75-year-old charity workers appeal to Manchester for help with charity in Uganda

75-YEAR-OLD charity workers are appealing to the Manchester community for help in providing disadvantaged children in Uganda with an education.

Les Amis d’Ouganda (Forever Friends of Uganda) was founded 15 years ago by Keith and Jeanette Mills whilst they were visiting Uganda and came across a Ugandan group dedicated to helping children.

This inspired them to set up Forever Friends of Uganda which allows people to sponsor a child’s education for £70 a year or donate money to support poor children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Keith and Jeanette have most recently relocated to Stockport from France to rally support for their charity in England.

Keith and Jeanette’s son with nursery-age children

Mr Mills said: “From our perspective, it is like starting afresh.

“It is 23 years since we last lived here and we need all the help we can get in building up what we consider to be very worthwhile work.”

The couple regularly visit Uganda, paying out of their own pockets, to ensure that funds are being properly used.

Keith and Jeanette opening the school hall that they had financed with their Ugandan colleagues

Mr Mills said: “Our dream is to make our Ugandan friends and colleagues self-sufficient.

“We have taken massive strides over 15 years, but there is still a long way to go.

“We appreciate all help in our efforts to reach that goal.”

For five-pounds per year, you can become an associate member and help support the charity’s projects.

Recent membership money has allowed the charity to purchase sanitary products for 50 girls in primary and secondary schools.

Florence was sponsored from her primary school years and she is now the school’s deputy head.

This will allow them to continue their education hygienically; a problem that is common in Uganda.

Forever Friends of Uganda are currently appealing to people in Manchester for events where they can sell hand-made Ugandan crafts.

All proceeds from the sales would contribute to their charity work.

However, Mr Mills said: “We understand that we do not have all of the answers and are prepared to look at any proposals that people come up with so that we can achieve more than is currently possible.”

To support Forever Friends of Uganda, visit their website or email them at foreverfriendsofuganda@gmail.com.

All images used with the permission of Keith Mills.