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Lacor Parish

The work of Lacor parish covers a wide range of activities to provide support to eight IDP camps within the parish and the people of Lacor. This includes material support to child headed families, the provision of a day care centre for children who would remain in the camps on their own during the day, HIV/AIDS counselling, youth work through sport and the organisation of a local football league.

The parish has been hugely affected by the conflict between the LRA and Ugandan government with atrocities and abductions having been a frequent occurrence. Around 1,000 children and seven child headed households benefited directly from SCIAF’s grant of £20,000.


 

Irene Atim working in the fields

Photo: SCIAF

 

Irene Atim – 15 yrs

 

“I like the group because it gives me more skills and the outcome is that I will benefit by being able to earn some money. With the money we get from the trees I buy food. When I’m not working on the youth project I help my grandmother to do domestic work in the house.”

 

 

Florence Amitu – 16 year old female child-headed family. Supports four children.

 

Florence Amitu with her brothers and sisters

Photo: Thomas Omondi

Florence fled her village to live in the IDP camp during the conflict between the LRA and Ugandan government. She stopped going to school three years ago but would still love to continue her education. She has seen those who go to school can get money and can live on their own. Her children go to the school. She is not sure when she will return home to her village because of security issues. Florence’s parents both died of AIDS. The food they receive is used sparingly. She has received counselling from Lacor Parish on how to manage the family as well as being provided with clothes.

 

“The project is important to me as it helps me keep the children with me. It allows the children to go to school where they get breakfast, and they can be in the field so they are not just wondering around the camp.”

 

“I would say a word of thank you (to the people of Scotland) as I have nothing to give but they have helped me with the children.”

 

 

Christopher Okeny (25 yrs) - Parish Youth Leader - Tree Planting Project at Pagak Camp

 

Christopher Okeny tending his crops

Photo: Thomas Omondi

The tree planting project started in January 2006. The aim is to grow Casia trees so the group can generate money from selling firewood and materials for windbreaks. There are 45 people in the youth group of ages ranging between 13 and 35 years.

 

“The project will benefit the youth as they will sell the firewood to the school so they can raise a little money. In the project here we have a demonstration site for the group to learn on so when the youths go back to their villages they can take the skills gained here with them.”

 

 

Father Richard Akenna – Parish Priest and leader of project

 

Father Richard Akenna cares for the children

Photo: SCIAF

Upon his arrival in Lacor the nearby Pagak camp was attacked by the LRA who looted, abducted children, killed inhabitants and burnt the village. Many people were massacred and children abandoned as their parents fled. Risking his life and nearly being shot Father Akenna would run out and try to rescue the children while the attacks were underway and bring them back to the parish. Fr Richard Akenna heads up the many activities in the Lacor parish aimed at helping both the children, youth, and adult population.