Our Founders
In 2002 I (Vicky) traveled to Southern Uganda. During my 2-month stay
I learned about the people and culture of Uganda While there I was fortunate
enough to attend a government run, two-week training session on local
common diseases and their treatment. After this training I spent a week
working in the local hospital then a remote clinic in a small village
called Dyango. What I learned and saw in Uganda changed my life, my focus,
and my understanding of this world.
During my stay I met so many wonderful people. These people, according
to our standards, should be unhappy since they had nothing, but they
weren't. They were amazing in the wealth they possessed in their hearts.
The children had no television or gameboys, but they were happy, smiling,
and laughing. Yes, I saw the sickness and the poverty. I saw the hunger
and the bloated bellies, but I saw the peace in their eyes. One sight
always disturbed me, though, and kept me awake at night. This was the
sight of a home with tombstones out front and children playing in the
yard or working in the fields. When I asked if there were any adult supervision
for the children I was told, "No, the parents are dead." With
the area's limited resources, these children were left unprotected in
their own homes after the death of their parents. Many of these children
had been exposed to or infected with HIV.
Once home, I shared all I had seen and learned with my husband, Larry.
He felt the same pull to help these children I had experienced. Together
we researched the possibility of starting our own 501C-3, not for profit
foundation. We wanted to partner with a Ugandan run NGO of the Rakai
district in Southern Uganda. Our goal was to come along side of this
NGO to raise up a Ugandan village helping it become self sufficient caring
for the needs of the area - as best it could. We chose Hope Child Care
Programme in the village of Bulanga for our first effort. Along with
this we talked to friends determined to be interested in African or children's
issues asking if they would be on our board of directors to help us make
our decisions. The first meeting of the board of directors of HUGS was
held in July of 2003.
Since that time we have worked to get the details of life in southern
Uganda out to as many as possible through newsletters, sponsorshlp of
the children, galas, and HUGS events. When people hear of the poverty
and need in this area of Uganda, the result has been overwhelming charity.
Larry and I are encouraged by the response to the need. We would like
to thank all who gave and keep giving so the children of Bulanga can
have a better life. Together we have changed the future of Bulanga.