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Uganda Women and Children’s Report, February 2009

Background
The Northern part of Uganda has been affected by 23 years of war. It is in this part of the country (particularly Gulu and Pader) that ALARM has established several projects to help empower residents and positively impact their ability to become self-reliant. Poor living conditions, disease and poverty have created a sense of hopelessness. The situation has especially affected women and children, many of whom are widows and orphans respectively. Many of the people in this area are internally displaced and live in IDP (Internally Displaced People) camps.

CONGO LIBRARY REPORT

Background
ALARM established an office in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) during a time of tribal wars
and political conflicts (some of which still ravage the
country today). Soon after establishing ALARM –
Congo, the area was hard hit by a volcanic eruption that
decimated the town of Goma. Everything was burnt to
the ground; and what was not burnt by volcanic lava,
was destroyed by thieves, vandals and rebels. Even the
largest up-country libraries were destroyed.
So five years ago ALARM Congo started a small library
project with 21 books.
By the grace of God the number of books increased by
839 percent by the end of 2005. Today the library has a
total of 353 books that fall under the following
categories:
• Theology
• History
• Leadership
• Conflict and Conflict Resolution
• Alternative Medicine (using plants)
• Christian Education

By establishing a library in Goma, ALARM has provided a sanctuary of sorts where individuals can find
valuable resources and carry out research.

Those Who Give

KENYA – Mary Awino is a tailor by trade and an excellent host.
She has been a member of the Ngomongo Women’s Group for
four years. Her 9 ft. X 9ft. house is often the gathering place for
the group’s weekly meetings. The house is made up of one room
sectioned off by a simple cloth panel to create a bedroom at the
back. There is no indoor plumbing or running water. Nine
individuals live in this space. Mary’s situation is not unique for
those living in Ngomongo, but her spirit is exceptional.
Recently ALARM-Kenya and the organization known as “Women
on the Wildside,” (WOW) teamed up to help decorate and reorganization
Mary’s small home. WOW is a Canadian
organization that makes socially conscious trips to various parts
of the world where they can serve through practical actions.
The day was drenched in cross-cultural collaboration. As soon as Mary opened the door to her home there was a
flurry of ideas. The Ngomongo Women’s Group, members of WOW and ALARM surrounded Mary’s house.

Email Scam - Evil Men Plan

It appears a scoundrel has spoofed an email from Auntie Jessica as if she was asking for money. Please do not to be caught by it.

Below is a copy of the original letter. The spammer has emailed all of Jessica’s contacts and has been corresponding with some trying to gain their confidence.

In His Service,
David A. Beck

From: Jessica Okello [mailto:jessioke@yahoo.co.uk]
Sent: Friday, January 30, 2009 11:59 AM
To: jessiioke@yahoo.com
Subject: kindly reply

How are you? Hope everything is ok? I just want to know if you can be of help to me. Something terrible happened to me on a trip I just made to the Nigeria. I was robbed of all my belongings at the hotel I planned to stay in and I also lost my cell during the incident I have spoken to the Embassy and they are responding to the matter effectively.

Please I need you to lend me $1950. You should help me have it sent via Western Union Money Transfer so I can re-arrange myself and return back home. I will refund the money back to you once I get back. Below is the information you require.

Name : Jessica Achan Okello.

The Elderly Line Up For Clothes

On December 30, 2008 the staff of ALARM distributed clothes to 200 elderly men and women, aged between 69 and 94 years, living at Kibati Refugee Camp, in the Demotratic Republic of Congo. This camp is 10 km (6.25 miles) north of Goma. Although fighting has ceased due to high level diplomatic talks between governments, the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo is still tense.
The area has been plundered and people are desperate for food, shelter and medical aid. Fortunately, thanks to the generosity of our partners across the USA, ALARM – Congo has been able to distribute some aid (food, blankets, cooking utensils and hymn books) to internally displaced people living in camp sites near Goma.
This second round of assistance was given in the form of clothes. The women received two colorful shukas
(Kiswahili for wraps or sarongs), that are commonly worn as a skirt and shoulder shawl. The men each received a shirt, a pair of trousers and a jacket. On receiving their gifts the women jumped and sang for joy.
“Thank you, God bless you my children,” one of them said.