UPPER HARDRES CHURCH

Dear Friends,

Just a year ago I was packing to go off to Uganda to see the work of African International Christian Ministry (AICM)   www.aicm.org.uk among the Batwa people who had been made destitute through their ancestral land being taken to create a reserve for the mountain gorillas.  It was a privilege to go and a very challenging experience to see how well people manage with none of the facilities and possessions I so easily take for granted. Since last year the churches and schools have continued to have contact with AICM which included a recent visit from George, a Ugandan staff member who confirmed that through gifts given from this community the children now have a daily breakfast and lunch of posho and beans and as a consequence nearly 200 children now attend regularly (because they are not out working for food).  Desks and exercise books have also been provided.  It is so encouraging when we know our giving has made a difference to these young lives.  So many thanks again to all who gave so generously.

However, inevitably there are more needs!  The children in the two Batwa schools have no proper clothing – usually they are dressed in ragged, ill-fitting hand-downs and with none of the warm clothes which they need living at 12,000ft! For as little as £5, a school uniform, with warm jumper can be supplied and it is not just the school-aged children, the babies and toddlers need clothes too. 

I thought last year was the trip of a life-time but I feel so moved by the plight of these gentle people (who happen to be my height!) that I plan to return to Kabale with a small group of local friends this September and it would be wonderful if we could take enough money with us to provide each child with a school uniform.  In Uganda , children long to have their own uniform and wear it with pride that they belong to a school because some children, usually for family reasons, still have no access to education. 

Through the generosity of Olivia and Stella Grove there will be a Family Barbecue Lunch at Cherry Garden Farm on Sunday 8th August, in aid of AICM.  Please do come and join in the fun and games as well as making a donation which will be used to support a very needy child. 

People have very kindly offered me baby clothes however unfortunately luggage restrictions limit what I am able to take out with me and everything is available in Uganda and is far cheaper than here. 

I know many people are feeling the effects of the recession but if you are able to make any donation to AICM, however small, I can promise you that it will be well used and none of it will go on administration costs as all the trustees in this country give their services for free!  Please look at the details on the homepage giving details of the barbecue and it would be great to see you there!

God bless you all,