Fifteen orphaned children (the youngest is a 13 month old baby), live in a quarry in a tiny house in Uganda. Each has a heartbreaking story of loss, abandonment and even torture by a drunkard father, but they have come together to form an unusual, but loving family. These children are being raised by two selfless individuals: a young man, Jonathan Kabanda, and Jajja ("granny") Jalia , who all survive on his meagre income, and occasional donations.. Jonathan and Jajja have given their hearts and souls to provide security and stability for these little ones. "Why does he do it?", you might ask. It's because he was himself an orphan taken under the wings of a caring stranger, and seeing the plight of children who are in similar circumstances, he wants to give back.
I am in almost daily contact with Jonathan, and at times have had the joy of reading stories to the kids via WhatsApp video. For over a year, he has sent me regular updates about their joys and struggles, their illnesses or tiny accomplishments. Jonathan works hard and long hours trying to provide basic needs such as a home to live in, and simple food, but they need more in order to grow, learn and thrive. Please join me in helping to support these children, preferably on an ongoing basis.
Your donation will help provide:
Daily nutritious meals
Clean clothing and hygiene supplies
Diapers and baby needs
Healthcare (doctors appointments, medication, hospitalization
Safe shelter
School fees, school uniforms and school supplies (approximately CAD$2,650 per year for 10 school-aged kids).
Education Costs Broken down:
*School fees are CAD $75 per term per child ( CAD $1615 per year for 10 school aged children)
*School Supplies (Stationary, toilet paper, brooms) approx CAD $55 per child ($550 per year)
*One school meal per day CAD $20 per term per child (basic rice) (CAD $600 per year)
*Uniforms each CAD $75, does not include school shoes (CAD$750)
*Rain Jackets CAD $15 each (14 are needed)
*Medical bill are frequent (malaria, typhoid and scabies) CAD $75 just for a consultation, does not include medication. (A broken leg cost approximately CAD $600 last year)
*Exam registration CAD $35 for senior primary and junior high.
They're growing kids, who, like all children, outgrow their clothes! Shoes and rain jackets are a luxury which few of them possess. They need more than just one bowl of rice a day, so Jonathan is doing his best to provide a bit of fruit and meat. They might be seen on streamsoflovechildrenorg (Jonathan's Instagram) with candy or a juice cup. Please don't be tempted to think they don't need us, because of these small treats- they do! These are rare events like Christmas or Easter, where they have received these as a gift for special occasions .
The kids share one mattress at the moment, or sleep on the floor with scraps of fabric. They have no fresh running water, no transportation, two of the girls need feminine hygiene products......and the list is ongoing. We are also hoping to have helped them to pay for rain barrels in the near future.
Every dollar counts. Whether it's $5 or $500, your support goes directly to supporting these children. Together we can help towards a lasting transformation in the lives of kids, who you can personally come to know via WhatsApp video calls. Please follow their daily activities on the above Instagram account to get to know who they are and how they live. Jonathan is open to communicating with you, as I am, to answer all questions.
Would you consider "adopting" one of these kids to sponsor for a year, or on an ongoing basis until they've completed their education ?
Jonathan's ultimate dream is to find a philanthropist who will offer to help with supporting a farm where kids can be fed, people are employed and life is sustainable. If you're one of these people, you'd be an answer to prayer!
Please join me in sharing this fundraiser with your friends and family. There is so much joy in seeing their smilies, and hearing their voices of appreciation!
NB: Please be aware of the percentage that GOFUNDME takes of your donation. ***There is an option to set it as low or as high as you choose****
Thank you,
Kerry.
On behalf of Jonathan (23), Jajja Jalia (59), Shayda (4 months), Hamza (3), Little Jalia (4), Zahara (6), Kimuli (7), Rayan (7), Rahma (8), Amina (8), Sumaya (9) , Mariam (10), Musa (10), Asasha (10), Big Jalia (12), Haulat (12), Bita (17)