Church near Swindon strengthens ties with Ugandan charity

Last October, four members of All Saints Church in Lydiard Millicent, near Swindon, travelled to Uganda to visit projects run by the Anglican church, the first of which was a charity called Hope for Life Katanga.

The charity was founded by Francis Nkurunziza, who was the Wiltshire group's driver during their time in Uganda.

Francis Nkurunziza speaking at an All Saints service at Lydiard Millicent Parish Hall (Image: All Saints Church) The charity was co-founded in Katanga, the biggest slum in Kampala, the capital of Uganda.

All Saints worship leader Ginnie Heads said: "Visiting Katanga last year and meeting some of the people who live there was an unforgettable experience.

"The vision of Hope for Life to support and enable whole families and the dedication and commitment of the staff was inspirational."

Bev Kauppinen, a former teacher and All Saints youth and children’s worker, added: "Entering a slum of approximately 20,000 individuals with only four functioning toilets was a profound experience.

"Observing women washing their infants' clothing in cold water beside an open sewer, yet still wearing smiles, was both striking and humbling.

"Transitioning to the classroom of Hope for Life, which featured a simple blackboard and a dedicated teacher, I was deeply moved by the eagerness of the students to absorb every word being taught."

All Saints Church has maintained contact with Hope for Life, and recently welcomed the charity's director, Mr Nkurunziza, for a visit.

He explained his life started like those of thousands in Katanga. His mother had six children by different boyfriends, who each deserted her because they had no adequate income.

He was fortunate enough to receive child sponsorship from a Christian charity, but his own charity has adopted a different model to support desperately poor families.

It offers financial support, vocational training, and mentoring to the young mothers so they are able to provide for their families, while it also funds their children through school.

One of the families who hosted Mr Nkurunziza during his visit was that of the youngest member of the trip.

Jacob Johnson, 17, said: "Visiting Hope for Life Katanga has had a huge effect on me and has made me rethink what I am doing with my life.

"Therefore I have chosen to become a trustee with the charity to give back to the people who accepted me with open arms when I visited."