Uganda
Cause
Since 1986, Northern Uganda has been devastated by one of the most deadly conflicts in Africa. The districts most affected are Amuru, Gulu, Kitgum, and Pader which form the Acholi sub-region. The Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) rebels have abducted, killed, and maimed thousands of civilians and destroyed massive amounts of property in the region over the last 21 years.
The armed conflicts displaced up to 1.8 million (80% of the population) into Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) Camps.
The grave living conditions in the IDP camps have created a high level of poverty among the population as they depended entirely on relief, food, and other basic items from humanitarian agencies operating in the region. This has made Northern Uganda one of the poorest regions in the country.
Mission
It is our mission to end the suffering and dying in Uganda by providing access to education and sustainable income sources for women who will rebuild their country and create a future of hope for their children.
- There are over one million children in Uganda who are not attending school.
- As many as 25% of children in Northern Uganda have lost one or both of their parents.
- 12% of women age 30-40 are widows.
- 80% of adult women in Northern Uganda have not completed primary school.
- 9% of men have completed secondary school.
The two decades of war in Northern Uganda, has left a number of widows with no means of earning income, and unable to sustain the support of their families. Due to war, women in Northern Uganda have been subjected to these staggering facts:
- Widespread gender based violence and rape, with resulting diseases such as STIs and HIV/AIDS.
- According to the recent report from the Ministry of Heath, the HIV/AIDS prevalence rate in Northern Uganda is 12%, which is twice the national rate.
- Many women are living with HIV/AIDS as widows or single parents in communities and because the epidemic made them physically weak to engage in agriculture which is the major source of livelihood. They suffer from poor nutrition and lack access to basic treatment of opportunistic infections.
- Young girls who were abducted by rebels were abused sexually and impregnated. All were denied the opportunity to attend school and have little skills to support themselves and their children.
- The basics of food, clothes, shoes, education, and health services for their children are lacking and often nonexistent.
We have the opportunity to save a country, one women and one child at a time and to create a future of infinite possibilities -a future of education, work, and peace.
Plan of Action/Financing
School Building Project
Dreams for Kids has begun its work in Northern Uganda with plans to build a primary school in the village of Gulu.
Together we can transform the lives of children from hopelessness and empower them as future leaders by providing them with access to education.
Join our Dream Leaders by participating in our One Brick at a Time Campaign. Each brick you purchase will help build our school and will fuel the hopes and dreams of the children of Gulu Village. Progress will be reported on this page with a rendering of the building, photos and video.
A single brick can be purchased for a little as $10, with cornerstone bricks available for $100. Visit soon for details or join the campaign today with your donation.
Women Empowerment Project/Paper Beads Necklaces
The Dreams for Kids Paper Beads Necklaces empowerment project gives these women an opportunity to earn an income and promote self-reliance and provides support their families. The women are trained in the skill of making the beads, business management, social issue awareness, and training other women so that they may give back towards the recovery of others and revival of the entire village.
All profits from the sale of the beads are used for this vital purpose. Please visit our shop for an inventory of the beads available.
Join us in helping to save the lives of entire families and ensure the future of the children of Gulu. Contact us for further information on how you can be involved.