Mr. Opio Aron a compassion international supervisor talking to stakeholders in Palorinya, Obongi district. Photo by Stephen Unzimai  
 
By Stephen Unzimai  

Obongi

About 250 children from both refugees and host community in Palorinya Sub County from the age of 3 to 9 years old are set to benefit from a church led support project funded by compassion international through Baptist church Palorinya.

The project reaching children in need, refugees and host community will commence this July and will run for 15 to 20 years supporting children holistically in education, health and livelihood.

Mr. Aron Opio a compassion facilitator explains that the project is meant to support the vulnerable children holistically.  “We look at the child, the whole life, we can’t say we should attend to only child’s education or health aspect but it is holistic development.”  He added that the church will be an implementing partner to address the needs of the children.

The project is under the supervision of the national umbrella of the Baptist church Palorinya.

Pastor Moses Maliamungu a regional supervisor for Baptist church in northern Uganda clarifies that this will target both refugees and nationals. “We may need permission from the office of UNHCR and OPM to give us opportunity to work with the refugees because that is our aim.” Pastor Moses said.

Pastor Moses added that they are aware of the challenges of the refugees in terms of education, health and welfare which they targeting to address as a church.

Mr. Ogeng Emmanuel a project officer with Lutheran world federation LWF in-charge of livelihood in base camp zone Palorinya settlement says this opportunity came timely. “There is a lot of donor fatigue, food reduction and reduction of funds coming for refugee response especially that you have come with development lens, this is timely.” Mr. Ogeng said.

He added that they focus on referring relevant children to be supported in the program and ensure child protection and safe guarding is implemented.
  
Stakeholders of Palorinya during the engagement meeting with Compassion
International. Photo by Stephen Unzimai  

Rev. Pastor Sekwat Simon Wani from the settlement welcome the program and believes that this will be a change opportunity for the refugees. “We refugees appreciate this intervention and if it is extended to the refugees for the persons of concern, it will address the various challenges we face in the settlement.”

The mission of Compassion International is releasing children from poverty in Jesus name.

Hon. Habib Buga Khemis the Obongi district chairperson appreciates and commits his administration for the success of the program in Palorinya Sub County.
“My appeal to you people in Palorinya and Obongi district at large is to mobilize, cooperate for issues of education and church issues, personally I commit my office as the district chairperson to see this project succeeds,” Hon. Habib promised.

Hon. Habib also appreciated Compassion International for the project and said such efforts to support communities should continue.

In support for their education, health and general livelihood, Baptist church Palorinya the implementing agent will received each month Shs. 35 million.