ATU students return to Uganda to deliver humanitarian aid

In July 2023, ATU St Angelas launched a pilot programme to visit Uganda, and based on that success, another group of five is now preparing to return and continue efforts with established partners Bright Kids Uganda (BKU). They will be carrying out health checks at Noah's Ark Disability School and BKU's School and Orphanage, delivering vision assessment clinics, providing donated eyeglasses in the community, and administering essential medication and supplies as needed. The team will also deliver nutrition, water sanitation and basic hygiene workshops.

Uganda programme co-ordinator Seán Kelly describes the continuation of the programme:  

"Seeing our students shine last year, working alongside Ugandan colleagues, was both humbling and inspiring and it was clear that we as a university continue to build on these life-changing and sustainable efforts".  

Fundraising donations last year went towards purchasing mattresses, bedsheets, and mosquito nets for the kids' dorms; medicines and medical supplies for various clinics; fruit trees; solar panels; and a water pump and refrigerator for a new clinic at BKU.  

In addition, enough funds were raised to employ two additional support workers for Noah's Ark Disability School and a full-time Nurse/Midwife based at BKU. It is hoped this year's donations will continue to support these positions.  

Dr Edel McSharry, Head of School of Nursing Health Science and Disability at ATU St Angelas, having travelled to Uganda last year, is committed to supporting student nurses and staff within the school to participate in this learning programme. She said: "This is a unique learning experience for our student nurses where, under the supervision of Dr Evelyn Mc Manus, Programme Director, ATU St Angelas, will learn the importance of community health and social advocacy and gain a real opportunity to make a difference."