Warm greetings from Lulwanda. As we come to the end of the year 2021, surely we are grateful for standing with us in hard times and above all to the Almighty God for His provision and protection amidst the challenges of COVID-19. All our Children are doing well and have continued to grow in the knowledge and fear of the Almighty God. Most of them have now grown up and what a great Joy to see our first group of Children graduating and serving the community, something that was not expected if it was NOT for you the friends of Lulwanda. Thank you so much and let God bless the work of your hands.

MEDICAL REPORT

God has blessed us once again with a wonderful year of health and safety.  Despite the global pandemic along with general illnesses and injuries that occur when you have many children, God has provided.  All our praise goes to Him alone for sustaining His children.  This month we saw 37 total patients between children, staff, and their eligible relatives.  There were a total of 15 malaria cases (out of 27 tested) and treated.  13 patients were treated for general flu and cough, and other minor illnesses.  This month all children and staff were given deworming treatment on December 8th.  We thank God for another year of providential health for His Children’s Home.

DISCIPLESHIP REPORT

Discipleship continues but has been dialled back to mainly digital this month.  Most children outside of the new children who were brought in are on home leave (social bonding) with their clans.  Upon their return we plan to continue with discipleship as previously conducted.  Daily devotionals and songs are sent out digitally with Bible studies sent out once weekly.  Our youth have a hunger for the Lord and knowing Him through His eternal Word.  This has been one of the most productive years spiritually at Lulwanda.  Over 40 children repented and believed in the Gospel, and God brought over 20 youth to pledge to remain pure until marriage all by the power of His Word.  Glory be to the Lord.

SOCIAL BONDING

It’s a government policy to send Children to be with their clan members at the end of every year for social bonding for a period of three weeks. Apart from the new kids we brought this very month, all our Children are currently staying with the clan members for Christmas celebrations. Last year 2020, our Children remained at home due to COVID-19 lockdown and other restrictions. Social bonding helps the Children to have a strong attachment with the identified clan member whom they can stay with after the reintegration.

CHRISTMAS PARTY

Before sending our Children to the village for social bonding, we had the Christmas party where we prepared for them a delicious meal. We had games throughout the day and the Children were also served with ice cream. The Children were happy and enjoyed the day.

NEW CHILDREN

The long-awaited new Children finally arrived at Lulwanda on December 7^th 2021. The new children include Trevor Mulongo, Keneth Mbulamaye, Haruna Magode, Musa Kowu, Carol Naula, Gift Logose, Getrude Namakoye, Brian Wawuswa, Judith Namusoga and William Gadala. It was all Joy and excitement when the new kids were ushered to the big family of Lulwanda. You could see big smiles on the faces of the new Children wondering what could be happening in their lives. They have already experienced the love and care from their sisters, brothers and staff members which they were missing while in the village. We welcomed all of them with special songs and flash cards with exciting messages and cartoons. Each new kid was presented with a beautiful locally made bouquet of flowers which had sweets inside. All the new Children were assigned to different new houses and the house mothers were so happy to have the new children join this beautiful loving home.

FINANCIAL MEETING

We held the financial meeting with the financial training coordinator Hassan Wabutwa, Irene and Olive (the social workers) and Anthony Wanzala. The purpose of the meeting was to hear feedback from the staff members about the first financial training which was attended by Chairman Larry of the USA Board. Second was to lay down strategies for the future financial training of all the Lulwanda staff members and the Lulwanda Alumni. The meeting was attended by all the staff members and Lulwanda young adults at Tendo. In this meeting, it was agreed to start up a savings group at the beginning of next year 2022.  It was a good moment to hear from each individual what they had been able to practice out of the knowledge that they received from the first financial training. It was so fruitful to know that members were very positive about the training and with this, we will be organising for the second training.

On the same occasion, I had an opportunity to speak to the staff members who had taken time without coming to Lulwanda due to the lockdown restrictions. A number of issues and updates were communicated since the second lockdown in June 2021.  Among the issues communicated was resuming of work by all staff members on January 3^rd 2022, receiving of new children, social bonding, teachers being ready to guide and counsel the kids and create a positive impact when schools re- open next year 2022 and graduation of our first University children among others.

SHOPPING FOR NEW CHILDREN

Our social workers together with the house mothers bought a number of essential items for the new Children. The social workers came up with a budget which was fully funded by the US Board. Items that were purchased for each child include clothes, bathing soap & sponge, Vaseline, tooth brushes, shoes, sandals, bedsheets, play materials, inner panties, and mosquito nets among others. Thank you so much for the support given to make the lives of these Children better.

UNIVERSITY AND TERTIARY STUDENTS BACK HOME

Most of our children who reported to school in November 2021 after the government reopened Universities and trade schools are breaking off for the Christmas holiday. It is a short holiday but worth celebrating the birth of our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ. We have sent them transport money and they will be travelling back home by themselves since they are in higher institutions of learning.

ONLINE STUDY FOR SECONDARY CHILDREN

The online learning lessons for Mbale Secondary School kids were interrupted for one week as they were going to the village for social bonding. They will resume normal studies when schools reopen up in January 2022.  St. Mary’s Lugazi Children who are joining S.5 next year 2022 (Gift Naluboka and Norah Masai) will continue learning even while in their village since we purchased new smart phones for them.  The LPS Children will resume studies on January 10^th 2022 when schools reopen officially. 

SOLAR POWER SYSTEM

We have replaced the damaged solar panels with new ones, plus replaced ten (10) new batteries. As for now power at Lulwanda children’s home is very stable and we have light throughout the night. Our big gratitude to all our friends for always supporting us.

CONCLUSION

As the year 2021 comes to an end, we thank the Almighty who graciously loves us and has given us another chance to continue serving Him. We thank all the friends of Lulwanda for supporting us for the past years and above all accepting the Lulwanda Children as if they were part of your families. Great thanks to the US Board leadership for the wise leadership in guiding us in the better management of the home. Words may not explain how grateful we are but surely from the bottom of our hearts you are the reason our Children have a great smile on their faces because the future is now bright. Thank you so much and HAPPY NEW YEAR 2022!

In His Grace

Paul Isabirye

LCH-Administrator

Hello our beloved friends! I bring warm greetings from the little ones and the staff members of the Lulwanda family. We are grateful to each of you for your kind heart which brings a great smile to our Children. We are grateful to the Almighty God Who Has continued being faithful to all of us. We appreciate His Blessings, Provision, Care and Mercy which enabled us to push through. Below are the activities of November.

MEDICAL REPORT

This month we saw minor illnesses and had no significant medical issues at Lulwanda.  The total number of patients seen (comprising LCH home children, staff & their immediate families) was sixty in number.  We saw an uptick in malaria rates as our on-site nurse performed thirty-six MRDT’s, twenty of those were positive.  The patients were treated and have fully recovered without complications.  In addition, we had eighteen cases of flu and cough treated on site.  Our on-site nurse treated seven cases of ringworm.  We had one minor injury and various other minor aches and pains that were treated on-site.  We did stitch one patient who has fully recovered from an injury sustained from the metal swings.  This patient (a home child) received a tetanus shot.  Overall, we give glory to our great God and Savior for all His provision.  He faithfully continues holding us all together (Col. 1:17) in His hands.  Please continue to pray for health and safety at Lulwanda and that a COVID resurgence will not occur in Uganda.

DISCIPLESHIP REPORT

Discipleship continues to be the cornerstone of all that Lulwanda focuses on first and foremost.  Pastor Martin has been very active in ensuring that group Bible studies occur communally in large and small group settings.  Tendo Bible study has continued to be fruitful as we had to move to an earlier time to accommodate curfew.  The sessions generally last around 1 ½ hours or 30 minutes of praise and worship, then the lesson and discussions.  We finished the book of James this past month.  Daddy Tendo will continue to be provided with discipleship materials to continue this from home.

UPDATE ON KELLEY MISSIONARY FAMILY

As many of you know, the Kelley family is in a time of transition back to the United States.  They will continue to serve as missionaries from the US and travel to and from Uganda at least twice a year.  Ryan will continue to be involved in sponsor letter coordination with Sylvia and provide daily devotions and weekly discipleship material for Tendo and staff.  Ryan left for the United States on November 27^th, and the rest of the Kelley family is present in Uganda.  Megan is still involved in counseling and working with Tendo, furnishing the homes with curtains, Facebook updates, and Lulwanda as necessary while Ryan is away.  Ryan will return in February, and the family plans to move back to the United States in March.  While they will physically not be with us in person, we are glad they will continue to be a part of the Lulwanda family and involved heavily.  Medical coordination and supply orders are still being sent to Ryan for him to oversee the ordering and procurement. Our on-site nurse has been in communication with him for direction when needed.

1^st UNIVERSITY GRADUATION OF LULWANDA CHILDREN

We are grateful to the Almighty God that we held our first University graduation ceremony for our alumni Children. Mercy, Sylvia Doreen and Allen made us proud as they graduated with Bachelor’s degrees in different fields.  Mercy graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Art, Doreen graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business administration while Sylva and Allen both graduated in Social Work and Social Administration. We invited all the Lulwanda Alumni, relatives of the graduates, the local management committee and the government officials to the ceremony.

Currently Lulwanda has employed Mercy as the program coordinator and Sylvia as the social worker. Allen is working with microfinance as a loans officer. Meanwhile be praying for Doreen that she gets employed very soon.  Be praying for Ivan Kuloba who missed out the graduation due to retakes and also failure to submit the research report. This function was a source of inspiration to our Children as most of them have got a positive mindset of working hard for a better future.

FINANCIAL TRAINING

 Our Social workers and Anthony completed the financial training facilitated by Virgil from the USA. The purpose of the training is to have financial knowledge in business and increase our savings to live a better life and above all honor God with our money. This coming month before we break off for the Christmas season, the trainees will conduct the financial workshop which will be attended by the staff members and young adults of Lulwanda. They will also invite the Lulwanda Alumni for the same training next year 2022.

 RESETTLED CHILDREN

We held a meeting with resettled Children who had discipline issues. Following the outcry from such Children who had not followed the Lulwanda policies and showing no signs of repentance, the Lulwanda Management team together with Pastor Morris met them to hear their concerns. All their views were noted by the social workers and we agreed that we shall address their concerns case by case after the approval from the Local management committee and the US Board.

VACCINATION OF TENDO YOUNG ADULTS

As the government opened up trade school and University, it is a requirement for all students above the age of 18 years to be vaccinated against COVID -19 before reporting to the institutions.  We had to adhere to the government advice and mobilize our young adults at Tendo to receive the first Jab. We brought the health worker who vaccinated them after the sensitization and now they are waiting to receive the second Jab when its due.

CARE ORDERS FOR NEW CHILDREN AND SHOPPING

We are in the final stage of bringing the new Children before we break off for the Christmas season. The social workers have done the shopping of items like clothes and beddings for the new Children. We submitted the paperwork to the Senior Probation and Welfare Officer to secure the care orders. We are waiting for the endorsement and approval from the court first and then we shall take them for thorough medical checkup at the hospital before coming to Lulwanda. We are eagerly waiting for the day when the new Children shall join the Lulwanda family and be relieved of the stress as most of them are Child headed families.

TRADE SCHOOL RE-OPENING

The trade schools finally opened up this November after a long period of lockdown. The continuing students and new entrants have reported and are having physical lessons at their respective institutions. Brian Webisa and Timothy Wandiba joined Benedictine Vocational Training and Production Center in Tororo for the award of a certificate in plumbing and electrical installation respectively. Vincent, Jackeline and Alafat joined the Christian Childcare project and Miken vocational institute for plumbing, hotel management and commercial Art and design respectively.  They were so excited to report to school and pursue courses of their interest.

SENIOR FOUR CHILDREN

We had a joint meeting with the students who sat for senior four (S4) this year in 2021 in guiding and counseling how to make the right choice depending on the performance, ability and interest. Those joining A-Level needed career guidance on selection of subjects to be offered at high school. This usually should be in line with the child’s ambition so that they can work hard and achieve their set goals.  Furthermore, even those that are joining trade schools were also guided well and they are all happy and comfortable with the choices made.

S/N	CHILD’S NAME	COMBINATION	COURSE	INSTITUTION
1	NORAH MASAI	BCM/ICT BIOLOGY, CHEMISTRY, MATH		ST. MARY’S LUGAZI
2	GIFT NALUBOKA	MEA/ICT MATH ECONOMICS ART		ST. MARY’S LUGAZI
3	DONAH NADUNGA	GENT ART/ ICT GEOGRAPHY, ENTREPRENEURSHIP FINE ART		MBALE SS
4	PHEOBE NAMBOZO	HLD/ICT HISTORY, LITERATURE, DIVINITY		MBALE SS
5	JOEL WAMONO	MEA / ICT MATH, ECONOMICS, FINE ART		MBALE SS
6	BRIAN WEBISA		CERTIFICATE IN PLUMBING	BENEDICTINE VOCATIONAL TRAINING AND PRODUCTION CENTER
7	TIMOTHY WANDIBA		CERTIFICATE IN ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION	BENEDICTINE VOCATIONAL TRAINING AND PRODUCTION CENTER
8	ALAFAT GIZAMBALI		CERTIFICATE IN COMMERCIAL ART AND DESIGN	MIKEN VOCATIONAL INSTITUTE
9	VICENT WANANSOFU		CERTIFICATE IN PLUMBING	CHRISTIAN CHILDCARE PROJECT
10	JACKLINE NGWABE		CERTIFICATE IN CATERING AND HOTEL MGT	CHRISTIAN CHILD CARE PROJECT

ADMISSIONS FOR SENIOR ONE STUDENTS

We were also able to secure admissions for the children that sat for their primary leaving examination (Marion, Betty, Joyce and Madinah). These four Children have been admitted at Mbale Secondary School and will start schooling at the beginning of January 2022. They will be joining the rest of the brothers and sisters already at Mbale SS.

LMC MEETING

The Local Management Committee held an end of year meeting in which a number of issues were discussed. In this meeting the budget for 2022 was discussed, passed and forwarded to the US Board for discussion and final approval. The budget is high as we have a big number of Children entering secondary, trade school and University. This means an increase in the tuition payments and school requirements. We realized an increase in the household items and gas as the prices are continuing to rise up due to the effects of COVID-19. We are praying for God’s provision in financing the budget.

CHRISTMAS CLOTHES

We thank God for the continued provision from our sponsors and donors towards the purchase of the Christmas clothes. Each child has already received new clothes and a pair of shoes for Christmas as we celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. Thank you so much for bringing a big smile on the face of the children.

CONCLUSION

We thank God for the opportunity to serve Lulwanda and above all for working with great men and women of God who support to bring hope and Joy to the vulnerable Children. Every support makes a big change in the lives of these kids. Thank you once again and wishing you a MERRY CHRISTMAS.  May God bless you all!

In His Grace

Paul Isabirye

Administrator-LCH

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