September Update: Building Dignity, Bringing Water, and Celebrating Success

Dear Mushunga Community,

September has been a month filled with joy, hope, and transformation. Each day at Mushunga, we are reminded that the future of our children depends not only on classrooms and meals but also on the dignity of proper sanitation, the gift of clean water, and the power of education to shape confident, brilliant young minds.

Building Dignity Through Sanitation

For too long, sanitation has been a silent challenge for many rural schools. At Mushunga, children have had to make do with inadequate facilities that did not reflect the dignity every child deserves. This month, however, we are witnessing change.

The construction of our new toilet block is now underway, and with every brick that rises, we see a brighter, healthier, and safer environment taking shape. This facility will not only improve hygiene but will also protect children from diseases caused by poor sanitation. More than that, it will restore a sense of dignity to our children. Teaching them that they matter, their health matters, and their future is worth investing in.

This project is a step toward community transformation, and it reflects our shared belief that every child deserves to learn and grow in a safe, healthy environment.

Toilet block

Toilet Block

Toilet Block

Clean Water for a Healthier Future

This September also brought one of the most exciting breakthroughs in our history the full funding of the Mushunga borehole project! Thanks to the generosity and kindness of our sponsors and friends, and especially our supporters. We have officially reached the target needed to drill a permanent safe water source for our school and orphanage.

For our children, this is life-changing. Access to clean water means healthier meals, improved hygiene, protection from waterborne illnesses, and the ability to focus on education without the daily struggle of unsafe water. For our staff, it means they can serve with confidence, knowing that the basic needs of the children are being met.

This borehole is more than infrastructure it is hope in action. It is dignity restored. It is a promise of a sustainable future for generations of children who will no longer have to wonder where their next safe drink of water will come from.

Student Spotlight: Joshua’s Story of Transformation

Among the many stories of growth this term, one stands out as a beautiful reminder of why we do this work.

Joshua M. is 15 years old and in Primary One. Unlike many children his age, he only began school recently. For most of his childhood, he lived in a grass-thatched, muddy house in the village—a place that offered little comfort and no hope for the future.

Joshua came here without a smile on his face, it was hard for him to get used with other children at VCS and the children center, he felt so isolated without love.

To survive, Joshua grazed cows for other families in exchange for food. He and his elder sibling were left to fend for themselves after their mother abandoned them. Their father, who is living with HIV, could not provide the care they needed. No one in their family had ever been to school. Poverty and neglect seemed to define their lives.

But Joshua’s story changed when Mushunga Community Project found him on the village streets. He was given something no one in his family had ever had before: a chance to go to school. In his family including both paternal and maternal families no one has ever got an opportunity to go school or receive education,it must be surprising but such families exist in Uganda and especially in the area where mushunga is operating.

At Victorious Community School, he arrived not knowing a single word of English, but with the help of his teachers, he has grown bold, confident, and able to express himself.

Joshua with his friends

Joshua

Joshua

Joshua says he had never put on shoes before coming to Mushunga and it’s a miracle, such small things that we don’t imagine has put a smile on his face again, he owns a pair of shoes now -thanks to his sponsor.

Today, Joshua dreams of becoming a doctor so he can one day treat his father and care for his community. His story is same like other children we serve in Mushunga.

Joshua with background of grass-thatched homes, poverty, and neglect has hopes and dreams now

But thanks to sponsors, these children are now living with hope, dignity, and the opportunity to dream of a brighter future.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11

Looking Ahead: Welcoming Our Board Members

As we celebrate September’s milestones, we are also eagerly preparing for a very special moment in November, the visit of two of our board members, Mr. Martyn and Mr. Geoff.

For Mr. Martyn, this will be a return to familiar faces and places where he has poured years of wisdom, leadership, and guidance. For Geoff, it will be his very first time visiting Mushunga. We are excited for him to walk through our classrooms, see the farm, meet the children, and experience firsthand the progress he has supported from afar.

This visit will be more than a meeting it will be a celebration of how far we’ve come and a chance to dream even bigger for the future. It will be a time of learning, sharing, and strengthening the bonds of our global community.

With Gratitude

From the rising walls of our toilet block, to the soon-to-begin drilling of our borehole, to Joshua’s remarkable transformation, September has shown us that when we come together, real change happens.

Thank you for being part of this story of hope, dignity, clean water, and education for all. Your generosity, prayers, and belief in our mission continue to fuel everything we do.

Together, we are not only meeting needs, we are restoring dignity, building a sustainable community, and nurturing children to become the leaders of tomorrow.

With deep gratitude,

The Mushunga Community Project Team