In ideal circumstances,

childhood is a relatively short

window within which society can

provide a certain quality of life to

build hope for a successful future.

The most devastating attack on children and childhood is coming from the number of children who have been orphaned by AIDS. The

emotional and socio-economic impact of AIDS on children in Uganda has been enormous.

There are more than 940,000 children orphaned by AIDS in Uganda. Not only do these children have to suffer the loss of their

parents, but their lives and the lives of their relatives are changed forever. Often before their parents death, the children are forced

by necessity to care for the ill parent or parents. They are less likely to go to school and the entire family suffers from loss of income, deprivation of

basic necessities and lack of hope for the future.

Uganda is one of the countries most affected by HIV/AIDS. It is estimated that over 2 million children have been orphaned by AIDS since the

disease was first traced in Uganda in the 1980s.

The Solution

The suffering in Uganda goes beyond deprivation of basic necessities. Young people are facing the loss of parents, their source of income and their sense of hope for the future. Yet, there is a glimmer of hope… the Archdiocese of Mbarara, Father Bonaventure’s home diocese, is sponsoring an Orphan’s Welfare Project to aid in the education and support of 50 children orphaned by AIDS. The project aims to assist in the education of the more vulnerable and needy orphans, concentrating on the education and support of the “girl child”. The project is headed

by His Excellency, Paul K. Bakyenga, Archbishop of Mbarara. Archbiship Bakyenga has said “I myself am exposed to the sufferings and plight of our children as I visit all parts and corners of the Arcdiocese of Mbarara. I have experienced for myself at first hand, the deprivation of so many children who have been left without their parents. It brings much pain and grief to my heart”.

Currently, the project is limited to 50 orphans, with special emphasis on the girl-child. The objective is to educate the girl children to secondary school and enable them to attend vocational courses after high school. The courses preferred are the following: Nursing, Midwifery, primary school teaching and secretarial work. The boys are educated in motor mechanics and accountancy. The results are that over 15 students have benefited from the project and are employed.

What You Can Do

There is HOPE! Uganda is one of the very few countries that have succeeded in reversing HIV prevalence rates. HIV prevalence among pregnant women has declined from an average of 18.5% in 1992 to 6% in 2002. This success story has been largely credited to the governments openness about the epidemic and an aggressive anti-HIV/AIDS campaign involving virtually all sections of the society.

The Red Ribbon is an international symbol of AIDS awareness. It is worn to demonstrate CARE and CONCERN about HIV/AIDS for the infected, the ill and those who care and support the infected and the affected. The Red Ribbon is intended to be a symbol of HOPE; the hope that one day the AIDS epidemic will be over and that sickness and suffering will end. Is the Red Ribbon enough?

Here Is How You Can Help

Each student needs about $350.00 U. S. per year. We would like to raise funds to help educate as many orphans in the Archdiocese of Mbarara as possible. You can choose to give what you can afford in the offertory basket or through a one time donation for the full amount. All funds will be sent from San Rafael directly to the Archdiocese of Mbarara. We thank Monsignor Dennis for his unwavering and full support. We also thank Father Bonaventure for his help in moving this dream to reality. With your help, we can bring God’s HOPE to the orphans in Uganda.