In 2008, we created a new partnership with several local schools in the Bunga area. We are the only Development Center of its kind in Uganda. We have special certification from the Ministry of Education to work with the schools. Christopher House programs are now part of the curriculum for 1100 students who come to us for classes in Art, Music, Drama, Sports and Character Development.
We call our programs ‘Fun With a Purpose.’ We’re working to help the kids develop their talent, imagination and creativity but with a deeper purpose. By encouragement, teaching and example they are learning integrity, respect (for themselves and each other), leadership, teamwork and building a foundation for their future. Everything we do is designed to put the Bible to work in very practical ways.
The schools are supposed to offer these types of classes, but because there is no money, they can’t. For most of our kids Christopher House is the only place where they get to learn more than the basics of education and it’s where they are treated as special, talented, loved and valued. And it’s where they can count on getting a hug! We actually had to teach many kids how to hug. Now they run through the gate, leap into our arms and nearly knock us down!
With teen pregnancy, HIV/Aids, staggering dropout rates, rising drug and alcohol use, we talk with the kids everyday about issues concerning them. We talk about everything from abortion to creating good friendships. Our goal is to help them to learn to think for themselves so that when the time comes to make huge life impacting decisions, they will have the tools.
Our schedule is Tuesday through Friday for the regular curriculum and on Saturday’s any child can come for the day. We feed them a full lunch every Saturday. We also have a program for the kids during school holiday’s. We usually have kids waiting at the gate for us to open.
The only way to stop the flood of AIDS, STD's and unwanted pregnancy and abortion is to change behavior through education and the way people think about sex. On a daily basis we talk to our kids and adults, encouraging them and teaching them God's plan for sex and marriage and the value of abstinence and faithfulness. We are trying to instill in them a sense of self-worth and teach them a biblical perspective as opposed to a cultural one, so that when they are faced with making a choice about sex, they will have the foundation to make a good decision.
To address the needs of our parents, we are continuing with a teaching program for adults. This program helps them overcome the disadvantages of their childhood by giving them tools to build their faith, their families and their careers. We offer classes on parenting and life skills and in June of 2007 we started teaching English classes. But, one of our major accomplishments is that most of our mothers no longer use caning as their only form of disipline. Parents are starting to see changes in their children and they are curious about what we do as they struggle for a better life for themselves and their families.
In September 2008, some of our parents completed a Basic Business Course. The top four students were selected to continue and we helped them start their own business. They have named it the Sheild Herbal Soap Co. They are making and locally marketing herbal soap that is used for helping AIDS patients with lesions, children with ringworm and eczema, and burn victims. They are so excited with the opportunities that are becoming a reality by owning their own business.
