Refugee Camps

Refugee Camps- Lira and Gulu

During December 2004 Ruth visited many refugee camps in Northern Uganda - the sights, smells and stories from these camps are horrific. There are many orphans from the conflict with the "Lord's Resistance Army" that has ravaged the countryside for the last 18 years. Ruth met children who had witnessed appalling violence and met men and women who had been mutilated by the insurgents. In many of the camps children are "night commuters"- moving into the camps at dusk for safety.

A cultivation programme has now commenced and we envisage this project will eventually reach into many districts across Northern Uganda. Although the war has ceased, our work known as 'secure their future' will continue to expand. The families for which this project has already begun are very excited!

Some of the children are now in senior education; the reason for helping other families to become self sufficient is so they will be able to educate their children themselves.

During 2010 many cultivation projects began for refugee families in northern Uganda; the first year of this project has been most successful and for just £22 a family can cultivate one acre. During October 2010 this work was extended.

Cultural Centre Camp - Lira

Aim for Change has decided to focus our efforts on this camp near Lira. Whilst there are thousands of children within the camp, we recognise the potential for education to lift children out of despair. This pilot project, which we call "Secure their Future" will expand in the coming years to provide education for more refugee children. Following Ruth's recent visits in 2005 & 2006 we have registered 14 children from this camp to begin full time education. We have provided uniforms, shoes, books, pencils and more. Due to a recent cease-fire, many families are now returning to their native villages and so the children are now attending a boarding school. Some of these children still require sponsorship - please consider this as just £150 per year.

Aim for Change is still providing some support to Lugora Camp (near the Sudan border) and Lacho Night Commuters Camp.