Fresh Start Uganda
In the Glasgow International Convention in July 2007 Immediate Past International President Lynn Dunning challenged all Soroptimist regions of the globe to undertake a new project for girls and/or women in a developing country. This was a direct result of the inspiration received from the speakers heard during the Convention.
Midland Arden Region took up the challenge and is working with Fresh Start Uganda to provide a dormitory for 12 - 15 girls and young women in an addiction rehabilitation centre near Kampala, Uganda.
This will be the first time that girls will be offered any help in this type of centre in Uganda, as only young men have been offered placed up until now. The girls will work to a rehabilitation programme, similar to Alcoholics Anonymous, for 12 to 18 months and will also benefit from skills training to enable them to re-enter society with a means of earning money.
We are working with a Non Governmental Organisation called Farmers Overseas Action Group which has worked in Uganda for 27 years.
The Region is working together to raise £15000 for the building costs over a period of 3 years. We will be holding one major fund-raiser per year for all members of the Region to support, with some clubs also contributing to the fund by holding their own even such as a Bridge Drive.
The first Regional fund-raising event is a Classic Film Night and Supper. This will be held at the Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa on Saturday 20th September 2008. The film Breakfast at Tiffany’s will be preceded by a buffet supper.
Diamonds and bling will be the dress of the day!
Midland Arden Region has a high target for this project, but with enthusiasm and passion to help other, and to support IIPP Lynn’s challenge, we shall succeed.
Val Clark
Project Leader