Brian Campbell, Holt Creative Productions Manager
Jinja, Uganda—Our Internet connection is a bit spotty, which makes posting difficult. That being said, I have this opportunity to post a brief report from Uganda. We traveled to Jinga in Uganda to check on a project started By Action For Children in partnership with Holt International. I have seen photos and video of the project, but today, I finally get to see it myself.
We visit an elderly grandmother’s home that has been featured in several stories surrounding our work with AFC and sponsorship in Uganda. 
I have read her stories and seen the work done to her home and the impact it has had on her life. Today we arrive at her small vegetable stand where she has a few offerings of tomatoes and bananas. As we approach, she quickly stands up from her work and hurries over to greet the AFC staff and Gary Gamer. Sara, a social worker in the field for AFC, introduces us to the grandmother and gives us yet another update. Come to find out, the grandmother has begun yet another micro enterprise for herself and the 11 children in her care. She has begun a small business weaving reed mats. These mats can be found in all homes, regardless of income level, and are in high demand. High quality of craftmanship commands a better price. The grandmother has a talent for weaving and is doing this industry in addition to her food stand. Holt International donor teams have come to this grandmother’s home to build a foundation, then a new roof. Now this woman has refurbished her surrounding buildings and is renting them out for extra income. As if this weren’t enough, she felt that her new dwelling was nearly more than she needed, so she consolidated her belongings and converted one of her rooms to a community school for the 11 grandchildren and other children in the community.
This woman is a shining example of Holt’s vision to lift up families and strengthen them. Starting with the child as the focus of this vision, we see these efforts spill over to the families and the surrounding community, and together they all work for what’s best for the child.
See a brief report from Gary Gamer in the field with this grandmother. Click here to view it on YouTube.
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