A Christmas to remember

Donate today - bring joy to 200 disadvantaged children this Christmas.

This holiday season Every Life International  want to give 200 children a Christmas to remember. At our bases in Uganda, Kenya and the UK; whether it's a weekend camp or a full day of fun activities, celebration and good food, is there a better time of year to share some joy with our community? This will cost on average £20 per child, so please help us raise the £4000 and make this a memorable Christmas.

In Kampala's slum communities, children have to grow up fast, learning to fend for themselves and often left in charge of younger siblings while their parents make what money they can. They don't get many chances to play and learn in safety.

Last year, just before Christmas, the Ugandan Every Life  team took a group of 75 children from the slums we work in, out to our Family Centre in the beautiful Ugandan countryside. Most of the children had never been out of the city. They spent a long weekend in the peace and quiet; enjoying games, learning practical skills in hygiene, nutrition and gardening while giving them space to have fun and socialise. It was a really meaningful time and many parents eagerly told us afterwards what an amazing difference they could see in their children as a result.  Now it might look different in the rural setting of Kisumu, Kenya or Tower Hamlets, London but we know so many children who are growing up in poverty and hardship. Would you give them a chance to be children again this Christmas?

“When we were at the camp, we went hiking in the hills and it was my first time to see hills and water coming from a rock (waterfall) it was so beautiful and I cannot wait to go back there!” – Betty, 12*

“At the camp I met two girls who I have stayed in touch with and I cannot wait to be with them again!” – Mary, 15*

As well as bringing joy and peace to these children’s lives for a day or two we really want this to have a lasting effect. As a result we take the opportunity to teach the children through games, stories, acting and much more! Last year we taught on what the bible says about loving our neighbours as well as some practical skills. The lasting effect we have seen over the year has been overwhelming and has affected the wider families as well as the children!

“I learned how to make charcoal briquettes at camp [from charcoal dust and cassava flour] and when I came home I taught my brothers and now my mother makes them as well. Now she sells some and uses the rest at home!" – Christine, 10*

Would you consider being a part of the change this year? At Every Life we believe that every child has potential no matter their circumstances and we see it as our job to bring that potential to light. Will you join with us this Christmas?

(* names have been changed to protect the children’s identities)