Justin’s Story

Justin joined Village of Hope in 2009 during our early work at the Labora IDP camp. He took some time to write about his experience at VOH and what having access to education, counseling and medical care has meant for him. In his own words…

From the darkest days of the LRA insurgency, when my family and I were forced to flee our home and seek refuge in an IDP camp, VOH came for us. They provided food aid when we had none, a safe haven when we felt lost, and psychosocial support when we thought all was lost. I remember the first I met Mummy Rose, the VOH country director, I felt loved and she told us that God has a special plan for us and a brighter future. Of course due the hardship of life and deep poverty back then in the IDP camps (Internally displaced peoples’ camp) I didn’t see it coming and I almost lost the hope of continuing my studies. Until 2010 when my name came among the names of children who would be taken to study at VOH. As a young boy with a dream, VOH offered me a chance to pursue my education. From primary school to diploma level, VOH supported me every step of the way. I attained a diploma in Records and Information Management, a feat I never thought possible, and I am happy that I was admitted for a bachelor degree in Public Administration and Management at Gulu University 2024/2025 intake.

Today, I am proud to say that I am working and running organization that I founded (Amazing Love Initiative- with the vision of community in which every child and youth has equal access to social, psychological, and educational support), born out of the impacts of VOH. My dream has come true, and I owe it all to the selfless support of VOH.

VOH is more than just an organization; it's a beacon of hope in a world filled with darkness. They have shown me that with love, care, and support, anyone can overcome adversity and achieve their dreams.

That's why I implore everyone, to continue supporting Village of Hope Uganda, its more than what is reported to you in writing about what kind of impacts you are creating in the lives of the children at village of Hope Uganda. Your generosity is changing lives, giving hope to the hopeless, and to shaping futures. Turning the lives of children of war to children of hope. You have made it possible for us to know the true love of Christ. I understood that there is no better ways to preach the gospel of our Jesus Christ other than in giving and caring for those in need. Let us spread more love of Christ, let us bring hope to those who have none, and let us empower the next generation of leaders.

Thank you so much all the donors, friends and supporters of Village of Hope Uganda for believing in Mama Cindy and the leadership team of VOH. What your support is doing in Uganda is beyond what words can express. Believing so much that God willing one day I will stand before you all and share more of what God has used you to do through VOH in our lives, children affected by war in Northern Uganda.