There are many orphans in Uganda. They tend to be cared for by relatives or people from their village rather than in orphanages. Families who take in these children may have barely enough money for their own children. In other cases elderly relatives with very little income try to provide for the orphans. The result is that orphans cannot go to school because they have no money for school fees or school uniforms.
These needs are not limited to orphans and so we are also seeking to support needy children in Mbale whether orphaned or not.
PONT is supporting an income generating project for families in need. A female goat is supplied to the family along with training on breeding and rearing goats. By selling some of the goats they have reared the family will be able to have money to support the needs of the children. In addition the goats milk is a valuable source of protein. We are also donating one male goat to each village. The goats that are being purchased are varieties which have a higher yield of milk and produce more young than the typical local varieties.
Project Status
To date (April 2009) we have distributed goats to 450 families. through 4 partner agencies. Goats produced have been sold and the money raised used to pay for school fees, medical treatment, school books etc.
Future Plans
We are adding a new Ugandan charity to our network this year and have plans to distribute a further 150 goats.
