Kampala and Sanyu Babies’ Home - 46 years later


As the plane touched down at Entebbe airport I felt my stomach knot with excitement which soon changed to apprehension. I was a foreigner in my birth country! Our Yellow Fever Certificates were processed and then we lined up for immigration in the international arrival queue. Joan Kantu (D6 Valerie Redfern’s relative) was there with a warm hug to welcome us.


The route to Kampala took us past the Jamat Khana. I remembered lining up as a Brownie at the Coronation in 1957 of His Highness the Aga Khan. During this surprise visit, I was going to witness the celebration of his Diamond Jubilee at the same Jamat Khana on Independence Day. He was being honoured by the Ugandan Government with the Most Excellent Order of the Pearl of Africa for the help of AKF and AKDN in Uganda.


“Was I really in Kampala?” I thought, pinching myself as I thanked Liaquat for planning this surprise visit.


Barbara, the administrator of Sanyu Babies’ Home, had earlier in the week requested supplies of Milton tablets and latex disposable gloves. The next day we set off with the supplies kindly donated by IW Clubs to Sanyu Babies’ Home - in an area where some of the tarmac was replaced by mud roads. As we waited for the cheerfully painted gates to open, memories flooded in of the days when Mum, my sister and I used to help at the home.


Once inside and with the suitcases unloaded, two Canadian ladies appeared to inform us that the lodge was on the left and welcomed us as the new helpers. We were filled with embarrassment especially to learn that they had just finished the laundry and were going to do the cleaning!!!


Matron rescued us and we were led to her office. After exchanging pleasantries and signing in, she reiterated that the home was the first and oldest (1929) in Uganda established by Milnes Winifred Walker within the Christian organisation, though now it did not receive regular financial help from the church or any other organisation. It relied totally on ‘Friends of Sanyu’ and the income from the Guest House. Sponsors were sought for special projects.


Stratford upon Avon ladies at their ‘Spooky Supper’ fundraiser for the Sanyu Babies’ Home in Uganda. Just hope they were not as scary as they look here.


Eyes Down for Westbury’s


Charity Bingo Night The Inner Wheel Club of Westbury recently held a Charity Bingo Night to raise funds for Julia’s House Children’s Hospice. With prizes and cash prizes to be won, this was a lively and entertaining way of raising money for their local Hospice.


In August some of the members had a guided tour of Julia’s House and at our November meeting we learned more of the work there from Liz Froud of the hospice.


Valerie Algar – Inner Wheel Club of Westbury


We were led through the corridor which was also the dining area, 3 different age group nurseries, clean, wash and sink bathroom, through to the courtyard which housed a huge open shaded play area hut. We found the two Canadian ladies entertaining some of the children and the home helpers. As I picked one child up, a strong tug on my skirt and crying followed. He was the twin brother!!! Hustle and bustle followed with tables and chairs being dragged from the corridor walls and we had to leave because it was lunchtime. As we said our good-byes sadness overcame me, promising myself that I would continue to help to make a difference.


Association International Service Chairman Shamim Govani


Babies from day 1 to children up to approximately 4-5 years were looked after. When a baby or child was found, be it on their doorstep, taxi parks, garbage heaps, toilets, ditches or the roadside, police were informed immediately and the child was medically examined. The process of tracing parents and family members was undertaken. If the result was negative, then the child was offered for adoption.


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Innerwheel


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