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World Vision marks ten years working with
formerly abducted children in Uganda
| by Simon Peter Esaku - World Vision Communications in Uganda |
World Vision Uganda has marked ten years of rehabilitating and resettling children and adults formerly abducted by the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) at a ceremony in Gulu.
The Children of War Rehabilitation Center in Gulu first opened its doors on March 20, 1995, when 20 formerly abducted children were admitted. Four more centers have since been opened in Gulu and Pader districts.
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In ten years, around 10,500 formerly abducted children and adults, as well as former LRA combatants, have passed through the five centers, receiving:
> psychosocial therapy
> food
> clothing
> bedding | > medical treatment
> training in vocational skills
> education support. |
I commend World Vision for the psychosocial and material support it is giving the formerly abducted children…. There is no other way to express patriotism and brotherhood than looking after these children," Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda the Minister of Internal Affairs in Uganda and the guest of honor, told a gathering at Kaunda Grounds.
Dr. Rugunda, who earlier toured the Gulu Children of War Rehabilitation Center, said he was "humbled and deeply touched by the testimonies of children." He said World Vision understands the dynamics of the problems the nation is faced with.
 Formerly abducted children at World Vision's
Children of War Center | World Vision interim National Director in Uganda, Luther Bois Anukur said, "It has been a painful 18 years since the conflict set in. The children are calling for peace. They are crying for protection. We therefore appeal to the government for the protection of children and their communities and to continue the peace process and dialogue to bring this war to an end."
The Kaunda Grounds gathering was preceded by a peace match around Gulu town. The matchers, mainly children, carried placards reading, "Children are tired of war," "Peace is rights not choice," "Give support to formerly abducted children" and other things. |
World Vision and other organizations working in northern Uganda exhibited their activities at Kaunda Grounds. Dr. Rugunda launched World Vision's booklet of child testimonies, "After Living in Darkness, I am now Living in Light." Earlier, he commissioned the Resource Center World Vision constructed and equipped for the people of Gulu.
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1-888-511-6548 : P.O. Box 9716
Federal Way, WA 98063-9716
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Who Is World Vision? World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice.
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