Father’s Divine Love Ministries
1/7/08
MONTHLY REPORT
JUNE 2008
Administrator’s Report
June was a very busy month for FDLM and here at Rapha Children’s Haven, due to the short term mission teams that arrived from the United States. Several of the projects that the Administrator and Program Manager had been working on were temporarily put on “hold” due to his commitment to the teams. He did an incredible job with the scheduling and supervision of the teams.
In regards to the “transition process” this remains ongoing and it is our plan to have it completed effectively by the end of August. Projects will be prioritized in manner of urgency.
Treatment Log Book
The Treatment Log Book has proven to be quite beneficial for documentation purposes as well as for payment purposes. It has helped in monitoring beneficiary’s health status and in seeking additional treatment. The Finance Manager now cross checks the Log Book before issuing payment to the clinic in Bugembe. The log book also helps in watching for increases in treatment charges.
Office Organization
The refrigerator has been relocated into the living room area in order to transform the kitchen area of the Administration office into a private office for the Director. Walls have been washed and the cabinets emptied. There is still renovation that needs to occur, however the space is operational for the time being. It was imperative for the Director to have a more private office space for meeting with clients and discussing confidential issues with staff. Organization within the Admin office also remains ongoing. Walls in this area have also been washed and prepped for painting thanks to the team from Simpson University. Staff is being reminded of their responsibility of assuring that their workspace is kept clean and organized.
Due to the fact that staff has been very involved with supervising and assisting the teams, there has been some delay in projects proceeding. We are all very committed to seeing projects completed and will proceed in a timely manner. It remains a priority though to assure that the presence of teams at the base does not interrupt completely the administrative responsibilities required for effective operation of FDLM.
Beneficiary Profiles
Revision of FDLM profiles continues to be a priority. The Administrator and Program Coordinator have targeted 20th of August for completion. It is the plan to have profiles prepared for the Director to take with him when he travels in September or October.
Care Plans / Conferences
Care Conferences were held for Galieango Abdul, Akuma Halima, and Nakatuba Hajati on 24-06-08. The Interdisciplinary Team [Director, Administrator, Program Manager, and Child Welfare Manager] met to establish care plans for each beneficiary. Individual Care Plans are now in these beneficiary’s files.
As a result of these Care Conferences, the Administrator and Program Manager have met with Halima’s uncle to discuss the possibility of Halima being moved to another home. Due to her changing medical and HIV status it is imperative that she receive the best medical care available. Also of great importance is assuring that her psychosocial needs are addressed and met, in order to provide her with the quality of life that she is so deserving of. Halima has presented with some serious behavior issues here at the base, such as “spitting” in other children’s tea. She is in need of counseling intervention and psychosocial support in dealing with her diagnosis. The Administrator will proceed with making an appointment for her CD4 count to be determined and for any follow up care determined.
On 13th June the Administrator and Program Manager met with Halima’s uncle to discuss Halima’s Care Plan and the outcome of the Care Conference. The uncle was appreciative of the care provided to Halima and that staff were addressing concerns. He agreed to the possibility of discharging his niece from FDLM and placing her in an environment that specializes in caring for children living with HIV/AIDS. It was repeatedly stressed to him that the decision to find another placement for Halima was not for any other reason than wanting to do our best for her, and to insure that she experienced the quality of life she so deserves. The uncle was asked to please not discuss the possibility of his niece leaving Rapha Children’s Haven with her at all at this time. The Administrator will contact Cherish Uganda in Entebbe for a possible referral and to assist us in consideration of other appropriate placements as they are considered an organization of the highest standards in caring for children who are diagnosed with HIV/Aids once all the medical information is obtained.
Galieango Abdul was shifted from Nakanyonyi Primary School to Busoga Junior School. Due to Abdul’s medical condition [asthma] it was determined by the IDT team at his care conference to do so. He was enrolled at his new school on 30th June. The Administrator met initially with the school Administrator, and then with the Headmaster to discuss Abdul’s condition and needs. FDLM Administrator provided an In-service Training for the staff, including the school nurse, with emphasis on the triggers and symptoms that Abdul presents with when having an attack. An additional inhaler has been purchased which cost 70,000/= and has been left with the Headmaster. Staff was also trained on how to administer the medication to Abdul. A care plan was also left at the school with the nurse and Headmaster.
Nakatuba Hajita and Wakabi Tifu were taken to be tested for HIV as the IDT team had been concerned about their status due to frequent illnesses. Both children tested negative, thank you Jesus!!! Both children will continue to be monitored closely, and as indicated further medical follow up will be provided.
Program Manager’s Report
A wide range of ministry opportunities were scheduled in advance for each team. Programming consisted of school ministry and community outreaches. A team of 4 from Simpson University in Redding California arrived 19th May and remained with FDLM until 18th June. On 25th June a team of 17 arrived from Colorado and will remain with us until 4th July. Morgan will be departing from FDLM, but certainly not our hearts on 3rd July. She has been an incredible blessing to this ministry
The Simpson Team together with Morgan did some fantastic work in as far as the Home Cell Fellowships. They shared their passion for serving the Lord and the Gospel with villagers in Kikuku, Nakanyonyi and Wanyange villages. The children’s cell groups have continued to grow in the number of participants.
The team was able to visit and minister in 17 schools, 12 primary schools and 5 secondary schools within Jinja and Kamuli Districts. At St. John SS, in Wakitaka the team shared about purity. One of the female team members, Jessica shared her testimony and how she had been the victim of rape in the United States. She testified how the Lord has healed her from the pain and trauma of it. The students were deeply moved and impacted by her testimony and at the conclusion; many came forward for prayer and to share their own experiences. The team truly showed the Father’s Heart, and shared with them the hope that can only be found in HIM.
This team also traveled to Mbulamuti Village in Kamuli District where they reached out to over 900 pupils at Mbulamuti Primary School and 700 secondary pupils. The participants were excited to learn new songs, and watch the skits that were presented. At the high school, the team shared again about purity and also about leadership. Jarrod, a young man of 19 shared his testimony. 15 participants accepted the Lord as their personal savior.
After leaving the schools, later in the evening the team proceeded to Mbulamuti Trading Center where FDLM ministered to the community through our film ministry. The film shown was “Babina”. The content of the film focused on discouraging people from living promiscuous lives and on embracing God’s plan as the best. The team also reached out to Musima village, and among the schools that they visited and ministered at was: Musima Primary School, Valley View Primary School, Mpumudde SS. Wanyange Progressive, St.John SS, Wakitaka, Wairaka Primary, Hidden Treasure, Joy Primary School, Living Streams Elementary, St. Paul’s SS, Good Heart SS, Busoga Junior School and Wairaka Modern.
The Simpson team faced some challenges within the team dynamics itself, which we are sure is a result in part due to the fact that the team leader was removed from the team only days before their departure to Uganda and miscommunication this leader had been responsible for. There was also personality issues within the team, with one girl often found in tears as a result of feeling isolated from the other 2 team members. It was discovered that she was not easily adaptable. Jessica, the other young woman came down with malaria while here. Despite all this, the team blessed many individuals and especially the lives of our children here at Rapha Children’s Haven
On 25th June a team of 17 arrived from New Life Church in Colorado. This team was led by Pastor Jeremiah, the church’s Youth Pastor. They were picked up at Entebbe Airport by FDLM staff and then taken to Wakiso, as this was prearranged and not part of the FDLM program. They spent the afternoon there ministering at the school and then proceeded on to the Base.
It was an absolute blessing to have the ability to accommodate a team of this size at Rapha Children’s Haven. The bottom level of the storied building was completed, except for electricity. Rooms were finished, painted and windows had glass. Each of the rooms had bedding and mosquito nets for 6. By the time the Hospitality team had finished the rooms, each of the four rooms was arranged as nicely as a hotel room!!!
The Colorado team will remain with us for the remainder of their 10 day stay, and have been an incredible blessing already to this Ministry. They visited 3 schools, Wakitaka SS, Hidden Treasure and Living Streams. They ministered the Gospel through song, skits and testimonies. This is a dynamic team and they are on fire for the Lord.
On the 27th June, the team traveled to Buwagi Village where they participated in a Revival overnight prayer meeting. We were so grateful to have the Coaster and Van in order to transport us. This meeting was presided over by the Chairman of the Uganda Born Again Christian Leader’s Fellowship, Apostle Alex Mitala. FDLM [Divine Love Church] partnered with the churches of this village in the organization of this incredible event. The event had over 500 people in attendance, and it was held at the school soccer pitch. It was exciting to watch this team in action, their passion for serving the Lord was so evident. Many Pastors were prayed for and encouraged as well as participants. Many souls came to the Lord, and were delivered from bondage as prayer began to intensify. The team was in awe of the POWER of the Lord, His visitation that evening was undeniable to all in attendance. They team did not return to the base until 2:30 am, and were still on fire as they spoke about all that had been unleashed by the Lord that evening.
On the 30th June the team travelled to Bugadde Village to visit Emmanuel Orphanage and the school where children from the orphanage as well as the community attend. They again ministered in song, skits and simply sharing the love of Jesus with them.
We are eagerly looking forward to experiencing all the ways the Lord will use this dynamic team to bring the lost and hurting to Him!! They radiate the Father’s Heart!!
Education
This month we have had to consider two emergency educational cases, Berchan Brenda and Olokojoi Simon are at this time being considered for FDLM’s educational sponsorship program. Olokojoi Simon is in vocational school at Wairaka and Berchan Brenda is a student at Good Heart Secondary School.
FDLM was unable to ensure the payment of Annet Biryeli’s school fees as we had hoped as the funds were not available as of this writing. At this time, we have intervened on her behalf with the school, by requesting an extension on the original Pardon request made in May. Kira College Butiki, where another of our beneficiaries, Moses Kamira attends increased their school fees by 42,000/= due to the escalating prices of commodities [ fuel and food] This also had an impact on our already stretched budget, however the fee was able to be paid to ensure Moses was able to return to his studies.
As of this month of June we owe 2,599,800/= in school fees for FDLM beneficiaries. We serve a mighty God, and believe He knows our needs and is our great provider.
One of our beneficiaries here at Rapha Children’s Home, Kwagala Susan was beaten by her teacher at Nakanyonyi Primary School. Susan is in P3 class and is 9 years old. The teacher caned her severely on her wrist, fingers and the side of her abdomen. The Administrator and Child Welfare Manager took her for medical treatment as soon as the injury was discovered. After receiving treatment, which included an x-ray of the injured wrist and fingers it was determined that she had a severe sprain and possible hair line fracture of the wrist. The child was in such acute pain that she had to receive an injection for the pain. Her wrist was put into a brace to immobilize it and prevent further injury.
FDLM reported the abuse that same day to the main Police Station in Jinja. Susan, the Administrator as well as the Director submitted written statements in regards to the incident. A police officer escorted Susan and the Director to the school in order for Susan to identify the teacher. She had been alerted by the Headmaster and fled the school premises when it was known that a police officer had arrived on campus.
The Director and Administrator had met with the Headmaster to discuss this serious situation, only for the Headmaster to try and shift responsibility and blame onto FDLM, which of course was ludicrous! Another meeting was held with several school Board Members as well as the abusing teacher. After much discussion and firm reprimand to the teacher by the Director, a decision was made to require the teacher to pay the medical expenses for Susan, which amounted to 150,000/=. A payment of 100,000/= was made this month, and the balance of 50,000/= is to be paid in July. It was also made unquestionably clear, that the file against this teacher would remain open at the Police Station and if further action was required FDLM would not hesitate to pursue the case in court.
Susan has completely recovered from her injuries, and continues to still love to go to school!!
Transportation / Child Welfare Manager’s Report
Transportation: The FDLM coaster has been repaired and is back in operation. The coaster has been utilized for transporting teams at FDLM. Our motorcycle is still in need of repair. The repairs are estimated at 134,000 /=. The motorcycle should be repaired as soon as funds are available as it is a more cost effective mode of transportation for quick trips to Bugembe for supplies and transporting a child to the clinic and staff to Home Cell Groups.
Staff continues to believe in faith for the repair to the motorcycle, as well as for funds to purchase another FDLM vehicle. As the ministry continues to grow, the necessity to have a second vehicle to meet the needs of the base has become quite evident. Often times our van is a distance away and there is an emergency at the base, requiring staff to rely on the availability of a special hire taxi (transporting sick children for medical treatment etc).
Staff is observing closely anytime fuel is pumped into the van. Someone is always to get out of the van to assure the fuel requested is put into the van and that a receipt is obtained.
Child Welfare: There were 14 children treated for Malaria and 2 staff this month as well as one team member from Simpson University. Two children and 1 staff were treated for typhoid. It is to be noted that there is some question to accurate diagnosis of malaria and typhoid from the clinic in Bugembe. It is recommended that we purchase rapid malaria tests for the base. These will help us in obtaining accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment for our children and staff. The Administrator will be submitting a report to the Director in regards to our policy and procedure for providing medical treatment at Rapha Children’s Haven. Many children are treated for illnesses [cold and flu] that can be treated safely here at the base which would greatly reduce our medical expenditures.
Diagnosed cases of typhoid have reduced from 8 cases in May to 1 case in June, which happened to be a staff member. Diligence in monitoring children at the base who are at the water tap [faucet] as well as frequent reminders has proven effective. However more needs to be done in regards to personal hygiene with our children. Children are not washing their clothing or bed sheets often enough and mattresses are not being taken outside to air out in the sun. Many children have been using and sharing dirty sponges for bathing. There were 7 cases of skin rashes as a result of this practice.
It has not been for lack of provision, but due to the fact that children have not taken care of their belongings. For example, each dorm room was given 2 new basins in December. One basin was for washing clothes, the other for mopping the floor in their rooms. Basins were color coded for use for infection control. Within one month the basins had been lost of damaged. Instead of washing dirty clothing, children have been observed throwing the still good clothing away. Staff will continue to mentor the children and remind them to be good stewards of what they have been blessed with, as well as improving personal hygiene practices. Consequences will be given for disregard of property or for defiance of proper personal hygiene.
In regards to suggestions noted for consideration in the May monthly report, the following have been put into practice:
1. More water has been being boiled for drinking purposes. However with the school break approaching it is being recommended to provide still 2 more jerry cans.
2. Tooth brushes and tooth paste were given to children who were in need of them. Children have been instructed again not to use the tap water for brushing. Every child was given an empty water bottle to keep cooled boiled water in for this purpose.
3. A drying rack for dishes and pans has been constructed
Psychosocial Needs
The interdisciplinary team [Director, Administrator, Child Welfare Manager and Program Manager] met to hold Care Conferences for the following children: Akuma Halima, Galiwango Abdul and Nakatuba Haajati [Sida] to discuss health and behavior issues. Care Plans have been completed and are being implemented. Further details are provided in the Administrator’s report.
It was stated in the May monthly report that the boys as well as the girls were in need of underpants [knickers]. Thanks to the incredible efforts of Morgan every child received several new pairs!! Children also received a new out fit and personal gifts and every child received a new treated mosquito net.
Behavior of the children at Rapha Children’s Home has become an issue that needs to be addressed by the IDT [Interdisciplinary Team]. Some of our children have become disrespectful to staff, especially the older girls and often do not do what they have been asked to do in regards to helping out around the base. The overall attitude has been one of entitlement and not one of being appreciative of the blessings they receive.
Finance Manager’s Report
The Finance Manager’s time was for the most part spent with assisting the Program Manager with the teams. He served as an interpreter for the school and community outreaches and also with the Home Cell Groups.
The Administrator will continue to work closely with the Finance Manager, and assist in training of organizational practices to help stream line work more efficiently.
Expenditure Breakdown
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Expense Item Total Expenditure Paid Balance Due
+
Expense Item Total Expenditure Paid Balance Due
Utilities
Water 230,036
Electricity 552,817
Security 90,000
Loan Processing 90,000
Feeding
Food Supplier 2,085,700
Kitchen 945,700
Medical
Clinic 1,018,000
Hospitals 92,700
Administration
Air time 88,300
Gift/ Morgan 50,000
Reimbursement/Laurie 50,000
Cells and Wire 12,000
Office Stationary 4,500
Staff Salaries 260,000
Transport
Repairs 3,392,000
Fuel 716,000
Servicing 129,000
Parking/ Boda 39,000
Car Washing 5,000
Housekeeping 1,074,000
Farm
Farm Labor 30,000
Animal Feed 74,000
Vet Services 20,000
Bicycle Repair 65,500
Education
School Fees 3,106,700
Uniforms 30,000
Exercise Books 58,000
Expense Item Total Expenditure Paid Balance Due
Foster Home Support
Client Medical TX 90,000
Live Connection 840,000
Missions 140,000
Base Purchases
Wall Clock 35,000
Globe 10,000
Football 32,000
National Flag 35,000
Table Flag 1,000
Training
Sarah’s Graduation 280,000
Construction
Plumbing 4,145,000
Maintenance 60,000
Construction/ wiring and 6,985,200 *
Roofing new
* Construction on new storied building has made incredible progress however is not completed. Additional funds will be needed for completion of the top floor and for the electrical work still needing to be done. We believe in faith for the funds, as this upper floor will provide the Director and his family with the much needed living space.
Total Expenditures: 26,350,103
Total Paid Out: 22,643,980
Ending – Balance Due: 5,899,753
** All Figures are in UGS
