Annual Spiritual Camp at the FOCUS Camp Site in Gerenge (January 23rd - 27th)

Happy New! When we think of you, our hearts leap for joy for changing our stories through your gracious contribution. Welcome to the FOCUS Mulago Child Project, Uganda East Africa bimonthly news.

BRIEFS

• The Center day program resumed on 18th January and the average attendance was 73.5%.

• Official school opened Monday 3rd February.

• All children received two bars of soap.

• 54 Female students received three packets of sanitary towels each.

• One parent received 3 months house rent after she was thrown out by a Good Samaritan who had housed her for a year.

• Twenty three children received treatment for various illnesses.

1 John 4:16: "I am the way the truth and the life"

From the 23 to the 27th of January 2020, 94 teenagers converged for the annual spiritual camp at the FOCUS Camp Site in Gerenge. The theme was from Luke 14:6: Jesus answered; “I am the way, the truth and the life, no one comes to the father except through me.” Topics covered included expositions from the theme verse, how can a young man keep his way pure, the value of education and addictions. 10 of the participants were school going teenagers from the community. Darius was one of them and had this to say; “Let me take this opportunity to thank the management of FOCUS for allowing outsiders like me to share with you food for the soul.’’ Campers were involved in other activities like aerobics, bible study, sport and short skits. We share more of the stories;

“This camp has been great and the theme very interesting. I have known this verse but never discovered the hidden meaning! I never differentiated truth from fact. Many time, I considered facts more than the truth. Often I told lies to save myself from trouble not knowing that God hates liars. Through this camp, I have discovered more truth about Jesus. For example, in the past, God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at any time and in various ways but in these last days, he has speaks to us through his Son whom he appointed heir of all things and through whom he also made the universe. Therefore, we have to love Jesus with all our hearts and follow his word because life is not only being alive but much more! All in all, the camp was great.” Harriet-19 years

“The theme was; John 14:6 “Jesus answered, am the way, the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father except through me.’’

WAY; there are many ways on earth to get things, but the only way to God and salvation is through Jesus Christ our Lord. There are no shortcuts; Jesus is the only way to receiving salvation.

TRUTH; everything about Jesus is true. Whatever the prophets said about him was true. They all happened at the time they were foretold. Jesus is the only true savior. Therefore, when you accept the truth which is Jesus, you are set free (John 8:32) because he is the truth that sets free. LIFE; when you die in Jesus you only die physically but you remain alive spiritually; alive forever. Jesus is the only source of eternal life. (John 3:16) Francis -16 years

‘’I thank the sponsors that supported us to have this camp. I have learnt that education is the key to success. I have never wanted to attend school ever since I was born. In my family, no one ever graduated. I had joined bad peer groups but when I get back home, am going to tell them to live me alone. I want to be serious with my education because I have learnt that with education I can get the good things I want in life. I have always prayed to ask God to help me stay in school and sometimes I think God does not love me. My father is Muslim and he has always told me to go to sheikhs for prayers. When I get home, I will tell my father that Jesus is the savior. I am going to get a degree I promise. ‘’ Sharon-13 years

HARD WORK PAYS

Ugandan is school calendar runs from February to December. At the end of every academic year, pupils and students in candidate classes are accessed for the next academic level. There are four levels of education to university. Download file below

Academic Levels.pdf

Download PDF • 97KB

32 sponsored children sat for the national exams; 14 sat for PLE, 13 UCE and 5 UACE. We share stories of the best student at each level.

My name is Kiyingi Bilal. I joined FOCUS in 2014 and I was in P.2.I am really proud of FOCUS. In the last six years, I have come to know the mission of FOCUS and this is; to make us responsible men and women in future. From childhood I have always yearned to become an architect and I hope one day one time I will attain it. I scored aggregate 12 in PLE and I hope to perform much better at UCE.I would like to thank you all for your good work. Thank you for FOCUS and thank you for the school fees. May God reward you abundantly.

My name is Nabidandi Margret and I am 17 years old. School is the best place I do think of even when at home. Provided you do the right thing at the right time and the right place, you will enjoy school. It was in July when as candidates we were summoned by our head teacher only to tell us that there are no holiday until November! It was so hurting that we all cried, boys and girls alike. Little did we know that it was for our own benefit! Seriously speaking, I was the second worst student in my stream but one of the teachers Mr. Kaye picked interest in me and become persistent with encouraging me revise and consult where I did not understand. In Mocks (test exam) I scored 54 aggregates but he never gave up on me. I never forgot God, praying and fasting. In UCE, I scored 29 aggregates. I would like to offer Mathematics, Economics and Art at Advanced Level.

High school has surely been a tag of war and very challenging. I have studied under tough conditions but I thank God that amidst the huddles, I have attained good grades.I scored a total of 14 points in UACE; 5 points in Entrepreneurship, 4 points in Mathematics, 3 points in Economics, 1 point in General Paper and 1 point in Information Technology ( computer). I extend my gratitude to FOCUS for having facilitated my education. It is a blessing that I joined FOCUS. FOCUS has transformed my life socially and spiritually. I hope to join Makerere University for a Bachelors Degree in Procurement and Logistic Supply Management. William

Until Next Time;

Sylvia Agaba

Project Director