A popular Ugandan saying goes, “Katono Kazira muliso,” “small things count.” Through their Sunshine Family Volunteer project, Shadiah Nabbanja, Sarah Namwanje and Amina Bukirwa from Kampala, Uganda, found that even the smallest acts of service go a long way.
On February 26, 2022, under the guidance of Mary, a Sunshine Family Volunteer Coordinator. Shadiah and her family visited a children’s home in Nssagu village, Kyengera town in central Uganda, 25km west of Kampala.
The home was founded in 1999 out of the compassion of a mother who felt every child needs to have a place they call home. . Currently, the home houses over 80 children, new born to 15 years old orphans and vulnerable children. The children call Namubiru Mariam, the 80-year-old matron of the home, Maama.
The team didn’t have any relatives or any knowledge of Nssagu, but they were not deterred. “I got a contact for the home care taker that we got directions to the home,” Shadiah said.
Shadiah and her sisters embarked on a journey to mobilize resources to donate to the home. Each person was delegated duties to make sure they got everything done.
Shadiah led designing greetings cards with words of encouragement for the kids. Sarah was put in charge of purchasing refreshments like food and beverages. Amina was in charge of organizing the assorted items that would be delivered to the home including clothes, shoes, food stuff like maize flour, rice, sugar and bread.
The team was overjoyed to be received and welcomed by the children.
“Although we had budgeted for about 20 kids, we found over 70 kids but that did not dampen our spirits. We showered all of them with love,” shared Shadiah.
The team listened to the children share about their daily lives. “Some of the kids said they wash dishes after school others said they wash their uniforms, mop the house, to mention but a few,” said Shadiah.
“Katono Kazira muliso,” “small things count.” The children truly appreciated the care and gifts from Shadiah and her sisters. What mattered most, was their heart of service, reaching out to show empathy and care. It matters not how small or big you think your contribution is, there is always someone in need of your support and that is what matters most. The heart of service-minded women around the world is opening the way to creating a world that reflects the vision of One Family under God..
We applaud our sunshine family volunteers like Shadiah and family continue to share compassion and spread the love, thus making the world a better place to live in.
If you have a Sunshine Family Volunteer story to share or your family wants to start a project, email younshim.park@globalpeacewomen.org.