By Jurugo Emmanuel Ogasto
About 250 children from both refugee and host communities in Palorinya Sub County are set to benefit from a church-led support project.
Children between 3 to 9 years, are to benefit from a project, funded by Compassion International through Baptist Church, Palorinya.
Compassion facilitator, Aron Opio explains that the project, commencing from July, runs for 15 to 20 years, supporting children holistically in education, health, and livelihood.
“We look at the child’s whole life; we can’t say we should attend to only the child’s education or health aspect; it is holistic development,” he said.
He added that the church will be an implementing partner to address the needs of the children.
The project is under the supervision of national umbrella of Baptist Church of Palorinya.
Pastor Moses Maliamungu, a regional supervisor for Baptist churches in northern Uganda, clarifies that this initiative will target both refugees and nationals.
“We may need permission from the offices of UNHCR and OPM to give us the opportunity to work with the refugees because that is our aim.” Pastor Moses said.
He added that they are aware of the challenges facing the refugees in terms of education, health, and welfare, which they are targeting to address as a church.
Mr. Ogeng Emmanuel, a project officer with the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) in charge of livelihood in the base camp zone of Palorinya settlement, said this opportunity came timely.
“There is a lot of donor fatigue, food reduction, and reduction of funds coming for refugee response, especially since you have come with a development lens; this is timely.” Mr. Ogeng said.
He added that they focus on referring relevant children to be supported in the program and ensuring child protection and safeguarding are implemented.
Rev. Pastor Swat Simon Wani from the settlement welcomes the program and believes that this will be a great opportunity for the refugees.
“We refugees appreciate this intervention, and if it is extended to the refugees for the persons of concern, it will address the various challenges we face in the settlement,” he expressed.
The mission of Compassion International is to release children from poverty in Jesus’ name.
Hon. Habib Buna Khemis, the Obongi district chairperson, appreciated and committed his administration to the success of the program in Palorinya Sub County.
“My appeal to you people in Palorinya and Obongi district at large is to mobilize and cooperate on issues of education and church. Personally, I commit my office as the district chairperson to seeing this project succeed,” Hon. Habib promised.
He also thanked Compassion International for the project and said such efforts to support communities should continue.
In support of their education, health, and general livelihood, Baptist Church Palorinya, the implementing agent will receive Shs. 35 million, each month.