Family Care Uganda provides hope and a future for children coming from a hopeless place
Chelsea Rotary Australia was honoured to have Marg Vesey from Rotary Club of Rowville-Lysterfield join us last night! Marg shared such heartwarming, uplifting stories of life changing moments created at the Family Care Uganda project.
Founded in 2009 by Australian local, Robin Yamaguchi, they rely completely on private donations to sustain and educate over 200 orphans. Children of child soldiers too poor to pay fees, children homeless on the streets or girls fleeing the prospect of being sold for a dowery find refuge and thrive in the safe opportunity to get an education that opens a world of career opportunities. Robin has passionately committed to raise funds to source books, clothes, shelter, food and even purchased the land to bring sustainable farming. All to give these needing children the chance to learn, from grade 1 through to high school. Robin then actively works to get students sponsorship into further studies.
So many uplifting stories on how one woman with conviction, love and dedication can rally us all to help make a phenomenal difference to the children and future of Uganda. Thank you Marg, for taking the time to share the vital work Family Care Uganda is doing!
It takes money to keep this school going- their immediate list for 2025
- Purchasing 1.5 tons of beans $850
- Buying 4 tons of maize/corn $1088
- Fees for 33 of our students in Secondary school $3800
- Fees for 12 of our students in tertiary $2,800
- Renovation of staff house roofing $800
- Construction of staff latrine $470
- Construction of boys bathing shelter $390
You can read more inspirational updates here https://www.facebook.com/familycareuganda
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Pictured are Nancy and Omen, celebrating graduating as Midwife and Nurse, two young children brought in and sponsored for the past 10 years now bringing their education and knowledge to support their remote community in far North East Uganda.
Kiriwina Man - Stories of an international Rotary Project
President Elect Regina Murcia with Alan Lunghusen
Chelsea Rotary Australia were all captivated this week hearing Alan Lunghusen from Rotary Club of Rowville-Lysterfield regale stories of perseverance and determination.
Alan’s project includes sending vital medical and school supplies to the very remote island communities of Kiriwina Island. Locals still live in straw huts, fish in traditional hand carved boats and the only real job opportunities on the island are teaching. Earning opportunities are mainly dependant on selling carvings to tourists visiting by cruise.
Battling telecommunication and bureaucratic delays Alan has facilitated several container deliveries of medical and cleaning supplies as well as solar and generator charged equipment and materials for locals to build over 600 desks for student desks. Alan battles significant logistical challenges since the airstrip has been deemed unsafe. The only route to and from the island is on a tiny boat for 48 hours with no kitchen or bathroom facilities.
Alan’s been instrumental in campaigns to give children access to higher education allowing broader opportunities to head to the mainland. Quoting Mandela, "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." Alan is driven in his conviction to give younger generations choices.
We’ve invited Alan to return as an hour barely touched the surface of all the wonderful initiatives in place to support the people of Kiriwina. We’ll be sure to let everyone know when he can return. Thanks for a riveting talk Alan, thank you for your conviction in helping the people of Kiriwina!
Moorabbin Air Scout cheque presentation
Chelsea Rotary had a road trip to the Moorabbin Air Museum this week!
We were honoured to join Cr Georgina Oxley in thanking and presenting the Moorabbin Air Scout team a cheque for the months they supported us with the Kingston Farmers markets. The Scouts always had an enthusiastic can-do approach to help us set up, welcome patrons, guide traffic and pack things back up.
Moorabbin Scouts do all the things other scout groups do, with a focus on aviation and air.
We got to witness and learn the traditions when scouts join from other groups. We also learnt the symbolism of the three coloured candles that are lit each meeting.
- Green to represent the grass, the trees and the plant life outdoors
- Red stands for the flame of the fire that glows with warmth and friendship
- White, the stars they sleep under and the purity of heart
Special thanks to Alexandra Urcola the Group Leader for hosting us for dinner and cake after!
Thank you also to Ewan McArthur – Manager of the Moorabbin Air Museum for opening up the museum to the Scouts and guests.
