Sunflower Sanctuary
Latest News
See the latest new from the Sunflower Sactuary
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Sunflower Sanctuary
Latest Progress Update
We are thrilled to share the remarkable progress being made at the first-ever holistic sanctuary for disabilities and autism in the community of Malinda, Jinja. This ground breaking centre is a beacon of inclusion, dignity, and hope — a space where children, young people, and families can access the support they deserve.
This sanctuary has been made possible thanks to the generosity of Jessica and Claes Nørby, Directors of the Mango Tree Learning Centre, who gifted Starchild the land on which the Sunflower Sanctuary now stands.
The building itself has been supported by the Church of Scotland Guild, along with the many artists and friends of Starchild around the world whose kindness, belief, and solidarity have helped bring this vision to life.
Thanks to your unwavering support, we have most recently:
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Erected the region’s first accessible disabled toilet and shower facilities, ensuring dignity, safety, and comfort for children with disabilities and their families.
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Installed a bio-system water tank and full plumbing fixtures, building sustainability into the heart of the sanctuary.
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Secured all facilities with strong green metal doors, reflecting both safety and respect.
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Completed the installation of all doors and windows, creating a secure and welcoming environment.
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Finished plastering throughout the building, marking another major step toward completion.
These facilities do far more than serve physical needs. They break down stigma, challenge misconception, and create a supportive hub where children with additional needs, caregivers, teachers, and the wider community can learn, grow, and connect.
Just as a sunflower turns toward the light, Starchild’s mission — supported by your kindness — continues to brighten the lives of the children and families we serve.
As we approach the final phase of this beautiful journey, we express our deepest gratitude. Your belief in this work has made everything possible. We hope to reach full completion very soon and look forward to unveiling a sanctuary adorned with sunflowers in loving memory of Rony Bridges — a lasting symbol of love, hope, and belonging.
We wish to thank Rotary Braids for the donation of our Water tank
We are delighted to announce the structure for sunflower sanctuary in memory of Rony Bridges has been completed but there is still much work to do; most recently the disabled toilets and showers
Sunflower sanctuary
Please watch the opening ceremony
Starchild’s dream of building a sanctuary for families and children affected by autism in Uganda is a beacon of hope amidst the pervasive stigmas and myths surrounding disabilities. In many Ugandan communities, individuals with disabilities, including autism, face severe discrimination, often being locked up, chained, ridiculed, raped, and abused. The prevailing belief that these individuals and their mothers are cursed by the devil exacerbates their marginalisation.
Most of these children find inclusion within regular school settings unattainable, highlighting the urgent need for a dedicated centre. This holistic sanctuary provides a safe and supportive environment where affected children and their families can unite in their journey towards cultural change, skill development, and finding love, acceptance, and hope.
Starchild was fortunate to be gifted land on the banks of the Nile in Jinja, adjacent to the Mango Tree Learning Centre. This sanctuary, built in memory of the beloved Rony Bridges, stands as a testament to the profound impact of collective goodwill and dedication.
Please view our video and pictures to see first-hand the transformative difference this project is making.
We extend heartfelt gratitude to all donors, especially the Church of Scotland Guild, the main funder of this unprecedented project. However, we still need your support to cover our ongoing overheads, including:
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Water
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Electric
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Food
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Support worker salaries
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Transportation
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Sensory room
Your continued generosity is crucial for sustaining this vital sanctuary. Thank you for helping us bring about much-needed change and providing a haven for those who need it most.
Sunflower Sanctuary Latest News
As the colder nights creep in, Starchild has been reflecting on just how far we have come this year. It was another busy season for Starchild. As you can see The Sunflower Sanctuary reached new heights!
