In a 2012 article, the Economist referred to the Catholic Church as the ‘largest charitable organisation in the country (the United States)’.
In every corner of the world, even the unknown and unsung parts, the church can always be found to be assisting those in need. Some are well known, such as Mother Theresa or Charles De Foucauld, while some remain familiar only to those immediately affected and to the God in who’s name they act out their works of charity.
One such charity exists deep in the heart of Uganda.
The ‘Training of Rural Women in Uganda’ organisation have been assisting women and children in need for the past twenty years. Formed in 2000, by locals Sophie Bemba and Augustine Yiga, the TORUWU group assist their locality in three main areas: Education, Youth Programs and Children with Disabilities.
The Primary School that is run by the group offers discounted education for those who cannot afford other schools, though this raises difficulties as other areas such as teacher salaries, textbooks and even food for students then become an issue due to lack of income. When these students graduate, they are trained up as musicians and together, they perform for local events such as weddings, receiving an income in the process.
Most significantly, the organisation provides wheelchairs, crutches and artificial limbs for severely disabled children. In Uganda, many villages still maintain an attitude that regards disabled children as burdens to be resented rather than as people to love. They have also purchased land in order to grow food for the families of these children. These children receive crucial physiotherapy and rehabilitation in order to ease their physical ailments and to assist in their quality of living.
Their charity offer experience to international volunteers for anyone who would be willing to gain experience with this line of work.
They are currently hoping to acquire a van, as many of the local village women have to carry their children on their backs from place to place.
This type of work is the essence of the Catholic faith. Helping those in need, teaching them to help themselves, easing their pain and making their lives enjoyable.
If you wish to donate to this project, you can do so through their Facebook or through this link here.