My name is Lydia Tukemuhebwa, but for some reason, the children at school have chosen to call me “English” – which makes me laugh!
I was inspired by Tonny’s courage and inspired to join the Mushunga Community Project at the start of 2023, as a teacher. I hold a certificate in early childhood development and caregiving, and I am the teacher of the class that hosts the brightest pupils at Victorious Community School in the Mushunga Project.
In addition to my academic teaching, I also provide after-school care for the children who live in the orphanage. I have used these music and dance lessons to build bonds and create closer relationships with the children sponsored by the project.
It breaks my heart when an orphan/child confides in me to tell his/her story. Every story is different, but equally sad and shocking – they never get easier to hear.
I hold on to the fact that providing a safe space for our wards to tell their stories is a positive step towards the healing journey of the childhood traumas they have experienced at such young ages.
Articulating their feelings is the first step towards finding closure, and peace within their hearts. I am humbled to be an important part in this journey.
Another part of my role is to help all our children experience spiritual growth via the teachings of Christ. I see that these sessions also bring great comfort to many of the children.
The building of the Mushunga Community Project with its school and orphanage, has created a really positive impact in my village, and the broader community. With the attraction of sponsorship, the project has enabled some of the most underprivileged children and orphans to have access to good education, safe accommodation, and regular, nourishing food – this is giving them a better start in life that will hopefully give them the skills they need to break the downward spiral of poverty that they otherwise would have been in.
The daily transformations that I am seeing in these children, thanks to the support of our blessed sponsors is wonderful.
I see our children being cared for, encouraged, and motivated which leads to them becoming more and more confident in their own abilities to achieve whatever they put their minds to. By not having to worry constantly about how their basic needs are being met, they are able to focus on their studies, their health, and their future.
I appreciate what is being done here and I pray all the support should not stop.
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