As CEO and a co-founder of S.A.L.V.E. I have found it difficult being away from Uganda for two long years (thanks to Covid-19 and lockdowns). Thankfully though in January I was able to return and I am really enjoying spending time with our amazing team here, seeing first-hand how the generous donations and support we have received over these two years have been wisely used to continue the safe, inclusive and caring environment we are so proud to call S.A.L.V.E.
One of the main changes I have noticed is the children we work with – two years on and some of them are so tall we are thinking of starting a S.A.L.V.E. basketball team! There are also so many more of them! Covid-19 forced more children to the streets and we are so pleased that, thanks to your support, we have been able to be there for more children in their time of need. I’ve loved seeing our new Drop in Centre for Girls in action and seeing the good it is doing helping us to reach out to more girls on the streets. Our new Girls Halfway Home is also near completion, which will offer a safe haven for girls away from the streets as we work to resettle them to a safe family home. I look forward to seeing it open very soon!
Sadly though I have also witnessed that there are still lots of children on the street and many of them younger. Prices of food, fuel and school fees have soared in Uganda which is a catalyst for this. Increasing poverty has driven many to the streets and we are witnessing more victims of abuse, forced prostitution and child marriage.
There is however a continued sense of hope and resilience amongst street-connected children to overcome the additional challenges that Covid-19 has thrown at them. We will keep working hard to empower these children to have brighter futures and ensure there is ‘No Street Called Home’. Thank you for helping us do this – none of this would be possible without your continued support.
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