I returned to life being more difficult here.

There has been a drought creating less drinking water, less electricity, food shortage and price increases. Sadly, there have been many deaths in our families...a one year old child died the Saturday I returned.

Through all of this the African spirit prevails. People continue to be positive and hopeful and believe that tomorrow is a new day with new possibilities.

Another important noticeable difference is the connection the children and community have developed with Charles, the Project Manager. As I move back and forth between America and Uganda, it is clear that the children are working hard in school and the businesses are progressing.

While we are working hard we also have had time to take some of the children to the zoo. Jared, my son and friends donated money for our trip. The children wrote a thank you note, saying:

"THANK YOU FOR GIVING US MONEY TO GO THE ZOO. WE SAW A MONKEY AND CHIMPANZEE, THE MONKEY'S EYES.THE OSTRICH CAME RIGHT UP TO THE FENCE AND WE TRIED TO GIVE IT GRASS. WE SAW A HORSE. CHILDREN WERE RIDING IT. WE ATE FISH AND CHIPS AND TOMATO SAUCE AND SODA AND LYNNI ATE CHILL SAUCE. WE WATCHED THE WATER. WE SAW SNAILS, BOATS, A JETSKI AND WAVES AND A MOTOR BOAT. "

In the next 2 months, we are anticipating the arrival of 500 pairs of children's shoes donated by Clarks Shoes. We have chosen as recipients for the shoes, particular schools where the need is the greatest. We are hoping to create a sister-school relationships with these same schools.

To date we have given two new start-up business loans, bringing the total businesses to ten. In addition, village women have been making native baskets, mats, and place mats which we will sell in America. Additionally, we will be reviewing three new business proposals within the next few weeks.

With your help we have sponsored six more children, bringing the total to twelve children and two adults in university. The children range in age from five to sixteen years of age. Due to family circumstances, three of our children are boarding at the schools. One of them, a new six year old child named Doreen, has been walking six miles a day to attend a public school. We have chosen for her to board at a private school in the area.

In 1998 the International Labour Organization (ILO) estimated 44.4 percent of children between the ages 10 and 14 were working. The government estimated 3.5 million children between 10 and 17 years of age were working-49% were girls 51% boys.

This has resulted in child labour.

Uganda has over 2 million orphaned children as a result of civil unrest, internal displacement of persons and HIV/AIDS. An estimated one and half million children living in Uganda have lost their mother or both parents to AIDS. Orphaned children are likely to become heads of household responsible for caring for younger siblings or live on the streets.

The Ugandan government reports that some of the worst forms of child labour in the country include heavy domestic work, commercial sex, sex slavery, involvement in military operations, and smuggling of merchandise across borders.

The children are made to work for long hours, especially those working as domestic servants. They are denied food, endure physical and sexual abuse, and are denied a relationship with their family and friends. They are denied an education and a normal childhood.

The predominant factors leading to orphaned children and their exploitation are HIV/AIDS and POVERTY. In the rural areas of Uganda where more than 90% population lives, these conditions are particularly rampant.

The government of Uganda together with NGOs have tried to counter these two predominant factors by creating AIDS prevention campaigns to educate people about how to avoid HIV/AIDS and how to care for the orphans and those who have the disease. Also, the government has introduced a poverty eradication program that works with NGOs to help people start businesses and provides free primary education for orphans who cannot afford school tuition. The government is planning to extend free education to tertiary institutions and college education.

Through programs like these Uganda can reduce the prevalence of child labour and suffering.