Celebrating Health, Expansion, and Community Care in August of 2023

August brought warmth and togetherness to Home of Hope and neighboring areas, counties, and communities. We have also extended our Derrick and Emily Medical Center to further service our community, and our children are learning important skills to further our mission of giving them a prosperous life.

Take a look at all the continuous labor of love our staff pours!

Successful Outreach Clinics in Busede and neighboring counties

In this picture, our compassionate social worker, Sharifa, is doing what she does best - listening, empathizing, and responding. 🙏 Participants had the opportunity to share their concerns and experiences with caregivers, creating a safe space for open dialogue. 🌐💙

Meet Steven, our dedicated social worker, guiding a new client through a counseling session.

Building Independence and Crafting Bright Futures

At Home of Hope, our key objective is to empower disabled children, especially those with multiple disabilities, to blossom into independent young adults. We believe in the power of practical life skills! Activities like cooking and doing laundry aren't just chores; they're opportunities for growth. They increase team-building and cooperation, along with confidence and self-esteem. By mastering these everyday tasks, our incredible children are on a journey to becoming self-sufficient, confident individuals ready to take on the world.

Also, the children of Home of Hope are not just dreamers; they are artists in the making! Through art, they're not only expressing their creativity but also strengthening their capabilities.

These art pieces also serve as a source of income, meeting some of the children's needs. We believe in nurturing their talents and dreams, proving that possibilities are endless when you have a canvas of hope.

Expanding Horizons for Better Health

Exciting news from Home of Hope in Uganda! In response to the growing demand for vital healthcare services, we've taken a significant step forward. Our Derrick and Emily Memorial Medical Center was bursting with dedication, but space constraints limited us. Not anymore!

Through relentless effort and your support, we've transformed what was once a shade into a hub of healing. Our center now includes an emergency room, ultrasound section, and dental section. By creating more space and upgrading our facilities, we've enriched our services, enhancing the overall healthcare experience for our community.

Meet Home of Hope’s Founder Edith Lukabwe

Who Founded Home of Hope?

Hope of Hope Uganda was founded by Edith Lukabwe in 2007.

Home of Hope’s founder, Edith Lukabwe

Home of Hope’s founder, Edith Lukabwe

What Is Edith’s Story?

In 2000 God blessed Edith with a son, Derrick. Only a few days after Derrick was born he was diagnosed with Malaria. While he was discharged from the hospital and appeared to recover, in time it became apparent he wasn’t growing as he should. He was then diagnosed with Meningitis, which infected him through his spinal cord and damaged his brain. He suffered from convulsions and a breathing problem, and required frequent hospitalizations for years.

While seeking treatment, exercises, and medications for Derrick, Edith and her husband came to realize they weren’t the only parents living with a disabled child. Despite many friends and relatives abandoning them, even believing that Derrick was bewitched or Edith was cursed for having given birth to Derrick, they persisted.  In 2004 an NGO organization, Spring of Hope, started in Edith’s community to work with disabled children. Recognizing Edith’s love and gift at caring for the disabled children, Spring of Hope asked her to work for them. 

Edith began visiting parents of children with disabilities in the community, providing support, encouragement, education, and training on how to do exercises. What Edith found on her visits was eye-opening. Many of the children had been abandoned or left with ederly grandmothers who were ill-equipped to care for them. Some were neglected, starving, and had visible physical ailments. 

After witnessing this Edith kept thinking about the children and praying to God, and thought about taking care of other children in addition to Derrick. Yet she recognized how difficult this undertaking would be and felt it might be insurmountable. While praying about the situation in 2006, Edith had an accident. She suffered a spinal cord fracture and pelvic fracture, and was told she wouldn't be able to walk again. Although she refused to believe it, Edith took this as a sign she was being disobedient to God and didn't answer His call. With a new understanding of what it felt like to be disabled herself, Edith started praying again. She asked God to heal her so she could care for disabled children.

At this time Edith shared her story with a friend in New Zealand, and in 2007 her friend came to visit with her family. Edith brought the group to see the children, and they were very touched. They contributed money to rent the house, and for initial supplies including mattresses, bed sheets, and other essentials. With their support, Home of Hope was officially born on July 2007. The house started with 6 children, including Edith’s son Derrick. 

Why Did Edith Found Home of Hope? 

Edith founded Home of Hope to provide physical care and compassion for children in Uganda living with multiple disabilities. Many of the children living at Home of Hope were abandoned and neglected, and Home of Hope offered a place for them to go. 

What Is Edith Doing Today?

There are currently over 60 children at Home of Hope today. The organization does community work and helps educate parents of disabled children on how to best care for them. They offer medications, home visits and outreach, and aim to reduce the number of children being abandoned. The organization works to provide the children with basic needs, social protection and inclusion, and improved standards of living. They also continue to raise awareness and encourage love for these children in the community.

How Can I Learn More About Edith? 

You can learn more about Edith and Home of Hope Uganda at their website: 

https://www.homeofhopeuganda.org/about-us/

How Can I Support Home of Hope?

Home of Hope is currently accepting donations through their website.

Go to www.homeofhopeministries.org then click on “Donate.”

You may also text “HOHM” to 707070.

Thank you for your support!

Living In Uganda: Life in Jinja and at Home of Hope

Home of Hope is located in Uganda, which is a country in East-Central Africa. We know many of our supporters and those interested in our cause haven’t had the opportunity to visit Uganda themselves, so in this post we wanted to provide some context about what it’s like to live in Uganda and to offer a glimpse at life at Home of Hope.

Where Is Uganda?

Uganda is a landlocked country located in East-Central Africa. It is bordered by several other countries including South Sudan, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Uganda: Quick Details

Uganda has a population of around 35.6 million people. The capital of Uganda is Kampala. There are two official languages in the country, English and Swahili, as well as many other languages spoken throughout (32 in total). Lugandan is one of the major languages spoken. Primary religions are Islam, Christianity and indigenous religions. There are dozens of ethnic groups within the country. Although Uganda had a turbulent past, it’s currently known for its stability and prosperity. The geography is primarily a plateau, with a tropical yet moderate climate. Uganda’s economy is primarily based around agriculture.

Where is Home of Hope?

Home of Hope is located in Jinja, a town in eastern Uganda not far off from Lake Victoria. Jinja is about 50 miles from the capital of Kampala, and as of 2014 the population of Jinja was nearly 73,000.

Jinja: Quick Details

Jinja is home to the second-largest economy in Uganda, due in large part to the factories located in the area because of the power source from a nearby dam. One of the largest sugar factories in the region is also located in Jinja.

Jinja is known for being the source of the Nile River, as well as the “adventure capital of East Africa '' for tourists. There are several major universities and learning centers located in Jinja.

Home of Hope is located in Jinja, Uganda

Home of Hope is located in Jinja, Uganda

What Is Life Like At Home of Hope In Jinja?

Many of the children at Home of Hope live onsite in the current facility. Hope of Hope Uganda is in the process of constructing a new building to house more children, and future expansion plans include onsite hospital and special needs school for the children. 

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Children play in various rooms inside and outdoors. The children sleep in bunk beds and cribs in the home in our facility. Much of the public play time takes place on the floor, where it’s easy for our staff and children to interact and get around.

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While some children are on special diets due to their unique needs, in general in Uganda meals include a lot of starches such as potatoes and beans and cornmeal. Other popular foods include bananas, plantains, cassava, greens and peanuts.

A Closer Look

Want to learn more about life for the children in Jinja? Check out our videos of Home of Hope and see what it’s like in the day-to-day.


Sources consulted for this post: Britannica, BBC, Uganda365, Wikipedia

How We Use Donations At the Home Of Hope

The best way to support Home of Hope Ministries and the children in Uganda is by making a donation. Our donations go directly towards helping children living with disabilities in Uganda, and are used to provide the children with shelter, food, care and medical attention they need to survive. Many of our children have been abandoned, and without Home of Hope would have nowhere else to live and no one to care for them.

After fees and administrative costs, about 90% of our proceeds go directly to the cause. When you make a donation to the Home of Hope, your money will be used directly for one of the following items.

Where Your Money Goes

Facilities

We are currently in the process of constructing a new facility at Home of Hope Uganda. The building will have 3 floors, and will house both children and volunteers - children on the ground floor, and volunteers on the first and second floor. By housing volunteers onsite, Home of Hope can save money on accommodations to work towards becoming self-sustaining. There are also great benefits to the children in having staff and caregivers living onsite. The group of children at the Home of Hope is ever-expanding, and our current home is overcrowded. In the 10 years since home of hope opened, many of the children have matured into their 20s. These older children need a separate place to live, apart from the very young children. The new building hopes to address this need. There is also a plan to build a special needs school on the Home of Hope property in the future. You can learn more about our current construction project here.

Home of Hope is growing and started the construction of a new building . Construction has been paused due to lack of funding.

Home of Hope is growing and started the construction of a new building . Construction has been paused due to lack of funding.

Food

Of course, there are costs associated with feeding the children at the Home of Hope. Donations contribute towards the cost of a healthy and necessary diet.

Healthy food options are important to the growing children at Home of Hope.

Healthy food options are important to the growing children at Home of Hope.

Medication

Many of the children at the home rely upon medications for their ongoing comfort and wellness, and to address various medical conditions. For some children, this means taking several medications each and every day.

Surgeries and Doctor’s Care

Some of the children need to visit a doctor's office for assessment or treatment, as well as for ongoing check-ups related to their condition. It is also necessary for some children to undergo surgeries. The cost of these visits and procedures is often high and prohibitive, despite their extreme necessity.

Many of the children at Home of Hope take multiple medications daily, which are vital to aid with their particular illnesses.

Many of the children at Home of Hope take multiple medications daily, which are vital to aid with their particular illnesses.

Utilities

Like any home, Home of Hope needs to keep the lights and power on so we can provide a safe and comfortable living environment for the children. As the number of children living at the home continues to increase, so do utility needs across our property.

Wheelchairs

Wheelchairs provide our children with increased mobility and independence, and make a huge difference in their day-to-day lives. We are extremely excited about - and thankful for - the new wheelchairs the children received, and have been using them daily.

Many of the children at Home of Hope have an illness that makes it necessary to use a wheelchair to get around.

Many of the children at Home of Hope have an illness that makes it necessary to use a wheelchair to get around.

Equipment

In addition to wheelchairs, there is other equipment we need at home to support the children in their daily activities. From educational materials and books, to games, to necessities like eating instruments, equipment makes a big difference in the children’s lives.

Staffing

Home of Hope wouldn’t exist without our wonderful staff who care for the children day in and day out. The staff provide care and compassion to the children, and work to keep them safe, healthy and happy each day. 

As you can see, all donations we receive are used in a way that directly impacts the children in their daily lives. We are so grateful to all our donors, and the impact their contributions have made, and look forward to a long future supporting the children. Learn more about our staff here.

Support Home of Hope and the amazing children - Donate Now

Home of Hope Staff with the children

Home of Hope Staff with the children

Common Disabilities At Home of Hope

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Home of Hope Uganda was founded to help children living with disabilities in Uganda. While the children living at the home are not all affected by the same disabilities, there are some common disabilities which many children have. This post aims to educate about some of the disabilities and diseases that our children live with, to help illustrate their various special needs and the breadth of the care we provide.

Cerebral Palsy

Many, many children at the Home of Hope have cerebral palsy (CP). Cerebral palsy is caused by abnormal brain development, or brain damage. This damage occurs before or shortly after birth, or while a child is 3-5 years old. Cerebral palsy affects muscle tone, movement and motor skills, meaning those with the disability have a hard time moving on their own or in a coordinated way. Cerebral palsy can also impact other motor-skill related functions, including muscles, breathing, eating and talking. Sometimes, the brain damage that causes CP can lead to other issues including learning disabilities, or difficulty with sight or hearing. Cerebral palsy can be treated through assistance in daily activities, as well as by providing children with wheelchairs to assist mobility.

Hydrocephalus

Another common disability we see at the Home of Hope is hydrocephalus, which is characterized by a large shaped head, or a rapid increase in head size. Hydrocephalus is most common among infants and the elderly, and impacts some of our younger residents. Medically, Hydrocephalus is caused by a buildup of fluid within brain cavities, which puts pressure on the brain. If untreated for too long it can damage brain tissue and cause various impairments. Hydrocephalus can be treated through a surgical procedure to drain fluid from the brain.

Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures, which may be mild to severe. Seizures can be caused by a brain injury or genetic disorder, but often their source is unknown. Epilepsy can be treated with medications. 

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Muscular Dystrophy

Muscular dystrophy is a disease which causes weakness and a loss of muscle mass. It is caused by gene mutation, and the disease is progressive, meaning it worsens with age. Although there is no cure, muscular dystrophy’s symptoms can be managed or slowed down with therapy and medications.

Spina Bifida

Spina bifida impacts the spine, and occurs when the spine’s neural tube does not form properly or close all the way. Spina bifida can result in damage to the spinal cord and nerves, which can lead to various physical and intellectual disabilities. This condition usually presents itself at birth, and disabilities can range from mild to severe depending on the size and the nerves affected. 

Down Syndrome

Down syndrome is a genetic disorder, caused by chromosome 21. The disorder can result in developmental or intellectual delays, as well as physical effects. Those with down syndrome may benefit from physical therapy and special education. 

Developmental Delay

Some of our children experience developmental delay, or delayed milestones. This means they achieve their milestones (reading, speaking, motor skills, etc.) late as compared to their peers. Children with developmental delays may need special education or attention. 

Other Disabilities

Some children at the Home of Hope are also living with the following disabilities or ailments.

  • Blindness

  • Deafness

  • Intellectual or Learning Disabilities

  • HIV

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder

  • Sickle Cell Disease

  • Osteogenesis Imperfecta (Brittle Bone Disease)

You can learn more about the children living at Home of Hope on our website. All donations go towards the care and treatment our children need - make a donation now.

This article uses information from the following sources: KidsHealth, MayoClinic, Epilepsy Foundation, MayoClinic, CDC, NDSS


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Meet The Children Living At Home Of Hope

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There are over 60 children currently living at Home of Hope Uganda. All of the children come from different backgrounds and each bring with them their own stories and struggles. Sadly, many of the children arrived at the home after being abandoned or neglected by their parents. In other instances, some of the children were referred to Home of Hope after relatives either passed away or became too elderly or ill to care for them. All of the children at the home suffer from a disability, physical or mental, and in some cases a combination of both. Some of the children live in the home alongside their siblings.

The children at Home of Hope receive varying levels of care, depending on their abilities. From basic treatment and medication to full care for feeding, toileting and dressing, care varies and changes over time as the children learn and grow. Many of the children have made vast improvements since arriving at the Home of Hope, and some are able to take care of their basic needs and attend school. In addition to providing a home, Home of Hope also performs community work, outreach and education for parents of disabled children.

Below we share the stories of a few of our children - we encourage you to visit the Home of Hope Uganda website to learn the stories of all the amazing children at the facility.

Babirye

Babirye

Babirye

Babirye and her identical twin sister are 16 years old. They both fell ill when they were babies, which resulted in intellectual disabilities. When their parents passed on they were left with an older women in their village. While she tried to provide proper care, some village men took advantage of the girls and several cases were reported to the police.

Babirye likes making friends, cuddling, dancing and learning. Both she and her sister attend school.

Geofrey

Geofrey

Geofrey

Geofrey is 18 years old. Both he and his brother Yonah have learning disabilities, and live at Home of Hope together. Geofrey’s parents are divorced, and his father is an alcoholic. Both brothers were rescued by Soft Power Health, and Geofrey was malnourished and seriously infected with jiggers when he arrived.

Geofrey is doing well and is a happy boy. He enjoys dancing to local music and going for walks.

Jane

Jane

Jane

Jane is 14 and is affected by an intellectual disability, cerebral palsy and epilepsy. She was abandoned along a road in Kampala and picked up by the police, who handed her over to Foodstep Entebbe. The facility cannot care for disabled children, so they referred her to Home of Hope. Jane is withdrawn, prefers to be alone most of the time, and is dependent on caregivers to perform basic tasks.


Junior

Junior

Junior

Junior is 7 years old and has hydrocephalus. His mother was 14 when he was born and his father denied him, claiming his clan did not give birth to children with disabilities. When his mother went back to school she left Junior with his grandmother, whom did not have money to pay for his neurosurgery needed. After he eventually he got the operation his grandmother refused to take him back because he was weak and sickly. Junior can now sit independently, feed himself and crawl. He is also being trained how to walk.

Peter

Peter

Peter

Peter is 7 years old, has Cerebral Palsy and is HIV positive. Peter was abandoned by his grandmother, who couldn’t take care of herself muchless him as he required close monitoring and supervision. When Peter arrived at the Home of Hope he could not sit, stand, walk or crawl. 

Peter can now walk and do most things himself as a result of physiotherapy. Peter likes playing, dancing, and making friends.

Sanon

Sanon

Sanon

Sanon is 10 years old and has cerebral palsy. Sanon’s parents passed on and his grandmother decided to take care of him, but it was hard for her to handle his disability. The local council asked Home of Hope to rescue Sanon as he was severely malnourished, and he was treated with a special diet and therapy when he arrived.

Sanon is currently learning sign language and self help skills. He has good social skills, is capable of feeding himself, can go to school and is always happy.

Wilson

Wilson

Wilson

Wilson is 6 years old and has cerebral palsy. He was rescued by UN forces in the jungles of the Democratic Republic of Congo, where both of his parents are fighting. He was then brought to Loving Hearts Babies Home, but the facility only takes young children and cannot support disabled children, so he subsequently came to the Home of Hope.

Wilson is unable to sit, stand, and use his hands, so he is dependent on his caregivers. The police are still trying to locate his relatives.

Read more about all the amazing children living at Home Of Hope Uganda.



Home of Hope Ministries: Who We Are

Welcome to our blog! We're Home of Hope Ministries, an organization dedicated to raising awareness and support for the children of Uganda with special needs. The post below shares a bit about who we are, what we do, and how you can help support our cause.

What Is Home Of Hope?

Many children are living with disabilities around the world. Often, due to a variety of factors and circumstances, they are unable to receive the care, support and love they need to survive. Home of Hope Uganda was founded to address this need.

Home of Hope is a physical facility located in Jinja, Uganda, which provides housing and round-the-clock care for a group of over 60 disabled children. Most of the children living in Home of Hope Uganda were abandoned or neglected by their families, and lacked the basic necessities and care needed to live. In Uganda, there is a common belief that disabilities come as a result of witchcraft, which creates a very difficult situation as many disabled children are neglected, abandoned or even left to die.

The Home of Hope Uganda Story

Home of Hope Uganda was founded by Edith Lukabwe in 2007, in response to her personal life experience. In the year 2000 God blessed Edith with a son, Derrick, who fell ill when he was just 2 days old. Derrick was initially misdiagnosed and treated for the wrong disease, and as a result did not receive the treatment he needed which resulted in brain damage and a permanent disability. Edith and her family loved Derrick immensely, and continued to care for him until he passed away at the age of 14.

By caring for Derrick and with God in her heart, Edith came to understand and develop a compassion for disabled children and their unique needs. It disheartened her to see children being neglected or misunderstood, and she wanted to provide them care and love. She began caring for other children while she was caring for Derrick. Upon Derrick’s passing and the completion of his mission here on earth, Edith was inspired to continue her mission in caring for children at Home of Hope.

The first child Edith took in is named Prose, whom was found hungry, covered in excrement, and living with an elderly grandmother unable to provide proper care. In the first year after Home of Hope’s founding, the facility rapidly grew and was housing 15 children. Today, the home provides services for over 60 children.

Learn more about Edith’s story here:

What Is Hope of Hope Ministries?

Home of Hope Ministries was created in order to raise awareness and funding for children in Uganda with disabilities. Currently, we are supporting the children at Home of Hope Uganda.

In 2017, Edith shares information about Home of Hope Uganda and its mission.

In 2017, Edith shares information about Home of Hope Uganda and its mission.

In the spring of 2017, Edith traveled outside Uganda for the first time with the goal of raising awareness for Home of Hope Uganda. One of Home of Hope Ministries’ board members, Todd Merry, heard about Edith through a cousin living in Uganda and decided to fly her to Seattle and organize a fundraising dinner at his home. Having a child of their own with severe disabilities, Vivien, Todd and his family are passionate about the cause. When Todd met Edith, they discussed the need for a non-profit which could support children in Uganda with disabilities -- and thus Home of Hope Ministries was founded. Todd sought out a few others who had either heard Edith share, had connections in Uganda or were eager to help out with the orphaned. This group became the board for Home of Hope Ministries. Today, Todd and his family are in the process of adopting Joseph, one of the children from Home of Hope Uganda. 

Todd and Molly’s daughter, Vivien

Todd and Molly’s daughter, Vivien

Molly and Joseph

Molly and Joseph

Home of Hope receives no government funding whatsoever. Oftentimes, due to the costs of running Home of Hope Uganda, monthly expenses exceed the amount of revenue coming in. When you make a donation to us at Home of Hope Ministries, 90% of your money goes directly to the cause. More details on this are included below.

Home of Hope Ministries is a volunteer organization, run by a small board who donate their time to the cause. You can read more about our board on our website, and we’ll be sharing more about Home of Hope Ministries family in a coming post. 

How Can You Help?

You can support Home of Hope by making a donation. Donations are accepted on a recurring or one-time basis. As mentioned above, after fees and admin costs about 90% of proceeds go directly to the cause.

Currently, Home of Hope Uganda is in the midst of constructing a new facility to support the ever-expanding group of children living at the home. The home is overcrowded, and in the 10 years since Home of Hope Uganda opened many of the children have matured into their 20s. These older individuals need a separate home in which to live. The second Home of Hope Uganda building will have a total of 3 floors. The first floor is completed, and some of the children are moved in. The second floor is currently under construction, and upon completion will house volunteers who come and help care for the children.

There are also ongoing costs associated with provisions and the special needs school Home of Hope offers to children. When you make a donation, your money will go towards the following: 

  • Food

  • Medications

  • Surgeries and Doctor’s Care

  • Utilities

  • Wheelchairs

  • Equipment

  • Staffing

  • New Facility Construction

You can support Home of Hope and the children by making a donation. 

Click here to donate now