Nestled in the heart of one of the most deprived slums in Eastern Uganda, The Loved Children’s Centre (Loved) is fighting to provide hope to young children at risk. The Centre offers a safe place for 0–3-year-olds who have severe malnutrition, unsupported disabilities or abusive home situations, whilst simultaneously providing holistic care and empowerment for their parents or caregivers. These parents have access to other projects of JENGA CDO UK, of which Loved is a part, such as addiction support groups, counselling, health testing, vocational training and savings groups.
The grant from Lewin has enabled Loved to reach out beyond its own borders and into the wider community via its Life programme. It has provided essential skills training to over 2000 members of the community and, working with the local government hospital, identifies, treats and provides support for children with severe acute malnutrition. Life also provides nutritional education for parents as well as TB screening and monthly food parcels. 137 children have overcome severe malnutrition in the last year.
We provide help but also aim to provide hope of a pathway – into education for the children and out of poverty for families – to sustainably improve their lives. Thanks to Lewin, Life is being enabled to make a huge difference in the community and lives are being saved.