Living Hope - Gulu

Women and young girls are the most marginalised and wounded people in Uganda and so many have been left abandoned or widowed due to rebel armies and the HIV+ virus. The LRA (Lord's Resistance Army) has left an oppressive and dark cloud over Northern Uganda. So many destitute women and countless orphans have been caught up in unimaginable horrors. It is hard to comprehend and difficult to understand that hundreds and thousands of women and children can be abducted by a rebel army and only a few short years ago.

'Living Hope' peanut butter

Some of the girls

Cheeky grin ... love that children are welcome alongside the working mums.

the sewing room...making merchandise....supporting women.

Uganda is a country so desperately needing hope, education, justice and dignity. The 'Living Hope' project is doing just that by transforming the lives of so many vulnerable women. 

Watoto is rescuing, raising and rebuilding a nation by making a difference in this region. Living Hope provides opportunity for local women to learn new skills and the women are better equipped to contribute purposefully to their society. A number of different products (like clothing, jewellery and peanut butter) are made on sight to help the project become self sustainable. The dark cloud is moving and bright rays of sunshine are filtering through and warming the earth once again. Life is blooming in this beautiful part of the world. It has already restored dignity and hope to so many women - an estimated 1200 women in Kampala and 900 women in Gulu.

Bbira Children's Village

Entry to Bbira Children's Village

Kids just delighted to be holding hands!!!

Was lost for words and completely overwhelmed. I held hands with little people, who were so delighted to hang on to the Mzunga - 'white person'.

Mama Rosa - words of wisdom ... truly an amazing woman.

Inspired by humility, dignity and grace.

Signs of value and worth, it says "Build Self Confidence"

I was in awe! 
Loving the signs planted around the school
 inspiring hope, purpose and dignity.

Beautiful Anneliese ... the smile says it all.

A very happy day. 

Bbira Children's Village

Playing games

The children are jumping for joy here ... Makes you smile.

Managers house

Village grounds

Our beautiful hosts for the traditional lunch 

We had such fun visiting a Watoto family in their little home. Each house mother cares for 8 children, of which some may be her own. We had a traditional lunch served and then we handed out supplies which were kindly donated by an Emirates staff member on route. She heard about what we were doing and handed me 6 bags of supplies (toys, crayons, books etc). We had lots of fun handing everything out. Loved the excitement and joy on the children's faces.

Later we took a walk around the village which is situated on 100 acres of land. The village is spectacular and the children are well cared for. The little ones love to hold your hand and their impish grins are filled with hope for the future, just adorable!

Preparing grasshoppers to eat!!

School grounds