BUILDING HEALTHLY HABITS FOR LONGEVITY

One of The Angel Projects' main concerns in Uganda has been dealing with the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic.  Although we're pleased to report that no one in the communities we serve was diagnosed with COVID, there were nonetheless many ways that the pandemic negatively impacted the Rubuguri area.  This was particularly evident among the elderly members of the community who lost what little support they had from their families due to a lack of work, the market shutting down, and the quarantine causing an inability to travel.

Partnering with our on-ground team members, Angel Projects Uganda, we've responded to the many needs in the elderly community by focusing on one individual, or one couple, at a time to see how we can fulfull their needs during this difficult time. 

Two such community members are Caroline and Joyce, both elderly women who were left to face the difficulties of the pandemic without children or grandchildren to assist them.  When we first encountered Caroline, she had a dislocated hip that had gone untreated for over 8 months.  We sent a doctor to examine her, and later we found a wonderful woman who lives nearby and is a physical therapist.  She currently meets with Caroline once a week to provide her with physical therapy.  Caroline is now able to stand, if only for a few minutes at a time, and she continues to make progress.  Joyce has diabetes and high blood pressure.  When we first met her, her blood pressure was so high that the doctor we sent up to examine her said she wouldn't have survived much longer had we not intervened.  Joyce has been provided with the proper medication, and we check in on her regularly to ensure that she's taking it properly.  Although she's been making progress, Joyce has a long way to go--and The Angel Projects will be there every step of the way!  Besides medical attention, we've been able to support both Caroline and Joyce with nutritious foods, twice weekly visits, and lots of love!  We have been so happy to see their progress as they become both healthier and happier.

We've also been supporting Jack and Rose, a lovely elderly couple who have been together for decades.  They are currently attempting to support their grandchildren with whatever they are able to grow or with any small jobs they can find, but their ability to do so was greatly impacted by the pandemic and quarantine, not to mention that their age and health also present incredible obstacles.  The Angel Projects has been able to come alongside Jack and Rose by helping to supplement their family with fresh vegetables, beans, potatoes, and other nutritious foods as well as providing them with much needed medical care.  Because of this assistance, they have been able to live comfortably, and their love and happiness shine through their beautiful smiles every time we visit them. 

We have also been providing our elderly community members with nutrition classes to help them make positive choices that will keep them healthy and fit.  

These are just a few examples of the way The Angel Projects is reaching out to help the elderly members of the Rubuguri community, and this support is only possible because of our generous donors.  Thank you to everyone who has supported us in many different ways, particularly throughout the difficulty of the past couple of years.  You are changing lives in Uganda, and you are filling our hearts with joy!

The Angel Projects Uganda is thrilled to announce our Summer 2022 project: Ecobrick Benches!  Ecobricks are plastic bottles filled with non-biodegradable waste, such as plastic bags, straws, and other plastic wastes.  The waste is cleaned, dried, and carefully installed in a plastic bottle, creating a strong brick.  These bricks will be used to create benches throughout the community, particularly on the soccer playing field, which currently has no seating available.  

The purpose of the Ecobrick Bench project is twofold: 1) We will be removing trash from the village, promoting environmental health locally; 2) We will be providing seating in a popular common area, allowing for community activities and unification.

Our team has just completed a community cleanup with a large group of local volunteers.  Before the cleanup, our leadership team explained ecobricks and their significance to the villagers, teaching them how waste can negatively impact both the environment and their health.

The first bench to be constructed will be located outside of the Angel Projects' headquarters and will serve as a prototype and teaching opportunity for the local community.  The foundation has been laid for this bench, and the team is working on creating ecobricks in order to construct the bench itself.  After the first bench has been completed, work will begin on benches for the soccer field; our team members will work alongside local villagers to build these benches

Of course, a bench is not the only thing that can be built with ecobricks, so stay tuned to learn more about this ongoing ecofriendly construction project!