Children in Kihihi in southwest Uganda do not have many things, but they love to play. Some cannot go to school – and there is not always enough food to eat or water to drink.

When their parents became very sick and died from the HIV virus, Musa, Kakama and Twine (left to right) had to look after themselves and their younger sister. If people did not give them food, they had to steal so they were not as hungry. One day Kakuma got caught and was beaten. When their grandmother Zipora heard, she sent for the children. The boys now live with her and their sister with another family member. Life was much harder before they got a new rainwater tank.

Kihihi is on the top of a steep hill Kihihi is on the top of a steep hill. Some children spend the day looking after the family’s animals. Everyday they need to find them food and water.

Many children help with the family banana crop so there is money for school, medical care and other costs.

Grandmother Zipora is a member of her local association for people looking after HIV and AIDS orphans. She saved up enough money to pay half the cost of a rainwater tank. Your donations to the Christmas Appeal paid for the rest and the Centre for Community Solidarity helped them build it. The family is very pleased with their new tank.

Now with water at home, Kakuma aged 12 can go to school Now with water at home, Kakuma aged 12 can go to school. He loves learning and wants to be a teacher.

Musa is glad he does not have to worry about his brothers Musa is glad he does not have to worry about his brothers. Aged 14, he wants to become a doctor. He is in the middle of the front desk on the right.

From the day six year old Twine saw a plane fly over his village, he has wanted to be a pilot.

Many children have to walk down the steep hills to collect water from small streams or when they are empty 3 -5 kilometres to the big river. The water is polluted and tastes of minerals.

Collecting water is only one of their chores Collecting water is only one of their chores. Some have to look after animals, collect firewood or work on the land. If they did not help, their families would be hungry. So they miss school.

Zipora is much happier now the boys are in school Zipora is much happier now the boys are in school. She enjoys learning new skills at her local association meetings and talking to other grandmothers. The family is cleaner and healthier. At last they have hope for the future. She says thanks for your help.

Thank you. Giving money to this year’s Christmas Appeal will mean more families can build rainwater tanks in Uganda. Refugee children from Syria can study and go to school. We can make hope our Christmas story!