Swords aid worker in Trocaire box call

A NORTH county Dublin aid worker has issued a reminder to people to return Trocaire boxes to their local parish following her recent visit to north Uganda.

Trocaire worker, Meabh Smith, who is originally from St Colmcille’s Crescent, Swords, recently visited the organisation’s work in north Uganda where communities are recovering from a brutal 20-year war.

Now that peace has settled, Trocaire’s Lenten campaign is highlighting Ugandan people’s efforts to recover and rebuild their lives.

“In Uganda I met people affected by the war in so many ways – husbands whose wives were killed, children who lost their parents, families whose homes were destroyed and young people who were kidnapped as child soldiers,

? said Meabh.

“Betty Alum (48), whose son Daniel is on this year’s Trocaire box, told me about an attack on her community in 2004 that left 300 dead.

“She was lucky to escape alive and spent the next few years struggling to keep her family safe.

?

Meabh said that despite this traumatic past she saw a profound hope and determination in these people.

“A vibrant widows’ group I met in Ngora community welcomed me with song and told me how they came together to survive,

? she stated.

“A woman called Mariana said that life was worth living now because they can grow food from their own gardens after years of hunger in refugee camps.

?

In north Uganda 30 per cent of households have an income of under e40 a year. That’s 77 cent a week.

Trocaire, with support from Irish people, is helping families to rebuild their farms and grow food, supporting savings and loans schemes, funding trauma counselling, and helping communities separated during the war to reform.

“It’s not that long since the people I met were suffering unspeakably,” said Meabh.

“But everyone I spoke to was focused on the future and determined to give their children an education.

“Daniel took me to his own school and was pleased to show me his maths copy. One day he hopes to be a doctor.

?

Meabh said it’s thanks to generous people in north Dublin, and the donations they put into their Trocaire boxes, that bright, young children like Daniel can dream again.

“The families I met in Uganda are extremely grateful for this immense support,

? she added.

Trocaire boxes can be returned to primary schools and parishes throughout Dublin. To find out more about Trocaire visit trocaire.org.or call 1850 408 408.