We have recently acquired a wheelchair for Tumwesige Victo, a gesture we hope will be accompanied by blessings of good health and strength for her, and imbue her caretakers with boundless loving-kindness and enduring patience.

My heart overflows with joy for Victo. With the wheelchair, caring for her and moving her around has become markedly easier. Despite her inability to walk, she engages with her surroundings, savors meals and drinks, and finds moments for play—truly, a child like any other. And it is for our children that we must spare no effort.

To those dear souls whose generosity made this wheelchair possible: your support transcends words. To my esteemed colleague Mugoya Swaliki, who undertook an arduous 8-hour journey to and from Kampala to procure it, your dedication is beyond measure.

A heartfelt gratitude extends to Victo’s steadfast sponsor, Dori, whose unwavering support ensures Victo’s well-being month after month.

To all who place their trust and faith in the mission of HOCT and the impact of our work, we are profoundly grateful. We pledge to uphold your trust with unwavering dedication, striving never to falter in our commitment.

Becoming a long-distance parent to a child in our village is a profound journey of heart and spirit. Across oceans and borders, you forge a bond that transcends distance, weaving threads of care and support into a child’s life.

From afar, you offer the gift of education, opening doors to knowledge and opportunity. Your support ensures school fees are met, books are in hand, and the path to learning is clear. Through this gift, you empower a young mind to dream, to discover their potential, and to shape a future filled with promise.

Your embrace extends to health and well-being, providing access to essential healthcare and nutrition. Regular check-ups, vaccinations, and nutritious meals become pillars of strength, nurturing a child’s physical vitality and resilience.

In the shelter of your support, living conditions improve. Safe housing and access to clean water bring stability and security, creating a nurturing environment where growth can flourish. These essentials lay the foundation for a child to thrive, offering sanctuary from the challenges they may face.

Yet beyond the tangible, your role as a long-distance parent offers something profound—a beacon of hope and encouragement. Your letters and messages become windows to the world, carrying words of love and inspiration across continents. They offer reassurance and guidance, weaving a tapestry of connection that bridges cultures and builds understanding.

Through your commitment, you become a cherished presence in a child’s life, a steady source of guidance and support. Your journey as a long-distance parent in Uganda becomes a testament to the power of compassion and the boundless possibilities it can ignite.

Together, across miles and through shared dreams, you shape a story of transformation—a story where love knows no borders, and the impact of your caring spirit resonates deeply, creating ripples of hope and possibility in a world touched by your generosity.

Kindness isn’t just about what we do. It’s also about what we say and how we think. Our words have the power to uplift or to hurt. If we can’t offer help, it’s important to at least avoid adding to someone’s distress. And if neutrality isn’t possible, then silence can be golden, allowing us to reflect on our own thoughts and intentions. We are all… just people who suffer.

I think Jesus was saying that we should pay attention to our thoughts. Are they compassionate and understanding, or are they judgmental and critical? Perhaps we should try and align our thoughts with the kindness we wish to embody. We are all – just people who suffer.

We are all… just people.
Among all this suffering that exists in our world, I am grateful for those who help, or who – at least – do not hurt.

Kindness has a ripple effect. One act of kindness can inspire another, creating a chain reaction that extends far beyond the initial act. This spreading of goodwill can transform communities, making them more resilient, supportive, and harmonious. When kindness becomes a norm, it cultivates a culture of generosity and cooperation, where people are more willing to help and support one another.

Kindness also has the power to heal. It can mend broken relationships, soothe emotional wounds, and provide comfort in times of distress. In a world where many suffer from loneliness, anxiety, and fear, acts of kindness can offer solace and hope.

Happy Friday!

We have had a day full of blessings, at the end of a beautiful week, We are grateful for all the love and support that have been offered. We work with love, at HOCT.

Some situations need our attention, so we will be around this weekend.

Today has been truly remarkable. My heart is overflowing with joy and gratitude. We dedicated countless hours to distributing scholastic materials in preparation for the new school term. Over 250 children came today to collect their supplies, each one bringing a unique spark of excitement and hope.

Seeing some of these children attend school for the very first time was incredibly moving. Promise Rebecca, in her brand-new blue uniform, looked so gentle and happy on her first day. And then there was little Asha, a bundle of joy and pride, her enthusiasm was contagious.

Our efforts didn’t stop with school supplies. We also distributed a significant amount of food, as we do regularly. Mihaela created a beautiful collage capturing moments from our work – a testament to the many children who received food today, ensuring they start their school term nourished and ready to learn.

The day continued with a thrilling visit to the construction site. The assembly of the HOCT school roof starts tomorrow, and my excitement knows no bounds! Watching the timber being unloaded from the truck was deeply satisfying. It took me back to my childhood days, playing with toy trucks and dreaming of such moments. Isn’t it splendid? So much is happening, and I feel profoundly that my life has purpose and meaning.

A heartfelt applause for the team! Mugoya Swaliki worked tirelessly today, embodying heroism in every sense. And Mihaela Florentina Stoica, with her endless patience and encouragement, has been my rock throughout the day.

Reflecting on all this, I am overwhelmed with a sense of fulfillment and pride. Our collective efforts are making a tangible difference, and it fills me with immense hope for the future.

At HOCT, we do things to the best of our abilities, through the love and care and trust of people.

This little boy, Maganda Juma, has come to us a couple days back and his very poor appearance had touched the hearts of many people. He has received amazingly good support.

Thank you, Eleanor, Anto, Kristyl, Giovanna and Britney, for his food!

Thank you, Susan, Claudia, Rita, Denise and Jessica, for the extra funds that allowed us to buy his first new clothes ever, his first ever pair of new shoes, a good bed, mattress, clean bed-sheets, a blanket, a treated mosquito net (that will cover the whole bed and provide protection against mosquitoes).

With the additional funds received, I have booked him access at the clinic whenever needed – free treatments for the whole year, and I also kept funds for more food for July and August.

May you all be blessed for bringing such kindness into this world!

Today has been a vibrant and dynamic day at HOCT. As we step into the new month with vigor, our activities have been diverse and purposeful. We’ve engaged in extensive food distribution, managed a few important phone calls, made significant progress in preparing for the roof assembly, and joyfully handed out scholastic materials to children gearing up for school.

There’s an unmistakable sense of renewal and joy in the air. Perhaps it’s the lingering celebration of Children’s Day, or perhaps it’s the arrival of summer that has infused everything with an extra dose of happiness. The sun outside is shining brilliantly, casting a golden glow that seems to reflect the warmth and light we feel in our hearts.

This is the beauty of working with love. Every task, every interaction, is infused with care and dedication. The atmosphere is alive with warmth and cheer, and each of us moves through the day with a smile, knowing we are making a difference. At HOCT, the sunshine isn’t just outside; it radiates from within us, brightening our spirits and guiding our efforts.

Today, we celebrated the birthdays of children born in May. Following our cherished tradition, we gather on the last working day of the month, creating a festive and inclusive atmosphere. The children sing “Happy Birthday,” share a beautifully decorated cake, and then each child takes home their own individual cake and a small gift.

To make a child feel that their date of birth matters to someone out there—what greater act of kindness is there? This celebration goes beyond mere festivity; it is a heartfelt acknowledgment of each child’s unique presence in the world.

By honoring their special day, we convey a powerful message: “You are important, you are cherished, and your existence brings joy to those around you.” This act of recognition fosters a sense of belonging and self-worth, reinforcing the idea that each child is seen and appreciated.

Creating such moments of happiness and connection is essential for nurturing the emotional well-being of our children. It teaches them the significance of kindness, the joy of giving and receiving, and the value of community. Through these celebrations, we instill in them the understanding that every individual matters and that their unique contributions to the world are celebrated.

In a world where everyone seeks acknowledgment and love, these birthday celebrations become a beacon of light, showing each child that they are not alone. Their happiness and milestones are shared and cherished by a community that cares deeply for them.

Today at “Help One Child Thrive,” I dedicated my time to reviewing the work completed over the past month. This task is critical, requiring me to meticulously examine an extensive Excel file with over 700 lines, each line representing a child and their received support.

The main objective of this review is to identify any children who have not yet received their food and to uncover any mistakes I may have made. Ensuring that no child is left behind and that all records are accurate is paramount. After identifying any discrepancies, I promptly send reminders to the team to address these issues.

In addition to these reminders, I also send apologies to the sponsors. These messages are not meant to cause any discomfort but to uphold transparency and accountability. It is essential to keep our operations and funds well-organized, and acknowledging and correcting mistakes is a vital part of this process. Errors happen occasionally, and each one is a learning opportunity.

Despite the workload and the difficulties, the satisfaction of seeing the results of our hard work is immense. The joy and gratitude that come from knowing we are positively impacting these children’s lives make all the effort worthwhile. I am constantly reminded of the beauty of our mission and feel deeply thankful for the opportunity to contribute to such meaningful work.

As we (nearly) close another month, I am filled with a sense of accomplishment and a renewed commitment to continue helping children thrive. This journey is challenging but incredibly rewarding, and I look forward to the ongoing progress and success of our efforts.