CoH UK volunteer Jo Edom loves the impact of our work with slum children – so she decided to travel to Uganda (on her own!) and visit the school.
Long-term supporter Jo was very impressed with what she saw. During her two weeks, she got involved with the various different departments, especially the family support unit visiting with the most needy families around the community and some of the mums we have help set up in business.
Jo said: “I am really impressed with the services Child of Hope offers. As well as a fantastic primary school, the IGA and Welfare services are a real bonus for the community. Probably the key challenge that Child of Hope faces is finding enough funds to support this ever-expanding organisation!”
She spoke to Rita Nandudu at the school in an interview about her experience…
Jo, is this your first time in Africa?
I’ve been in Africa before – I lived in Zimbabwe for four years when my husband had a job with Barclays bank in Zimbabwe.
But was this been your first time in Uganda and at Child of Hope?
Yes; I stayed in Entebbe for two nights then travelled through to Mbale. I was amazed when I saw the school building – it looks more amazing than it in the pictures I’ve seen. After driving through the Namatala community and its small houses, then seeing Child of Hope’s large premises, it is amazing to see.
How do you feel about Uganda?
It seems much greener that other countries in Africa. But when I walked around Namatala, I was shocked. I’ve been to so many places where people are poor, but I had never where people are as poor as in Namatala. It’s the most needy place with the most needy people I’ve seen. Then, when I arrived at the gate of the school and all the little children came running to shake my hands, it was wonderful.
When and how did you join Child of Hope?
It was about seven years ago; I attended a church service in England where Moses and Bex Okotel were speaking. They talked about Child of Hope being a community-based organisation that was in need of help for children and their mothers in the Namatala community. I quickly became interested and asked them what I could do to help. Now I help with the finances, keeping track of donations coming in and working with the team to explore fund raising opportunities.
http://www.childofhopeuganda.org/latest-news/jo-visits-school/