Sunflower Sanctuary
Christmas celebrations at the Sunflower Sanctuary 🌻💛
As we step into a brand-new year, we want to take a moment to share the incredible joy and celebration that filled the Sunflower Sanctuary this holiday season. Our Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations were nothing short of magical, and as you can see from these wonderful images, there was an abundance of laughter, happiness, and love.
At the Sunflower Sanctuary, inclusion is at the heart of everything we do. These celebrations brought together children with autism and disabilities, their families, and our local community to create moments of connection and belonging. For many of the children, this was their first opportunity to join in such festivities without fear of stigma or discrimination.
The holiday events were brimming with activities that catered to every child’s unique needs and abilities. From sensory-friendly games to group dances and shared meals, each child had the chance to participate in a way that made them feel valued and included. These celebrations not only brought immense joy to the children but also served as a powerful reminder of the importance of acceptance and understanding.
Sunflower sanctuary
We are thrilled to share our latest progress, which reflects the incredible milestones achieved through your support. Thanks to your unwavering generosity, we have most recently:
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Erected the first-ever efficient disabled toilet facilities and shower rooms in the region, providing essential amenities for the community.
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Installed a bio-system water tank and plumbing fixtures, ensuring long-term sustainability.
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Secured these facilities with strong green metal doors, representing both safety and dignity for their users.
These facilities do more than meet physical needs; they serve as symbols of hope and progress, breaking down stigma and misconceptions surrounding disabilities. They foster education, personal care, and hygiene resources, creating a supportive hub for families and caregivers. Just as a sunflower turns towards the light, Starchild’s mission—supported by your kindness—continues to brighten the lives of these children and their families.
As we near the conclusion of this incredible chapter, we express our deepest thanks for walking this journey with us. The resilience, enthusiasm, and compassion that you have inspired have made all the difference. Together, we have illuminated a path toward a more inclusive and compassionate future.
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!
