Our trimestral reports are written by Susan Laker for our Kampala programs and by Aidah Wafula for our Jinja programs. In addition to our Child-Sponsorship Program we run additional programs throughout the year benefitting all children and their community. This report shows the programs that have been running the trimester October - December 2023
1. EDUCATION
Jinja
During this trimester, the education program in Jinja witnessed various significant events and achievements. The candidate classes initiated their end-of-year national examinations in October for secondary students and early November for Primary Seven candidates.
Overall, the academic performance was good, with the majority of students successfully promoted to the next classes.
Music and computer classes remained integral to the program, with lessons conducted every evening after normal classes.
Kampala
In October our Primary Seven candidates had their national exams (P.L.E), followed by a celebration day, marked by dedication prayers, a parents' party, and successful completion of exams on November 11. This was a beautiful day of celebration for our students.
December in Kampala was filled with anticipation for the Christmas celebration with parents, and the presence of our ambassadors and friends, including Joelle from Netherlands, Ed from India, and Jenny from Germany. The year-end celebration with parents added to the joyous atmosphere.
2. NUTRITION PROGRAM
Kampala
Throughout this period, the program served hot meals every Sunday, reaching 134 children at the office. Additionally, 130 kids in boarding school received their share of weekly meals,. The menu included beans, vegetables, silverfish, eggplants, rice, g-nut source, sweet potatoes, posho, and Irish potatoes.
Kampala received 1229 kgs of maize grains from Jinja, and this maize was processed into 600kgs of posho, providing a great source of nutrition for the children.
The nutrition program stands as a testament to the transformative power of collective efforts in nourishing the lives of the children in Kampala, and we are deeply grateful for our sponsors allowing us to continue promoting this initiative.
Jinja
In the last 3 months of the year, the nutrition program in Jinja continued its vital role in ensuring the children received hot meals. This ongoing effort, especially during the festive season, where the children were home from school and not often receiving nutrition meals, continues to be pivotal in our strategy to ensure proper balanced meals to our children. Covering the nutritional aspects, ensuring the provision of hot meals throughout December, aims at controlling malnutrition-related diseases among sponsored kids by offering a balanced diet, something often unaffordable for individual parents in a family setting.
The month ended with a special Christmas party on the 23rd of December, featuring enjoyable meals, fostering beautiful memories among the sponsored children.
3. HEALTH AND EYE-CARE PROGRAM
Jinja
In Jinja the health program providedd essential medical services for sponsored children.
Firstly, Rudiger, the sponsor of the eye program, visited along with Simon and Brenda, Optician students from the Ophthalmology school in Kyamulibwa. They conducted eye checkups for over 100 kids, including both sponsored and non-sponsored children from Danida and Soweto Community in Jinja, Uganda. Glasses were distributed, especially to those requiring Photochromatic glasses. Recommendations for medical treatment were made for 23 kids. Additionally, the Kyamulibwa team was tasked with manufacturing eyeglasses with lenses for children requiring correction for better sight.
In November, 25 kids with sight issues were taken to an optician center for thorough eye treatment. One child, Luke, received PGX glasses, while Benjamin and Mary were referred to Mengo National Eye Hospital for cataract surgery and possible low vision assessment, respectively.
Kampala
During the months of October, November, and December 2023 in Kampala, the health program addressed various medical needs and challenges within the sponsored children community.
On 25th November, a day after the kids had gotten holidays from school, 25 kids with sight issues underwent thorough eye treatment at an optician center. One child, Luke, received PGX glasses, while two others, Benjamin and Mary, were referred to Mengo National Eye Hospital for cataract surgery and possible low vision assessment, respectively.
Child Hope was diagnosed with severe malaria on the 20th of November, but timely assistance from 22stars ensured she received the required medical attention.
The health program also encountered other medical challenges. On 20th December, Anena Beatrice, who had earlier undergone goiter surgery, went back to Lacor Hospital and was booked for another operation on 8th January 2024.
Melisa, a sickle cell patient, also faced an attack but received prompt and full treatment, funded by 22stars foundation.
The health program in Kampala is essential to address a range of medical issues and ensuring the well-being of sponsored children.
4. VARIA PROGRAMS
Jinja
Throughout the final quarter of 2023, Jinja hosted various activities.
The month kicked off with a festive celebration of Independence Day on October 9th, where Stella and the Kampala team joined forces with the Jinja community.
Continuing the spirit of independence, on October 13th, a heartwarming celebration unfolded in Jinja with the participation of our volunteer ladies. Eats, drinks, and shared moments of fun marked this occasion at the offices.
Another highlitght occurred on October 14th when a team of opticians, led by Rudiger, Stella, Manuel, Peace, and Susan, visited Jinja. Engaging in center day activities, conducting eye checks, and sharing live music performances with Susan and David created a memorable experience for everyone involved.
The engagement with school clubs played a crucial role in education and awareness. On October 20th, the PIASCY club from Iganga Secondary School visited, providing valuable information about HIV/AIDS, engaging in fun activities, and generously gifting sanitary pads and scholastic materials to the children.
Later in the month, on October 27th, the Straight Talk club of Iganga Secondary School made a visit to Jinja. This visit included interactive sessions with the kids and the distribution of gifts such as soap, pens, pencils, books, and sanitary pads.
In December, a visit from the Scripture Union Club of Iganga Secondary School was also beautiful for us, and the girls shared words of encouragement, engaged in fun activities with the kids, and brought along gifts like biscuits, sanitary pads, and scholastic materials.
Kampala
In October, visitors from Europe, including Stella Romana Airoldi, Emmanuel, and Rudiger, engaged in impactful activities. Rudiger conducted eye tests, and our visitors Georgie from the UK and Annelikeka from the Netherlands added more warmth to our community.
