In March 2024, Empowered Child Ministries, a registered NGO in Uganda, marked a significant milestone in its journey of supporting and transforming the lives of vulnerable children. The organization, previously known as Abigail Children Ministries, underwent rebranding due to the registration authority’s notification that the name ‘Abigail’ was already in use by several organizations. This change heralds a new chapter for the NGO, reflecting its renewed commitment to the well-being and development of the children under its care. Empowered Child Ministries is dedicated to providing a nurturing environment where children can thrive, grow, and realize their full potential.
This official registration strengthens our legal standing and credibility, allowing us to operate more effectively and secure partnerships and funding. It also symbolizes a new chapter, fostering a sense of unity and purpose within our team and among the children. The official registration of Empowered Child Ministries has solidified our position as a recognized entity in Uganda. The rebranding from Abigail Children Ministries was necessitated by the registration authority’s directive, ensuring our distinct identity in the sector. This transition has been pivotal in streamlining our operations and enhancing our visibility, allowing us to reach more children in need. The new name embodies our mission to empower children through holistic care, education, and spiritual guidance.
DANCING LESSONS
Throughout March, we successfully conducted dancing lessons for our children. These sessions are more than just recreational activities; they play a crucial role in the physical, emotional, and social development of the children. Dancing helps improve their coordination, flexibility, and balance, while also providing an outlet for self-expression and creativity.
For many of the children, these lessons are a source of joy and a break from their daily challenges, fostering a sense of community and belonging. The impact of these lessons is evident in the children’s increased confidence and improved social skills.
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SUNDAY CHURCH SESSIONS
Our Sunday church sessions continued as usual throughout the month, offering the children spiritual nourishment and a sense of community. These sessions are integral to the children’s spiritual growth and moral development. They provide a platform for the children to learn about faith, values, and the importance of compassion and empathy. The sessions also foster a sense of unity and support among the children, as they come together to worship and reflect. The positive impact is reflected in the children’s behavior and attitudes, as they demonstrate increased kindness, patience, and understanding.
PHYSIOTHERAPY SESSIONS
In March, we conducted eight physiotherapy sessions for the three disabled children in our care. These sessions are critical for their physical development and mobility. Physiotherapy helps improve the children’s physical abilities, enhancing their quality of life and independence. It also reduces the risk of secondary health issues related to their disabilities.
The children (especially Christopher and Sharif) now show significant improvements in their physical capabilities, which boosts their confidence and participation in daily activities. The tailored care they receive underscores our commitment to meeting each child’s unique needs.
New Carpet for Disabled Children
We acquired a new carpet for our disabled children, which they use during educational sessions, physiotherapy, and feeding times. This new carpet enhances their comfort and safety, providing a clean and soft surface for various activities. It also symbolizes our continuous efforts to improve the living conditions and educational environment for all our children, ensuring they have the necessary resources to thrive.
New Admission – Kibugumo Samson
We welcomed a new disabled child, Kibugumo Samson, from Iganga. He arrived in a very sick condition and was admitted to the hospital for two weeks. The change in environment contributed to his illness, but he adapted over a month.
Welcoming Samson highlights our dedication to providing care for the most vulnerable children, reinforcing our mission and values. Samson’s recovery and adjustment to the new environment is a testament to the loving and supportive care provided by our team. His presence also teaches the other children empathy and compassion.
BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS
We celebrated the birthdays of two of our children: Kisakye Remmy, who turned 13 on March 12th, and Mukyala Kevin, who turned 5 on March 17th. Birthday celebrations are vital as they make each child feel special and valued. For many of these children, such celebrations might be their first experience of being the center of attention and receiving gifts.
These moments of joy and recognition significantly boost their self-esteem and sense of worth, reminding them that they are cherished members of the Empowered Child Ministries family.
APPRECIATIONS
Caretakers: Monica and Madina
Monica and Madina, our dedicated caretakers, play a pivotal role in the lives of the 51 children under our care. They work tirelessly to ensure the children receive the love, care, and attention they need. Their relentless efforts include organizing daily activities, providing emotional support, and managing the children’s health and educational needs. Monica and Madina’s dedication is evident in the children’s transformation. They create a nurturing environment where each child feels safe and valued, fostering growth and development.
Appreciation to Our Sponsors and Donors
We extend our deepest gratitude to our sponsors and donors for their unwavering support and generosity. Your contributions have been instrumental in empowering the children at Empowered Child Ministries, enabling us to provide them with the love, care, and opportunities they deserve. Your financial support, resources, and time have helped us create a nurturing environment where these children can thrive and grow. From funding educational materials and physiotherapy sessions to facilitating birthday celebrations and church services, your kindness has made a tangible difference in their lives. We are profoundly grateful for your commitment to our mission, and we look forward to continuing this journey together, transforming lives and building brighter futures for these children. Thank you for being a vital part of our community and for believing in the potential of every child under our care.
CHALLENGES AND NEW DEVELOPMENTS
Despite our progress, we face several challenges that require immediate attention and resolution to ensure the continued well-being and development of the children at Empowered Child Ministries. One pressing issue is the need for a tent for the children during Sunday church services. These services are a cornerstone of our community, providing spiritual guidance and a sense of routine. However, adverse weather conditions, such as rain or extreme heat, often prevent the children from attending these vital sessions. Without adequate shelter, the children miss out on these enriching experiences, which affects their spiritual and moral development.
Furthermore, we struggle with insufficient funds to fully support all our programs. Our financial limitations hinder our ability to provide comprehensive care and educational opportunities for the children. This shortfall affects various aspects of our operations, from daily necessities to specialized programs aimed at enhancing the children’s skills and knowledge. For instance, we urgently need to procure educational materials for the disabled children to enhance their learning experience. These materials are essential for their cognitive and physical development, enabling them to engage in interactive and effective learning sessions.
The lack of sufficient funds also impacts our ability to hire more specialized staff, improve infrastructure, and expand our programs to reach more children in need. This financial constraint forces us to prioritize certain needs over others, often at the expense of some crucial aspects of our mission. For example, without proper educational materials, our disabled children face significant barriers to learning, which can impede their progress and limit their future opportunities.
Moreover, the need for a tent extends beyond Sunday services. It also affects other outdoor activities and gatherings that are crucial for the children’s social and emotional development. Regular exposure to adverse weather conditions can lead to health issues and reduce the children’s participation in outdoor play and community events, which are essential for their holistic development.
Addressing these challenges requires a collective effort from our community, sponsors, and donors. By raising awareness and seeking additional support, we hope to overcome these obstacles and continue providing a nurturing and enriching environment for all our children. Your continued support and generosity are vital in helping us meet these needs and ensuring that every child at Empowered Child Ministries can thrive and reach their full potential.
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March 2024 has been a month of significant achievements and heartwarming moments for Empowered Child Ministries. From official registration and rebranding to celebrating birthdays and conducting essential therapy sessions, every activity has contributed to the children’s growth and happiness. Despite facing challenges, our commitment to providing a nurturing and supportive environment remains unwavering. With the relentless dedication of our caretakers and the support of our community, we continue to empower and transform the lives of vulnerable children, one step at a time.