Community

Since early 2005, Globalize has proudly been involved in bringing much needed aid and education to more than a hundred orphaned children in the Ugandan villages of Nakateete and Kyazanga.

Jenifer Tumwizere, at 23 years old, was the visionary and driving force behind setting up Globalize House in August 2005, to help bring aid and education to the orphans of these areas most of whom lost their parents due to AIDS related illnesses.

Approximately 100 children, ranging in age from 3-14 years are currently benefiting from the program. Approximately twenty of them come from child run households where the caregiver is 14 years old or younger. The others live with extended families or neighbours.

Globalize House is a non partisan CBO registered with the Republic of Uganda and Masak District local government to operate in Masak District of Western Uganda (registration number 4452).

Globalize House Priorities

The main goal of Globalize House is to give these children what many others already have access to. Things like adequate nutrition, clean water, medical care, education and some emotional security.

The first priority for Globalize House is nutrition. As the children are orphans, most of who are not properly looked after, meals at home can be few and far between, or not at all. For many children the one meal they receive a day at Globalize House is the only meal they receive.

Many of the children are malnourished with distended bellies and white and orange scalps. It will take time and education to increase the health rate of the children. Many of the children have never eaten meat and often when they first try some are ill from the experience. On this front, Globalize House is more a relief effort than aid work. Education obviously important is a clear second to nourishment.

Typhoid, intestinal worms and dysentery are common ailments resulting from contaminated and often un-boiled water. Malaria is rampant. Medical care is also a priority.  

Globalize House works primarily in Nakateete and Kyazanga villages, both of which fall along the trade route where the HIV / AIDS virus first originated in Uganda. HIV/AIDS testing is a component of the medical care given many of the children lost their parents due to AIDS related illness.

Unfortunately, the people of this area hold the belief that AIDS doesn't kill a person until they know they have it. This belief results in most people NOT getting tested, even when they know that their partner or spouse has the virus.

Twenty five of the children have been tested for HIV, and all have tested positive. Two have died in the past year. That said of the twenty five tested, those positive results should not be taken at face value. As it is often done, the testing facilities in Uganda will advise a positive test so the organisation can then sell the drugs to combat illness, and they make money.

Children age 12 and older are able to sign for HIV testing on their own but children under 12 must have a guardian signature before the test can be administered. Following cultural guidelines, Globalize House needs to hold seminars to educate the guardians, discuss issues with them and often provide them with a large meal before asking permission to test the children.

Since February 2005 Globalize has remained the primary sponsor and only consistent financial sponsor of Globalize House ensuring continued aid and support to meet these priorities.

Help of many

Jenifer has been the prime mover to make Globalize House happen and has been fortunate in the donations received. The school house is almost complete, resulting in 4 classrooms with rough brick walls, dirt floors, barred windows and a 4 stall pit latrine.

Locals in the area have donated labor to help build the school. Many local people have pitched in to donate small supplies. Reed mats are pieced together creating temporary classrooms; worn benches serve as desks for the children to kneel behind.

A local farmer allowed Jenifer to tap into his waterline - which was conveniently running through her property. In 2006 an anonymous woman donated 5,000,000 USH (about 2,778 USD) through her church to build a schoolroom. In February of 2007 a group of Real Uganda volunteers donated 180,000 (300 USD) for inter alia planting 27 fruit trees around the property.

The current staff of 4 teachers and 2 handymen also donates their time to the project. They work full time and are compensated only with food and boarding as there is currently little money to pay wages. A group of 12 teenagers frequently visit and also volunteer at the project. They are all orphans supporting themselves and often their younger siblings. In times of need they come looking for odd jobs and help bathe the babies in exchange for a bowl of porridge.

Volunteers are always much needed. Staff and friends of Globalize are welcome to enquire to be a volunteer at Globalize House, Uganda. 

About the founder

Jenifer Tumwizere, founder of Globalize House, is a legend and the driving force behind making it all happen.

Jenifer first became familiar with the area while traveling with her father (who was a minister) and fell in love with the children. Jenifer noticed the great number of orphans in the area, how many were neglected and began devising ways to help. In 2004, Jenifer graduated with a degree in education from Bishop Balum University in Kabale, Uganda. Upon graduation her father donated a piece of land to her and Globalize House became a reality.

After graduating, Jenifer worked for one year as a home-school teacher for an American couple living in Masak. She educated their 3 children in all subjects, earning 500,000 USH (277.78 USD) per month. This money she used to finance Globalize House with building, feeding and other start up costs. This teaching job ended when the couple moved back to America.

Since that time Jenifer has been working diligently and tremendously hard to operate Globalize House, providing much needed aid and education to over a hundred children.

We will try and keep you updated with developments.