungal infections which are common here.  Our new on-site nurse has been an incredible gift to add to our team, both clinically and spiritually.  Please continue to pray for health for all of our staff, children, and families.

HOME ACTIVITIES:

We are still in the lockdown due to the presidential directives on controlling covid-19 three months ago. Opening up schools is uncertain and all our Children are at home occupied with different activities. Upon completion of the house chores, our Children are occupied with different activities like playing football, netball, volleyball, basketball, watching educational programs on the television and   fellowship. Girls are also involved in making door mats which can be a source of income in future and this is also a life skill. They also take off some time to read and revise books as they wait for the reopening of schools which will be Jan 2022.

MAMA AGNES:

Following the retirement of Mama Joy due to poor health, we hired Mama Agnes who once worked with us. She is a hardworking and committed mother who is taking care of the Children living in house six. All reports from the children are very positive as they say they are receiving adequate love and care. We surely thank God for having her back to serve our children.

DISCIPLESHIP:     

Discipleship continues to be the most essential aspect of all that we do.  Evangelism and bringing our children to an understanding of the need for repentance and faith in Christ alone for salvation from sin and death is stressed daily.  Once one confesses, discipleship then begins.  We have benefitted from this period of COVID despite restrictions to continue to hold on campus devotions, communally, and in the home setting.  We’ve also been able to reconnect with the young adults who are now in university, but on hiatus due to COVID restrictions.  We can’t meet in large groups, but have been afforded the opportunity to spend more small group time with them and have been intentional on pointing them to the Cross in all things.  James 1:2-4 says, “Count it all joy, brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.  And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”  Thank you for your prayers.  Be praying that Lulwanda reflects the love of Christ in all that we do.

UACE RESULTS AND ADMISSIONS:

John Mutoshi, Abel Musoba, Caroline Naula and Nooru Watera sat for Uganda advanced certificate of education and all passed for University admission. We have already applied for University intake and we are waiting for admission letters. Be praying that each one will be granted the course that they desire in their career path.

Meanwhile we have also secured admission letters for Norah Masai who will be taking Biology, Chemistry and Math which will lead her taking medical courses at the University while Gift Naluboka will take Math, Economics and Art which will lead her taking Architecture at the University though her dream at first was being a Journalist or Lawyer.

UNIVERSITY STUDY:

Some of our University Children are studying online before the official opening on Nov/1^st /2021 while others are doing internships at different areas of placement. We are hopeful that we shall have a few of them in final classes graduating by the end of this year or beginning of next year 2022. We have cleared all the University fees and we are grateful for the financial support.  Be praying that all goes well for the finalists.

COMPLETION OF HOUSE 7&8:

We are grateful that the new houses are almost coming to completion. They will be ready for handover at the beginning of October 2021. The houses look great and we are thankful to all for your tireless contributions towards the construction. Our Children are blessed to live in such houses which gives them a home-like environment where they are loved and cared for.

MINISTRY MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM:

The Ministry of Gender, Labor and social development introduced the Management information system where it is able to monitor all the activities in all home care institutions in Uganda. The system captures all the information about the home and Children. The purpose of the system is to monitor and eliminate loopholes in home care institutions that are not following the Ministry guidelines. In this case we can receive calls directly with the Ministry in case there’s anything that the Ministry needs to find out in the data system. The information can only be accessed by the Ministry officials and only designated Lulwanda staff.

CONCLUSION

All our Children always put on great smiles and look different from other ordinary Children of Uganda because you have loved and taken care of all their daily needs. Every contribution you make towards the Children of Lulwanda brings a great transformation in their lives. They don’t deserve it and they never expected but the Lord who has good plans for all of us touched your hearts to be part of this great family for a noble cause. Thank you very much for honoring the call and the voice of the Almighty Lord. God bless!

In His Grace

Paul Isabirye

Administrator- LCH

Hello friends, warm greetings from the big family of Lulwanda. We hope and pray that you are keeping safe during these unprecedented times. At Lulwanda, the Lord has kept all the Children safe as we wait for the government vaccination before schools are reopened. Currently the home is out of bounds to the community and non-essential workers. We have strict observance of the SOPs (Standard Operating Practices) and we have sensitized our Children about covid-19 signs and its dangers.  We are grateful for the sacrifice you are making to ensure that our kids have all the necessities of life.

MEDICAL

This month was an interesting month medically.  The country was under a fairly strict lockdown which helped reduce numbers of those infected.  God spared Lulwanda and all are well and COVID-19 free (suspected cases were tested via RDT by the government and quarantined, all came back negative).  Despite negative RDTs, those who had signs and symptoms consistent with COVID-19 were managed as positive cases and isolated.  All have recovered.  This month we saw a total of 56 patients between staff, staff’s children, and home children.  Malaria as typical was the main diagnosis via RDT (Rapid Diagnostic Test) and we had 25 positive cases that were all minor and treated on site.  We saw minor flu and skin conditions as well.  No major cases were tended to outside of one severe finger infection that was the result of a puncture wound digging in the garden.  The finger was opened and debrided and stitched to enable healing.  The finger is fully recovered.  We also had a major laceration to the wrist of one of our children who was caught by a piece of sharp metal that exposed the ligaments and veins.  The laceration was approximately 2 ½ inches long and deep.  It was debrided and stitched under local anaesthesia and is now fully healed.  No loss of sensation, range of motion or damage noted after healing.  Overall it was a good month; our new nurse is learning new techniques for stitching and how to handle more severe wounds and is growing in confidence.  Please be praying for her to continue to develop professionally, but also as a mentor and a mirror of Christ’s love to her patients.  She is doing very well thus far.  Be praying for Uganda, that our current COVID-19 surge will continue to decline.  We will also be praying for you as we know the wave we just went through has reached the US now.  All praise and glory be to God alone for his provision of health and healing.

DISCIPLESHIP

Discipleship has continued at LCH and Tendo with some reformation of how we accomplished this due to the COVID-19 crisis.  Home and church services were held on site in the homes and main hall as applicable.  Devotional materials have been distributed daily to all staff and children.  Additionally, due to the restrictions on religious gatherings, Tendo Bible study has been taking place at Tendo with materials provided virtually.  The lockdown of assemblies and church gatherings has been extended another 60 days, so this will likely be the case going forward.  We have also been taking the children through The Chosen series (season 1 & 2) to give them a further understanding of Jesus, His disciples, and His ministry.  Please continue to pray that our efforts will be fruitful via the power of the Holy Spirit in opening the hearts to children and staff, both saved and unsaved.  All praise and glory be given to God alone for His provision of the atoning sacrifice in Christ that we share with the world.  This is by far the most important education we can give these children.  Please pray that wisdom and discernment be given to those who lead.

PLE AND UCE CANDIDATES

We are grateful to the Almighty God for the excellent performance of our Children at Lulwanda Primary School.  Out of the ten kids who sat for Primary leaving examinations (PLE), six passed in Grade 1 and four scored grade 2.  Madina Akello outshined the rest of the home Children with a super Grade 1. We shall be looking for placements in secondary schools immediately.

Meanwhile the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) results were released and Norah Masai was the best with 15 aggregates. Norah desires to become a neurosurgeon Doctor and she is a very smart girl who can easily make it. Keep on praying that her dream at one time will come true. Another smart Girl is Gift Naluboka who scored 25 aggregates and her desire is to become either a lawyer or journalist. She has been hosted on some of the local radio stations to discuss how Children are affected by covid-19 pandemic together with government officials. During the discussion she was the moderator of the discussions. She has also been the Child representative on the day of the African Child from Mbale District. We are still waiting for the release of the Uganda advanced certificate of Education (UACE) where we are expecting John Mutoshi and Abel to put smiles on our faces. These two will be joining the University if all goes well. I will let you know in next month’s report.

CONSTRUCTION OF NEW HOUSES

House 7&8 are almost complete, all the roofing has been completed and what is remaining is putting in the tiles and fixing the door glasses, windows, painting and the inside plumbing works. If not for the covid-19 restrictions on transports, the two houses would have been completed by the end of August. However the contractor is doing all the best to ensure that houses are constructed well and will last for a long period of time. We appreciate each of you who have contributed towards the construction of these two beautiful houses.

AUNT HILLARY’S VISIT

We had a special guest this month despite the COVID crisis (for those of you who know Hillary personally will understand why she didn’t care if she was exposed).  She had been vaccinated prior to coming and spent a few days at LCH bringing many games, kites, and other activities for the children to enjoy.  The children loved being able to spend time with her and it was a blessing to all the children and staff.  We are grateful for her time served both at Lulwanda and in Uganda, and pray she’s able to return again.  She has now returned home.

FELLOWSHIP DINNER

In preparation for the fellowship dinner slated for September 11, our Children are in high gear practising songs that will be presented on that special day. Truly our kids are gifted at singing and I do encourage you to attend and be able to watch the beautiful melodies from our own Children. Expect to see other interesting documentaries about Lulwanda. Praying that you all attend in person.

CONCLUSION

Allow me to thank all of you for all the donations that you have made during this difficult time. We are looking forward to a day when life will come to normal and be able to see some of your faces at Lulwanda. We are longing to see you and pray for God’s protection upon your lives. Thank you for being kind and generous to these young ones. May the Almighty God bless you according to His desire and will.

In Him

Paul Isabirye

Administrator – LCH

I bring greetings from the staff and the little ones of Lulwanda. We continue to thank God for His protection and providence during this difficult time. Once again the home is under lockdown as we are experiencing the second wave of covid-19 pandemic. This seems to be beyond our human wisdom and understanding as the only solution lies in the hands of God. However, we are grateful to the Almighty God who is taking care of these little ones. Allow me to take you through the activities of the month of June.

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