Christmas is a time for hope, joy and giving. And reflection.

With the continuing conflicts in the world, famine and climate change, many people across the world remain impacted by these devastating events.  And their Christmas can starkly contrast to our own.  So, if you can lend a hand to someone in your community this festive season it will make a difference to them and you. 

 

 

 

 

 

Dear Friends & Partners,

 “2024 has been a year of significant events and changes. As we say   goodbye to 2024 remember that the end of every year is a new opportunity   to reflect on what you’ve lived. Take the time to look back at your   experiences and emotions, to be grateful for what has been, and to recognise   the importance of living fully. May every memory and lesson inspire you to   keep building a meaningful life. 

 I would like to thank you for your unwavering support and dedication throughout the year. Our staff, for their hard work, commitment and enthusiasm often during difficult times. To the KHC Board, thank you for your guidance and support.

This Christmas let us celebrate the spirit of togetherness and the joy of giving. May this season bring you and your loved one’s peace, happiness, and cherished moments. As we look forward to the new year, I am filled with hope and excitement for what we can achieve together.  Thank you for being an integral part of our journey.  Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year!  God Bless.”

Tuberculosis (TB) Project Update

The Local Partnership Health Services TB Project is supported by USAID-LPHS team with   KHC in partnership with Kamwokya Christian Caring Community, carries out TB screening and sensitization, contract tracing, referrals and other activities.   

July – Sept 2024 Activity.  Number of people: Sensitized and screened – 1846 Identified and tested presumptive cases – 388 Diagnosed with TB and initiated treatment –10 Identified and screened contacts of PBC index TB patients- 91 Diagnosed and treated contacts with TB – 2 Provided TB Prevention Treatment to eligible contacts that yielded 100% TPT initiation – 86

Looking ahead, KHC is committed to expanding our efforts by increasing door-to-door sensitization and screening activities, implementing integrated TB interventions, and utilizing a mobile X-ray van in identified hotspots to enhance TB case detection, early diagnosis, and treatment. These initiatives aim to further curb the spread of TB and enhance the quality of life for individuals residing in Central Division, particularly in Kamwokya and its surrounding areas.

With a little help from our friends…

Often, we only read or hear about the ‘bad’ things that are happening in our world. What we would like to do is to highlight how when we work together, we can make things happen. 

Kawempe Home Care had an ambitious plan to buy the current rented premises of the New Hope Children’s hostel, as this would provide the hostel with a permanent home. The fund-raising campaign began in October. We have received overwhelming support and enthusiasm, particularly from our local communities, who have been active in getting friends and relatives to join us.  We are very grateful for the wonderful support.  Thank you.

Recently our longtime friends the Samaritan’s held two fundraising events with 15% of the proceeds going to the hostel campaign. It raised US$14,000 which is incredible, and we are extremely grateful for this support. To date we have been able to raise over 52% of the total needed to buy the premises and we now have a month’s extension from the owner. Currently there are some initiatives we are working on to secure more funds.  The hostel is vital, particularly for disadvantaged rural families   whose children have cancer and must travel to Kampala for treatment. So, keeping the hostel doors open is not an option, it is a must. This important fundraiser is continuing, and we are looking to you, to help us help these families. 

To donate you can transfer funds to KHC: 1. Mobile money (MTN +256 770984507 Hope Tayebwa) or (Airtel +256 704592664 Sarah Komugisha) eg WorldRemit. or 2. Through GlobalGiving which has an online card payment facility. Help Poor Children with Cancer to Access Treatment – GlobalGiving.

Supporting the children with cancer, to access treatment has been listed as a project for the past 6 years and during that time the total funds shown, is what has been raised to date to support the ongoing running of the hostel.

Local Communities to the Rescue

For many years, the New Hope Children’s Hostel has been blessed with the support by amazing local community groups with in-kind donations of food, clothing, cleaning products and gifts for the children. The children and the caregivers love interacting with the community groups and it is a wonderful distraction from their cancer treatment routine. They are an inspiration, and we are so happy to have them in our lives. 

Let me introduce you to some of these wonderful people:

One Umah Uganda – a Muslim community together with Shania Kigozi, who believe in helping those in need. When we need urgent help with food and other items, we can reach out to this group, and they respond so quickly. We are so grateful for their compassion and support.

Indian Women Association is a group of Indian women living in Uganda. KHC has created a great partnership and friendship with these amazing women since 2023. Their support always warms the hearts of the children seeing how they care and love them.

Rotary Club of Kampala Mahaba visited the children at the hostel and extend their great love towards the children through donations. The promise to continue supporting where possible, for us is heartwarming. Recently they donated 2.5 UGX shillings to our fundraiser for a permanent home for the hostel. We are so humbled and grateful.

 

 

 

 

Children Caring about Cancer Club St. Mary’s College Namagunga – this is a group of young girls in high school who started a club to support the community especially children with cancer. Their love is always unmatched every time they visit, and the children enjoy the interaction with other children. How wonderful that these young girls are already giving back to their community.

What a lovely way to celebrate your birthday.  Desire chose to celebrate her birthday with the children at the hostel and provided drinks and food for the hostel. And as you can see the children were very happy to part of the celebration.

Healing Water Church – since 2021, Healing Water Church has dedicated itself to supporting children with cancer at the hostel every month. These in-kind donations have helped us enormously and we are grateful for their loving support. They are very close to the children as they visit them regularly and can see how they are progressing with their treatment.

VET Centre Uganda provide support to the hostel and particularly at Christmas and Easter when they provide food and treats so that these events are special as the children are not able to be with their families to celebrate. Your love and support are very much appreciated by us.

Capstone Junior School children and their teachers visited the hostel recently to share Christmas gifts with children. 

What an amazing time it was for the children at the hostel they were very excited receiving a present and they didn’t have to wait for Santa Clause to receive one!

Wolm Married Women Fellowship

This group of women visited last week to celebrate Christmas with children at the hostel. They engaged them in activities like singing, praying and counselling. It was a joyous occasion.

DFCU Bank & IDI Staff SACCO-KHC is a client of DFCU Bank, and it was such a joy that it joined hands with our dear partners Infectious Disease Institute staff SACCO to give their support to the children and KHC. During their visit, they donated food and other items and shared cake with the children. It was such a great and memorable day.

 

As the year draws to a close, we reflect on the incredible difference your steadfast support has made. Wishing you and your family and friends a joyful Blessed holiday season filled with peace and gratitude.  See you next year!