I bring greetings from the big family of Lulwanda and wish everyone well in all your endeavors. This month of August has been a blessing to us as we had all our Children back from boarding school and we got to interact and share stories from life at school, plus enjoy the fellowship as a family.
Health
The health of the children has been good; we have not had any serious complications and I am happy that Ryan is back from USA to handle any emergencies. He has been briefed of all medical issues and he is now ready to make a follow up of every child. Ryan started by testing for HIV and Glory be to God that all our Children were found to be negative apart from the two known cases. We thank the Almighty God for the protection put upon our Children and Staff.
Secondary School Children
We received all the secondary school children in good health and with no report of indiscipline across all schools. The performance of the children is good for those that are focused and hardworking in school unlike a few who are reluctant and came back with low grades. We have organized counseling sessions for slow learners to improve on their performance. None of our children was sent home for unpaid school fees; all their requirements were met on time whenever we were called upon. We continue to encourage them and give them proper guidance for them to excel in their studies. Furthermore, our reintegrated children studying at Miken Vocational Institute Mbale also ended their first three month’s study program this August for a short holiday and will soon complete their certificates. They are all doing well (Mike Wangota – commercial art and computer graphics, Betty Namutosi – hair dressing, Racheal Nandudu – tailoring and Patience Komugisha – commercial art and computer design).
Alternative Care Training
The Social Workers held one day training with the teachers on Alternative Care. It was a great opportunity for our primary school teachers to get knowledge and exposure on alternative care. The objectives of the training was to give the teachers an overview of working with children without parental care, Child protection policies and promoting collaboration by working together with the Government and donors in taking care of the Children. At the end of the training, all the teachers were rewarded with certificates of attendance.
Social Bonding
Some of our Children had an opportunity to be visited at Lulwanda by their relatives from their village. They came to check on their progress and talk to them. This included Daisy Khanakwa who was visited twice by her elderly grandmother and Aunt, she was so excited to meet them.
Zacharia Leka and Rose Naula also got an opportunity to visit their homes in the village during the holiday. It was nice having such a chance to meet their relatives, interact with them and encourage the students to work hard in school.
Motivational Speaker
We were blessed to have Dr. Vicent Juma talk to our Children. Dr. Vicent was once raised from a Children’s Home and has great love for Orphans. He is a young man of 25 years and working at Nairobi hospital and as well, a vice chairperson of a firm that inspires and talks to children from children’s homes. He is an inspirational speaker and above all serves the lord with all his heart. He encouraged the children in particular areas and strongly emphasized that Children should write down their vision and pray over it daily for the Lord to make it successful. He urged the Children to be respectful to adults and submit to those in authority and above all being thankful to the Lord because they are loved and chosen by God. He further encouraged them to always hear the voice of God and do according to His will. He advised Children to cultivate the culture of reading and do better in class and always embrace the spirit of excellence in what they do. He concluded by informing kids to love one another as the greatest commandment from the Lord. This was a good package for them as they prepare to go back to school. It will help them to concentrate and make better decisions for their lives
Larry And Don Visit
This month we were glad once again to receive Larry and his wife Dee to Uganda. They came along with Don Metz and his wife Ann for a one week visit. Dee and Ann were busy taking sponsor photos of the Children while Larry and Don went for evangelism in Merikirit village. They drilled a borehole for the community and now the community members have access to safe water. Don and his wife Ann donated Lego games to the Children in the new houses. These games were a gift from their beloved daughter who had a birthday party and was given these gifts. Since she had great love for Lulwanda Children, she decided to give everything to Lulwanda. This is amazing for such a little girl to have such great love for other Children she has never seen before. Don and Ann are back in the USA now while Larry and Mama Dee are still in Uganda for a little while to accomplish certain tasks before returning back to USA.
Football Match
We started physical exercises for staff members every Monday morning. The purpose of this activity is to keep our bodies healthy, strong and fit. It’s also intended to unite the staff members as we continue caring for the Children that God has entrusted us to keep. All the staff members and Children have loved the activity and it’s always fun whenever we have it. Through the physical exercise, we decided on playing football and formed two wonderful football teams, one for women and one for men. We had a great time hosting the staff of Covenant Bible Institute of Theology (CBIT) for friendly soccer games. It was smiles all around as our Lulwanda Ladies Soccer Team ended up 1:0 winners in the game they played, and our men’s team came away with a 3:1 win.
Conclusion
We continue to extend our gratitude to you all for working tirelessly to support us, in order to brighten the future of these lovely children of God. May the Almighty God bless you.
Thank you very much
In Him,
Paul Isabirye
Administrator
