Center of Hope ladies selling their things at a craft bazaar.

Vallia and Fatima are the instructors of the sewing program and they are doing such a fantastic job! We are proud of them. There are now five other ladies being trained in sewing and business skills.

Harriet working with the ladies and youth

Women's day

Recently it was Women’s Day in Uganda, a public holiday to celebrate women! Naturally, we wanted to celebrate in style with all our ladies at the Center of Hope. What a day! There were around 80 women present, most of them full-time students, but also a few guests. The ladies were wearing their traditional outfits from their home countries, or were dressed up in their best western clothes, and all were excited to be there. There was lots of food, music and dancing…and more dancing…and more dancing!!

For me, the most powerful moment of the day was when the ladies were given the opportunity to share what this day meant to them. One lady stood up and said that since the day she got married many years ago she had never had one happy day in her life. She shared that the Women’s Day celebration at the Center of Hope was the happiest day she has had. Sadly, what this lady shared has been echoed by many of the other female students at the Center of Hope who have suffered (and some who are still suffering) from forced marriages, domestic violence and physical and/or sexual abuse.In fact, it was ironic that on that very day one of our most faithful students was missing from the celebration because she was being forced to stay at home after being severely beaten by her husband. She has still not returned to the Center.

My heart breaks for these lovely, beautiful, strong women who come to the Center of Hope with an intense desire to learn and get an education. Many of them have never gone to school before, and many have never had the choice or the opportunity to decide what they want to do with their lives…most have been forced from their countries because of war and persecution, and many live daily with abuse, violence and hardship here in Kampala as well. I admire their strength and their courage and I am so privileged to have them as sisters.

More Dancing

Enjoying the Day

Relaxing

Dressing up

Happy Women’s Day to the lovely ladies at the Center of Hope!!! We love you!!!!

Gettin' Down

Traditional coffee

YOUTH CONFERENCE!!!

Each school holiday we hold youth conferences at the Center of Hope. It is always an amazing time of learning, growth, bonding and unity building. To see young people from such diverse nationalities and backgrounds come together is always an amazing experience.

The youth with Katie

Lillian and Lydia

Your gifts DO make a difference!