Emma Hamilton, who usually gives unpaid family carers a break through looking after their loved one for Carers Trust Norfolk, has fulfilled a dream to help disabled children in a poverty stricken region of Uganda.
She spent two weeks in Africa as a volunteer, helping to construct two purpose built classrooms to enable children with wheelchairs have access to proper classroom facilities.
Emma, 55, who works for Carers Trust Norfolk in their Attleborough base, said working on the Mission Direct project, which helps the world’s poorest people, was an amazing experience. She spent 11 months raising £3,500 for the trip.
“Having a disability in Uganda is a serious disadvantage as the person is often classed as ‘without use’,” she said.
“My two weeks there was action packed, doing building work in the mornings, and visiting other projects too, like Chilli Children, which helps orphaned and disabled children in South West Uganda have access to surgery, rehabilitation, medical clinics, education, and seeing how the children earn an income by growing chilli. We also visited the Mission4Water team, dedicated to providing running water.
“It was a humbling experience and I will cherish these memories for ever. I will always remember their happiness, bright smiles and kindness, despite the many adversities they endure. It was absolutely amazing, something I have long wanted to do.”
Mission Direct enables people to make a practical and lasting difference to the lives of the world’s poorest people on a two week overseas trip where they help to build or decorate a house, classroom or clinic.
As a Carer Support Worker, Emma offers unpaid family carers a break from the person they care for to enhance their own well-being. They can be families living with dementia and wide ranging disabilities who are cared for at home by loved ones who can sometimes feel exhausted and pushed to the brink.
If you’d like to offer time or help to fundraise for Carers Trust Norfolk, or know someone who needs a break provided by fully trained professional staff, please contact us on 01480 499090
