Summary Report: Charity Festival in Buyende District (November 21st – 24th, 2024)
The Charity Festival, organized by Daughters and Widows of Hope Ministries, took place in Buyende District from November 21st to 24th, 2024, under the theme “Elevating Girls’ Voices for Sustainable Development.” The event was attended by over 15,000 individuals and was a significant step towards advancing social justice, health, and empowerment within the community. The festival provided essential services and resources, promoted awareness on key social issues, and fostered community solidarity. Below is a detailed summary of the festival’s outcomes and impact, based on the various activities undertaken.
1. Medical Camp
The medical camp served as a vital intervention, providing healthcare services to the local population. Despite some challenges related to resources, the camp offered crucial screenings and medical support.
- Total number of individuals served: 3,600
- Key medical screenings:
- Malaria: 1,200 screenings
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): 600 cases
- Respiratory conditions: 500 cases
- Skin infections: 400 cases
- Diabetes: 250 screenings
- Hypertension: 450 screenings
- HIV testing: 300 tests
- Cancer care: 1 individual received palliative care
- Challenges:
- High demand for mosquito nets, which were unavailable
- Insufficient medicines and no provision of dental services
- No cancer screenings
2. Legal Clinic
The Legal Clinic, facilitated by the Women’s Probational Initiative (WPI), provided critical legal support and empowerment to women and girls, particularly in cases involving sexual and gender-based violence.
- Total number of beneficiaries: 450 women and girls
- Services provided:
- Legal consultations and representation for cases related to sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV)
- Support in accessing justice for vulnerable women and girls
- Impact: Enhanced awareness of legal rights and provided access to justice for marginalized individuals
3. Bike Competition
The Bike Competition was a highlight of the festival, promoting physical wellness and raising awareness about healthy living.
- Total participants: 250
- Audience: Over 3,000 spectators
- Top 6 winners received cash prizes
- Impact: Fostered community engagement in health and wellness, while also serving as an opportunity to share messages of unity and resilience
4. Football Competition
The Football Competition provided an opportunity for youth to engage in physical activity and fostered healthy competition within the district.
- Total participants: 300 youth
- Audience: Approximately 2,500 community members
- Winners received prizes, including sports equipment and cash awards
- Impact: Promoted teamwork, unity, and positive engagement among young people in the community
5. Music, Dance, and Drama
The Music, Dance, and Drama performances were an integral part of the festival, providing both education and entertainment, and supporting the festival’s overarching theme of girls’ empowerment and sustainable development.
- Total performances: 15 performances
- Total audience reached: Over 5,000 attendees
- Impact: Raised awareness about the empowerment of girls, gender equality, and community development through edutainment
6. Spiritual Support
Spiritual support was provided through prayers and gospel performances, offering emotional and spiritual upliftment to festival attendees.
- Total attendees: 4,000
- Number of spiritual sessions: 12 sessions
- Impact: Strengthened community bonds and provided emotional support, fostering a sense of unity and hope
7. Film Screening
Educational films were screened during the festival, focusing on themes of girls’ empowerment and sustainable development.
- Total films screened: 6 films
- Audience reached: 2,500 people
- Impact: Provided a platform for learning and reflection, furthering the festival’s mission to raise awareness about key social issues
8. Gift Donations
Generous donations from Hands of Mercy, led by Ronald Muhangi, and G24 Radio UK significantly contributed to the welfare of the community.
- Total donations received:
- Shoes (children): 100 pairs
- Clothes (children): 100 sets
- Clothes (men): 50 sets
- Shoes (men): 50 pairs
- Shoes & clothes (women): 80 sets
- Mattresses: 35
- Soap: 100 bars
- Sugar: 100 kg
- Bread: 200 loaves
- Pads: 50 packs
- Bibles: 30
- Dolls & toys: 50
- Total number of beneficiaries: Over 1,500 individuals
- Impact: Provided essential resources to the most vulnerable members of the community, including widows, orphans, and children, improving their quality of life
Conclusion
The Charity Festival in Buyende District successfully brought together over 15,000 individuals, providing vital services across sectors such as health, legal support, education, and spiritual care. Through a series of targeted activities, the festival contributed to the empowerment of girls, sustainable development, and community cohesion.
While the event faced certain challenges, including limited resources, it effectively achieved its goals of raising awareness, offering practical support, and fostering collaboration among local stakeholders.
We extend our deepest gratitude to our sponsors, volunteers, and donors for their invaluable contributions. Their support made a tangible impact on the lives of over 15,000 individuals.
We remain committed to expanding our reach and improving our services in future years, ensuring that our efforts continue to positively impact the lives of vulnerable populations in Buyende District and beyond.
Daughters and Widows of Hope Ministries
November 2024
