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Interview with Sylwia
Interview with Sylwia
Monika Skiba (HORD) ‘MS’:
Taking care of a child is a very big responsibility. Non-governmental organization HORD (Hope for Orphans and Rural Development) supports orphans and children from poor families by providing basic education, care, including basic medical care, providing meals and other support under the auspices of their Online Care Protégé Program (OCPP).
Sylwia, congratulations and thank you for supporting the children. This is the second year in a row that you have continued helping the same girl. Why did you decide to participate in the HORD program by donating funds to support a girl named Joy?
Sylwia Faber:
I always wanted to help vulnerable children one way or another. The opportunity to join one of the HORD programs came as I was preparing a trip to Africa to climb Mount Kilimanjaro (5895m). My long-awaited private dream was performing the splits on the Roof of Africa. And I did it. Along the way I also wanted to share the information about organizations like HORD and what they were accomplishing. I took the HORD poster to the top of the Kilimanjaro.
Moreover, I fell in love with Tanzania and saw with my own eyes the poverty of the local children who we met on the way. What I saw there also strengthened my belief in the need to act. I decided to start caring online for the girl named Joy. Her story, that Simon and Monika shared with me, immediately touched my heart.
MS: Sylwia, why the splits? It’s pretty extraordinary?
Sylwia Faber: Performing the splits is my sign to draw the world’s attention to the harsh situation of vulnerable children in Africa.
The African guides accompanying me confirmed that I was the first person to perform the splits on the Roof of Africa and incidentally bring the work of HORD to the attention of the world.
MS: What would you like to achieve through the help that you give to Joy?
Sylwia Faber: I would like to contribute positively to Joy’s life and make her world a better place.
MS: What guided you in your decision to provide such financial support?
Sylwia Faber: I followed my heart. I know Joy is a talented girl.
With a little support, kids can develop their passions and fulfill their dreams in the future and I believe that Joy will have the beautiful life she dreams of.
MS: What captivated you about Joy or the activities of the HORD itself?
Sylwia Faber: What fascinated me about the organization’s activities was the idea of helping children. OCPP, coordinated by HORD, is utilised when you cannot be physically present but with a little donation contribute enormously and support every child. When I saw the sad eyes of Joy, I knew deep in my heart that I wanted to help and make her life joyful.
MS: What advice or encouragement would you give to people who are still thinking about offering such donations or support and want to take part in the HORD Protégée program?
Sylwia Faber: I am guided by my life motto: “Together we create a better world”. In line with this idea, I encourage you to help children from HORD. Don’t delay, join us and color the children’s village together with me. Every donation is repaid to us by the joyful expressions on the faces of the children as you make their dreams come true.
MS: What would you wish for yourself, for Joy, whom you decided to support, and the HORD organization itself in the next few years?
Sylwia Faber: I would like to wish myself health and a joyful look at the world around us through the eyes of a child. I wish Joy success in her studies and fruitful implementation of all planned projects by the HORD organisation. The team from HORD do amazing work, and such initiatives are always worth supporting.
MS: Thank you for your contribution to the work of the HORD organisation.
We received the wonderful donations that you and your loved ones and friends so unselfishly gave. These donations are like no other we have received in this lifetime or that we’ll ever receive. We know that thoughtful, caring and loving people made the donations possible. We can only express our deepest gratitude and always keep you in our thoughts and prayers. While we may not know many of you in your family, we know things about you that many around you will never see, thanks for remembering your history and indeed you made it to Uganda. We understand that light and love in you towards Hope for Orphans and Rural Development (HORD) and the entire community that we serve are much deeper than one could imagine. We have cried tears for you. We will always remember you, the entire family and your loved one, and in our remembering, we will be called to always act to our highest good. We have known the best we can be – you have modelled it for us by donating towards the constructing a three-class room block at HORD Orphanage school. We will live in gratitude for your absolute and inconceivable generosity.
However, in order to continue with the project and help more orphans and vulnerable kids in our area of operation, We at HORD still greatly appreciate any more help as we need to add on more class rooms, putting up an office, library, computer room, staff room, kitchen and an Art room.
In deepest gratitude, Simon Nzigu Executive Director Hope for Orphans and Rural Development (HORD) www.horduganda.com
By Simon Nzigu
HORD believes that all children, adolescents and young people have the right to have control over their sexual and reproductive health and lives, free from coercion, violence, discrimination, and abuse. Yet, one in every five girls are denied this right as they are married before reaching the age of 18. We know that girls’ ability to make their own decisions about their sexual and reproductive health, including whether to have children, will only happen when we address child, early, and forced marriages. HORD programmes lead to long-term, gender-transformative change for girls’ and women’s lives if they address the subject of sexuality. But still have a long way to go until these issues are routinely intertwined in programmes and policies. What is preventing truly gender-transformative. Why are we still struggling to recognise that most girls are not looking for “family planning” services? Is it the stigma and taboo related to girls’ sexuality, is it the fear of giving power to young people themselves, or is it the reluctance that we all face to step outside our comfort zones and fight patriarchal power systems? How often have you heard the statements below?
- “The family honour is dependent on the girl’s purity”
- “Marriage will protect girls”
- “Girls and women belong in the home”
- “Motherhood and marriage are essential for girls in our religion”
- “All girls are heterosexual”
- “It is a girl’s fault if she is sexually harassed”
Negative gender bias and harmful social norms are all too common. HORD can only enable girls’ control of sexual and reproductive health if we address these beliefs and social norms. We seek to embrace the positive, pleasurable and healthy aspects of young people’s sexuality development and first sexual experiences. A positive approach to sexuality education challenges the myths and negative norms which often reinforce the stigma and shame on adolescent sexual activity which focus on negative consequences such as unintended pregnancies and sexual violence. We need a more holistic, comprehensive and multi-dimensional approach to support girls to make their own decisions for their own wellbeing and to expand their opportunities in life as they reach adulthood. In my region working with traditional leaders of authority is instrumental for they are the custodians of our beliefs and customs. We have found that transforming harmful norms can start with transforming chiefdom by-laws. This is supported by our work with young people, establishing mechanisms for monitoring, accounting and reporting at all levels from community to national. Adequate support, training and flexible funding must be provided to young people engaging in advocacy and activism, and strong safeguarding measures must be put in place.
Uganda, a landlocked country in East Africa, has faced numerous challenges over the years, including armed conflict, displacement, and poverty. In such difficult circumstances, humanitarian aid plays a crucial role in providing support, alleviating suffering, and helping communities rebuild their lives. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of humanitarian aid in Uganda and its impact on the lives of its people.
- Addressing Basic Needs: Humanitarian aid focuses on addressing the basic needs of individuals and communities affected by crises. In Uganda, where many people lack access to clean water, food, healthcare, and education, humanitarian organizations step in to bridge the gap. Aid programs provide emergency relief supplies, establish healthcare facilities, distribute food and water, and support educational initiatives, improving the quality of life for vulnerable populations.
- Promoting Health and Well-being: Health crises, such as the HIV/AIDS epidemic and outbreaks of diseases like malaria and cholera, have significantly impacted Uganda. Humanitarian aid organizations work tirelessly to provide medical assistance, essential drugs, and preventive measures to combat these health challenges. Through vaccinations, health education, and access to healthcare services, aid initiatives contribute to reducing illness, improving overall health, and enhancing the well-being of Ugandans.
- Supporting Education and Empowerment: Education is a powerful tool for change and empowerment. Unfortunately, many children in Uganda are unable to access quality education due to poverty and displacement. Humanitarian aid efforts aim to address this issue by establishing schools, providing educational materials, and training teachers. By investing in education, humanitarian organizations enable children to gain knowledge and skills, empowering them to break the cycle of poverty and build a better future.
- Fostering Sustainable Development: Humanitarian aid not only focuses on immediate relief but also strives to foster sustainable development in Uganda. By implementing projects that promote agriculture, clean energy, and economic opportunities, aid organizations help communities become self-reliant. For instance, initiatives that introduce sustainable farming techniques, support small-scale businesses, and provide vocational training contribute to long-term development, reducing dependency on aid and promoting resilience.
- Building Resilient Communities: Uganda has faced prolonged periods of conflict and displacement, resulting in the formation of vulnerable communities. Humanitarian aid plays a vital role in supporting these communities, providing shelter, protection, and psychosocial support. Aid organizations collaborate with local partners to strengthen community structures, enhance social cohesion, and build resilience in the face of future challenges. By empowering communities to become active participants in their own recovery, humanitarian aid helps them regain control over their lives.
Humanitarian aid in Uganda is a lifeline for communities affected by crises, providing them with essential support, healthcare, education, and opportunities for a better future. The work of humanitarian organizations contributes to the well-being and resilience of Ugandans, fostering sustainable development and empowering individuals and communities to overcome adversity. By understanding the importance of humanitarian aid in Uganda, we can appreciate the efforts made to create positive change and work towards a more inclusive and compassionate world.
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