Our News
DIGNITY AND FUTURE: A Hope for the single mothers and their disabled children
A remarkable new program has been launched at St. Jude Children's Home, bringing hope and dignity to mothers and children with disabilities who are often pushed to the margins of society. While overseeing the powdered milk distribution initiative, the Home’s social workers discovered a pressing issue: many of these mothers face severe financial hardship that prevents them from meeting even the most basic needs of their children—especially medical and nutritional care. The core problem lies in their inability to secure full-time employment. Without anyone to care for their children in their absence, working outside the home becomes an impossible option. To address this, the team has developed a targeted program that gives these mothers the opportunity to generate a steady income by starting and running small home-based businesses. The initiative also includes ongoing support in managing their finances and developing their entrepreneurial skills, helping them build toward long-term independence. This is an important step toward dignity, inclusion, and empowerment—because every mother deserves to see her child grow up healthy, loved, and free from fear of the future.
MILK IS LIFE!
Thanks to the invaluable support of 'Associazione Gruppi Insieme si Può…,' St. Jude can continue distributing free powdered milk to mothers and families in need. In April alone, we received 35 sacks of 25 kg powdered milk and 482 tins of infant formula for babies up to 6 months old. Currently, we are supporting over 50 families through the St. Jude Children’s Home and 45 families through the Stefano Campagnolo Health Centre II, where our team runs the milk distribution project and offers guidance on a proper and balanced diet for children. With these two reference points, St. Jude is able to cover a wide intervention area and reach a large number of children and people with disabilities, ensuring them proper nutrition—and in some cases, saving their lives. Everyday, St.Jude, with the support of our donors and friends, feeds orphans, vulnerable and disabled children: together we can save lifes!
A NEW PLAYGROUND FOR OUR NURSERY SCHOOL AND OUR HOME!
A New Smile in Our Playground: Thanks to the Centro Missionario di Bolzano! At St. Jude Children’s Home, we believe that every child has the right to a happy and carefree childhood, filled with play, growth, and moments of joy. Unfortunately, for many children in Uganda, this right is not always guaranteed. That’s why we are committed every day to ensuring that our little ones can experience childhood in the best possible way. Today, we are thrilled to share some wonderful news: thanks to the generous donation from the Centro Missionario di Bolzano, our playground now has a brand-new merry-go-round! This incredible gift means so much to the children of St. Jude, providing them with a safe and fun space to play, laugh, and create happy memories. Play is not just a moment of fun; it is a fundamental tool for every child’s development and well-being. With this new equipment, our children can enjoy more time outdoors, strengthen their friendships, and simply be carefree—just as every child should be. A heartfelt thank you to the Centro Missionario di Bolzano, whose generosity has brought even more joy into our children’s lives. Your support truly makes a difference!
A MILESTONE FOR AN INCLUSIVE SECONDARY EDUCATION- The story of Nono Ambrose
Ambrose grew up at St. Jude and, despite his ongoing battle with muscular dystrophy, successfully completed his primary education with First Grade, achieving 11 aggregates. His greatest dream is to become an accountant, and St. Jude is at the forefront of supporting his education and personal journey! The team of social workers searched extensively for a school that could welcome Ambrose and provide a space tailored to his needs, but many requests were declined. Finally, St. Jude’s management and the social work team reached an agreement with Gulu High School, an extremely inclusive institution that already accommodates many students with disabilities and has a dedicated section for the education of visually impaired students. Thanks to the combined efforts of St. Jude, Gulu High School, and our generous donors (in particular the Centro Missionario of Bolzano, which funded the facilities), we can now ensure that Ambrose has the opportunity to fulfill his dream! Ambrose’s story is a wonderful example of how dedication and collaboration can break down barriers and create real opportunities. The work that St. Jude is doing to ensure his accessibility at Gulu High School — with the construction of ramps, dedicated bathrooms, and the support of a fellow student — is a real step forward for inclusion. These efforts not only change Ambrose’s life but also send a powerful message: every child, regardless of their challenges, has the right to quality education and an environment that respects their needs. ​
BACK TO SCHOOL!
Our children and youth are back to school! On February 3rd, schools in Uganda officially reopened, and our students eagerly returned to their classrooms. This year, 12 of our children are attending primary school, 29 are in middle school, and 45 have resumed their studies in secondary schools, vocational institutes, or universities. Additionally, this year St. Jude Children’s Home took a big step forward in the education of deaf students by organizing a computer and sign language course for four children. Our participants have found a friendly and inclusive environment where they can communicate and nurture hope for a better future. heartfelt thank you to all the supporters of our children’s education — to Social Promise for supporting secondary education and to The World Orphan Fund for their great help in purchasing all the necessary school materials for our children. We also extend our gratitude to all our private donors who, year after year, commit to ensuring education for all our beneficiaries.
NEW SOLAR SYSTEM FOR STEFANO CAMPAGNOLO HEALTH CENTRE II
A big step forward for the excellent service of our Health Centre II for the rural population of Koch-Amar, 40 km from Gulu. Thanks to the generous donation from MEC S.R.L (Italy), a new 2kW solar power system has been installed, along with new energy storage batteries and a new inverter, ensuring a continuous and stable energy supply throughout the dispensary. Additionally, new diagnostic tools, laboratory equipment, and a new computer for data collection and patient records will now be available for use. St. Jude is consistently committed to providing the highest quality healthcare services to the entire vulnerable population in our catchment area, and this intervention allows us to ensure more efficient services at all hours, even during the night.
