USDC

In light of several comments referring to my VSO ‘holiday’, I thought it was about time to say a little about my work here. My placement is at the Uganda Society for Disabled Children (USDC), where I am working to build the fundraising capacity. The office is based in Kampala (& is shared with several resident goats).

USDC provides support & rehabilitation services to families and children with disabilities. Typical examples of our work are: constructing special needs resource rooms in schools; providing equipment for deaf and blind children; organising surgical camps and orthopaedic workshops; running sensitisation workshops in local communities & raising awareness of the issues surrounding disability in Uganda.

Fundraising here is quite a challenge & the Ugandan work culture has certainly opened my eyes up to a very, erm… ‘different’ approach! That said, I can’t write any more as it’s sunny outside, so I think I’ll go for a dip.

Mwana Mugimu

The VSOs in Kampala have gathered together, to work on a small project called ‘Mwana Mugimu’ (healthy child). Over the next few months, we’ll be working with some very small & sick children at a unit in Mulago Hospital. All of the children on this ward are severely malnourished; many have been abandoned or are orphans.

The activities we will be working on inlclude:
· putting our artistic skills to the test to brighten up the units
· improving the playground facilities
· introducing play therapy
· collecting toys & clothes

On Saturday, we delivered our first consignment of toys and clothes, which had been generously donated by friends & family in the UK & the Netherlands. It was a really fun morning & we hope to do it again - but we need more toys & clothes! Please let me know if you would like to help & I'll send further info...