In Uganda, 4 in 10 children under five are stunted, meaning that their malnutrition has been so chronic that it has impacted their bone growth. In rural areas, where levels of poverty and ill-health are higher, these numbers increase dramatically.
In rural communities around Jinja, WYW’s project leader Semei Jolley is working to empower mothers and strengthen children by changing the way families eat, how they think about nutrition, and – in partnership with the local cottage hospital – how women and children afflicted by malnutrition are cared for.
Semei – a tropical agriculturalist – leads a small team of health workers who provide home health visits to vulnerable mothers and children, work with local leaders to organize classes about child health and nutrition, and brings isolated mothers together to create vibrant and thriving community gardens. The work is hindered by poor roads and the lack of reliable transportation (the team covers large distances on foot or on a rented motorcycle when funds permit), and at times, the influence of traditional healers who actively discourage mothers from seeking medical care for themselves or their malnourished children. Despite the hurdles WYW faces, Semei and his team continue to seek out, support, and actively nourish as many local families as they can. In 2025, WYW provided outreach to over 300 children and many more families in the area around Jinja.
The need – and the children – continue to grow.
Even a small donation has a tremendous impact on the health of the community’s mothers and children, whether by funding life-saving treatment for acute malnutrition, providing vital gardening/farming supplies or hosting educational workshops based on community need. For more information contact Kirsti at [email protected].
Many thanks
Kirsti Shields
