Albert Aure has been part of the HATW story since 2003 when he hosted the first of several group volunteer projects in West Nile Province (Uganda), at Aluka Secondary School in Warr of which he was then the head. He subsequently continued to work with us as an advisor, later also seeking medical support for some and recommending children in need of sponsorship.
Albert’s story
I am honoured and feel exceedingly humbled to write this tribute on the 30th Anniversary of Hands Around the World. The HATW wish was to move beyond the building projects and enrich human contacts and relationships. To this end, Hands Around the World has indeed had a profound impact and touched the lives of many in need and this continues to this day. From Project Centres in Zambia, Ghana, Benin, Kenya and India, the blistered hand of the volunteers have held a child, many of whom have now transitioned to adulthood after completing school and are now bread winners in their communities. Such has been the impactful nature of the work of HATW over the years and has borne real fruits and continues to do so with life-changing experiences.
I cannot express enough my thanks to the Trustees over the years for their dedication and selfless service. The volunteers and their families whose response to numerous prayer requests made the projects possible. Sadly some have passed on: permit me to recognize in a special way John Mills, the twice team leader to Aluka and Terry Hooper, their spiritual guide who lies on the school compound to-date. Their memories are so precious to us – let their families know that their memories shall linger on for ages as long as life endures.
The following Ugandans have benefitted from direct support in education. This is just a sample of the many who have been supported over the years, all courtesy of Hands Around the World:
- Fred Othira, now a Primary School Head teacher
- Gad Rupiny, now a Police Officer
- Ronald Iwutung, now a graduate nurse working in Government Hospital
- Christopher Ocerire who went on to complete a National Certificate in Electrical Installation.
Other beneficiaries include:
Dorcas Nyayenga who graduated from Makerere University. Hands Around the World also supported her when she underwent spinal surgery and the recovering costs through sustained physiotherapy up to when she was able to stand on her own.
- Charity Abedirwoth received medical support when she was diagnosed with a bipolar medical condition, the support continued up to when she could support herself.
- Harriet Kesse who is now a trained midwife.
- Phoebe Akio who completed her nursing course in May 2024.
- Grace Ayiyo who is left with two semesters to complete.
- Teddy Ayenya who completed her O Levels.
- Daizy Awekonimungu who is starting her Midwifery Course this July 2024.
My profound appreciation to Dr. David Steiner [HATW Founder] for the very successful partnership we continue to enjoy with Hands Around the World. The dedicated team of fundraisers, office staff, event organisers, individual donors and affiliate organisations have changed lives, wiped away tears and replaced them with smiles. These are real life-changing experiences that have been possible only with the support of Hands Around the World.
Wishing you all a Happy 30th Anniversary.