Forget Me Not Love Project - Uganda

Uganda is home to 2.3 million orphans as the result of disease, war and poverty. The scale of the problem in Sub Sahara Africa is unfathomable to us in Western countries who are so far removed from such suffering and atrocities. It is a sad reality that without help, these children end up either on the streets, a victim of exploitation or dead. The magnitude of such suffering and injustice can seem overwhelming, but if we so choose, we are in the fortunate position in Australia to take action and make an extraordinary difference.



The Forget Me Not Uganda Project exemplifies the plight of so many children living in Africa today.



Joanne Heath travelled to Uganda in July 2008 to volunteer at an orphanage and spent six months with thirty nine such children. Each child has their own heartbreaking story and have experienced more tragedy already in their young lives than we can even begin to imagine.

It became apparent to Joanne after several months that this particular orphanage was being grossly mismanaged and the children were suffering as a result i.e. sleeping on the floor with no mosquito nets, no access to clean running water, malnourished from eating only one meal a day with several contacting malaria and scabies.


After Joanne's return to Australia in December 2008 the situation worsened. There was no food security. The children were withdrawn from school and faced the risk of being taken away from their guardian - a Ugandan woman who has selflessly cared for the children over the past twelve years. It was at this time that Joanne approached Forget Me Not Children's Home to help these children.

How will the funds be used?

The primary goal for the Forget Me Not Uganda Project is to ensure the provision of security, health care, education and the opportunity for these children to be the best they can be. The Uganda project includes providing for the children's basic needs, education, a sustainable permaculture and cottage industry initiative and relocation of the children to a safer, more secure environment.

Key Areas of Expenditure

Basic needs support/sponsorship including food, shelter, school fees and running costs of the home, as well contributing longer term to a sustainable permaculture, cottage and re-homing initiative.