20th Anniversary of Abaana

20 years ago, in its first year, Abaana managed to find 10 people who were willing to sponsor children living in poverty in Uganda……

It was a slow start, as our director Scott was a shy young man who didn’t want to speak in churches, so organised a few fundraisers to raise awareness. But some people began supporting and many of these sponsors are still supporting the work of Abaana today!

Since those early days, many faithful people have joined in Abaana’s efforts to make a genuine and life–changing difference to the lives of boys and girls living in poverty in Uganda. Through volunteering, sponsoring and donating, all these supporters and the Abaana staff, make up the Abaana family. Together, we seek to share God’s love in a very practical way and provide hope of a better future.

One of the most humbling things, as we celebrate our 20th anniversary, is being able to see the genuine difference made to so many young lives. Recently, Scott has had the pleasure of meeting up with some of our former New Life Home boys. A group of young men that Abaana had rescued from the streets quite a few years back. Having lunch and listening to their stories, he found it amazing to hear in their own words how their lives have been impacted. They have worked so hard to get where they are and we are so proud of them. But also, so thankful for the faithfulness of the donors who made it possible.

Over the last 20 years:

·         Over £1.2M has been invested in building projects across 14 different communities across Uganda. Over 115 classrooms have been built, currently serving over 5,000 pupils.

·         Over £2.6M has been sent for sponsorship and we now have 1600 children who are currently sponsored.

·         Over 600 people have travelled to Uganda as part of Abaana teams to see the work first hand and support the projects. Team are so vital to the work of Abaana because our team members become ambassadors for the work in Africa and help us share the vision.

But it’s not about the numbers! It’s about lives that have been impacted and transformed. It’s about fulfilling the call of Jesus to reach out to the poor, the widow and the orphan.

It is being able to see children who were first supported many years ago like our boys from the streets, completing their education, finding jobs and growing into respectable young men and women who play a role in society and their churches.

After 20 years, it is very appropriate to reflect on and celebrate God’s faithfulness and blessing on the work of Abaana. But looking forward, there is still so much more to be done. There is still so much poverty and need. So many lives needing hope for a better future. We are encouraged when we look at the lives of many young people and see rights restored, hope renewed and dreams fulfilled. We are encouraged that there is still more work to do!

Thank you all so much for making this happen.