GLOBALIZE HOUSE

ABOUT

Globalize has been involved in Uganda since February 2005.  Globalize is the primary sponsor and only consistent financial sponsor of Globalize House.

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.

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).

GOALS

Globalize House is focused on bringing aid and education to the orphans of the area, most of whom lost their parents due to AIDS related illnesses, Approximately 100 children, range 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. 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.

FOUNDER

Jenifer Tumwizere founded Globalize House in August 2005. Jenifer is only 23 years old and is already a legend - Jenifer is the driving force behind Globalize House and makes 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) pe rmonth. This money she used to finance Globalize House with building, feeding and other start up costs. Her job ended with the couple moved back to America.

HELP OF MANY

Globalize House has been fortunate in the donations they have received thus far. That said, Jenifer has been the prime mover to make Globalize House happen. Though many local people have pitched in to donate some small supplies. Reed mats are pieced together creating temporary classrooms; worn benches serve as desks for the children to kneel behind; and a local farmer allowed her 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.

The school house is almost complete, resulting in 4 classrooms with rough brick walls, dirt floors, barred windowns and a 4 stall pit latrine.

Locals in the area have donated labor to help build the school. 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 are also donating 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 also frequently visit and 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.

Further staff from Globalize House Australia can undertake volunteer work at Globalize House. Click here to enquire to be a volunteer at Globalize House, Uganda.

PRIORITIES

The first priority for Globalize House is nutrition. As the children are orphans and most are not properly looked after, meals at home can be few and far between or not at all.

Globalize House is more a relief effort than aid work on that front. Education obviously important , is a clear second to nourishment.

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 a while 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.

Medical care is also a priority.   Typhoid, intestinal worms and dysentry are common ailments resulting from contaminated and often unboiled water. Malaria is rampant.

HIV

HIV/AIDS testing is a component of the medical care, given many of the children have lost their parents due to AIDS related illnesses.

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 test positive. Two have died in the past year.

That said of the twenty five tested, those postive results should not be taken at face value. As it is often the testing facilities in Uganda will advise a positive test so the organisation can then sell you the drugs to combat illness, and themselves make money.

SafetyMed, an Australian publicly listed company has offered to undertake the AIDS testing at their cost. We are working out how to get the bloods to Australia at present.

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, we need to hold a seminar to educate the guardians, discuss issues with them and often provide them with a large meal before asking permission to test the children.

There is lots to do and Jenifer is no doubt working now.

We will try and keep you updated with developments.