Home of Divine Mercy Institute for Vocational Training

Council #81 member Rich Pulice and his wife Maureen display articles of clothing made by the students
This month, Council #81 was pleased to support the Home of the Divine Mercy Institute for Vocational Training in Kabale, Uganda. The Institute was founded by Fr. Evarist Gaboysa from the University of Kisubi, a small Catholic College, founded by the Brothers of Christian Instruction. The program serves vulnerable girls, ages 8-18, some whom were orphaned, and all very poor and at risk of sexual exploitation. Forced marriages are common. At present, there are 40 girls in the program. The Institute’s goal is to teach them skills that will help in providing income and lift them out of poverty. At present, they are taught sewing, knitting and hairdressing. Some girls will return to or begin school.

Rich and Maureen Pulice pose with some of the students and Fr. Evarist Baboysa
Located on several hilly acres, the Home presently consists of a two room building where the training takes place. There is a plan to build a small dormitory to house those who need it and to fence the property to make it more secure.
In addition, there is a serious need to raise funds to provide a lunch program, as many of the girls go hungry each day, and to buy sewing machines and other supplies.
Council #81 was proud to support this effort with a charitable donation.
FUNDING NEEDS
Specific funding needs over the next five years:
Complete the two room Instruction Building – floors, ceilings, interior walls and lighting – $5,500 has already been raised and committed, with building completion expected by January 2019.
New dormitory building – $29,000 ($5,000 committed thus far by a donor at $1,000 per year over 5 years )
Security Fencing – $18,000
Lunch program– $1.00 per day per girl (40 participants) or $200 per week- seeking support from organizations
Materials / Supplies – varied costs – seeking support from organizations. They have two sewing machines. A donor purchased a knitting machine in late October.