KAMPALA – The Kampala Deputy Resident City Commissioner (RCC) in charge of Makyinde Division Kagolola Ibrahim has applauded the Child’s i Foundation for coming out to give a hand in fighting against coronavirus pandemic.
The function that happened at Makyindye Division on Thursday, May 14, has seen each of the volunteers receive a bicycle, a phone, airtime and data, a box of masks and gloves and hand sanitizers.
The launch that has started with 15 volunteers will run for a period of 3 months across Makindye division, to enable them reach and support 150 vulnerable households in the community, provide vital support and increase the numbers of referrals to emergency services.
Mr Kagolola said “When you remember us in a such a time, there is no way we can forget you.”
“Am so happy that you have been able to remember the volunteers, sometimes people take it for granted that volunteers work for nothing. Yes, it’s true they may not be salary earners as per say but they also need to be assisted,” he said.
He also lauded the volunteers for their patience, arguing that it takes one to volunteer and work diligently without any penny “but when someone remembers you and is able to come and offer a gift, you must be able to receive it with two hands.”
He said that the bicycles are going to ease their movement in the communities as they mobilise in this Covid-19 crisis.
Addressing the nation earlier on the virus, President Museveni commended Local Councillors for being responsive during this period of COVID-19. Child’s i foundation says this is the structure they would like to leave behind, one that strengthens and empowers communities to work with Local Government to ensure children remain safe and with their families.
Child’s i Foundation Country Director, Fred Mukholi said that they work and deliver through community volunteers, village health team, child protection committees “Reason being they are based on grassroots, know community better, they will be able to identify child protection concerns.”
“We have a vision of one day to see all children growing up in the family and we’re looking at a time when we shall have no orphanages in Uganda,” he said.
He added that the Foundation which operates in Makyindye Division, Tororo and Mpigi districts has secured a Memorandum of Understanding with KCCA, and the Ministry of Gender Labour and Social Development.
Mukholi thanked among others, Rocket Foundation that helped them procure bicycles, mobile phones and other materials.
He said that facilitated volunteers will moblise wards; Kibuye 1, Kibuli, Rukuli, Katwe 1, and Nsambya central.
Ali Mulyanyama Nganda, the Makyindye Division Mayor lauded the Foundation for trusting leaders to deliver to the community.
He asked the volunteers to endeavor to sustain the materials given to them especially the bicycles.
Child’s i Foundation is a Non-Governmental Organisation that helps children return to families by rebuilding family support systems. They work with partners to create foster care networks that keep children out of orphanages.
