Lira's children's home is a state-recognised institution with nearly 20 years of experience. Most of the children admitted are orphans or half-orphans, for whom placement in a foster family is not possible.
History of origin
In 2008, a civil war with numerous casualties had just come to an end. There were many war orphans. Young people were traumatised by their experiences as child soldiers. Drawings by children and adolescents, which had been displayed in the three residential groups (built to accommodate around 40 children), depicted unimaginable suffering. From the very beginning, we worked with local trauma therapists. The children and young people received consistent relationships and reliable structures. There was enough to eat. They were able to attend local schools. The home in Lira was a safe place for them, and gradually the wounds began to heal. Nightmares and wet mattresses, which were placed in the morning sun to dry, testified that the healing process would be long.
Our three residential groups
The home for the youngest children aged between 3 and 10 years is the HOPE House.
In the CHRIST HUMBLE House live the girls aged 10 to 17.
In the PEACE House reside the boys aged 10 to 17.
The children are cared for by house parents who foster a family-like culture with them.
How children come to the children's home
Requests for the admission of a child to the children's home either come from local authorities or directly from the child's orphaned environment. During the admission process, the background and social environment are thoroughly investigated, and the fulfilment of the admission criteria is checked.
Services
In addition to meeting basic needs, the personal talents of around 40 children are discovered and nurtured, and meaningful leisure activities are offered. Alongside their education, the family-like residential groups place importance on personality development. The children are given the opportunity to explore Christian spirituality as a personal resource. After completing primary school, the children are supported through the FEP programme until they finish their vocational training.
Shamim's story of hope
Shamim is nine years old. At her birth, the girl’s father left the family. Her mother, who is infected with AIDS and suffers from mental health issues, lives in a slum in Lira. When GHU staff saw the girl for the first time, her eyes told everything: a silent cry for help. She was suffering from hunger, was in a poor state of health, and was under significant psychological stress.
Now she lives in the home in Lira, and she is already doing much better. She loves going to school, and it quickly became clear that she is a very intelligent girl. Shamim already has a dream for the future: she wants to become a doctor to help the poor and the sick.
