UGANDA :: Saving lives

What a joy to receive word from Missy in Kampala. Through these stories below, you can see your gifts at work with abused women in Uganda.

Mary. As the oldest daughter in her family, Mary had been serving as the primary caregiver of her gravely ill mother. During that tragic time, she and two other family members were raped and beaten during an invasion in their community. 

For a year, Mary was unable to receive the medical care that she desperately needed to help recover from her trauma. Her family lives on less than a dollar a day and cannot even provide enough food to feed all of the children in their home. Mary's only option was to seek treatment at a local government hospital where she experienced discrimination and still could not access adequate care. 

When she came to us for help, our primary goal was immediate medical care. Unfortunately, we had to wait over a month until her mother was better and her responsibilities as caretaker decreased. Only then was Mary able to see a doctor. 

One of our many concerns was the severe stomach pains she had been experiencing for the last several weeks. Thankfully, we were finally able to take Mary to the doctor last week for both a gynecological exam and general physical. During a follow up visit, the doctor discovered that Mary was suffering from an advanced ameba. This common parasite is very prevalent in Uganda but can be treated with an antibiotic. However, if left untreated, the parasite can enter the blood stream and cause death. 

Mary is now undergoing treatment to remove the parasite from her body. Her prognosis is good and we expect a full recovery thanks to your generous support of her care. 

"This exam literally saved her life. 

Her family would not have been able to afford this exam or

treatment without the help of The Red Thread." ~ Missy

Jackie and Missy

Jackie. For the first time in many years, Jackie was also able to see a doctor, thanks to support from The Red Thread. This medical care has been pivotal in her healing and rehabilitation from the many traumas she has suffered. Following her care, she is doing much better, is happy and empowered. She has even enrolled in English, computer and sewing classes! 

"We are grateful to The Red Thread Promise for your 

partnership in assisting these girls within our community. 

This access to medical care is pivotal to the work that we 

are doing to assist in the healing, rehabilitation and 

empowerment of these young girls." ~ Missy

Please prayerfully consider supporting our work with Missy in Uganda. Together, we can promote healing and HOPE to battered girls across the globe. Donations can be made via our the PayPal button in the sidebar or check (sent to the address at top right). Thank you!

UGANDA :: Welcoming Jackie into the Shelter

Update from Missy, Women’s Advocacy Coordinator and Director, Refuge and Hope International - Uganda

Recently, we welcomed Jackie into the shelter. Jackie is a fifteen-year-old girl from the Democratic Republic of Congo. At the age of seven, she woke up one evening to find her father murdered and her mother and siblings missing. Rebel soldiers had ransacked their home and she was the only person remaining. Margaret, A neighbor who was fleeing to Uganda invited Jackie to come with her and her family. Unfortunately, Jackie was not treated as a child in the home, but immediately forced to work inside of the home. While the woman’s other children attended school, Jackie was forced to work from morning to night- cooking and cleaning for the woman and her family. Meanwhile, she deeply missed her family and dreamed of being in school, like other children her age.

When Jackie turned 14, the family moved next to a bar. Within the first few weeks of the family’s move, Margaret pressured Jackie to prostitute herself at the bar in order to earn her keep within their home. Jackie refused. She was beaten, forced to sleep outside and food was withheld. Over the next few months, Margaret continued to do these things in order to pressure Jackie. She refused.

One morning, Jackie woke up to find that she was alone in the house. Margaret and her family abandoned her. Within a few hours the landlord came to collect rent and immediately threw Jackie out of the house. At the age of 15, she was homeless and without a place to go. In Kampala, the trafficking and exploitation of young refugee girls like Jackie is all too common.

Tonight, however, Jackie is sleeping soundly in a safe and loving environment. She is getting the counseling, education, vocational training and housing that she needs. Additionally, thanks to Red Thread's partnership with Refuge and Hope Int’l, Jackie is able to access desperately needed medical care which she has not been able to access since leaving her country in 2006. This medical care is a pivotal part of her healing and empowerment. 

Thank you, Red Thread Promise for your partnership in assisting girls like Jackie within our community who have experienced violence and exploitation. Your support is making a BIG difference in their lives!