SIX people from the youth cafe at Crediton Methodist Youth visited Uganda with the Devon-based charity, Edukid, in February 2017.

They were Tom Mann (Sixth Form at Queen Elizabeth’s School), Abi Sansom (Year 11, QE), Lauren Strand (Youth Worker), Hannah Smith, Jane Sansom and Alex Gilbert (Youth Leaders at the Big Top Youth Café).

Crediton Methodist Youth has been working with Edukid since October 2015, sponsoring Oscar, an eight-year-old orphan whose aunt cannot afford the school fees needed to see her nephew through school.

Since then, as a group, Crediton Methodist Youth, has been raising funds to visit Oscar and the project that supports him.

Inspired by Hannah and her visit to Oscar in February 2016, the team of six raised funds in earnest to fund their February 2017 venture.

Edukid works in Cambodia, Palestine and Uganda.

It started work in Northern Uganda in 2008 – just nine months after the 21-year child-soldier civil war finished.

Tens of thousands of children returned from the bush, many finding they were orphans, or had no family members.

Numerous girls also returned with siblings, meaning many were children-led families with no homes to return to or source of income.

Jane Sansom explained: “During our visit we had the opportunity to visit schools where children sponsored through Edukid attend: we had a chance to play games, do new craft activities with the children, sing and have fun.

“The welcomes we received to the schools were amazing – singing and dancing followed by introductions to the charity’s workers, parent groups and staff at the schools.

“Each lunch time we were treated to a meal that included stews, cassava, rice, beans and cabbage. 

“We were also given the chance to visit families in their own homes, to see the local communities and to experience Uganda’s wildlife!

“The people we met were so hospitable and generous. We always felt welcome – so much so that many in our group would like to return!

“We are so grateful to the individuals and local organisations who have supported us and our journey.”

Today, Friday, August 18 and tomorrow, Saturday, August 19, a Table Top Sale will be held at the Crediton Methodist Church from 10am to 1pm in aid of Edukid.

There will also be a cafe open for tea, coffee and snacks. 

Alan Quick