As part of the Mission of Bilu Uganda we conducted a holistic program for 161 (as for July 2024) children suffering from chronic disease who are currently being treated by us in the main medical Centre in Kiboga district. At this point in time the students are being treated for the 3 main diseases juvenile diabetes, sickle cell anemia, and chronic malnutrition.
Context
Currently in Uganda fewer than 20% of first graders (primary school) will finish secondary school. Due to lack of financial resources. This has shown to be even less among children suffering from a chronic disease due to their socioeconomic background. In the local culture, diseases, especially chronic disease, are seen as witchcraft and there is no desire to help and support the sick child because "at the end they will die".
All these children who will receive scholarships will be from families defined as having extreme poverty by the United Nations. Daily income below 1.75 USD There is an urgent need to build a comprehensive system that supports the education of the patients and parents.
Proposal for a Scholarship Program
Led by Dr. Charlotte Levene of Bilu Uganda, we are buliding a holistic program of support for children with chronic disease and their families. This will include early treatment followed by a long-term empowerment program that will improve school performance, social independence and an increase in educational level. This will help them gain life skills and jobs in future. We hope that it will help break the cycle of extreme poverty.
Initially we aim to help children in primary & secondary school (ages 10-18). This will give them better opportunity for fared education and income in future life.
Specifics of the Program include:
Transportation assistance to get to medical clinics for follow-up and treatment
Maintaining nutrition through training and through the supply of food products, including training parents and children in establishing a domestic infrastructure for growing.
Educational guidance until secondary school graduation. In the future we will expand to basic contributions and assistance in further studies.
Incorporating children into enrichment programs such as creative thinking, chess and exposure to distance learning.
Camps and activities during school holidays.
Development of leadership skills so that children can be leaders within their age groups. e.g. running disease awareness for peers, games for enrichment such as chess.
Partners and Commitment
To bring the program to long-term sustainability there must be full partnership between the parties involved:
The child - obligated to invest in studies and to be part of the top third of his class in creative work and academic achievements.
The child's parents or guardians - finance a third of the tuition fees.
The school's management - absorbs a third of all increases in tuition fees and provides designated food for all participating students in order to maintain nutritional security and personal supply school uniform mattress, etc.
The donors - support 25 USD per month or an annual donation of 300 USD for 3 years.
"He who lights a candle with a candle enjoys it and the other is not lacking" (Rabbi Kook)
WHY should I Donate?
Supporting children with chronic disease receive medical treatment that they otherwise could not afford.
Supporting a child’s education which will help their quality of life and their families
You will be allocated a specific child and be able to follow up their progress (with letters, and an annual report about social and academic achievements), complete clarity of who your money is going to.
Opportunity to visit the child and school in Uganda.
Dr. Charlotte Levene graduated from Imperial College London before moving to Israel in 2018 where she specializes in Family Medicine.
Charlotte first went to Uganda in 2022 as part of a 2 month medical elective volunteering with Bilu Uganda. During her time there she met some of the students with chronic disease who are now part of the scholarship programs. She learned how important a good education is for quality of life and she is very proud to be able to help provide continuing education to these children.
In 2023 upon her return to Israel she joined Bilu Uganda as part of the organization voluntary team as the founder and director of school scholarships for children with Chronic Disease.
For more information contact: biluugandasch@gmail.com
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