Refugee Camps- Lira and Gulu

During December 2004 Ruth visited many refugee camps in Northern Uganda- the sights, smells and stories from these camps are horrific- many orphans from the conflict with the "Lord's Resistance Army" that has ravaged the countryside for the last 18 years. Ruth met children who had witnessed appalling violence and met men and women who had been mutilated by the insurgents. The gentleman above had both arms cut off. In many of the camps children are "night commuters"- moving into the camps at dusk for safety.

Cultural Centre Camp- Lira

Aim for Change has decided to focus our efforts on this camp near Lira. Whilst there are thousands of children within the camp, we recognise the potential for education to lift children out of despair. This pilot project, which we call "Secure their Future" will expand in the coming years to provide education for more of camp children. Following Ruth's recent visits in 2005 & 2006 we have registered 14 children from this camp to begin full time education. We have provided uniforms, shoes, books, pencils and more. Due to a recent cease-fire many families are now returning to their native villages and so the children are now attending a boarding school. Some of these children still require sponsorship- just £150 per year.

In November 2005 we provided a lorry load of maize flour, rice, beans to this camp and thousands of packets of biscuits and sweets for the camp children. This was desperately needed as other aid had recently been scaled down. We now support them with food deliveries on a regular basis.

Aim for Change is still providing some support to Lugora Camp (near the Sudan border) and Lacho Night Commuters Camp.

Double-click on play to watch a short video about the children in Lira refugee camp