Events – Alongside Africa

We made the 21 mile Easter walk look easy

April 16, 2017 by Ayako Mori Leave a Comment

On Easter Saturday an intrepid set of walkers set off for the third Pilgrimage for the Street Children from Hythe to Canterbury.

The day dawned bright and clear, so we knew that there was a good chance of a dry trip, which made a welcome change on previous years. After the initial climb to Etchinghill, we stopped for a much needed cooked breakfast and then headed off along the historic Elham Valley Way, passing Lyminge, Elham, Barham, Kingston, Bishopsbourne, Bridge and finally Patrixbourne before the final stretch along farm tracks into the city centre.

As we started to tire after 10 miles or so the beautiful views along the way, with vistas filled with bluebells and wood anemone, helped to keep our spirits up, but it was the thought of the street children of Uganda that we were walking to support that was the biggest motivation and that kept one foot moving in front of the other when we might otherwise have given up.

If you didn’t manage to join us for this year’s walk you missed out on a very special day, so why not consider joining us for next year’s walk? Get in touch if you want us to contact you about the next Pilgrimage for the Street Children.

Christmas Day in Kabale

December 28, 2015 by Lawrance Titterton Leave a Comment

Even though Amasiko officially closed for a week at Christmas to give the staff some much needed and well earned rest with their families the street children were not abandoned and one of the staff came in each day to deal with emergencies and ensure that the children were fed.

On Christmas Day our Finance Manager George took some of the children out for a special lunch, ensuring that they knew they were loved and not forgotten.

Thank you George. Another great example of selfless giving which is making our programme such a success and setting such great role models for our children.

If you can find £2.00 a month, you, along with others, will make it possible for us to continue to support this vital programme. Can you find £2.00 a month to help save a child? If so you can donate by setting up a standing order or visiting our Alongside Africa Donations site

Account name: Alongside Africa

Bank: CAF Bank

Sort code: 40-52-40

Account name: 00020523

Amasiko Christmas Party Celebrations

December 22, 2015 by Lawrance Titterton Leave a Comment

Whilst we will not be able to fully close over the Christmas period due to the extreme needs of our children we were able to celebrate the official year end by hosting the Amasiko children to their end-of-year/Christmas party. And to make it an even more special day, we were privileged to host Rotarian Ndomeirwe James as well.

Evas prepared a sumptuous meal almost single handedly; she had began preparations the previous day. Amasiko children, Rotarian James Ndomeirwe and staff were treated to a rare rich meal comprising Matooke (steamed bananas), rice, beef, fish (for those who don’t consume beef); washed down with passion juice!

Staff made preparations for the Xmas break, including: tentative arrangements to keep feeding most of the children, especially the footballers who would proceed with daily training; standby presence of staff; being available to keep a tab on security and handle any unforeseen emergencies, such as sickness by our children, who are after all, our clients. Evas volunteered to prepare daily porridge while Rotarian Ndomeirwe promised to provide some buns to supplement the porridge on daily basis.

During the lunch break several speakers shared some important messages with our children:

The Xmas party (and indeed parties held at Amazing Love and Graeme Naish Schools) was facilitated by generous contributions and donations from friends and supporters in the UK. Thank you everyone in the UK!
Peace and Evas had done a commendable job in the preparations; backed by George and Wilberforce. Thank you team!
Appreciated selfless support from well-wishers, especially Rotarian James (see more here). Thank you James!
Need to prepare in earnest for the upcoming Emma & Therese football tournament, which is slated for 4th -18th January 2016. More to follow on this important activity.
AAU would support in feeding and emergency medical care, especially to trainees, throughout the Xmas season, including a ‘special’ meal on Xmas day.

The Amasiko Programme has had a fantastic start and made a real contribution since it’s start in June this year. If you can help us keep it running this would be fantastic. We are looking for two things at the moment and if you, or any of your friends and family can help with either (or indeed anything else) this would be amazing:

1000 people to pledge £2.00 a month (or £25.00 a year). Your donations can be made here
3 people to sponsor our most urgent children at the Graeme Naish School. Sponsorship costs £25.00 a month and a sponsorship form is here

Rugarama Hospital receive a defibrillator

August 8, 2015 by Lawrance Titterton Leave a Comment

We had the pleasure of handing over a defibrillator donated by Anne Bailey, a former director of Alongside Africa, to Kigezi Diocese Rugarama Hospital this week. The Medical Superintendent, Dr. Gilbert, and Lawrance spoke about the machine’s longevity, and the medical officers attending were very keen to hear about the Amasiko street children programme. In a new partnership between Alongside Africa Uganda and Kigezi Diocese Rugarama Hospital, reduced price medical insurance will be offered by the hospital to the street children.

Several reporters attended the meeting and a report was published in the national newspaper, the Daily Monitor, with a photo of Lawrance, Monica, Mike, George, Wilberforce and James handing over the defibrillator to delighted Doctors of Kigezi Diocese Rugarama Hospital.

Join Alongside Africa for our annual Celebration Lunch – Sunday 21 September

July 12, 2014 by Lawrance Titterton Leave a Comment

We are pleased to announce that you can now book for our popular Celebration Lunch in support of all the great work that is happening. Come and enjoy a lovely 3-course lunch at the beautiful London Beach Country Hotel in Tenterden Kent on Sunday 21 Sep.

Tickets are £25.95 per person – for every ticket sold the London Beach Hotel will donate the same amount to Alongside Africa, so not only do you get a first class meal you will be supporting a great cause at the same time

Get a table of 8 together and receive a lovely bottle of wine! There will be a raffle and lots of other ways to get involved! Reserve your table now. Contact us by email on enquiries@alongsideafrica.org or through Facebook. Cheques made payable to Alongside Africa; send to Alongside Africa, Oriac House, Shearway Business Park, Folkestone, Kent CT19 4RJ or through a BACS payment. Details on request. Your booking will be confirmed on payment.