Godfrey Rudahigan
Founded in 1988 by Edward Muyoboke, House of Hope (HoH) was created out of an urgent need to save children in one of the most desperate parts of the world. House of Hope was created to feed, clothe, educate and meet the mental, physical, emotional and spiritual needs of children orphaned by war and AIDS in Africa by developing a self-sustaining agriculturally based orphanage. The orphanage is located in Kasese, Uganda, a remote village near the borders of the Congo and Rwanda where hundreds of young children are orphaned by war and HIV/AIDS. Edward Muyoboke, born in 1959 in Kesese of Tutsi heritage was the third generation of his family to live in a refugee camp. His family is originally from what is now Rwanda, where, in 1990, genocide was committed against the Tutsi population by the Hutu. In the 1980’s Edward Muyoboke started caring for 4 children in Uganda with the help of his mother. Edward immigrated to Canada in 1988 with his family and he and his son Solomon became Canadian citizens in 1991. Until then, they were citizens of no country; as children born of refugees, they were not allowed to become citizens in the country of their birth. After he moved to Canada Edward started sending funds back to purchase farm land in Uganda. He established the orphanage with his own house and 100-acre farm in Kasese. In 2000, Edward’s mother became very ill so Edward decided to move back to Kasese and operate the House of Hope. He now splits his time between Canada and Uganda. To ensure that the needs of the orphans can be met, Edward has taken many courses, including nutrition and Bible studies. Today, HoH operates efficiently on a shoestring budget. $1,400 a month feeds and cares for 48 orphans, pays staff and keeps the facility running on a minimum level. Children are fed 1 to 2 meals per day consisting of beans or maize. They receive basic medical treatment and all of them go to school. Food is often stretched to welcome street children into afternoon studies and to give them a hot lunch on Sundays. “The House of Hope was created out of an
Edward’s goal is to develop the orphanage into a self-sustaining care centre
with the income and supplies generated by the farm. Looking forward, there is
enormous potential to reach self-sufficiency. There are 3 specific areas ready
for expansion:
Three orphans raised at HoH are now young adults who are graduating from university. In a part of the world where so many leave forever once they have the opportunity, it is inspiring to know that all three of these orphans have committed to return to their family at House of Hope and help run things. Edward believes that investing in these children, with love and education, is an important part of the path towards self-sufficiency. Every dollar donated to HoH goes directly to care for the children. There are no payments to administration, either in Canada or Uganda, no travel costs or office space. House of Hope has partnered with CACHA (Canada Africa Community Health Alliance) and as such, now has charitable status.
Danny Nashman I had the privilege last night to witness a miracle and I wanted to share the full story with you… Last night, Godfrey and I attended the Brendan Wood International Lazarus Partners Dinner where House of Hope was one of 17 featured charities. The event brings together all of the staff and clients of the firm for a night to celebrate charity. The magic began weeks before the event when my friend Stewart was looking for a charity to feature at the event. Naturally, I told him about Edward and the House of Hope. And now to the evening…. Over the course of appetizers, dinner and dessert, a total of 17 charities were featured. They ranged from the Salvation Army to a charity for youth at risk in Russia to other HIV/AIDS related charities in Africa. Some of the speakers were extremely dynamic and they included a Nobel Peace Prize winner from Dignitas International and a former US ambassador to Finland who is the current chair of the board for the American Red Cross. AND NOW FOR THE MIRACLE! As the evening went on the volume of information shared from all of the charities grew and grew. Godfrey was the third to last speaker of the evening and we were not sure if he would be able to capture the attention of the audience. As soon as he was introduced the audience gave him their full attention. He spoke eloquently and brilliantly and, as he was speaking, you could hear a pindrop in the room. Their hearts were touched and they were moved as they heard about the children, Edward and the challenges they face. He spoke for only 5 minutes but something had clearly shifted in the room. When he was done, the head of the firm, Brendan Wood, came to the microphone and said… I want to help these kids. We should make sure they have the truck they need just in case of unrest in the months ahead. I am putting in $5000 tonight… and I want others to join me. Godfrey and I were blown away! The next speaker was the Nobel Peace Prize recipient who used to head up Doctors Without Borders. He started his talk in the oddest way. He said, “I have been to Kasese, I know the plight of the children there, if you support one charity tonight, please support the House of Hope”….. Needless to say, we were shocked! After all of the speakers finished, Brendan stood back up and asked for more support for the House of Hope. One by one people raised their hands and offered $1000 or $2000. Within 5 minutes we had between $17000 - $23000 pledged (it was hard to keep track). For some reason, House of Hope captured the room. Thanks again to Godfrey for his powerful sharing of the House of Hope story. A huge thanks to Stewart Borden and the Brendan Wood Partners for supporting us and making this miracle possible.
A few months have passed since the magical Christmas event and I wanted to let you know about the incredible difference your support has made to the House of Hope Orphanage Uganda. Your donations have brought hope and optimism to this tiny community. Edward has been able to purchase the truck, pay for the schooling for the kids for the balance of the year and secure the food they need for the coming months. Most of the children have been able to access much needed medical attention to manage the impact of HIV/AIDS and other illnesses. These have also allowed Edward to plant a new crop of vegetables, build a chicken coop (soon to be populated) and bring 6 more children into the care of the orphanage, bringing the total to 53. Life is not easy for the children in the orphanage but their spirits remain high and their commitment to school (even in times of illness) is unwavering. “Edward has been able to purchase the truck, All of us working to support the House of Hope Orphanage Uganda are so grateful for the support you have given us. By allowing us to be a part of Lazarus Partners you have changed the course of our history. You have created renewed hope and inspiration that has kept us going. There is still much to be done as we strive towards self-sufficiency but knowing there are people like you in the world fills us with confidence and resolve. Love and blessings to you from our committee in Toronto and from Edward and the children at House of Hope Orphanage Uganda |
