Children of Hope Gain Support Far and Wide

After years of struggle, Hope Children's Centre has reached a turning point - though much more help is still needed.

By Christopher Kayongo, Director of Hope Children's Centre. October 2012

Volunteers from UK University

Volunteers from Westminster University in the UK have offered language skills and co-curricular activities to the children at Hope Children's Centre. These range from physical sports to formal academic education at the centre.

The skills acquisition for the children at the centre in formal and informal education through services offered by the volunteers has improved the English speaking skills, self-confidence, and communication of the children at the centre.

“I can now stand in front of my fellow students at the school assembly and ask to be chosen as a head girl without help from anyone like I used to think”.

Angel Nantumbwe, student at Hope Centre

Previously children were generally shy and lacked self esteem – especially during particular interactions, but currently they are able to speak freely and confidently.

”I have always wanted to play like Steven Gerrard [English football player] and I was given the chance to be a team captain for my house Africa –  and we won the competition because of the training Emanuele P. gave us to play as a team – not me alone”.

Joel Kimbugwe, student at Hope Centre

Benefit Concert in Atlanta, Georgia - 26th October

“Compassion Sound”

Magdalene Human Service Initiative (MHSI), located in Atlanta, Georgia, USA ,will be holding a fundraising concert, “Compassion Sound”  on October 26, 2012, on behalf  of Hope Children’s Centre.

The concert will be held at Club Famous, organised by Mr. Phillip  R. Barea, Director of MHSI. 

Event details on Facebook

Buy tickets

Further information: phillip@magdalenehsi.org

Magdalene Human Service Initative on Facebook

Challenges: Sickness, Extreme Weather, and Lack of Space

The school continues to face many challenges. In recent months, this has included an outbreak of malaria and heavy rainfall.

Malaria Outbreak

A malaria outbreak broke out recently in the area, but Hope Children's Centre managed to control it – though a few of the children needed treatment, with only two admitted to major hospitals.

Classroom Roof Blown Off

Also, heavy rains with hail stones blew off the roof of one of our classroom buildings, damaging our wall reading materials.

Dormitory Congestion

Congestion of our dormitories has become an issue since the Ministry of Education refused triple deckers [beds], and has directed all institutions of learning to have single beds, thus the need for more rooms/structures for children to sleep in.