Serving families in Uganda

 CH Global is working with the community leaders and Government to meet the unique needs of the chronically poor, beginning with Masese 3, and as resources become available, move to Northern Uganda where the needs are the greatest.

While Masese is served by a government run Universal Primary Education, schools are allowed to charge fees for exams, supplies, uniforms, and additional fees to top up teachers’ salaries. All of these fees can add up to as much as a month’s family income per school year for each child. Considering that the average family consists of 6 to 8 children, these fees are just not affordable for most. It is estimated that over 1,000 children from Masese simply do not attend school. 

CH Global in partnership with DCLM is establishing a school for 350 children on the outskirts of Masese which will also serve as a local church, center for literacy and vocational training, and home base for various micro business projects which will eventually provide adequate income for the school to be self sufficient.

How To Get Involved….

1) Employ a teacher…$80 per month per teacher (a total of 8 teachers)

2) Educate and provide lunch for a child for a month…$15 per month

3) Provide literacy training for an adult…$10 per month

4) Equip a child for school (uniform and school supplies)…$50 per child per year

Contact us at info@chglobal.org for more information.

With its proximity to other CH Global projects in Eastern Africa,  the Uganda initiative was first presented in December 2009 by Mike Onotsky of Waterloo, Ontario. Mike went to Uganda on a short-term mission in 2009. During his trip, he came face to face with the abject poverty, and lack of resources for many children to access quality education. Since then, Mike, his family and friends, have raised funds and travelled to Uganda to support schools and assist in several small projects.  

Mike in Uganda

Realizing the extensive need required the support and management of a registered charity, Mike approached CH Global to explore the possibilities of working in Uganda. After several months of consultation and partnership development, in July 2011 a partnership agreement was signed between Deeper Life Christian Ministries and CH Global paving the way for transformational and sustainable programs. CH Global, with its national and international partners, donors and volunteers, have been developing unique programs including children’s ministries through school-based and out-of-school education programs, functional adult literacy programs, income generating cooperatives, and leadership development and training programs.

Where We Serve

In the coming days, we will share the current status of programs in Uganda & the community transformation taking place.

Map of Uganda

In the coming weeks, we are profiling our efforts in Uganda.  We continue to be excited about the addition of Uganda to the countries we serve in the past year.  The new program there focuses on lasting education and community-wide development.  In order to gain an understanding of the needs in Uganda, here is a very brief overview of the current situation there:

Located between the two arms of the Great Rift Valley, Uganda has emerged out of a very turbulent past; marked by tribal dynamics, extreme poverty, and the catastrophic impact of HIV/AIDS and malaria. Ugandans are people with strong connections to community and family; taking pride in their country, aspiring for peace, love, and hope for the future. However, because of protracted internal conflicts and lack of opportunities, many Ugandans in marginalized communities face chronic poverty and an extremely high unemployment rate. Thousands of families continue to be fragmented as parents die from diseases, including HIV/AIDS and malaria, and the brutality created by the Lord Resistance Army (LRA). Compounded with drought, a shortage of land, and a lack of access to education, most Ugandans walk a thin line between life and death.

Check back soon for more information on the people and communities we serve…the heart behind everything we do.

In Nicaragua, there is very little support in place for a child like Nicole to experience inclusive services, education and nurture.  While on this trip, NationWares Director, Amie, saw the needs of Nicole and was moved to find a sponsor for her.  Nicole’s mother had to stop working to provide the level of care that Nicole requires.   The prospect of sponsorship through CH Global has brought the possibility of physiotherapy, education and other medical care.  Through the power of social networking, Amie was able to challenge friends to bring the support and stability to Nicole and her family that will change the way they live.  We are so grateful for the individual who stepped forward, sponsored Nicole, and has become an advocate for equality and inclusive services in Nicole’s community! 

Nicole

In honour of Nicole, we are challenging you this week to bring the power you hold through social networking to children in developing communities!  Share CH Global with your friend networks and colleagues, and see what can happen.  Our challenge is to sponsor the TWO children below in the next week…Yey and Franklin’s sponsors were not able to continue their support, and so they are now eagerly awaiting your immediate help.  The following is some basic information about each of these precious ones. 

This week, our challenge to you is to get these children sponsored…use the means you have, harness the power of Facebook and Twitter, join together with colleagues in your office, share with your youth group, challenge…yourself!  $36 will provide not only for physical needs, educational and special needs supports, but also the knowledge that someone cares.

Yelin (Yey) Ester Palma Santos is 9 years old, living in Nicaragua. 

Yey

Yey has a twin sister named Gemela. They live with their parents and three brothers in Barrio Ruben Dario Managua. Her favorite hobby is drawing. Yey is in grade 1. She has been diagnosed with some learning difficulties. Her teacher says that she is a calm student and gets along well with the other children.

Yey’s sponsor has recently become unable to continue their support. Yey is now in immediate need of a new sponsor in order to continue her education. Sponsorship also provides her with daily meals, medical care and clothing.

Franklin Antonio Alvarez Baquedano is 9 years old, living in Nicaragua. 

Franklin

Franklin lives with his mother in Barrio Ruben Dario Managua. Franklin is in grade three, and his favorite subjects in school are Spanish and Math. He would like to be a Home Appliance Technician when he grows up. In his free time, Franklin enjoys playing the drums.
Franklin’s sponsor has recently become unable to continue sponsorship. Franklin is now in immediate need of sponsorship in order to continue with his education. Sponsorship will also provide nutritious food, clothing, medical care, special needs care and spiritual development.

Visit www.chglobal.org/sponsor.html to become a Sponsor!

This summer, through partnership with Christian Horizons, the Mishkeegogamang R.E.A.C.H. program is making a difference in the lives of children and families in this First Nations community.  The daily realities of life in a First Nations community are very different from life in Southern Ontario.  Struggles with unemployment, education, nutrition and skill development face the majority of those living in Mishkeegogamang.

Cuurently there are exciting employment initiatives taking place through NationWares, as well as a unique camp program for children in Mishkeegogamang.  Please be thinking about the team of staff and volunteers who are pouring out care, concern and friendship upon the children in this community.  We are excited to share that the attendance at Camp is high and reflects the impact that the staff and experience had on the community last year.

The children are given opportunities to engage in quality activities, skill development, peer support and cultural enrichment during Camp.  We are thankful for those who have supported this opportunity for children and youth, who are in need of these types of experiences.  Many families are hurting, frustrated and broken…and for a week or two the children are able to experience hope and laughter on a daily basis.

One of our staff  has reflected on the first week of camp and given this response as a challenge and source of hope:

“Exceptional possibilities are here, and within our reach. ”

In the past week, CH Global closely monitored and tracked the threat and impact of Tropical Storm Emily upon the people supported through our programs in Haiti.  With Tropical Storm Emily, there was a great deal of concern over excessive rainfall and flooding, which would force those without adequate shelter to become further displaced.  We would like to take the time to update you with encouraging news regarding the status of programs after Emily passed through.

Elsa, the Haiti Country Coordinator for CH Global, was able to make contact with us shortly after Emily made landfall and moved through the country.  We are so glad to reassure you that all CH Global program participants were reported safe and uninjured!  There were significant winds, but limited rainfall in the Port-au-Prince area, which aided the thousands who are still living in the tent cities.  We would also like to share our relief to hear that one of our large income programs, the Salt Basin Project in the north, was undamaged as well. 

We feel it very important that you are able to have access to updates and information in these types of circumstances and emergencies.  Please be aware that you will find regular updates on our website www.chglobal.org and our Facebook page www.facebook.com/chglobal during times of urgency.  On a regular basis, you will also find exciting news updates on projects, profiles and stories of those we support and education on how our programs work. Through these resources, you have an opportunity to interact with other supporters of CH Global and to share your involvement with others.  We encourage you to use these tools to see how your impact is making a world of difference!

We are so appreciative of your continued support and dedication to the long-term recovery and development of Haiti.  Your involvement has already proved impactful, particularly in these circumstances where those who are supported have a greater chance to recover quickly.   Please remember those who still need assistance and would greatly benefit from your support by spreading the word about CH Global, and the inclusive programs we offer!

Here is an exciting update from the COO of Africa for CH Global:

“I am in Uganda 120 Kms from the border of S. Sudan, where a huge celebrations is unfolding north of where I am.  The South Sudanese for the first time will sing their national anthem “O God..bless our land…” “Free at Last”!  30 heads of nations and many delegations are expected to attend the celebratory event. A new Juba International Airport has been constructed to coincide with the event.

South Sudan has many struggles in the years to come…the infrastructure capacity is weak. While it produces 75% of the oil of Sudan and 98% of country’s revenue comes from oil, the pipeline is still through Port Sudan in the North. So, the North and South will need to be tolerant toward each other as they share this resource.

Our CH Global Juba Coordinator was selected to travel to USA and Benin Republic to attend the peace and reconciliation conference organized by Global Development Organization. He will represent the Central Equatoria State for two weeks. 　

As you know, 20 years of conflict has ruined virtually everything. Institutions are not established. The new state has only 60 kms of asphalt road, rudimentary health and education system, and intermittent generator-powered electricity in the capital. There is so much work, so many orphans and widows, poor and people with disabilities.  The S. Sudan people will depend on the strength they developed during war time. They will need their international friends and neghbours as they develop their nation. Today, there is joy, colour, dancing and singing; 20 million people are ready to move forward their nation.

TBLC and CH Global, along with other partner organizations and donors, ,will stand with the South Sudanese so that they will emerge as a stable, just, peaceful, prosperous nation.”

Thank you all for your partnership.  CH Global continues to seek out sustainable, lasting development initiatives to assist comunities in this new nation! 

The Government of Southern Sudan has set major goals to improve living conditions by focusing on the development of the agricultural sector to strengthen food security in the country. Despite very productive and arable land, lack of skills in modern agriculture and agricultural inputs such as tools, improved seeds and storage have resulted in food scarcity throughout Southern Sudan. At present, most food products, including vegetables, are transported from Uganda and Kenya. The cost of food is very high.

In partnership with the Revival Movement in Southern Sudan, CH Global is initiating the Revival Agricultural Project.  In combination with the training of church planters, we plan to cultivate 25 hectares of land to grow crops such as maize, potatoes, and peanuts for sale and to financially support sustainable church planting initiative to reach the unreached people in the Sudan.   The goal is to see church planters trained in modern agricultural techniques, in order to support themselves and their congregations.  The Revival Agricultural Project will serve as a training location and model farm for new farmers, particularly church planters who are interested in farming to support themselves and their church planted churches.

For more information on how you can become involved in the support of agricultural development in Southern Sudan, please contact: info@chglobal.org or 1-519-650-0966.

    The Coleta UB Church, with approximately 35 people, has made a significant impact through our Child Sponsorship program in Haiti.  After hearing from Julie, CH Global’s Child Sponsorship Coordinator for Haiti, the people of Coleta responded with their hearts and resources, sponsoring 3 children as a congregation…and yet another 3 from individual families!

This small church continues to have a global and local impact; committed to serving in many capacities in their own community as well as becoming involved with a number of international projects.

“Our little church in rural North America has a HUGE heart for people everywhere!  It doesn’t matter where you live, or what you have or don’t have, this little church will find a way to make you FEEL loved the moment you step inside…this little church spreads it’s love all over the world.  So, when we were presented with the opportunity to support a specific child through CH Global, I personally liked the idea that I could pick the child I knew we would support!  …Our little church with a BIG heart proved itself again to us, by joining us in supporting 3 children from Haiti, along with 3 couples, each supporting a child with their family.”  -Tammy, Coleta UB Church

CH Global would like to extend a special “Thank You!” to the Coleta UB Church for being such an example of generosity and having open and outward hearts!  The children living in these extremely difficult circumstances will come to know lasting stability and have great opportunities for the future as a result of your support!

For further information on our unique Child Sponsorship program, visit http://www.chglobal.org/childsponsorship.html .

Hope in Sagure

“I spent this Sunday in Sagure Ethiopia where we have 41 children in a nutrition program (most sponsored by a church, and 30 of whom are HIV positive).  It was such a blessing to watch these children. Two years ago they were malnourished, sick and without hope.  They now have their childhood back; hope restored.  Their health is monitored, food supplements provided and financial aid is given to caregivers to begin income programs. I watched the children participating in a tutorial class, and others learning new song “My God is So Big”, with others helping each other in chores.   I reviewed their report cards, and I talked to their staff who teach them Bible stories. None of these hopeful changes can be achieved without the active engagement of the CH Global team and our partners; everyone doing their very best. ”

We are so thankful to our faithful sponsors and supporters, who continually create lasting opportunities for those who were once without hope.