In 2007 Geoff became aware of the plight of the orphans at his link school in Chebukutumi. There were 30 at the school and that number had increased alarming to over 80 in 2010 due largely to the ravages of HIV/AIDS. No real distinction is made between those who have lost both parents (total orphans) and those with only one (partial orphans). Often a single parent can also be very ill with HIV/AIDS and unable to work. Family support can then fall on the older siblings who miss out on their childhoods and education or the orphans may be cared for by other family members or friends.
Following this start another Mercy Ministry was set up at Chebukutumi in 2009 and another one was started in Nalondo in 2010 and one at Tunyo in 2011. In Chebukutumi and Nalondo some of the orphans received school uniforms which then allowed them to start a primary education. Nalondo and Tunyo have also invested in a heifer milking cow.
All the Mercy Ministries have now been registered as OVC (Orphans and Vulnerable Chiildren) Self Help Groups with the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Deveopment and we are awarding grants to each of them year on year to provide some enhancements to basic needs such as school uniforms, mattresses, blankets, sweaters and food for the most needy as well as looking to source funds for new OVC Groups. New ones were set up at Chebukube and Chebukuyi.
Mapela
Some orphans who appeared out of the bush looking for food on Rev.
Hellen's compound
Mapela
Some of the orphans registered with the church. Mama Rhoda Lusaka is on the right of the picture
Mapela
The orphans receiving food and drinks. They also received sacks of
corn and school items
Chebukutumi
The orphans received school uniforms and text books on Christmas Day 2009 from Rev. Collins
Chebukutumi
Ivy receiving treatment for a bad leg wound. She also received a
school uniform and is now in full time education
