Uganda
Uganda lies at the Equator in Eastern Africa at an average altitude of about 1,100 meters above sea- level. The total geographic area is about 236,500 square kilometers or 146,955 sguare miles.
We are bordered by the Republic of South Sudan to the North, the Republic of Kenya to the East, the Democratic Republic of Congo to the West, and the United Republic of Tanzania and the Republic of Rwanda to the South.
With a population of 34.5 million people (in 2011) it is one of the poorest countries in the world, having a per capita income of under US$170.
Mortality
Life expectancy for men and women is one of the lowest in the world. AIDS is a significant cause of death and illness among young children; thus, the already high infant and child mortality rates can be expected to rise. Among children under five, who account for over half of hospital deaths, the main killers are malaria, pneumonia, diarrhea, and malnutrition. Malaria has been found to be the principal killer among adults admitted to hospitals, while diarrhea, pneumonia, and anemia are almost as common as AIDS as reported primary causes of death.
City Of Jinja
Jinja lies in southeastern Uganda, approximately 87 km (54 miles) by road, east of the Uganda capital city of Kampala. The town is located on the shores of Lake Victoria, near to the source of the Nile River. The nearby Owen Falls Dam regulates the flow of the White Nile and generates electricity. Jinja is the largest metropolitan area in Jinja District, and is considered the capital of the Kingdom of Busoga.
The closest major airport to Jinja is Entebbe International Airport (EBB / HUEN). This airport is in Entebbe, Uganda and is approximately 121 km (75 miles) from the center of Jinja, Uganda. The drive can take several hours.
The Villages
Our orphanage is located in Wanyange Hill and the church located in Wairaka Village, Jinja district,
Church
Worship gatherings each Sunday morning with Sunday school. We have a worship night every first Friday of the month. These are special times of joyous singing and great bible study.
Prayer and Financial Needs
- Bibles – $13 each.
- Chairs – $8 each
- Monthly Rent, Orphanage House – $200.
- Funds for the “Widows Ministry”
- Pastor David Oteko
Outreach / Evangelism
- Preaching
- Evangelism
- Planting New Churches
- Jesus Film
- Community work
- Prayer Walking
- Bible Studies
- Widow’s Ministry, is used to help with food, medical care, other emergency needs within the church and communities .
- Home visits
- Counseling
- It is safe to say that a large percentage of the children in Uganda are uneducated. For the most part, education is not funded by the government; although some government funded schools do exist in the larger cities. This means that the overwhelming majority of families must pay for their child’s school fees out of their own pocket. Inasmuch as it is very difficult to make enough money for shelter, food and clothing – adding school fees to the family budget is strenuous at best. It is not atypical for a child to attend school for one semester (a three-month session) and then sit out one or more semesters thereafter until his/her parents are able to pay the school fees again, if they ever do. In addition, it is common in Uganda for all children to wear the school uniform, which is yet another expense.
- And then what does the orphaned or abandoned child do for education? It is more important for these kids to seek food and shelter – there simply is no time or resources for education.
When talking to parents and children, they all agree that education is a primary desire as they all know it means a better life for the child and ultimately for the whole family. So it’s not that they don’t WANT to pay the school fees, it’s all about the ability to do so. And then when you throw in the orphaned/abandoned child the desire for an education is almost greater, for how will they ever improve in life without an education?
What you are reading here is how it really is for the average Ugandan on the street. It probably does not reflect the same information you might read as presented in an official fact sheet on the internet regarding education in Uganda.
The truth of the matter is that help is desperately needed to get the kids the education they need for their future.