Other Initiatives

• Homes in Uganda.

  Syracuse Habitat for Humanity tithes to Habitat for Humanity Uganda and has done so since Syracuse Habitat for Humanity 's inception in the mid-1980s. Through this Habitat for Humanity International voluntary tithing program, Syracuse Habitat for Humanity has built over 100 houses in Uganda and assisted in eliminating substandard housing globally.

  Habitat for Humanity Uganda was founded in 1982 in Gulu District (Northern Uganda) but was suspended due to civil war. The program was later restarted in 1988 in Kasese District (Western Uganda) and to date, has expanded to 19 Districts, but remains active in only 7 of the Districts.

  Uganda is located in East Africa covering 235,796 square kilometers. The country has a population of 26 million, over 80% of this population lives in rural Uganda. Uganda is landlocked — it is bordered by Sudan in the north, Kenya in the east, Tanzania in the south, Rwanda in the south east and the Democratic Republic of Congo in the west.

  Habitat for Humanity Uganda homeowner applicants earn their sweat equity hours by carrying the water and making the bricks for their house. This daily activity, includes a trek of several miles to collect enough water to construct the bricks.

  One program Habitat for Humanity Uganda offers is to assist HIV/AIDS widows, orphans and vulnerable children. Through this program, training is offered in HIV/AIDS prevention and mitigation, succession planning, hygiene, sanitation, and malaria prevention.

  In October 2007, Syracuse Habitat for Humanity proudly hosted a visit from Scott Metzel, National Director for Habitat for Humanity Uganda, and Ronald Ongopa, Resource Development Director for Habitat for Humanity Uganda. This special visit marked a significant milestone between Syracuse Habitat for Humanity and Habitat for Humanity Uganda -- the completion of their 100th house.

• The Uganda Mission Project

  The Uganda Mission Project is privately funded mission project started and currently administered by Gary and Nancy Wilson.

  The goal of this mision projectis to improve the quality of life for the people of the village of Kinyamaseke, Uganda in East Africa. This is accomplished by sending goods, sponsoring students, and sending money for food. Special projects have included buiding a house, beekeeping and poultry projects, irrigation kits and mosquito nets.

  Education is the foundation for the development of the Ugandan society. By sponsoring students, we enable them to become contributing members in their community. As litle as $200 quarterly pays tuition and fees for a student to attend college. Seven students are currently being sponsored. There are many more needy and promising students waiting for help!

Goods are collected and shipped to the people of Kinyamaseke on a regular basis. Items that Gary and Nancy collect and send include:





Used:

• Sheets & towels
• Chidren's clothes & shoes
• Adult clothes & shoes
• Underwear
• Eyeglasses
• Small toys
• Books up to a 3rd grade reading level
• Backpacks & totebags
• Soccer balls




New:

• Toothbrushes & toothpaste (ask your dentist for donations)
• Pens & pencils
• Markers & crayons
• Paper & spiral notebooks
• Tylenol & vitamins
• Antibiotic cream.
• Books up to a 3rd grade reading level
• Backpacks & totebags
• Soccer balls

• In 2005, Ngamije and Mary started a tradition of hosting a Christmas dinner for orphans in the area. That year they served 50 children. It has grown over the years and in 2008, 260 orphans and needy children were fed dinner on Christmas Day.

  If you have items to donate or simply wish to help Nancy and Gary Wilson in their mission, please contact them directly at315-492-9602 or via email at wilsong@twcny.rr.com