Mud and stick structures like this one are common sights all over Uganda. Although they might look like utility sheds, these structures are homes. It’s not uncommon for ten or more people to live in a structure like this. So when AOET finds a sponsor for a child, the child is sent to school, they are given shoes, a uniform, food and medical care. This medical care extends to the child’s entire “foster” family as well, which makes sense- why send a healthy child back to a sick home? It’s a great plan, but imagine how hard it would be to thrive in a mud and stick shelter like this one? Enter the children’s village.

AOET has begun building homes like this one for families that are taking in sponsored children. You can imagine how shocked we were to see how wonderful these homes were. And it’s not just a house. Land is provided for gardening. Parents are provided with vocational training so they can make it out on their own once their four-year tenure in the village is up, and financial planning and training is provided as well to make sure no one gets left behind.

 

Our team spent several days sanding and painting the interior of one of these homes, and although it was hard, dirty, hot work, every drop of sweat took on new meaning. Hard work for a great cause is truly empowering.