Help, Care, Educate

Restoring hope and peace of heart to those who need it most.

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“But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was; and when he saw him, he had compassion on him”

Luke 10:33

The word ‘Samaritan’ is defined as ‘a charitable or unconditionally helpful person’ and is derived from the Gospel of Luke 10:33.

Through our outreach, we seek to support and transform the lives of others - Good Samaritans to those in need.

Founded in Uganda on May 15, 2020, Samaritan of Hope International (SOHI) embarked on a mission to provide hope and support to struggling children and other vulnerable groups.

This effort took place in the district of Jinja, located in the Busoga sub-region in eastern Uganda, known as the country's poorest district. Jinja is densely populated, grappling with high unemployment, pervasive poverty, and rampant disease, leaving the most vulnerable social groups, including homeless children, orphans, widows, the elderly, and the disabled, in need of immediate aid.

Starting with 9 orphans, SOHI provided them with accommodation, school supplies, and tuition support, facilitated by generous contributors.

By September 2022, SOHI's ranks grew to 20 children, marking a significant milestone. By June 14, 2023, the organization had expanded its reach to 38 children, some of whom were assisted within their own communities.

As of today, SOHI's efforts have positively affected the lives of 39 children, and counting…

Our work

SOHI enhances the lives of key target groups through 4 key programs:

Education Sponsorship

Attending school is crucial for orphans and vulnerable children, including school dropouts and street children. It offers them not only a reprieve from their daily struggles but also emotional support through interactions and relationship-building with fellow students. Moreover, education aids in cultivating core skills that can pave the way for improved futures.

SOHI recognizes this and is dedicated to offering these vulnerable children opportunities for education. We facilitate their school attendance by providing subsidized school fees and meeting other necessary requirements, thereby empowering them through knowledge and social capital development.

Sekandi Alvin and Sesanga are young boys enrolled in primary education who unfortunately fell victim to domestic violence. After their parents' divorce, their father's alcohol addiction left them without food, schooling, clothing, or medical care. In response to their critical needs, SOHI stepped in to provide essential social protection. Currently, thanks to SOHI's support, both boys are attending school and receiving assistance in vital areas of life, paving the way for a better future.

Ndiba Hatika, a primary school student, tragically lost her father in a building collapse while he was working as a builder. This devastating event disrupted her education, as her mother, a homemaker, had no means of income to support Hatika's continued schooling. Recognizing the dire situation, SOHI intervened, ensuring Hatika's educational journey could continue. Today, thanks to SOHI's assistance, Hatika is back in school.

Promo Sarah and Atimango Stella, sisters sharing the same biological father, became orphans when their father tragically succumbed to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021. Both girls were in primary school at the time of their father's death. Recognizing their need, SOHI stepped in to ensure the continuation of their education. Currently, both Sarah and Stella are pursuing secondary education at Jinja City College Secondary School, greatly appreciating the support given towards their education.

Social Care and Support

Social care is a crucial component for the well-being and support of the impoverished.

SOHI extends social care and support to marginalized groups such as orphans, vulnerable children, widows, individuals with disabilities, street children, and forsaken families. Our aid encompasses essentials like food, shelter, clothing, and comprehensive social care, among other basic needs.

Skills Empowerment

SOHI is dedicated to empowering communities in need through the establishment of skill development centers. These centers provide vocational training for orphans, vulnerable children, school dropouts, youths, widows, street children, women, and other marginalized groups. The goal is socio-economic empowerment, equipping these individuals with practical skills and work experiences

These vocational programs include creating jewelry, baskets, belts, mats, straps, and clothing, among other things. The training is facilitated by a qualified professional in fashion tailoring, design, and hairdressing.

Items are sold to fund learning materials and the repair of tailoring machines. However, there is a significant need for more and better training equipment due to the old and faulty state of current machines and the increasing number of trainees in Jinja, particularly among needy children and school dropouts.

Evangelism

SOHI is a Christian-based initiative that fosters discipline and moral values among children, vulnerable individuals, and entire communities by disseminating God's gospel. Through collective worship and praise, SOHI seeks to restore hope and cultivate spiritual morality among various vulnerable groups, including children, widows, school dropouts, and neglected families.

In a bid to empower these communities, SOHI is focused on establishing community facilities, such as a church ministry, a school for orphaned children, an elderly care home, and a children's playground. The establishment of the church ministry is particularly aimed at promoting spiritual growth among the children supported by the ministry, encouraging their knowledge and love for God.

SOHI also intends to set up a non-denominational church in Jinja city, Uganda. The church will engage in regular preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ, welcoming new converts and adhering to the activities and objectives outlined in the church constitution. This endeavor will be led by key SOHI team members in Uganda, with guidance and support from advisors in Australia.

FAQs

  • Samaritan of Hope International (SOHI) receives its funding from various sources. Key contributors in Uganda support the organization out of pocket and through the proceeds from our agricultural activities. We farm on rented land, and the harvest directly aids our operations. Additionally, we receive financial support from Australia. We invite everyone to join us in this noble mission to restore hope in Uganda.

  • We ensure that 100% of all donations received go straight to SOHI's activities. We maintain a thorough record of all contributions in our organisation book to ensure transparency and accountability.

  • Yes, SOHI is fully registered and operates in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Northern Division in Jinja city, Uganda. We hold a valid operational permit, which authorizes us to carry out routine community-based activities aimed at restoring hope in Jinja city.

  • Absolutely. Non-monetary donations can be delivered directly to our rented home in Kyamagwa Mafubira. For details, please get in touch below.

  • SOHI gauges its impact based on the positive change we bring to the lives of vulnerable groups within our community. All our children attend school and participate in skills training, and we distribute essentials like food to the community, albeit not on a daily basis due to limited resources. With more financial support, we are confident we can positively influence more lives in our community.

"When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd."

Matthew 9:36

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