And so the two of you decided to set up an aid project.
Of course, the improving situation enabled us to begin rehabilitating children affected by the war. It’s also extremely important not to concentrate just on helping those who were Child soldiersA child soldier is: “... any person below 18 years of age who is or has been recruited or used by an armed force or armed group (...), more. That would be unfair. Many were only kidnapped for a short time as they were able to escape, while others were constantly on the run.
Through Rebound, we began to rebuild schools or equip them with dormitories. At least in areas where there is no immediate danger of it being destroyed again. We financed dormitory buildings for two schools in North UgandaThe average elevation of the Republic of Uganda is 1,000 metres above sea level in the Central African Highlands. more, in Kalongo and Pajule. And we built a multi-purpose hall for a third institution, the Pader Academy, which was inaugurated in October. The rain season is fairly intensive which means that the mothers can now begin their education without interruption.
It is the largest hall in North UgandaThe average elevation of the Republic of Uganda is 1,000 metres above sea level in the Central African Highlands. more. The rental income allows the young girls to finance their education. They are trained as cooks, bakers and seamstresses. Underage mothers learn how to care for their children.
They cater for entire events when the hall is rented out, while the seamstresses produce school uniforms. All proceeds go to the Girls Academy.
I just hope that Chinese companies don’t suddenly start offering uniforms in all possible colours at a fraction of the price and ruin everything for the youngsters.
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Wolfgang NiedeckenWolfgang Niedecken is a musician and visual artist who hails from Cologne. more in a Rebound
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Are the projects complete?
We need to start learning to slowly let go. Rebound is not a development aid organisation. The proportion of emergency aid in the projects must always take priority.
For us, good development aid means helping people to help themselves, regaining independence as quickly as possible.
In UgandaThe average elevation of the Republic of Uganda is 1,000 metres above sea level in the Central African Highlands. more as well, the school system is managed by the ministry of education. We can’t let a situation arise in which it is automatically assumed that the Europeans or Americans would bear all costs.