Riza Homes

Help us to build a new home for orphans and street 

children in Uganda.

Riza Homes is an initiative of Sparks of Hope a charitable organization committed to the care of street children in Uganda. We provide care and stability to boys and girls that have no home and find themselves on the streets. We believe in a world in which every street child in Uganda is able to live a HAPPY LIFE and a fulfilling life irrespective of their gender, race, religion and social status.

Kids whose families cannot provide for them will spend their days (and sometimes their nights) on the streets and often huddle together for warmth and protection. While on the streets during the day, common activities for children include:

-Searching for food in the garbage

-Begging

-Searching for pieces of scrap metal that can be sold

-Finding small tasks to do in exchange for food or money. Some examples of the tasks include carrying luggage for people at the bus depot, sorting beans in a market stall, sweeping and doing laundry.

ROOT CAUSE

Conflict/War: There has been conflict in Uganda in the north and the northeast for the past thirty years. These conflicts caused many deaths, including many parents leaving children with only one parent or orphaned. These conflicts also incited fear in families which pushed them to relocate to larger cities. Once there, the family cannot find work and therefore they are not able to provide for their families.

AIDS: HIV/AIDS is still the leading cause of orphanhood in Africa in general and Uganda specifically. This disease leaves so many children without the proper care.

Poverty: In Uganda, approximately 38% of the population lives on less than $1.25 per day! With such little income, families have a hard time providing basic needs for all their children.

Domestic Violence: Children who witness or experience violence within their homes will sometimes choose to leave home to go to the streets. These children choose to face the unknown perils of street life rather than continue to face the known dangers of living in their homes.

WE WANT TO BUILD A PLACE THEY CAN CALL HOME

The First Step in Helping Street Children Is to Give Them a Safe Place to Call Home. With your prayers and financial help, Riza Homes will be able build a home and provide these children the resources they need to build a brighter future for themselves and their families.

To take children off the street, we need to provide them with safe and supportive environments. Here are some steps that can be taken:

1. Establish shelters/ homes. Create shelters where children living on the streets can find temporary housing, food, and basic necessities.

2. Outreach programs: Implement outreach programs to connect with children on the streets, build trust, and provide them with information about available support services.

3. Education and skills training: Offer educational opportunities and skills training to help children acquire the necessary tools to secure a better future.

4. Family reunification: Work towards reuniting children with their families whenever possible, providing necessary support and counseling to address underlying issues.

5. Community support: Engage the community in supporting these children by raising awareness, providing resources, and fostering a sense of responsibility towards their well-being.

By implementing these strategies, we can work towards taking children off the streets and giving them a chance for a brighter future.