NOT IN VAIN

If I can stop one heart from breaking,

I shall not live in vain:

If I can ease one life the aching,

Or cool one pain,

Or help one fainting robin

Unto his nest again,

I shall not live in vain.

— Emily Dickinson

Today at HOCT was quite eventful! We had to deal with bank stuff in the morning, which wasn’t the most exciting. Then, the weather turned nasty, making it chilly for the kids. But we quickly sprang into action and distributed warm clothes and blankets to keep them cozy.

In the midst of all this, a delivery of timber arrived for the roof construction of our school project. It was a big step forward in our mission to complete the school! Despite the chaos, we didn’t forget to celebrate Nina’s birthday. Her girl Naluwongo came to personally wish her all the best.

Overall, it was a busy day filled with ups and downs, but we managed to tackle everything as a team.

Despite battling a bad state of health today, my unwavering dedication to my work persisted, echoed by the resolute commitment of my cherished colleagues at HOCT. With steely resolve, we faced our tasks head-on, fortified by copious amounts of coffee and a collective sense of purpose that refused to waver.

And then, as if by magic, the children arrived. In their presence, amidst their laughter and boundless energy, the weight of our struggles melted away. My dizziness and throat infection became distant memories as I was enveloped in the sheer joy and innocence radiating from their smiles.

In that moment, surrounded by the infectious enthusiasm of the children, I found myself renewed, revitalized by their unwavering optimism and unbridled zest for life. Their presence served as a poignant reminder of the true essence of our work at HOCT—to nurture and empower the next generation, to cultivate a brighter future amidst the challenges of today.

In the midst of adversity, amidst the relentless pursuit of our goals, it is moments like these that remind us of the profound impact of our efforts. As we press forward, fueled by the unwavering determination to create positive change, we draw inspiration from the boundless potential embodied by the children who grace us with their presence each day.

Today at HOCT, we had a relaxed day due to the bank holiday. We focused on wrapping up remaining tasks from last week and also dedicated time to preparing materials for the assembly of the school roof.

For those unfamiliar with our project, at HOCT, we’re actively engaged in an infrastructure development initiative. We began with constructing a small library, followed by a hospital, and now we’re in the process of building a school. Currently, 75% of the school construction is complete, with only the roof left to finish.

I must admit, prior to this project, I had little experience in construction. However, I hadn’t anticipated the significant expense associated with roofing. Nevertheless, we’re making steady progress, and I’m confident we’ll manage to overcome this hurdle.

Constructing a school is no small feat, but our dedication remains unwavering. We’ll explore cost-effective roofing options and leverage local expertise to ensure the project’s success. I’m optimistic that with careful planning and determination, we’ll see the school through to completion.

The completion of the school will undoubtedly be a milestone for the HOCT community, offering invaluable educational opportunities for generations to come.

HAPPY EASTER!

To all the good friends sending us greetings, we wish you joy and happiness on this beautiful day.
If you want to offer HOCT a little gift today on this special day, we still need… nails.

In order to finish the roof construction of our HOCT school, we need to have all the materials altogether. A nail is a very little thing; but we need it, for it keeps everything together – just like faith does, too.

Our PayPal is: contact@helponechildthrive.com

On this sacred Good Friday, a day enveloped in the spirit of kindness and introspection, we find ourselves compelled to extend compassion not only to others but also to our own souls. As time unfurls before us like a delicate tapestry, I am driven to infuse my endeavors with unwavering dedication, aiming to craft moments of beauty and significance.

Today, our hearts swelled with joy as we shared Easter treats with the children, their laughter echoing through the corridors as they reveled in the simple pleasures of chocolate and companionship. Furthermore, we gathered to honor the birthdays of those born in March, offering them a moment of celebration and warmth amidst the bustling energy of the day. It was truly a day overflowing with abundance and grace, a testament to the blessings that grace our lives.

In this moment of reflection, I extend my deepest gratitude to all who have played a part in our shared journey—our steadfast long-distance parents, our beloved friends, our dedicated sponsors, and advisors. And to my exceptional colleagues, whose unwavering commitment and collaborative spirit infuse each day with purpose and fulfillment, I offer my sincere appreciation. Together, we stand as stewards of light and love, illuminating the path towards a world brimming with compassion and understanding.

Today marked another milestone in our journey of compassion and service. As the sun rose over the horizon, illuminating the landscape with its golden rays, we embarked on our mission with renewed fervor. Our first task was to distribute food to those in need, a vital lifeline for families struggling to make ends meet in the face of adversity.

But that was only the beginning of our day’s endeavors. With unwavering determination, we turned our attention to the ongoing construction of our school. It’s been a journey filled with sweat and toil, but today, as we stood amidst the half-built structure, the realization dawned upon us: we were on the verge of completing something truly extraordinary.

For those who remember where it all began, the humble dream of a school seemed like a distant hope. Yet, here we stand, on the brink of turning that dream into a tangible reality. The library, once just a vision in our minds, now stands as a beacon of knowledge and opportunity for the community. The hospital, a sanctuary of healing, has welcomed countless souls seeking solace and care.

And now, with the final pieces falling into place, our school is poised to become a bastion of learning, a sanctuary for young minds eager to explore the boundless possibilities of education. It’s more than just bricks and mortar—it’s a symbol of hope, resilience, and the transformative power of collective action.

As we reflect on all that we’ve accomplished—a library, a hospital, and now, a school—we can’t help but feel a sense of awe and gratitude. It’s a testament to what can be achieved when hearts unite in pursuit of a common purpose. And as we look towards the future, we do so with renewed optimism, knowing that there are no limits to what we can achieve when we stand together, hand in hand, as agents of change and champions of hope.

May you all be blessed!

In the ebb and flow of our humanitarian endeavors, there are days when the weight of responsibility seems almost too much to bear. As the end of the month looms ever closer, a cacophony of tasks clamors for attention, each one vying for precedence in the symphony of our duties.

Among the myriad demands that besiege us, the orchestration of salaries, the disbursement of school fees, the meticulous organization of payments for our dedicated workers, and the replenishment of essential medicines at the clinic stand out as but a few notes in the grand composition of our responsibilities.

Meanwhile, our colleagues toil tirelessly, their efforts manifesting in the tireless distribution of sustenance to those in need. Each day, they embark upon a journey that stretches into the wearying hours of dusk, braving fatigue and adversity to ensure that no belly remains empty in the face of hunger’s relentless grip.

Yet, amidst the chaos and clamor, there exists a quiet resolve—a steadfast commitment to our shared mission, fueled by a boundless wellspring of love and compassion. It is this love that infuses our every action, propelling us forward even when the burdens threaten to overwhelm.

And so, despite the trials and tribulations that beset us, we press on with unwavering determination, each day drawing to a close with a sense of fulfillment knowing that, despite the odds, we have accomplished all that could be accomplished. For it is in these small victories, these moments of triumph amidst adversity, that the true essence of our collective effort is revealed.

In the silent corridors of generosity, there are unsung heroes whose noble deeds paint the world in hues of compassion and kindness. They offer not for recognition but from the depths of their hearts, a testament to the enduring power of selfless love.

Today, I stand in awe of Amanda and Zanzu, whose steadfast commitment to aiding children knows no bounds. Their contributions, given without fanfare, are like whispers of hope in the cacophony of despair. Zanzu and Amanda, your boundless kindness has woven a tapestry of salvation for countless souls, and for that, my gratitude knows no bounds.

Next, we will address the work given to us by Elaine D., Delu, Calvin, and Anne Th. Their kindness fuels our collective resolve to make a difference, one act of kindness at a time.

In a world often plagued by cynicism, let us pause to celebrate these beacons of light whose compassion knows no bounds. For it is through their selfless deeds that hope is reborn and humanity restored.

Amidst life’s bustling symphony, there’s a cherished melody that sings to any person’s soul: kindness. It’s the gentle rhythm that guides my steps, the soft whisper that soothes our weary heart.

In the moments when darkness looms large and doubts whisper their haunting tunes, kindness should be our sanctuary. It’s the warm embrace that wraps around me, reminding me that I’m not alone in this journey. And oh, how it heals! Like a balm for the wounds of the soul, it brings solace and renewal, breathing life into the depths of my being.

So I choose to dance in the delicate cadence of kindness, allowing its melody to guide my every step. With each smile shared and hand extended, I become a vessel of light, illuminating the world with the beauty of human connection.