An Indelible Gesture
June 9th saw Mawanda, Kenny, and two visiting volunteers, Giles Evans from England and Sebastian Thess from Germany, distribute donated items to a group of HCFA beneficiaries at Eden Service Park, Bwaise.
- Mr. Richard Sebuliba Mutumba helping.
Mr. Richard Sebuliba Mutumba, Member of Parliament for Kawempe South, was also present to offer moral support. Describing the contribution by HCFA and its supporters as “an indelible gesture” to the most poverty stricken members of the community, he was happy to help dispense items with the team.
Although it is located just three kilometres North West of central Kampala, Bwaise is in fact much further away from the city in terms of clean water, sanitation, adequate housing, and access to medical facilities. With high levels of malaria, and diarrheal disease, life in Bwaise can be hard and short:
“Whatever inch you can add,” Mr.Mutumbu opined, “means a lot”.
Following a short welcoming speech, Mawanda outlined the aims and objectives of HCFA’s programs in the area, before handing over to Mr. Mutumba, who thanked HCFA and the volunteers for their efforts. He also spoke to the audience of the importance of fostering community spirit in an effort to help alleviate some of their hardships.
Mawanda addressing the beneficiaries.
There was great excitement amongst the children, keen not to miss out, as the 75 mathmatics exercise books and 100 pens and pencils that had been brought from visiting volunteers, and received from postal donations, were the first items to be dispensed.
Molly Najjuka (right) alongside her aunt, Milly. Both hoping for a better future.
Molly Najjuka, a sixteen year old hoping to study medicine one day, was delighted with her new pen and exercise book. Her aunt, ‘Milly’, spoke of how she wanted her niece to have “a better future”.
Many impoverished families struggle to find the necessary school fees required for enrolment, so even small donations such as exercise books and writing implements can make a big difference to the life of a child.
Through the donations of supporters, 10 mosquito nets and 11 blankets had also been purchased and were distributed to the most vulnerable beneficiaries of HCFA.
Because Uganda has some of the highest recorded malaria transmission rates in the continent, particularly amongst children under five who have yet to fully develop protective immunity, HCFA targets those beneficiaries it deems most at risk as recipients.
Blankets were also given out, primarily to the the old and those living with HIV. Although warm during the day, nights are cooler, especially during the rainy season when fevers are common, so the blankets will be of great benefit.
Once all the items had been distributed and the beneficiaries had dispersed, Mawanda, Kenny, and the volunteers, discussed with community leaders how HCFA can best meet the needs of the residents of Bwaise. The consensus seemed to be:
More of the same please!
