FrOG's Newsletter
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December 2024
As we reflect on a great year of sharing and giving, I am reminded of the spirit of oneness that lies at the heart of our international group of Friends of Gashora. It is the understanding of that unity that we have a responsibility to care for each other and especially those less privileged that helps us to continue to expand our support for Journey House Actions. Together with the collective effort and shared vision of all our partners we helped strengthen the community of Gashora by providing food, education, jobs and supporting them in their dreams.
We hope we can count on your continued interest and support and we invite you to stay connected by following us on Instagram: friends_of_gashora, and Facebook: Friends of Gashora, for regular photos and updates.
Thanks to the efforts of our wonderful volunteers and supporters FrOG has raised enough funds to build a sewing/ weaving workshop and showroom. Construction will begin as soon as the guesthouse by the lake is completed. Our many markets and sales event continue to be well attended.
Our first annual "Empty Bowls Fundraiser” was a great success and everyone enjoyed the "African Peanut Stew". We sold out of the beautiful pottery bowls that many of our talented local potters donated to the event, thank you. And an other big thank you to OLD FARM MARKET, THRIFTY’S, WORKING CULTURE, BROAD VIEW UNITED and CSM INSIGHTS for sponsoring this event.
So let me share with you the incredible improvements that are taking place in Gashora. Since we started supporting Journey House Actions in 2018 and in partnership with our American Partners and a number of Foundations the changes that have taken place are nothing short of miraculous. The team in Gashora continues to strive to expand...
A BEACON OF HOPE FOR THE FUTURE
"We believe that every child deserves a safe place to call home. These dormitories are a vital step in our mission to give homeless children in Gashora a second chance in life, an opportunity to learn, grow and reach their full potential." - (Rogers Kimuli, JHA’s Executive Director)
Since 2019 JHA has sheltered children who have lived on the streets and suffered from malnutrition. Many of these children are either orphaned or come from impoverished families that struggle to meet their basic needs. Without a safe place to live they are at risk of physical harm, exploitation, malnutrition and not get schooling.
As the numbers of homeless children kept growing the team rented houses to address these needs. It became apparent that it would be more effective that JHA owned their own dormitories. These newly completed dormitories will provide a stable and supportive home for 72 boys and girls that previously faced harsh living conditions.
These beautiful "SEEDS OF LOVE" homes offer hope of a brighter future. With access to proper shelter, nutritious meals, educational support and a caring community, these children can begin to heal from their past traumas and build a stable foundation for the future. This project was made possible by the general support of the Friends of Doug Proebsting Fund and the Pagel Graphics Arts Scholarship Foundation.
LIFE SKILLS TRAINING
Part of nurturing these children and giving them the opportunity to learn and grow are the many extra curricular activities, life skills training and counselling. These programs are key to JHA’s holistic approach to caring for vulnerable youth. As mentioned in earlier newsletters, there are many sports programs ( soccer, volleyball, pickleball, judo, gymnastics, bicycling ), book club, painting, wood carving, traditional and modern dance, drumming and music programs. But the young people also participate in day to day running of the whole JHA operation.
From helping to give out food to the children, working on the dairy farm, the piggery, or helping out with the many goats, rabbits, chickens. Working on the farm to help plant, water, weed and harvest the vegetables. Extracting the invasive water hyacinths from the lake. And of course the many housekeeping chores that arise daily. These young people have many responsibilities and are accountable and report back to the JHA team. There are simple consequences for those that do not pull their weight, like missing out on a shoe distribution. We have witnessed that on our last visit and we can tell you that the two young adults involved smartened up pretty quick!
Harvesting the water hyacinths. Water hyacinths curtains provide shade for the pigs
New shoes.
DERRICK IN CHICAGO
Many of you know Derricks story from previous newsletters and know that he has started studying engineering at NPU in Chicago on a full scholarship. FrOG and our American Partners are covering the costs for room and board, extras and pocket money.
Derrick arrived in Chicago in September and has completed his first term. He passed all his mid term exams with flying colours. He is so excited to be studying in the US. He has impressed his teachers and cohort with his dedication, work ethic and leadership skills. He loves Basketball and has made many friends. His new friends just threw him his first ever birthday party, cake and all.
Thanks to our American Partners Derrick has just spent his first Thanksgiving with families that have taken him under their wings and made this festive time extra special for him. Thank you for looking after him!
BUILDING HOMES, RESTORING HOPE
As there are an increasing number of people travelling to Gashora, we asked JHA how visitors could contribute to the community. The team suggested a Home Refurbishing Program. This program raises funds that will be given to a selected vulnerable family whose house is in serious disrepair. The visitors can participate in the work of providing families with healthy and safe living environments. These improvements range from basic repairs to more extensive renovations such as building latrines, separate cooking spaces or separate animal shelters. This program is a tangible way for visitors to see the impact of their contributions be it either financial support or volunteering time and skills.
HOW CAN YOU HELP FrOG
So how can you help us? You could help by volunteering to join us staffing our markets and fundraising events. Even just one shift a year would help us to expand the number of summer and Holiday fairs we can participate in.
You could become an advocate for our cause and invite your friends to visit our website and learn more about FrOG. Even a small contribution gives our friends in Gashora a hand up! $60 provides a meal for 200 children, and just $9 will feed a child one meal a day for a month.
Last but not least, remember that all the proceeds of this book also goes to JHA. So if you need a gift that gives the gift of laughter and amusement consider this collection of funny travel stories. The second book (Tomorrow They are Playing God) will be ready in the spring and tells many stories about running a charity in rural Africa…..some of which may sound very familiar! Available from local bookstores or online!
Once again, THANK YOU all for making this year a success and being such an important part of Friends of Gashora. Wishing you all a blessed holiday season and may 2025 move us closer to the goals of harmony and unity. ONE DREAM , ONE TEAM.