Darkness comes

Realize infinitive value ourselves 

Even the toughest moment

A step forward

More sunshine comes closer

Everyone has a dream. Dream is the motivation to uphold each person in every corner of the world. When it comes true, it’s awesome to be real. How to make the dream come true? The most important way is to taking action toward your dream until you achieve it. However, it does have the risks to take. As the proverb says,” You may never know what results come of your action, but if you do nothing there will be no result. ---- Mahatma Gandhi’’

How much would your willing to pay for to achieve your goal?

There is a boy and a girl living in Uganda, who suffer from landmine attack and lose their body parts. You never know how do you live normal life without hands and legs, how do you work for your family. The worst part is that you truly hope that people could treat you as a normal person and the fact is that you are now under the disadvantage situation. How do they make through the hardship?  

Owani Stephen, Uganda

Owani Stephen, a year of 21 boy was forced to grow up when he just turned to 19.

His father died and couldn’t afford him to go to a formal education.After the death of his father, things have not been the same as the responsibilities of a man in the home now falls on Stephen’s shoulders at his young age. Hence, his uncle puts pressure on him as the family support. With the support from Eden, Stephen was enrolled in a Vocational Training Center in 2020.However, he had a disruption during the pandemic and engaged himself helping his mother work in the family garden where they grow crops to sustain the family. However, the livestock were stolen by someone unknown, which made his life tougher. Eden has cooperated with the organization called ULSA (Uganda Landmine Survivors Association) for a long time and the director indicated that Stephen is the person who is well disciplined and hard working at school. He is also neat and looks poised when facing challenges. Stephen eagers to complete his course and upgrade himself where he can be an instructor one day. That’s all he is moving toward the goal.

Owani Stephen reporting at school with his requirements.

Sharon Akwang, Uganda

Sharon Akwang, a shy young girl lives in the country with the nation anthem mentioning “The Land of Beauty”, Uganda. She is one of the first of the beneficiaries of Eden Social Welfare Foundation. Sharon has completed her final year at a Teacher Training College and awaiting graduation.This has been a long and hard road travelled by Sharon in pursuit of education for her future and to improve her life.

With the support from Eden, Sharon does have big change on her life no matter the influence of her personality and concept. As a way of contributing towards the family’s needs, Sharon does the household chores. Moreover, Sharon took tailoring classes during the lock-down for improving her life skills and making some savings for family daily necessities. Striking the balance between education and living support is not accessible. Unfortunately, the government evaluates that Sharon still needs at least two years to graduate from the colleagues. There is no more money for Sharon to afford the tuition fee. Even so, Sharon never gives up and has confidence in being a qualified teacher. This 21-year-old girl is still on the way of chasing her dream.

Sharon Akwang with her father Ambros Ongom

Eden Social Welfare Foundation has been devoting to itself on landmine victim assistance. In 2021, we have launched Youth Ambassador Sponsorship Project, aiming for funding the children suffering from landmine attacks. Stephan and Sharon were injured by landmines and get the amputation on the right arm and the right leg, respectively. They never give in. Stephen and Sharon stood out in the selection and became two of the ambassadors. Both of them are now on the way making the dream come true although they are in difficult situation and circumstances. Everyone should dream big wherever and whoever you are, which directly consistent with CRPD (The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities) article 5 - Equality and non-discrimination and article 19 -Living independently and being included in the community.

If you hesitate chasing dreams, it’s time for you to roll the dice.