"If at the end of the day our campers are smiling ~ we consider the day a success," says Camp U-CAN founder Frances Bajdik-Bova.   

This past May, Camp U-CAN hosted approximately 50 campers between the ages of 6-13.  The program was facilitated by an enthusiastic volunteer team of three Canadians (Kassandra, Katrina and Frances) and three of our own COU graduates (Rose, Melvin and Joseph).

Highlights from this year's camp included a field trip to the beach, Olympic day and the ultimate obstacle course.  The program's curriculum focuses on building friendships, improving self esteem and establishing an environment that fosters creativity and fun! 

Our very own Ugandan Olympic champions!

Camp U-CAN is a three week summer camp that takes place annually on the grounds of COU's Kiwanga Home (the location of our Phillip's House ~ the facility that cares for our special needs students) during the Ugandan first term school break.  The program provides our most vulnerable students ~ children with no known living relatives ~ a place to stay and play during their breaks.  

Frances shared a heartwarming experience with us that happened during their beach field trip.  Initially, all of the children were hesitant to enter the water.  Then, one brave child tip toed towards the shore and within no time they were all splish-splashing away together. 
Camp volunteers witnessed one of our Phillip's House students named Isabel come to life (under close supervision) in the water.  The joy on Isabel's face filled up everyone's hearts that day.  Moreover,  this moment stood as a living testament to the camp's mission of empowerment through play.  

On June 16, 1976 ~ thousands of black South African school children took to the streets of Soweto to demand a higher quality of education.  Sadly, hundreds lost their lives to police brutality.  In honor of their memory, the Day of the African Child was established and this year's theme was "All Together for Urgent Action in Favour of Street Children". 

For the Kasambya Sub-County Rakai district celebrations, Children of Uganda was represented by 58 pupils and 6 staff members from Sabina Primary Boarding School.  Class President of Club GLOW (Girls Leading Our World) and P7 student Jessica Assiimwe was "Mistress of Ceremonies" for the event.

A series of dance, poetry and sports competitions were held and Sabina won in Netball and Dance & Drama.  Our students were awarded a special trophy for being "Best Performing School".

Our award-winning dancers celebrating African youth!

The Day of the African Child advocates that all children deserve to experience the joy of childhood and to receive opportunities to realize their full potential.  Like the children of Soweto, today's street children can be agents of change and a vital part of the country's future ~ we hope through continued peaceful progress.