Peter Ibulo with his goats and the cow he bought, as a result of his grant from LWF. Photo: Asubu David.

Peter Ibulo is a middle aged man, living in Katakwi district, eastern Uganda with his wife and six children. In 2003, whilst still living in an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp, Peter’s son one day brought 13 year old Joseph Choda back to the home. “Joseph’s parents had both died and he had no home”, says Peter. “I had no option but to make him part of my family, and so I was blessed with another son.” When the family could finally leave the camp and return to their home, Peter wanted to send Joseph to secondary school, but he just could not find the funds to pay for school fees and uniform. “But then my prayers were answered”, says Peter, “One day Joseph came home and told me I was being called to the sub county head quarters. I was told Joseph had been identified to participate in Lutheran World Federation’s orphans’ project.”

School grant feeds the familyThanks to funding from DCA Joseph is now happily studying at boarding school in Soroti town and doing well. Joseph’s guardians are receiving support too; “We received two goats, cassava cuttings, sorghum, and groundnuts. I harvested the cassava and it is only thanks to the cassava that we sustaining ourselves. It’s been a terrible period of famine. Many neighbouring families cannot afford food, but thanks to the project me and my family can have two meals per day”, says Peter gratefully. “Our goats multiplied, and I was able to sell four goats in exchange for a cow. This has given me pride in my village”. “Hygiene and sanitation is now a major priority for my household. We guardians attend meetings at sub county headquarters that have taught us guardians how to keep the house clean. Now I have confidence when visitors come”, says Peter proudly. He continues, “When Joseph comes home for holidays, he teaches my other children. It makes me so happy to come home and find them studying together, sharing stories and discussing issues. I want to thank the project so much for this.” By Asubu David, Lutheran World Federation, Katakwi Orphans Project, Uganda