March Update: Building Self-Sufficiency & Facing Challenges at Mushunga

Dear Mushunga Community,

As we reach the end of March, we want to share our vision for the future of the Mushunga Community Project and the steps we’re taking to build self-sufficiency, while also addressing pressing health challenges.

Vision for Self-Sufficiency: The Farm Land Project

We are excited to share our detailed plans for the 9-acre farmland! This project will be a cornerstone of our sustainability efforts, allowing us to:

Produce Agriculture for the Children: We will cultivate crops to provide a consistent source of nutritious food for our children.

Raise Bulls for Sales: Raising bulls for sale will generate income, helping us finance our daily expenses and reduce our reliance on external donations.

Teach Children About Agriculture: The farm will serve as an educational space, teaching our children valuable agricultural skills and promoting self-reliance.

Plant Coffee: Coffee planting will provide a long-term income stream and diversify our agricultural production.

This farm will not only provide sustenance and income but also empower our children with essential life skills.

Building Project Update: Progress and Plans

We are making significant progress with our building project! The first block, consisting of two classrooms and toilets, is fully funded, and we are currently awaiting the final architectural drawings. Once these are approved, we will begin construction. This new infrastructure will provide improved learning spaces and accommodate more children, allowing us to expand our educational programs.

Health & Hope: Protecting Children, Celebrating Sponsorship, and Addressing Urgent Needs.

Last month, we shared news of malaria cases affecting some of our children. We are deeply grateful for your outpouring of prayers and support. We continue to monitor their health closely, providing ongoing medical care and ensuring their well-being.

To combat the threat of malaria prevention, we've taken proactive steps. This month, we successfully distributed 20 mosquito nets to the children. This initiative aims to create a protective barrier against malaria-carrying mosquitoes, especially during periods of intense sunshine, which can exacerbate health vulnerabilities.

Beyond addressing health concerns, we are also focused on the holistic well-being of our children. This month, we were able to provide much-needed alternative uniforms to children who previously lacked them. These uniforms allow the children to give their main school uniforms a rest during the week, ensuring they remain clean and presentable. This also enables them to participate more comfortably in sports and physical activities, promoting their overall health and development.

We're also celebrating a new sponsorship! We warmly welcome and congratulate Favour Asingwire, who has found a generous sponsor through our child sponsorship program. This financial support will make a significant difference in Favour's life, providing her with educational resources, healthcare access, and essential needs.

However, we are deeply concerned about the recent decision by the U.S. government to cut HIV funding to Africa. This decision will have a devastating impact on Uganda, where HIV/AIDS remains a significant public health challenge. We are preparing to face increased challenges in providing healthcare and support to our children and community members affected by HIV/AIDS. We ask for your continued prayers and support during this difficult time.

Looking Ahead: Expanding Accommodation for Our Children

We are committed to providing a safe and supportive learning environment for all our children. Currently, many children travel long distances to attend Victorious Community School, making their daily commute challenging. We are working towards increasing accommodation to bring them closer to their education. We believe this will significantly improve their well-being and academic performance. We will keep you updated on our progress in expanding accommodation for our children.

We are grateful for your unwavering support.

With sincere gratitude,

The Mushunga Community Project Team