Newsletter III in 2021 from ‘Help for a smile e.V.’

Dear members and friends of Help for a Smile,

Our newsletter is full of updates from Uganda and news about the children and young people supported by Help for a Smile:

• School situation:

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, President Museveni has been hesitant to resume in-person classes and reopen schools. This is a major issue across the country. All the more, we are grateful that Irene, with financial support from Help for a Smile, is able to continue providing homeschooling for all the children.

With the purchase of a new television and the continuation of homeschooling in the shelter, our children are being taught in small groups and have continued access to education. It is planned to separate the different grade levels so that more children in the community can benefit from the program. At the same time, this helps ensure compliance with COVID-19 distancing measures.

The older boys have received their results from their secondary school graduation exams. Their performance was good, qualifying them to attend technical colleges, where they can acquire skills that—depending on their results—may open the path to a profession or university. Irene and Dickson are working hard to find suitable institutions for the boys. Their specific and very exciting plans for the future can be found in the attachment.

The primary school children also performed well in their exams and will attend secondary school once the school closures are lifted.

• Ideas: Microloans for village residents and sewing and shoemaking machines

In our regular Skype meetings, we are currently discussing the introduction of microloans for village residents and investing in sewing and shoemaking machines. This could provide a new source of income, for example for mothers or fathers who are unable to work due to the pandemic.

As one of our recent Skype meetings had to be canceled at short notice due to a bereavement in Irene’s family—and as this is a complex topic—we are continuing our discussions. We will keep you informed as soon as there are concrete plans.

• Lea – another visit to Uganda

Lea had already visited Uganda in 2019 and spent a wonderful time with the children on site. She has now traveled to Uganda again and will be visiting Irene and the children.

• Annual Report 2020

The report, featuring key information and wonderful photos, is now available to view.

Enjoy reading!

Best regards,
The Board of Help for a Smile
Anette, Bettina, Ines, and Thomas