Ellie’s life-changing Ugandan adventure
Date 6 February 2025
Care Connection Partners was so proud to help Ellie Jones bring some joy to children in an impoverished region of South West Uganda.
Ellie travelled to Rukungiri for 12 days in December with Global Care to help run a kids’ club for more than 500 children.
Ellie is the daughter of our Recruitment and Compliance Manager Heather Jones and niece of our Founder and Managing Director Deborah Stock.
We were delighted to donate £500 towards the £1,300 Ellie needed to make the trip possible, and now she’s been talking about her incredible experience.
Ellie said: “Rukungiri is a beautiful but remote and impoverished area, surrounded by mountains and vibrant red soil. Most families rely on subsistence farming, and homes are basic – often without gas, electricity, or running water. Lighting and heating come from kerosene lamps, and cooking is done over open fires or clay ovens.
“The community often comprises children, women and the elderly, with men frequently absent, either working in distant cities or abandoning their families entirely. Many children are orphans due to AIDS or abandonment, and they are often cared for by elderly relatives or community members. Despite these challenges, the community spirit was strong.
“This is where Global Care steps in. Their work is vital, offering practical solutions and long-term support that empowers families and transform lives where it’s most desperately needed.
“A key part of Global Care’s work is supporting children with disabilities and girls, who are often neglected in Uganda. Through their programmes, children receive surgeries, physical therapy, psychiatry, nutrition, medication for sickle cell disease and tools, as well as wheelchairs and standing frames, enabling them to attend school.
“We met children who, just a few years ago, were left on the floor, unable to move, and now they are thriving in school and being included in their communities. They also address issues like school accessibility and transportation, offering accessible toilets and bicycles for families. It was incredible to see the dignity and hope these programmes bring.”
Ellie and her companions were encouraged to bring joy and help the children at St Paul’s Community School and Kahororo School just be kids.
During their trip, they ran a four-day kids’ club, during which they engaged with children through games, arts and crafts, sports and singing.
Ellie said: “One of the most moving moments for me was seeing the joy on the children’s faces as they played with the simplest toys, like a hoop with a stick. Even children with disabilities participated in the fun.
“We adapted activities to include everyone, like playing under parachutes or creating crafts. Seeing their smiles and hearing their giggles was heartwarming. Every child received a certificate, an exercise book, a pencil and a pencil sharpener, amongst all the things we bought as supplies to the school. This may sound like small gifts to us, but they are treasures to them.
“Their gratitude for the smallest things reminded me how little we truly need to be happy. These children rarely experience free time or play, so it was a memory they will keep forever.
“These clubs were more than just fun. They gave the children a chance to feel valued and special. We took time to talk to each child, learning their names, aspirations and challenges. Some dreamed of becoming teachers or doctors, and the joy in their eyes showed the power of hope.”
Ellie added: “This trip has been life-changing for me. It opened my eyes to the resilience, joy and determination of the Ugandan people, even in the face of immense challenges. It also showed me how Global Care is making a tangible difference – providing education, supporting children with disabilities, and giving families hope for the future.
“I’m incredibly grateful for this experience.”