Ugandan Orphans

I would like to introduce myself: my name is Micheal Amanyire, and I conceived of the idea for TOCI about 5 years ago. TOCI ("tow-chi") stands for Twerwaheno Orphans Community Initiative, and works to address the needs of children orphaned by HIV/Aids, some who are mentally ill, and the most vulnerable of children in this area who are in need of assistance.

I have been a teacher of children for 6 years, and became aware there were students who had difficulty in attending school and getting the most from it, and those who were unable to attend. Working alongside another teacher who also witnessed this and had ideas to help, I created TOCI. I am now 26, and married for 2 years to lovely Sylvia who has also taken on a major role in this organization. We are located roughly 5km west of Fort Portal, in the far West of Uganda… rolling hills lead straight to the Ruwenzori Mountains, the "Mountains of the Moon." These are the Karago Town Council and Bukuuku District, and these needy children live not in one home, but in their respective homes scattered throughout the lush countryside. Adults have mostly taken in one or more orphans or disabled children, but one lives alone (he is 13) and cannot leave as he will lose the family land. There are plans to add onto one home with land which houses 4 boys and a piggery - to include girls as well.

I have been lucky to work with many volunteers who have become aware of our needs. With assistance from VSO Volunteers and Peace Corps Volunteers, I have been able to obtain the funds for a piggery project, as well as a pool table for sustainable income. The pool table has just been acquired, and a "Leisure Center" is now almost completed at the local market area where there will be much traffic; pool is a well-loved local pastime. Used clothing is distributed 3 times a year to the children, of which there are currently 40 - - and plans are to increase the capacity of TOCI to assist 100 within the next 5 years. We would like to welcome any Volunteers with medical background.

Our website details our projects and aspirations: www.friendsoftoci.org . We also have a link to crafts made locally where sales will assist our program. Jodie O’Kelly, who owned "Zanzibar Chocolates" on Vashon Island from 2007 to 2009 has recently been visiting and contributing towards our progress. She asked me to share this information with your community, knowing there are many on Vashon who have traveled far and wide, and care about those even on the far side of the globe. Thank you!