Last week, I had the opportunity to return to Uganda. This journey was meant to be a combination of taking time to write my biography and visiting some of the projects we collaborate with. But what began as a peaceful stay among antelopes and zebras on an island, turned into a series of unforgettable and profound experiences. In this blog, I want to share my encounters and the impressions they left on me, as what I saw there touched me to the core of my soul.
Writing and reflecting in nature
The journey started peacefully. The first few days I spent on a secluded island, surrounded by nature. Here, with a view of the lake, I had the space to write and think about my own journey, my work, and Nofam's mission. The tranquility of nature provided a unique space for reflection. But soon after, a series of meetings turned this journey in a different direction.
Viso to the Kigo male and female prison
At the invitation of Esther, who runs a special project in Uganda, I visited the Kigo prison. What was supposed to be a brief visit ended up as an eight-hour experience where I was asked to share my story with more than 2,000 inmates. I spoke about hope, love, and the power of faith. It was overwhelming to see the strength and hope my words could bring to those in the most difficult of circumstances.
What moved me the most was seeing the young children, sometimes only a few months old, living with their mothers in the prison. In Uganda, children often accompany their mothers to prison if there is no one else to care for them. Seeing these little children, growing up in such constrained surroundings, broke my heart.
Esther’s mission with Project Serah
This is where Esther’s work comes in. She has started a project to give these children a chance at a normal childhood. Project Serah provides a safe home, care, education, and a loving environment for more than 85 children who would otherwise grow up in prison. Children from the village are also supported here. The work that Esther and her team do is invaluable. They create a place where children can grow up with hope, dignity, and a chance at a better future. This project once again showed me the huge impact that dedication and love can have.
Currently, Esther is working hard to expand Project Serah. In addition to the 80 children who already have a safe place, she hopes to help another 70 children out of the prison. However, the current facilities are limited, making expansion necessary to provide these children with a stable environment and access to education and healthcare. With additional support, Esther can continue her mission and help even more children. Together, we can make sure these vulnerable children have a chance at a loving future outside the prison walls.
Discover the children in the Serah program and find out how your support can make a difference.
Meetings with Getrude and Yvonne
Besides my visit to Project Serah, I had the opportunity to visit other projects, including UP4S. Here, I met Getrude and Yvonne, two remarkable students who are being supported by guardians from the Netherlands.
Getrude spoke with deep gratitude about the support she receives, which allows her to pursue her dream of becoming a doctor. She shared how Esther feels like a mother figure to her, a pillar of support helping her build her future. Her message to future guardians was simple but powerful: the support she receives is not only a gift to her but also an enrichment for the giver. In her words, prosperity goes both ways.
My conversation with Yvonne was particularly emotional. She talked about the challenges at home and how grateful she is for the help she receives to be able to go to school. But realizing that her three younger brothers and sisters are still at home without that chance for education brought her into conflict. This story touched me so deeply that I immediately called Berno, her Dutch guardian, to share her situation. Berno’s response was heartwarming; his daughters were so moved that they decided to help immediately and ensure that Yvonne's brothers and sisters could also go to school.
Reflecting on my journey
Now, looking back on this journey, I feel overwhelmed by the power of human connection and the deep impact we can make when we commit to each other. The children I met, the inmates who found hope in a simple story, and the incredible dedication of people like Esther and her team – it reaffirms why we do what we do at Nofam.
This journey showed me again that our help, no matter how small, can have enormous meaning for people in need. I am grateful to be part of this mission, and I hope that sharing these stories will inspire others to make a difference too.
Final call, if you would like to learn more about our projects or contribute, I invite you to contact us. Together, we can continue to work towards a future full of hope for children and families in need. Sometimes, it’s the smallest gestures that have the greatest impact.
Meet the children of Project Serah
Curious about the children who have been given a new chance thanks to Esther? Click here to learn more about their dreams for the future and how your support can help them build a hopeful life.
