As Grace Villa-Home, a charitable community-based organization that provides support for vulnerable girl children in Kigezi, approaches its 10th anniversary, founder Ruth Ndyabahika acknowledges that limited resources pose a significant challenge in accommodating the overwhelming number of children seeking adoption.
Ndyabahika addressed the press during a conference at their office in Makanga, where preparations for the 10-year celebration were underway.
The events, scheduled from July 7th to 11th, 2023, aim to commemorate their decade of service.
Ndyabahika proudly stated that within this period, they have assisted over 400 vulnerable girl children, with 215 currently under their care.
These children have been referred to the organization by probation offices, the police, and community members, while others have directly approached their office seeking adoption.
However, Ndyabahika revealed that around 200 adoption cases are currently pending due to limited resources.
The costs associated with providing education, meals, and medical treatments for the children are substantial.
Ndyabahika reflected on the most challenging moment during the past ten years when they were forced to vacate their previous residence due to land-related issues.
This unfortunate event left them without a home until they raised over 600 million shillings through fundraising efforts and acquired their current house.
In light of their milestone anniversary, Ndyabahika called upon the public to join them in the various planned events, including a thanksgiving ceremony, sports activities, and visits to institutions that have collaborated with Grace Villa-Home.
She emphasized the importance of increasing awareness and sensitization efforts to prevent such cases of vulnerability in the future.
Doreen Musimenta, one of the children currently under the care of Grace Villa-Home, shared her story.
She tragically lost her parents when she was in senior two. However, with the support of the organization, she recently graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Education. Another child, Desire Kirabo from Isingiro district, expressed her gratitude as she was adopted during her first year of secondary school.
She is now in her third year at Glasgow Caledonian University in the United Kingdom, thanks to the sponsorship provided by Grace Villa-Home for vulnerable girl children.
