You read my piece on street kids in Kabale. That was the problem. Here is the solution. His name is Patrick Tushabomwe and this man is dedicated to getting every street kid off the streets of Kabale. Estimates are there are only 95 of them so the goal is achieveable but the work will not be easy.
On January 4, Patrick opened The Shepherd Centre in Kabale town, in a rented house, and in the presence of board members, supporters, government officials and clergy. It was a great event, particularly because there are 14 young boys under his care. The facility offers housing, counseling, parenting. The kids get to go to school. It’s a good start.
Patrick’s heart was broken for street kids more than five years ago. He started seeking them out just to let the kids know someone cared. He provided soap and some food for them at Christmas. He learned where they stay, how they live, and began to understand the family situations that would cause them to be tossed onto the streets. Even while he underwent intense discipleship and evangelism training in the ABIDE program for Juna Amagara Ministries, he thought of the kids in Kabale. Even while he earned his bachelor’s degree, Patrick planned facilities for the kids.
Eventually he found some backers from the U.S. who caught the passion and now Shepherd Centre can provide safe shelter, parental love and discipline AND reconciliation services for families. None of this easy or cheap but great progress has been made. The goal? Zero street kids in Kabale. However long it takes. Whatever it takes. That’s what Patrick says and I believe him.
To support to The Shepherd Centre, click HERE. Check them out on Facebook HERE.
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